combination so fully as is desirable. In respect to learning, Dr. Hitzig leaves nothing more to be wished. But, when we find him denying utterly the Davidic authorship of Psalm xxii., and admitting its Messianic application only by way of accommodation, we are compelled to say that, in our judgment, one essential requisite to a thoroughly successful exposition of the Psalms is still wanting. The work, however, is, for its scholarship alone, worthy of the highest commendation, and cannot fail to enrich all who study it with care and diligence.

R.

The Song of Songs. A revised Translation, with Introduction and Commentary. By JOSEPH FRANCIS THRUPP, M.A., Vicar of Barrington, late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge; Author of "An Introduction to the Study and Use of the Psalms," etc. Cambridge and London: Macmillan and Co., 1862.

EIGHTY-SEVEN pages of Mr. Thrupp's volume are occupied with an Introduction, consisting of a discussion of the literary and critical questions which have arisen around the Song of Songs. The author does not believe in the Solomonic authorship, but supposes the Song was written a century after Solomon's time. The allegorical interpretation is adopted, and hence Christ is the beloved, and the Church the bride; hence too the prophetic bearing of the Canticles. The arrangement of the Song is into seven portions:-The Anticipation, i. 2-ii. 7 ; the Awaiting, ii. 8-iii. 5; the Espousal and its Results, iii. 6-v. 1; the Absence, v. 2-8; the Presence, v. 9-viii. 4; Love's Triumph, viii. 5-12; the Conclusion, viii. 13, 14. Each of these sections is first translated and then commented upon. Much of the verbal criti

In

cism, and of that alone we now speak, is commendable, but we are afraid that the excellent author has sometimes gone a little too far. general we regard the volume as a pleasant and a useful one. We do not see the force of all the arguments, but we thoroughly like the religious tone and manner of the book.

Bishop Colenso's Examination of the Pentateuch Examined. With an Appendix. By G. S. DREW, M.A., Author of "Scripture Lands in connexion with their History,' "Reasons of Faith," etc. London: Bell and Daldy. Cambridge: Deighton, Bell, and Co. 1863.

We

MR. DREW is a careful and accurate writer, and one who argues well upon the facts which his industry and experience enable him to bring together. The book before us is his contribution to the Colenso controversy, and we think it every way deserving of attention. should infer, indeed, that these pages were written rapidly, and amid the first excitement caused by Bishop Colenso's work, but perhaps this very circumstance has imparted additional vigour and freshness to the style. If Mr. Drew had written more leisurely, or at least had allowed himself more time for the composition of his critique, he would prebably have entered more fully into some of his arguments, and would not have omitted any portions of Bishop Colenso's volume. His plan

has been to arrange the questions under discussion into a number of groups. To this plan we see no particular objection, although probably Bishop Colenso would rather be answered in detail and in his own order. We have much pleasure in commending Mr. Drew's brief answer to the Bishop of Natal, only wishing it had not been so brief.

The Work and the Word; or, The Dealings and Doctrines of God, in relation to the State and Salvation of Man, summarily Reviewed, Reconciled, and Recommended, in accordance with the dictates of Human Reason. By THOMAS MONCK MASON. London: Wertheim, Macintosh and Hunt.

THIS work is very ingeniously contrived, and we agree with much that its pious author has written, but he is often tempted to speculate, and then we cannot pretend to follow him. Our plan and limits do not permit us to say much of a work so generally theological, and, if we may so speak, so theoretically theological.

Revelation. London: Wertheim and Co.

A VOLUME of seven hundred and forty pages by a lady who appears to have written some other works, but who would, we think, be better employed if Solomon's words described her, "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff." The industry and zeal of the writer are undeniable; she searches the Scriptures most diligently; and she shews real tact in applying her principles. As however, we have often said, so we say again, that we do not at all believe in a system of exposition which turns the whole of the Old Testament history into type, prophecy, and allegory.

Kurzgefasstes Exegetisches Handbuch zum Neuen Testament. Von Dr. W. M. L. DE WETTE. Ersten Bandes, dritter Theil. Evangelium und Briefe Johannis. Fünfte Auflage. Bearbeitet von Dr. BRUNO BRUCKNER. Leipzig: S. Hirzel.

