research, extensively available to common readers, while more useful still, by their guidance and suggestions, for the higher purposes of the accomplished student. The present edition of Herodotus must take the first place in this class of publications, and is not likely ever to be superseded. If at times the turn given to a sentence by Mr. Rawlinson, be inferior in grace and beauty to what may be found in Littlebury and Beloe, his translation, as a whole, is far superior to theirs in accuracy, while in elegance, so far as we have been able to compare them, it is to be ranked above that of Carey. Isaac Taylor's would seem to have been the best before this was produced; and the present translator says, that had he been aware of its existence when he began his work, he would, if permitted, have adopted that version with certain changes. The introductions and essays, forming much the larger portion of these volumes, which are to be followed by two more full of like illustrations, constitute, however, the chief merit of this admirable edition. We have read the "Life of Herodotus,” and the disquisitions on the sources of his history, and on his character as an historian, with deep interest and with much instruction. Certainly the shade of the Father of History will never haunt these editors with reproach for any want of reverence for his name. In some cases they have gone to the utmost verge, and even beyond the bounds of legitimate defence, touching certain charges against this glorious teller of old classic tales; but we must gratefully acknowledge their triumphant refutation of many calumnies uttered by ancients and moderns respecting the Father of History. We would venture to add, that some of the arguments of the editors in favour of Herodotus would also apply to Ctesias, towards whom they cherish a bitter antipathy. If the one is to be thanked for his picturesque legends, in spite of his credulity, we do not see why the same measure should not be meeted out to his rival. Nor do we perceive how the discoveries of modern travellers are so damaging to Ctesias as in these volumes is affirmed. We are here told that the great Assyrian empire of Ctesias, lasting for 1,306 years, is a pure fiction, and that, at last, "the coup de grace has been given to his small remaining reputation by the recent cuneiform discoveries, which convict him of having striven to rise into notice by a system of enormous lying, to which the history of literature scarcely presents a parallel." Yet Layard so far adopts the opinion of the high antiquity which Ctesias assigns to the Assyrian power, as to say, "There are, indeed, sufficient grounds for the conjecture, that there were two, if not more, distinct Assyrian dynasties-the first commencing with Ninus and ending with a Sardanapalus of history, and the second including the kings mentioned in the Scriptures, and ending with Saracus Ninus II., or the king, under whatever name he was known, in whose reign Nineveh was finally destroyed by the combined armies of Persia and Babylon. In history we have apparently twice recorded the destruction of the Assyrian capital; and two monarchs, first Sardanapalus, and then Saracus, are declared to have burned themselves in their palaces rather than fall into the hands of their enemies."-Nineveh, vol. ii., pp. 217, 218. Of the merits of Herodotus-of his charming style-of his poetical temperament-of his thirst for legendary loreof his vivid word-painting-of his quiet, subtle wit-of his simplicity, frankness, and genial disposition, rendering him such a pleasant companion, this is not the place to speak. We would here take occasion to recommend to our intelligent readers, especially to our students and our theologians, a careful perusal of Herodotus, and the use of this incompar able edition of his work, on the ground that it will prove a most valuable aid in the study of the Old Testament Scriptures. Grant that Herodotus is all that Mr. Rawlinson describes, and then compare him with Moses and the Jewish chroniclers, with Ezra and Nehemiah. The beautifulness of the old Greek is more than matched by the Hebrew writers of so much earlier date; while the absence of credulity like his-the never-failing sobriety and dignity of their annals, viewed by the side of his frequent childishness-their strength as well as honesty, compared with his weakness, which so diminishes his trustworthiness-and, above all, the pure morality and the sublime and tender religion pervading all their works, in contrast with the far different character of the writings of Herodotus in these respects, can never be accounted for satisfactorily on any other principle than that the Jews had a religion from God, and that their teachers had alight from heaven, differing toto cælo from the mythological traditions and the intellectual gifts of the best and noblest of the sons of Greece. The study of the Pentateuch and Herodotus appears to us settle the question of Hebrew inspiration, and the distinct difference between it and classical genius. We think, too, Herodotus may be studied in connexion with the Bible most pleasantly, as affording a wide historical back-ground-taking ir views of all the empires of the ancient Oriental world-in front of which the Scriptures bring out in relief the unparalleled story of the Jewish people. Most valuable, also, are the coincidences between the sacred books and this classical one. We like to read Daniel, with the 178th and following chapters of the Clio of Herodotus lying open at our side for these swell out the panorama of Babylon, with its walls and gates and great river; and we see the Persians entering the city through the drained bed of the Euphrates, while the historian tells us, "Owing to the vast size of the place, the inhabitants of the central parts-long after the outer portions of the town were taken knew nothing of what had chanced; but, as they were engaged in a festival, continued dancing and revelling until they learned the capture but too certainly." - When Herodotus differs from the Bible, as in his well-known story of Senacherib's army, having their bowstrings and the handles of their shields gnawed by field-mice, the secret of the falsehood is too plain to give any uneasiness to the readers of the Bible, on the ground of the discrepancy of statement between the sacred historian and the profane one, But our space compels us to satisfy ourselves with only repeating our admiration of this work, and adding our opinion, that, while presenting rewards of merit to students, or sending gift-books to their ministers, our friends cannot do better than include in their list "Rawlinson's Herodotus." BRIEF NOTICES OF RECENT PUBLICATIONS. A PLEA FOR THE WAYS OF GOD TO MAN: being an attempt to vindicate the Moral Government of the World. By WILLIAM FLEMING, D.D., Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. 