that "membership in an association is not the appropriate test of the standing of ministers, inasmuch as the association cannot ordain or depose ministers, being in no sense the representatives of the churches" (p. 16); the averment that "the terms 'license' and 'licentiate' do not belong to our polity; but if they are understood only as implying a commendation to the churches as a candidate for the pastoral office, we do not object to their use (p. 16); and the declarations that in no case can a council entertain a question that is not brought to its notice by the lettermissive" (p. 20), and that "results of councils should always retain the advisory form" (p. 22).

On the other hand, we note as inexact the statement that "ministers can be members of councils only by virtue of the invitation to the Church of which they are pastors, or members" (p. 18); what makes them members is the response of that Church to such invitation, by vote delegating them to represent it in that particular business. So when Mr. Wilder speaks (p. 18) of a Council being called to advise an "" 'aggrieved party and redress their wrongs," (p. 18,) his second verb goes too far, and intimates some power of redressing other than that of advice, which power he has elsewhere properly repudiated. So we doubt the correctness of the position (p. 32) that "an ex-parte Council cannot properly entertain any question that does not refer to the personal standing of the party calling it." An ex-parte Council may do anything that a mutual Council could have done in its place, had all the parties in interest consented to make it mutual, except so far as it may be prevented from light which it might then have received.

We think, further, that the usefulness of this manual would have been increased, if the matter of " Society" relations to the Church which comes in incidentally on p. 9 had been expanded and made definite and complete.

After the above was in type, we received an eight-page tract.on Congregationalism, 2 just issued, which deserves our notice. Its author

2 Congregationalism; what it is; published by the Congregational Board of Publication, Boston. 13 Cornhill, pp. 8. Price $2.00 per

hundred.

ship is not stated, though from the auspices of its emission it may be presumed to have passed the scrutiny of some of the Doctors of our Law. As a whole we like it very much; but we think a little more care in its shaping would have added to its value. For example, it says (p. 4): "Each Congregational Church and Society elects its own officers, owns its house and property, etc., etc.;" but it does not refer to the "Society" in any other place; does not define its ordinary relation to the Church; does not intimate an opinion whether it is well to have a "Society" or not, or give any information how secular matters would be managed if there were none. So (p. 6) it says the Associations "examine and approbate persons who desire to enter the ministry." Aside from the obvious criticism that "approbate" is not an English word in good and regular standing, it is not so absolutely clear a case that any such work as this is Congregational work for associations, as, in our judgment, to make it wise to announce it thus baldly and absolutely. We think also that the statement (p. 8.) of this, as a difference between Congregationalists and Episcopalians, that they differ"in ceremonies of worship," is infelicitous. It is true that most Congregational churches do differ from Episcopalian churches in that particular; but it is because they differ in taste, and not because of any difference in principle touching that point. Any Congregational Church, if it pleases, may adopt the full Episcopal form of service, and still remain as really a Congregational Church as before. This is indeed, for substance, asserted in the tract itself, since it says (p. 1): "The mode in which public worship shall be performed " is "regulated by vote of the Church." We may add, that if a clause suggesting the exact idea which makes us Congregationalists, instead of Independents, had been added to the statement (p. 1) of "the power of independency" in the Church, it would have made the exposition of the power of the Church more symmetrical. It is brought out further on, but it needs admission there, or a casual reading may mislead. With these slight exceptions, the tract well answers, in a brief form, questions widely asked in regard to our system and its peculiarities and claims.

In the department of Congregational history we have received a single pam

phlet3 and a single volume. The pamphlet briefly and fitly relates the history of the Congregational Church in Lyons, Iowa, from its foundation, Dec. 21, 1839, to the present time, particular reference being inade to its last ten years; and the mention affording a quickening view of the peculiar trials, temptations, and triumphs, of little churches in the scattered districts of the western country. Mr. soon to be President-Magoun sets down a few pertinent lessons from the record.