THE name of De Wette is sufficient to suggest the nature and value of any work to which it is prefixed. His Exegetical Handbook has long held a high place in the estimation of Biblical scholars. It is marked throughout by learning, honesty, and expository tact and power. We need not say that we differ widely from many of his interpretations, and from the principles of exegesis which he applied to the sacred Scriptures. But there is scarcely any critic whose judgment on difficult passages we more respect, or are more anxious to learn than De Wette. The reader who turns to his pages will generally find that in a very clear, succinct, and satisfactory manner, he unties some nodus which may have caused long hesitation or perplexity. The present volume contains his exegetical labours on the Gospel and Epistles of St. John, with additional remarks by Bruno Brückner, who has edited the fourth and fifth editions. We have been greatly pleased by the manner in which this friend and follower of De Wette has executed his

task. Many of the supplementary paragraphs and sentences he has introduced are very valuable. The volume altogether forms an excellent guide (exceptis excipiendis) to a knowledge of the writings of St. John, and we very heartily commend it to the attention of our readers.

R.

A Hebrew Grammar, with Exercises. By M. M. KALISCH, Ph.D., M.A. In Two Parts. Part II., The exceptional forms and constructions; preceded by an Essay on the History of the Hebrew Grammar. London: Longmans. 1863.

In this volume Dr. Kalisch commences with a good sketch of the history of the study of Hebrew grammar from the earliest times to the present. The rest of the book is occupied with a detailed account of Hebrew grammatical forms and peculiarities corresponding with the sections of the first part, and completing them. Exercises for practice are introduced throughout, and an index of rare and anomalous forms is given. We have examined the work very carefully, and we can say that it is one of real excellence, based on sound principles, and very complete in its elucidation of the phenomena of the sacred language. It is indeed, somewhat elaborate, and very minute in its details, as well as copious in its illustrations; but a diligent and pains-taking student will find his profit in these circumstances. There are few Hebrew students who do not sometimes find it desirable to consult a grammar, and who are not disappointed when they do. To such, this work will be invaluable, as the author has done his utmost to explain every difficulty.

The Material Universe: its Vastness and Durability. By MUNGO PONTON, Esq., F.R.S.E. London, Edinburgh, and New York: T. Nelson and Sons.

THE author's preface gives the best account of this original and very interesting book. Mr. Ponton says, "The object of this work is to present, in a condensed form, the evidences of intelligent design in the general structure of the material universe, and of the intentions of the Creator with respect to its permanence. The first part is devoted to a consideration of the material masses composing the host of heaven. Their vast numbers, their immense distances, their mutual relations, their motions, the laws to which they are subject, and the admirable devices for securing the permanence of their present arrangements, are successively brought under review. In the second part, the proofs of the existence of an universal ether, as the cause of luminous and other phenomena, are examined. The evidences in favour of the undulatory theory of light are sifted, and its principles are popularly explained. The beautiful phenomena, arising from the separation of light into its coloured elements, are described and illustrated. The polarization of light, and the wonderful appearances which it evolves, the recent discoveries in reference to the spectrum- as an instrument of chemical analysis, the action of light in producing photographic and analogous

images, are all brought under review, and their bearing on the undulatory theory discovered. Lastly, the presumed existence of an universal ether is viewed in relation to the question of the infinity of the material system in extent and duration. The whole subject is treated in a style as popular as its nature will allow."

Theological and Homiletical Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke. Specially designed and adapted for the use of ministers and students. From the German of J. J. VAN OOSTERZEE, D.D. Edited by J. P. LANGE, D.D., Professor of Divinity in the University of Bonn. Translated by SOPHIA TAYLOR. Vol. II. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark. 1863.

By this volume, Messrs. Clark's edition of Oosterzee on St. Luke is completed. Its plan resembles that of Dr. Lange upon Matthew and Mark, and as we said of that, so would we say of this, that persons engaged in the careful study of the Gospels, and especially the clergy, will find the work an interesting and valuable auxiliary.

Exposition of Hosea. By Rev. JEREMIAH BURROUGHS.