1858. We have perused this work with great satis faction, and are glad to find that Glasgow University has, in its chair of moral philosophy, one so highly qualified to occupy it. Young men, now passing through that institution, may be congratulated on the privilege they possess in listening to the prelections of Dr. Fleming, instead of those of his able but unevangelical predecessor, Mylne, the The subject discussed in these pages, Existence of Evil, has, as Dr. Fleming justly remarks, been "the crux philosophorum from the earliest ages." Whence cometh evil? Why should evil be found in connexion with the works of a Being of almighty power and boundless goodness? Why does not God remove it from among His works? These are questions which thoughtful men, in all ages, have pondered, but to which they have been unable to return any satisfactory reply. But, mean, while, the Christian can solace himself with the words of Jesus, "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." Dr. Fleming does not profess to have solved the difficulties connected with this subject; but he has, at least, done something to miti gate them. He shows that philosophy is not complete but in theology; that it is most satisfactory when it seeks to irradiate its dark places by turning to the fountain of light, and to sustain the feeble and finite by leaning on infinite Power and absolute Goodness. The work is divided into three parts; the first, treating of "Metaphysical Evil;" the second, "Physical Evil;" and the third, of "Moral Evil." Under the section relating to Moral Evil, the chapters on moral govern ment, and those in which "the prosperity of the wicked" and "the adversity of the right eous" are dealt with, and "the wise and good ends," thereby answered, are exhibited, will be found to be peculiarly interesting and valuable. But few thoughtful persons will take up the book without reading it entirely through. ENGLAND AND HER COLONIES; or, Progress in London: Longman and Co., 1858. DECISION AND CONSISTENCY; Exemplified and A THE COKONAL; or, Prose, Poetry, and Art. Book for all Seasons, at Home and Abroad. London: Religious Tract Society. 1858. THIS is one of the most attractive books we have seen for a long time. The coloured engravings are exceedingly beautiful, and the tales interesting and instructive. Its being published by the Tract Society is a sufficient guarantee for the religious tendency of the work. It is a book in which the young will delight. We can recommend it to parents and teachers as admirably adapted for a birth-day present, or a reward-book. EVERY DAY DUTIES; in Letters to a Young Lady. By M. A. STODART, Author of “Hints on Reading." New Edition. London: James Nisbet, 1858. THIS is a book of advice to young ladies at that important period, when, after leaving school, they are about entering on the duties of life. It contains much sound instruction on various subjects: such as "the necessity of prayer to the right performance of our duties; London: Judd and Glass, 1858. Home, the true sphere of Woman; Decision THIS is an interesting and highly-practical with regard to Religion; Family Prayer; Sab commentary on the life and labours of the bath Employments; Choice and Management prophet Daniel. The varied and stirring of Servants; Household Arrangements and scenes of his life are well described, and the Economy; Employment of Time; Benerolessons drawn from them earnestly and faith-lence; Politeness; Conversation," &c. &c. fully pressed home on the reader. For young persons-especially young men-the work is peculiarly adapted. Such could not select a more admirable model for decision of cha racter and faithfulness to God. We heartily wish for the volume a rapid and extensive sale. We can cordially recommend this book to the class of our countrywomen for which it is intended. They cannot read it without profit. THE PROTESTANT THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLE- Chronicle. THE MEN OF THE MONTH. JULY. 1. JOSEPH HALL, Bishop of Norwich, | templations" are much admired. He born 1574. Bishop Hall was a decided died in 1656. Episcopalian, but a man of genius and piety. His quaint and sententious "Con 2. THOMAS CRANMER, celebrated as an archbishop, as an active promoter of the Reformation, and as a martyr, born 1489. He deserves especial honour for the zeal with which he promoted the publication of the Scriptures in English. He died at the stake in March, 1556. 4. B. B. EDWARDS, an excellent modern American divine, was born 1802. He died April 20th, 1852. 7. JOHN Huss, of Prague, suffered as a heretic, for spreading evangelical doctrines, in 1415, at the age of 39. 10. JOHN CALVIN, the Reformer, was born in 1509, at Noyon, in France. His zeal for the Reformation of religion, and his numerous writings, have won for him a lasting and world-wide reputation. Calvin died May 24th, 1564. 13. ALEXANDER NOWELL, who took an active part in promoting the principles of the Reformation in this country, died in 1602, at the advanced age of 91. 14. CLAUDE FLEURY, celebrated as a learned, liberal, and pious Catholic divine and historian, died in 1723, aged 83. — J. A. HALDANE, by whose liberal and enlightened exertions great good was effected, and who was equally active as a writer and as a preacher, was born in 1768, and died in February, 1851. 