The volume will be eagerly laid hold of by all lovers of the New England past, unfolding as it does the interior history of many godly men, and of many excellent ways of the olden days. It contains an account of the centennial anniversary, by Rev. J. Pike, of Rowley; the history of the association, much of which appeared last year in our columns, by the Rev. Dr. Spalding of Newburyport; sketches of one hundred and two members, living and dead; the discourse relating to the churches and religious history of Essex North, by Rev. D. T. Fiske, D. D., of Belleville; sketches of the twenty-four Congregational churches which make up the association, and an essay on "Vibrations in Theology," by Rev. Dr. Withington of Newburyport. All of this is good, solid, useful addition to the stores of our knowledge and the sources of our growth; while some of it is well nigh invaluable. A copy of this volume ought to be in every parish library for the use of every pastor; and we hope it may stimulate other associations to a similar work whereby the remembrance of the past may aid the wisdom of the future.

We note among the articles of contemporary Journals one, in one of the ablest of them all, by Dr. Van Vechten of Albany, N. Y., on "Ecclesiastical Organizations and

* A Sermon on the History of the First Congregational Church of Lyons, Iowa, preached July 3, 1864, on the completion of ten years under its present name, by Rev. George F. Magoun, pastor. Lyons: Beers & Eaton. 1864. pp. 24.

* Contributions to the Ecclesiastical History of Essex County, Mass. Prepared and published under the direction of the Essex North Association. Boston: Cong. Board of Publication. 1865. 8vo. pp. 396. For sale by M. H. Sargent, 13 Cornhill.

• American Presbyterian and Theological Review for October, 1864.

VOL. VII. 31

Foreign Missions," which includes some thoughts on that subject which have interest to our denominational mind, and which reaches the conclusion (p. 635) that "whatever organization may be adopted by native churches on heathen ground, it must not interfere with true Christian union and fellowship on a broad scale, and that, therefore, it should be free from those complications which ecclesiastical divisions have created in modern Christendom."

We are in receipt of one volume® which, for an entirely different reason, will have great interest to intelligent Congregationalists; since it unfolds the struggle of a mind under the fascination of absolutism in religion, and in making it clear, step by step, how Father Newman went toward Rome, psychologically suggests many reflections in that antipodal direction where we stand. In this same category of works, useful indirectly, we put other two beautiful volumes," recently issued by the Messrs. Appleton; which present, in exquisite style and with faithful editing, a collection of the gems of our and the English devotional poetry.

We name here also Dr. Bushnell's last utterances to the public. Twenty-one sermons fill its well-printed pages. The first seven we have somewhat carefully read, and with profound interest. We have met here and there an expression, possibly a sentiment, to which all would not assent. But in reading anything from this able, original, and bold thinker, we instinctively lay aside all idea of criticism. We prefer to take in, as we are able, the rich

Apologia pro vita sua: being a reply to a pamphlet entitled "What, then, does Dr. Newman mean?" by John Henry Newman, D.D. New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1865. 12 mo. pp. 393. For sale by Messrs. Nichols & Noyes.

Lyra Americana, or Verses of Praise and Faith from American Poets, selected and arranged by the Rev. George T. Ryder, M. A. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 12 mo. pp. 295. For sale by Messrs. Nichols & Noyes.

Lyra Anglicana, a Manual of Sacred poetry selected from the best English Writers, etc., etc., by the Rev. George T. Ryder, M. A. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 12 mo. pp. 288. For sale by Messrs. Nichols & Noyes.

• Christ and His Salvation; in Sermons variously related thereto, by Horace Bushnell. New York, Charles Scribner, 124 Grand Street. 1864. 12 mo. pp. 456. For sale by W. H. Piper & Co.

and instructive thoughts and the charming spirit of the writer, giving full play to the deep emotions he is sure to move. The first sermon, "Christ Waiting to find Room,” is worth twice the cost of the volume.

We regret exceedingly, however, that in the sermon "Christ bearing the Sins of Transgressors "(xix.), Dr. Bushnell has not more generally used the language and expressed more clearly the views which Congregationalists entertain on this great central doctrine of the atonement. It does not seem to us that he really differs so much from them in fact, as some of his peculiar phrases indicate. This is not a doctrine upon which speculation is safe. Let the world have plain, scriptural language on a subject so momentous.

Anything from the pen or concerning the life of Hugh Miller must be so surcharged with the strange power of the man as to have charms and lessons for those for some of whose principles he fought so long and well. Messrs. Gould & Lincoln now present us with another of their series; one which will keep the memory of this good man's life so sadly ended-green.

