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righteousness, without any necessary change passing immediately upon the heart." They hold that there is a necessary change of heart, but they hold that this change of heart is neither part of their justification nor part of the ground of their justification. Dr. Forbes thinks that he preserves the distinction between justification and sanctification while he especially shows their indissoluble connection. To our mind the distinction, if not quite lost, is confounded or perplexed by the mode in which he believes them to be united.

The Quest of the Chief Good; Expository Lectures on the Book Ecclesiastes. With a New Translation. By SAMUEL Cox. A Commentary for Laymen. London: Arthur Miall.

MR. Cox believes that the surest defence against the subtle and daring assaults which are made on the sacred documents which constitute our Bible, lies not in a formal refutation of them, but in a more profound and accurate acquaintance with the history, contents, and aim of the several books of Scripture. And his avowed endeavour in this volume is to bring out the leading thoughts of "the Preacher" concisely and clearly, and to clothe them in words familiar to those who, though of fair general culture, have no knowledge of Hebrew and no love for theological or scholastic technicalities in short, to give the results of the best modern criticism without obtruding the critical process by which they have been reached. In this he has succeeded to admiration. And every

page makes us feel that Ecclesiastes sets forth truths of the profoundest and most practical importance, truths as vital and momentous to us as to the antique Hebrew world. All this we say independently of his theory of the authorship and origin of the book; the theory which is now accepted by probably most men of learning, but not by all. The book of Ecclesiastes, Mr. Cox believes, was not written by Solomon, nor for centuries after his death. "It was addressed to a generation of feeble and oppressed captives who had been carried out of Judea, and not to the free prosperous nation which rose to its highest pitch in the reign of the wise king. It is a dramatic representation of what some Jewish rabbis supposed King Solomon's experience to have been; and its design was to comfort those who were groaning under the heaviest wrongs of time with the hope of immortality."

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He accepts it, notwithstanding, as a book of God, and labours to elicit its teachings as such. To our mind he is too dogmatic in his beliefs as to the origin of the book and too impatient towards those who differ from him. His own argumentation halts in some material points, and is not always sufficient to sustain the conclusions he builds on it. But the moral and practical character of the book is so wholesome, and the style is so natural and piquant, that we very cordially recommend it not only to "laymen," but to preachers and teachers of others.

Apologetic Lectures on the Fundamental Truths of Christianity. Delivered in Leipsic in the Winter of 1864. By CHR. ERNST LUTHARDT. Translated from the Fifth Enlarged and Improved Edition, by SOPHIA TAYLOR. Second Edition. Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark. WE are glad to see a second Edition of this able and admirably-reasoned work. The Lectures are ten, on the following subjects:-I. The Antagonistic views of the World in their Historical Development. II. The Anomalies of Existence. III. The Personal God. IV. The Creation of the World. V. Man. VI. Religion. VII. Revelation. VIII. History of Revelation. Heathenism and Judaism. IX. Christianity in History. X. The Person of Jesus Christ. Bible Illustrations: Consisting of Apophthegms, Maxims, Proverbs, Sententious Thoughts in Poetry and Prose, Devotional Comments, Heads of Sermons, Anecdotes, etc. Selected from above one hundred sources, and arranged and grouped under appropriate Scriptural passages. By the Rev. JAMES LEE, M.A. In Six Volumes. Subscribers' Edition. London: Alfred Gadsby. THIS work, two volumes of which we introduced to our readers some time since, is now completed. It contains the entire text of Scripture in the paragraph form, but not a regular and consecutive commentary. Its "illustrations" so minutely described in the title that we need not further explain their nature. Their main object is to exhibit some of the practical applications of the passages illustrated, "without either perverting or ignoring their textual and legitimate import." And this they do very frequently with striking effect. The work may often be consulted with great advantage by preachers, and will be found very useful in the private reading of Holy Scripture.

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Congregationalism in Yorkshire. A Chap

ter of Modern Church History. By JAMES G. MIALL. London: John Snow and Co.

THIS volume belongs to a class which we hope to see greatly increased. It is only by means of local researches, such as that to which Mr. Miall has given himself, that more general or national histories can be written with due accu

racy and fulness. In eight chapters, occupying two hundred pages, the author relates the story of Nonconformity in Yorkshire, from the days of Elizabeth to the present year, in a natural and graceful style. In an appendix, containing nearly two-hundred pages more, we have a 66 Synoptical History of Yorkshire Churches," with dates of origin, lists of pastors, and other particulars. This division of materials seems to us the only form in which justice can be done to such a subject. The book would be very incomplete as a local history, without the details contained in the appendix. And not the most consummate historical art could possibly work up these details into the web of the general story. It is due to the memory of a good and honoured man, Thomas Scales, of Leeds,

to say that he was for years engaged in gathering materials for a Nonconformist History of Yorkshire, and that his papers, containing a "miscellaneous combination of facts and dates, strongly illustrating the industry of the collector," were placed in Mr. Miall's hands. Mr.