15. BONAVENTURE, famous for his influence as a prelate, and for his ability as a writer, died in 1274. Some of his genuine works are not without interest, but others are of very doubtful tendency. 16. ANNE ASKEW, suffered 1546, because she renounced the superstitious practices of the Romish Church. 18. HENRY BULLINGER, pastor of Zurich, and a pious, accomplished, and earnest promoter of the Reformation, was born 1504, and died September 17th, 1575. 19. Dr. WILLIAM BATES, died 1699, in the 74th year of his age, at Hackney. Bates was minister of St. Dunstan's-in-the West, till his ejection by the Act of Uniformity, in 1662. He was an honoured and faithful minister, an excellent preacher, and a valued writer. JOB ORTON, pastor at Shrewsbury, the student, friend, and biographer of Doddridge, died 1783, aged 66. 22. LORD KING, an eminent lawyer and writer on church polity, died 1734, aged 65. 24. JOHN NEWTON, a popular minister and writer of the last century, born 1725. He died in 1807, aged 85. Dr. LARDNER, one of the most learned writers on the historical evidences of Christianity, died 1768, in the 85th year of his age. 27. Dr. R. S. M'ALL, of Manchester. This devoted and eminent minister was distinguished by extraordinary eloquence and personal excellences of the highest order. He died in 1838, at the age of 46. 28. THOMAS CROMWELL, well known for the important part he took in the events of the reign of Henry VIII., and distinguished by very opposite qualities, beheaded on Tower-hill, 1540. 29. THOMAS DICK, died 1857. This unobtrusive, accomplished, pious, and useful popular writer lived to the advanced age of 85. 30. WILLIAM PENN, the founder of Pennsylvania, and the author of numerous works, died 1718, in the 74th year of his age. Home. THE Half-yearly Meeting of the Trustees of the "Evangelical Magazine," for the Midsummer distribution of profits, will be held at the Milton Club, on Tuesday, July 13th, at eleven o'clock. The widows who expect to receive grants are requested to send their letters of application, through the publishers, not later than the 8th instant. WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS. To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine. DEAR SIR,-As an ardent friend to the cause of missions in general, and especially to the London Missionary Society, I cannot refrain from expressing an earnest hope that all the supporters of that Society will increase their own regular stated contributions, and use their influence with relatives, friends, and neighbours, to induce them to do the same; that there may in future be no need for those Special Appeals which, I fear, have operated injuriously on the general income of the Society. The fact that the amount contributed last year in donations, subscriptions, and collections was several thousand pounds less than the amount raised twenty years ago, is of startling and monitory significance. The following extract from the opening speech at the last annual meeting of the Baptist Missionary Society, by its respected treasurer, Sir Morton Peto, Bart., the Chairman, appears to me well deserving of attention :- "Let them above all things avoid impulsive, spasmodic effort. He believed the special funl system had done more harm than good, and if they were to offer him, as their treasurer, to raise £10,000 within the ensuing year above their usual donations, he would tell them he would rather have £2,000 a-year annual subscriptions. They wanted an income to be steadily relied on; and to feel that it proceeded from principle, and that it was cheerfully, gratefully, lovingly given, accompanied by earnest prayer that God would give his blessing." This, I believe, is a want common to all our missionary societies, and the adop. tion of the weekly mode of contribution (not giving in all cases weekly, but all giving according to a weekly rate) will prove, I am persuaded, the only effectual means of bringing about such a conscientious, loving, cheerful, generous, devout style of contribution, as the spirit f our religion and the solemn obligations devolved upon us by our Christian profession demand. A lady in a country town, "with a very limited income, but feeling an ardent love for missions," has written to the Home Secretary of the London Missionary Society, expressing her willingness to be one of five hundred persons who might give one shilling a-week to its funds. This number will, I hope, be obtained before another anniversary meeting; but if proper means be used, the contri butors of this weekly sum would far exceed five hundred-would not, I may venture to say, be less than five thousand in the whole United Kingdom. I will make no quotation from the stirring speech of the Rev. Joseph Mullens, delivered at the late anniversary meeting, reported in your number for June, but will take the liberty of requesting all your readers seriously to ponder that portion of it which will be found at pages 393 and 394, and to ask every one his or her own conscience as in the sight of God, What can I do, what ought I to do, in order to enlarge the sphere of the Society's operations? I subjoin an extract from a communication which lately appeared in a weekly religious newspaper, from the editor's Calcutta correspondent:— "Now we know how bad the people are; now we know, as we never knew before, howradically they need the Gospel of mercy. I hope, then, that the key-note of your May meetings [let me add, I hope that the great aim and effort of all the friends of the Society] will be a large extension of our Indian missions. This extension must be based on no spasmodic effort to raise special funds; it should result from a calm and settled determination to increase the annual income of each society. It should spring from principle, not from mere feeling; from a sense of duty neglected in the past, but faithfully to be performed in time to come-from true compassion towards perishing souls who have proved, by such frightful enormities, their need of the Gospel." Yours respectfully, JOSHUA WILSON. Tunbridge Wells, June 10, 1858. |