Prof. Lange's Commentary on Matthew,10 as now presented by Mr. Scribner, in a new translation and with important addi. tions, is a great improvement on the Edinburgh edition. This volume forms the first of a series of translations of a partially completed general commentary, already assigned to eminent American scholars.

The theology of Prof. Lange- who, in the reaction against Strauss, took the place assigned to that individual as professor of theology at Zurich -is declared by the

American editor to be "essentially biblical and evangelical catholic, more positive and decided than that of Neander or Tholuck,

* Essays, Historical and Biographical, Political, Social, Literary and Scientific, by Hugh Miller, author of "The Old Red Sandstone" etc. Edited with a preface, by Peter Bayne. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. 1865. 12 mo. pp. 501.

10 The Gospel according to Matthew, together with a General Theological and Homiletical Introduction to the New Testament. By John Peter Lange, D. D., Professor of Theology at the University of Bonn. Translated from the third German edition, with additions, original and selected, by Philip Schaff, D. D. New York: Charles Scribner, 124 Grand Street. 1865. 8vo. 590 pages. For sale by Graves & Young, Boston.

yet more liberal and conciliatory than the orthodoxy of Hengstenburg;" and Lange himself to be "one of the most uncompromising opponents of German rationalism and scepticism." Not the orthodoxy "either of the old Lutheran or of the old Calvinistic Confession." The position of Dr. Schaff will, of course, explain what these statements mean; while the views developed seem not so much to oppose either Lutheranism or Calvinism as to maintain a catholic and devout independent interpretation. On examination of passages where doctrinal peculiarities are likely to be strong, -as regarding the eucharist, or predestination, -we find the best thoughts of various scholars, digested in a thoroughly Christian way. The scope, indeed, of the whole work makes Christ the center, which is the only method of a true theology.

The plan is peculiar, - while it has the needed information as to manuscripts, the canon, and the method of right discussion. The notes upon each subdivision of the text are formally divided into "Exegetical and Critical," very full and comprehensive, and very learned as to the text; -"Doctrinal and Ethical," and "Homiletical and Practical;" which last is full of suggestions, almost in shape as divisions of sermons. Dr. Schaff's additions are by no means few or unimportant; that he should say in his lists of eminent preachers of our denomination (there are full lists of writers on the various parts of a Christian literature) that Dr. Woods left "nothing except in pamphlet form," the friends of that theologian must forgive. Denominationally, we can find no fault with Prof. Lange's statement that the "Church " is "the meeting of believers, whether it be large or small," — that there is "not anything like hierarchical assumption on their [its'official's] part,'" or with the quotation that, as to discipline, "nothing could be further from the spirit of our Lord's command than proceedings in what were, oddly enough, called ' ecclesiastical courts.'" On the whole, comprehensive, learned, complete, devout, and practical, is this work.

-The English language now has its Dictionary." To its preparation the immor

11 An American Dictionary of the English Language, by Noah Webster, LL. D. Thoroughly

tal Webster gave the full strength of his manhood and the ripe wisdom and scholarship of his maturer life. To its great improvement Prof. Goodrich brought his masterly tact, his untiring industry, and varied literary acquisitions. To its completion Prof. Porter and his army of "collaborators," some of whom were already veterans in their particular departments of research and toil, have devoted an amount of time and talents unequalled in any other similar work in our, probably in any, language.

The great progress in the science of phil. ology, since Dr. Webster pioneered its mazes, has given his successors every facility for improving greatly upon his noble beginnings. Hence in this new book we have new and generally greatly improved definitions and much more accurate and thorough etymology, orthoëpy, and orthography. We have compared many words in this with the same words in the Pictorial Edition, and we find that he who has either of "Webster's " former dictionaries has not Webster's new, last and best. We naturally turned to the word Congregationalism for a full and accurate definition, and were surprised to find "Independency" inserted as a secondary meaning. We are sure the pastor of the First Church in New Haven never gave the editors that signification. While claiming always and every where the perfect autonomy of the local

revised, and greatly enlarged and improved, by Chauncy A. Goodrich, D. D. LL. D., late Prof., etc., and Noah Porter, D. D., Clark Professor, etc. Springfield, Mass. Published by G. & C. Merriam, State Street. 1864. Quarto. pp. 1840.