Jenkyn on Jude, and Daillé on the Epistles to the Philippians and Colossians. Edinburgh: Nichol.

WE call attention to these very cheap reprints of Mr. Sherman's editions of a series of valuable old standard commentaries, of which we shall say more when Greenhill on Ezekiel appears to complete the set.

Christ the Lord, the Revealer of God, and the fulfilment of the Prophetic name "Jehovah ;" with a reply to Bishop Colenso on the name "Jehovah." BY THOMAS TYLER, B.A., Author of "Jehovah the Redeemer God." London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. Edinburgh J. Menzies. 1863.

MR. TYLER, as the title of his book indicates, labours to shew that Christ as Lord is the revealer of God, and that the name "Jehovah" is prophetic of Him and fulfilled in Him. He has prefixed an Introduction, in which he replies to the principal arguments of Bishop Colenso to shew that the name "Jehovah" was unknown to the Israelites at the time of the Exodus, but was introduced at a later period. He takes the name "Jehovah" to signify "He who shall be," and to be prophetic of the Redeemer Christ the Lord. In working out his idea, he shews that throughout the New Testament there are many indications of the truth for which he contends. He exhibits much ingenuity in analyzing and shewing the bearing of a multitude of texts upon his subject, and if in the judgment of some his reasons are not all of equal weight, it will be admitted that he has made out a strong case. It would require more space than we can now spare to examine in detail the successive proofs and reasonings of the volume, but we commend it to the careful attention of those who wish to see how large an amount of evidence can be educed from the New Testament in support of the theory here advocated.

Short Sermons on Old Testament Messianic Texts, preached in the Chapel of Queen's College, Cambridge. By GEORGE PHILLIPS, D.D., President of the College. Cambridge: Deighton, Bell, and Co. London: Bell and Daldy. 1863.

THESE sermons derive their chief interest and importance from the place where they were preached. They are of an eminently practical and evangelical character, and strongly exhibit the Messianic, and we believe only true, application of the Old Testament texts on which they are founded. It is delightful to find, in these days of rash speculation and neological exposition, the learned President of King's College, Cambridge, guiding the youthful academic audience whom he addressed into "the old paths" of prophetic interpretation, and setting before them so clearly the great truth that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." The occasion on which the sermons were delivered did not admit of much elaborate criticism, and they have been published apparently in the exact form in which they were preached. We rather regret that the author did not enter somewhat more fully into the subject when he committed his work to the press, as the topic which he has touched is one of vital importance at the present day. A thorough investigation of the Messianic passages in the Old Testament is one of the most urgent wants of our theological literature, and we hope these excellent discourses will be the means of directing new and earnest attention to the subject.

R.

A Compendious Grammar of the Egyptian Language, as contained in the Coptic, Sahidic, and Bashmuric Dialects; together with Alphabets and Numerals in the Hieroglyphic and Enchorial Characters. By the Rev. HENRY TATTAM, LL.D., D.D., F.R.S., Rector of Stamford Rivers. Second Edition, revised and improved. London and Edinburgh: Williams and Norgate. 1863.

THE interest of the Coptic language arises from several causes. Its peculiar vocabulary and grammatical structure make it attractive to the comparative philologist. The existence of certain Egyptian words in the Hebrew Scriptures, and of some ancient translations of the Bible in some of the dialects of Egypt, awaken the curiosity of the Scripture student. The liturgical and other relics of this literature also deserve examination. Besides all which the relation which exists between the written and the hieroglyphic records of Egypt is of special importance. The philologist, the Biblical critic, and the Egyptologic at least, ought to understand the character and principles of the ancient languages or dialects of Egypt. Although we speak of Coptic generally as the name of the language of Egypt, the fact is that it was a dialect spoken in Lower Egypt, and hence called the Memphitic dialect, from Memphis the capital. Another dialect was the Sahidic or Thebaic, spoken in Upper Egypt, of which Thebes was the capital. A third dialect, the Bashmuric, was used in the Delta. All these dialects seem to exhibit a strong infusion of Greek, and this is remarkably the case with the Sahidic. Some of the words are Shemitic, but the essential words of the dialects differ both from Greek and the Shemitic.