Miall's labour, however, was not much diminished by the toils of his predecessor. And the volume is strictly his own. We have no doubt it will be much prized in the great county to which it relates, and will not fail to be valued by all who interest themselves in these matters.

Our Principles: A Guide for those holding or seeking fellowship in Congregational Churches. By G. B. JOHNSON. Third Edition, greatly enlarged. London: Hodder and Stoughton.

THIS little book may now be regarded as a standard manual of Congregational principles and practices. It is not an argument for Congregationalism but a statement of what Congregationalism is. The chapters are brief and simple, and are followed by a copious reference to passages of Scripture and to works in which the subjects of the chapters are fully discussed.

CONGREGATIONAL REGISTER.

November-December.

[To prevent mistakes and delay, all communications for the Register should be addressed to the Editor, 2, Ivy Lane, Paternoster Row, E.C., and marked on the envelope "For Congregational Register."]

ASSOCIATION MEETINGS, &c. Sept. 28, 29, 30. Congregational Union of Ireland at BELFAST. Sermon by Rev. A. Hannay. Address by Chairman, Rev. G. Silly, on "Means and Ends." A discussion was held on "Church Establishments."

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29. St. Francis' Association, Canada, at STANSTEAD PLAIN. Moderator, Rev. A. J. Parker. Sermon by Rev. A. Duff.

Annual Meeting of the Bristol Institute, in ARLEY STREET CHAPEL. Chairman, H. O. Wills, Esq. Addresses were given by Revs. C. Chapman, H. M. Gunn, Dr. Gotch, and S. Hebditch. Dec. 8. Surrey Congregational

Union, at GRAFTON SQUARE, CLAPHAM. Preacher, Rev. A. Hannay. Paper by Rev. W. A. Essery, on "Week Evening Services."

Dec. 9, 10. Bristol and Gloucester Congregational Union, at CLEVEDON. Sermons by Rev. Joseph Morris. Papers by Rev, R. C. Pritchett, on "The Co-operation of Churches;" and by Rev. S. Hebditch, on "Who is responsible for Ministerial success?"

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A. C. GILL, Ingatestone. Introductory Discourse, Rev. H. P. Bowen. Prayer, Rev. J. Foster. Charge. Rev. G. Wilkinson. Sermon, Rev. T. G. Wigner.

Dec. 10. J. BIRDSEYE, Cranbrook. Discourse on "Congregational Church Principles," Rev. J. Radford Thomson, M.A. Prayer, Rev. E. Balley. Charge to

Minister and People, Rev. J. Spence,
D.D.

ec. 9, 10. J. L. PHILLIPS, Tredegar. Address, Rev. W. Edwards. Prayer, Rev. R. Hughes. Charge. Rev. P. W. Darnton, B. A. Sermons by Revs. W. P. Davies, H. Oliver, B.A., D. Price, J. Thomas, and J. Jenkins.

NEW CHURCH FORMED.

Nov. 22. Union Church, at WOODHOUSEMOOR, LEEDS, by Rev. W. Best, B.A. The newly-formed church elected the Rev. Mr. Bugg as their pastor.

SCHOOL OPENED.

Dec. 5. Day and Sunday Schools connected with Belgrave Street Chapel, DARWEN. Pastor, Rev. J. McDougall.

RECOGNITIONS

Nov. 24. Rev. J. JEFFRIES, Peppard. Prayer, Mr. R. Beazley. Charge, Rev. W. Legg, B.A. Counsel to People, Rev. J. Rowland.

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24. Rev. J. MORLAIS JONES, Lewisham.
Introductory Discourse. Rev. J. G.
Rogers, B.A. Prayer, Rev. J. Pulling.
Address on the "Christian Teacher,"
Rev. T. Jones. Address to Congregation,
Rev. J. Spence, D.D. Sermon, Rev. S.
Martin.

25. Rev. C. E. BOUGHTON, Southam.
Revs. J. W. Cole, and J. J. Broadhouse,
officiated.

25. Rev. J. SMITH, M.A., Wicker Chapel, Sheffield. Introductory Address, Rev. D. Loxton. Prayer, Rev. J. B. Paton, M.A. Address to Pastor, Rev. C. C. Tyte. Sermon, Rev. R. W. Dale, M.A. Dec. 8. Rev. W. SANDERS, Bethel Chapel, Sunderland. Dedicatory prayer, Rev. T. N. Robjohns, B.A. Addresses, Rev. Messrs. Goodal, Parker, Stewart. Stubbs, Shillito, and Hodgson.