The religious vocabulary, however, is full and generally very lucid, far surpassing that of any other lexicon in our language.

The "Pictorial" department is admirable; the illustrations being found with the word illustrated, and also grouped in classes at the end of the book. The "Synonyms" are in their right places, sharply defined, and very complete. The article by Prof. Hadley, "The Brief History of the English Language," can scarcely be over-estimated. "Prin ciples of Pronunciation;" more than fifty pages of "Names of Fictitious Persons and Places;" "Pronouncing Vocabulary of Scripture Proper Names ;" of "Greek and Latin Proper Names;" of "Modern Geographical Names;" of "Modern Biographical Names;" "of Common English Christian Names, with Derivations and Definitions;" "Quotations, Words, Phrases, Proverbs and Colloquial Expressions" (a new and invaluable feature); "Abbreviations and Contractions used in Writing and Printing;" are all carefully and critically prepared, and leave little to be desired and not found in this monumental volume.

The publishers have spared no labor or money to give to the readers of the English language the most elaborate, accurate, and reliable dictionary within their reach. An enlightened public will appreciate and reward their sacrifices.

We promised in our last number that an effort should be made on our part to make the next volume of this Quarterly worth more to its subscribers and the public than any that has preceded it. We have not kept our promise to our desire in this number; though it has never been out of our mind. Various untoward circumstances have delayed and thwarted some of our endeavors, and constrained us to make our public appearance once more with our ideal still unmet. Still, we have made progress, and we see our way

to something better. Our statistical article always the most important thing about the January number-is certainly, in some desirable particulars, in advance of any before published; and, we honestly believe, deserves the favorable judgment of our denomination.

We have "turned over a new leaf" in the matter of our Necrology, and our Notices of Books, though not in season to manifest it in this number except imperfectly, under the latter head. When we started this Quarterly it was in our intent to make these two depart

ments unique and exhaustive; but various hindrances, and mainly those growing out of the engrossment of the editors in other labors, have prevented our doing so. We now undertake hereafter to carry out our original plan in each of these departments. Under the head of "Congregational Necrology," it is our purpose to insert in each number brief notices of every Congregational minister, minister's wife, and prominent Congregational layman, who may have deceased during the previous quarter; so that a glance over this department of our journal shall furnish the reader with this department of denominational intelligence with a completeness nowhere else attempted. In order to do this, we ask the special coöperation of all to whom the knowledge of the death of those who ought to be so noticed may come. Let all such send notices of the description we desire compact, characteristic, and giving all essential facts-to Rev. A. H. Quint, New Bedford, Mass., who is in special charge of that department, and not to the "Quarterly." If sent to this office, they may fail of seasonable insertion; if sent to him, they will be sure of it.

Under the head of "Books of Interest to Congregationalists," we desire to introduce into every number a brief yet complete résume of our denominational literature, and of all publications for any reason of special interest to Congregationalists, of the previous quarter; and nothing else. Let, then, all Church manuals having any unusual features; all historical discourses portraying the life of Congregational churches or pastorships over them; all treatises either in book or pamphlet form unfolding our polity; all reprints of our standards; all town or other histories, shedding light upon our past; all attacks upon us, and attempts to overthrow any of our principles, by logic, or in any other way; all issues of the pressin short-which, either pro or con, a Congregationalist ought to read with reference to those principles which make him a Congregationalist, and that history which makes him rejoice that he is a Congregationalist; be sent to us, that we may seasonably examine them, and quarterly indicate what among them is of real value, and where it may be found. If authors and publishers of our denomination will work with us in this thing, we hope to make this specialty

We wish to say to all our friends that this volume will be of unusual worth and importance, from the fact that it will contain all the preliminary and other proceedings of the National Council of Congregational Churches, to be held in Boston in June next. We begin in this number, shall have "the call" in the next, and the July number will be largely devoted to the papers and proceedings of that very important religious gathering. The January and July numbers, singly, will cost, and be worth, the price of

the volume.

Our financial co-editor suggests to our subscribers the great preference he has for National Currency, or "Greenbacks," over that of any of our State banks. A little care, on their part, will save the Quarterly some perplexity, as well as some discount.