per deserves a patronage he is little likely to receive for such books as his busy press is producing. This Commentary of Dr. Ellicot on Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, is his last, and he obviously regards it as his best. Mr. Draper has republished all that has been published in England. As strictly a critical, grammatical commentator Dr. Ellicot has no peer. For a fuller notice of his works, see April No. of Quarterly, under Book Notices.

Joseph M. Wilson, of Philadelphia, has a large unliquidated claim upon the Presbyterians of North America. His Almanac for 1864,' like its predecessors, comes freighted with invaluable statistics; with very extensive and quite complete biographies, embellished with a large number of fine steel engravings of the living and the dead, together with other matter of deep interest, and of permanent value to the Presbyterian brotherhood. We scarcely know which most to admire, the skill or the patience, the generosity or the perseverance, of the editor and proprietor of this indispensable annual. pp. 400. Price $2.50.

A noble and beautiful character, beautifully drawn out, and given to the public by Chaplain Trumbull,2 is before us. Of the many Christian heroes which the late war has developed, we will not say has made, none is better deserving such a commemoration than that of Major Henry Ward Camp. This admirable volume deserves, as it will secure, a wide circulation. The publishers have done well in giving it so attractive a form.

Our readers will find both interest and profit in carefully perusing the "Verdict of Reason "3 on the momentous subject of future punishment. It is an enlarged and greatly improved edition of the same work some time since issued. The teachings of inspiration and their entire reasonableness

1 The Presbyterian Historical Almanac, and Annual Remembrancer of the Church, for 1864. By Joseph M. Wilson. Volume 6. Philadelphia: Joseph M. Wilson, No. 111 South Tenth Street, below Chestnut Street. 1864.

2 A Record of College, Field, and Prison. The Knightly Soldier. A Biography of Major Henry Ward Camp, Tenth Connecticut Vols. By Chaplain H. Clay Trumbull. Boston: Nichols & Noyes. New York: Oliver S. Felt. 1865. pp. 331.

3 The Verdict of Reason, upon the question of the Future of those who die Impenitent. By Henry M. Dexter. Boston: Nichols & Noyes. 1865. 18mo. pp. 157.

are made so apparent, that this long-received yet much-questioned doctrine has in this little volume a strong re-affirmation which is both timely and convincing. Objections are fairly considered and ably answered. What are regarded by many as "the hard points" are manfully met. We do not know of a book so valuable to put into the hands of those who have any doubts as to the certainty and duration of future punishment as this.

It is a fitting time to call the attention of our "little" as well as our "big folk " to the character and work of the Pilgrims 1 during their first year in New England. Our readers will value, when they have read, Dr. Gale's able contribution to the memory of those noble men. Every Sabbath School library ought to have this book; so every family.

The following are from the American Tract Society, Boston:

While "Memorial" volumes are numerous they will not overstock the market so long as they come freighted with such testimonials as that which Adjutant Bacon contains.

Let young ladies travel if they will bring to our little folks such pleasant stories as Miss Anderson has told them in the "Scenes in the Sandwich Islands and California." 3 Parents, as well as children, will be profited by reading these interesting memoranda.

Religion is the "Sunshine of the soul." This is admirably illustrated by Mrs. Prosser. Ministers and Christians alike are interested and edified by every book that takes them to the cross. We can scarcely more than name the issues which our own Tract Society has recently given to the public, which are preeminently christological. "The Waiting Saviour" is in the author's best style. So

1 The Pilgrims' First Year in New England. By Rev. Nahum Gale. Written for the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, and approved by the Committee of Publication. Boston: Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, No. 13 Cornhill. 16mo. pp. 336.

* Memorial of William Kirkland Bacon, late Adjutant of the 26th Regiment of New York State Volunteers. By his Father. Boston: The American Tract Society, 26 Cornhill; 13 Bible House, New York. 32mo. pp. 139.

3Scenes in the Sandwich Islands and California. By Mary E. Anderson. 24mo. pp. 238.

Sunshine, or the Cures for all Ills. By Mrs. Prosser. 16mo. pp. 300.

5 The Waiting Saviour. By E. N. Kırk, D. D. 32mo. pp. 61.

5

-Froude's History of a most interesting, if not the most interesting, period of English History, is, so far, a work of rare excellence. In evidence of most patient investigation, in thought, and in style, it occupies a place not heretofore filled. The period is that in which the Reformation assumed shape, and in which it stopped in England to be carried on in America. How the author will treat Puritanism is not yet evident; but we are inclined to look for candor at least. If he holds loose views of religion himself, there is no clear trace of that in this work. An independent investigation is often "loose" from necessity; and the independence of the author is manifest in his defence of Henry VIII. We admit that his array of fact and argument, has led us to doubt our traditionary opinion of that monarch's character, as well as to almost convince us that the fate of Anne Boleyn, with which the second volume closes, was deserved. In outward beauty of the books, Messrs Scribner & Co. leave nothing to be desired.

Lord Derby's translation of the

1 Behold the Lamb of God. By E. N. Kirk, D. D. 32mo. pp. 47.

2 Wonderful Works, or the Miracles of Christ. By a Clergyman's Daughter. 24mo. pp. 281.

The Person of Christ, the Miracle of History. With a reply to Strauss and Renan, and a collection of Testimonials of Unbelievers. By Philip Schaff, D. D. 24mo. pp. 375.