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FOREIGN CHRISTIAN WORK.

Quarterly Supplement.

PROGRESS OF CHRISTIANITY IN MADAGASCAR DURING THE LAST FIVE YEARS.

By the Reb. William Ellis.

THE most remarkable testimony which, during the present century, has been given to the Divine origin of the Christian faith, and of the association of direct Divine influence with its effect on the hearts and minds of men, has been connected with Madagascar.

The Christian Mission commenced in that country in 1818, has been continued, not without serious interruptions, to the present day. Each successive stage of that remarkable work has, by reason of its own distinct and peculiar character, attracted a large amount of Christian sympathy, and prompted sincere and fervent prayer. But never has the position of that Mission been more critical—and never has the infant Church existing there had brighter prospects, or been exposed to more serious perils, than at the present time. Never have the faithful apostolic men, to whom has been confided, under the Great Shepherd of the sheep, the pastoral care of the newly-gathered flock in Madagascar, had higher and more difficult duties, or more onerous and grave responsibilities than those which try their spirits and tax their energies at the present time, claiming on their behalf, from the Church at home, friendly encouragement and unremitted prayer.

The fall of Radama the Second, who was assassinated on the 12th of May, 1863, closed a brief but eventful period, in which the opposite elements of light and darkness, joy and sorrow, holiness and sin, were strangely and closely intermingled, but which, nevertheless, marked an important period in the progress of the Gospel, as well as in the history of the people. A reign of ignorance, fanaticism, and sanguinary despotism, which had lasted thirty-two years, was ended, and with it that protracted season during which the faith, and constancy, and love of Christ in the hearts of the native Christians, had enabled them to endure the severest and most deadly persecution of modern times. But the reign of Radama, though subsequently marked by many vices and follies, had commenced with happier auspices. It opened the door of the prison, broke off the fetters from the limbs of the Christians, recalled the exiles to their homes, and established perfect religious freedom throughout the land.

VOL. V.- NEW SERIES.

E

On the sudden and fearful close of that reign, the conspirators who had strangled the King assumed the Government, and in a few hours afterwards offered the scarcely-vacant throne to his widow, on condition of her accepting the programme for the future government of the country which they presented. This, although exceedingly brief, specified two conditions, which were new and most important, viz., that the word of the sovereign alone should no longer be binding as law on the community, nor should it have authority in itself by which any subject could be put to death; but that the concurrence of the nobles and heads of the people should be necessary to give lawful authority to any order, or to the infliction of capital punishment. The other important condition was, the continuance of free-trade with other nations, and religious liberty to the Christians. The bereaved widow accepted the crown on these terms, and a few hours later on the same day it was proclaimed that Radama had died by his own hand, and that Rasoherina was Queen of Madagascar.

An air of sadness, uneasiness, and apprehension pervaded the capital for some days; but the public peace was not disturbed. Some of the Sakalavas, and other tribes on the western frontiers, afterwards made inroads on the Hova territory, carrying off numbers of cattle; and a report having reached the capital that they were arming to avenge the death of the King, a Hova force was sent against them, which returned victorious, having slain large numbers of the people, and bringing away large booty in slaves and cattle. The male slaves and the cattle were chiefly the spoil of their captors; but the Queen won for herself golden opinions by purchasing all the female slaves, with their children, and sending them back free, and not empty-handed, to their own country. The rest of the disaffected tribes tendered their homage to the Hovas, and no further disturbance occurred.

The Queen, on ascending the throne, had the idols brought back, priests appointed, and idolatrous rites celebrated in the palace, regulating her public proceeding by the supposed will of the national gods, by which she became the recognised head of the great heathen party in the country. This rendered the heathens less uneasy at the progress of Christianity, and inspired hopes among the priests of regaining their ascendency and influence in the community. At the same time, the Queen's personal kindness and goodwill to all classes, and the acknowledged justice and equity of her administration, rendered her extremely popular, while her careful arrangements to avoid any infringement of the liberty of worship to the Christian members of her own household, inspired the confidence of the Christians in the continuance of their privileges. The tragic events which had attended her accession to the throne produced a salutary effect upon the native Christians, conveying most impressive lessons on the uncertainty of everything connected with the present life, and the necessity of increased and more earnest attention to their spiritual state.

Greater numbers attended the public services of religion, and more serious attention was given to Christian teaching, as well as greater solicitude

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