Remember Me, or the Holy Communion, By Ray Palmer. 12mo. pp. 103.

5 History of England, from the Fall of Wolsey to the Death of Elizabeth. By James Anthony Froude, M. A., late Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford. New York: Charles Scribner & Co., 124 Grand Street. 1865. Vols. 1 and 2. 12mo. pp. 447, 501.

Iliad appears to be an almost literal rendering, in blank verse, of the Greek text. Its accuracy and its force we leave to purely literary journals. We have done, however, what even some critics will not,-read it entire, which was decidedly contrary to our expectation when we began; and it goes into its place on our shelves as a work to be studied.

Ticknor and Co. are issuing some beautiful little "Companion Poets for the People." If we had issued this number at its ordinary time, we should have recommended to all our readers to take them in their pocket for reading in vacation. We have seen copies in persons' hands, in railway cars, with a feeling that the taste of the traveling public must be improving. Longfellow, Tennyson, and Whittier-though, personally, we never quite appreciated Tennyson, we are afraid-will do the people good. Such a stirring piece as that of Whittier's Barbara Freitchie is enough to warm the heart of even a rebel.

Few men have more honored the ministry or helped the world in a short life than Rev. George B. Little. His fine, we may say delicate, yet manly scholarship, his exact, perhaps severe taste, his varied acquirements, and his warm, genial heart, fitted him for the pulpit as few are fitted. We are right glad to see this fragrant “Memorial" of a character so lovely. The speaking vignette is eminently life-like. The contents of this inviting volume are: "Introductory Sketch of Mr. Little; his treatment of Scriptural Errors; his interest in National affairs; close of his Ministry in Bangor; last year at West Newton; Voyage to France and return; his love of Music; last weeks of his Life; Funeral Services."

1 The Iliad of Homer, rendered into English blank verse. By Edward, Earl of Derby. Two volumes. New York: Charles Scribner and Company. 12mo. pp. 430, 457.

2 Companion Poets for the People. Boston: Ticknor & Fields. Household Poems. By H. W. Longfellow. pp. 96. National Lyrics. By John G. Whittier. pp. 104. Songs for the Seasons. By Alfred Tennyson. pp. 84. Paper.

3 A Memorial of the Closing Scenes in the Life of Rev. George B. Little. Boston: Published by the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society. 1865. 16mo. pp. 262.

THE "Quarterly" was not undertaken, nor has it been continued these seven years, as a speculation. Its publishers knew too well the usual fortunes of such periodicals to indulge the thought of a "good investment" in anything of this sort. They, however, did feel that Congregationalists needed, if they did not want enough to pay for, just such a work as it has been their purpose to make this Quarterly. Until the very high prices of paper and printing began to rule, the Quarterly paid its own bills. Last year, with great reluctance, the price was raised from one dollar a year to one dollar and fifty cents a year. Alas the effect! One fourth of our old subscribers have left the numbers for this year on our shelves, and us minus their price. And yet we had not a subscriber to spare

before. Some of them, doubtless, would have forwarded the money had the numbers been sent in advance of the pay. This we did not do, because we have been so many times so thoroughly scolded for doing it; because, to us, it seems not the best way; because we were raising the price, and did not feel that we had a right to presume on the continuance of all our former patrons; because we could not afford to lose so many January numbers by sending them to those who would neither return the money nor the numbers.

It is for Congregationalists to say whether this work shall be continued. We pledge our best to make it worthy their liberal patronage, and will freely give our now overcrowded hours to its editing and publication. As last year, no number will be sent until the one dollar and fifty cents are received. We shall, with hope, undertake the eighth volume; and once more ask those whom we know will receive it to commend it to any and all who care to be informed as to the status and progress of that polity and those doctrines that are now going forth, as never before, to bless our whole country and the world.

that Edward Buck, Esq., of the Boston bar, has an essay of three hundred pages, quite complete and comprehensive-to be published this autumn-giving an account of the ecclesiastical law of Massachusetts; and these to be followed by the able papers and debates of the National Council, together, will give those who desire, perhaps, all the light needed to reveal the position, value, and work of our own denomination. We cannot too earnestly commend these able treatises, containing the results of years of patient toil, to all who would be able to give a reason for their faith and practice.

IN accordance with the vote of the National

Council, we have not only published the offi

cial proceedings of that body in this number of the Quarterly, but we have also published three hundred copies of the same in a separate pamphlet of nearly two hundred pages, and it is for sale at our rooms, 23 Chauncy Street, Boston, Massachusetts, at SEVENTYFIVE CENTS A COPY. Postage six cents.

The phonographer's report is now in the printer's hands, and will, we hope, be ready for the market early in October. This will contain all the procedings, papers, speeches, remarks, etc., etc., of the Council, carefully earted-making an octavo volume, probably, of four hundred and fifty to five hundred pages. Every minister, every family in every Congregational Church, ought to have this volume.

WE are sure our readers will not complain either of the delay of this number, nor of the fact that we do not issue an October number. This comes so fully freighted with what all want no know, and to have permanently by their side, that it will more than make amends for the necessary delay. This number is more than a double number, and this volume the largest and most expensive volume of the seven we have published, and the most valuable withal. The proceedings of the "Preliminary Convention," and of the great "National Council," are all in this volume. We are sure it will give full satisfaction.

We invite immediate and especial attention to the roll of messengers to the National

WE gladly give below the beautiful pon of Rev. Ray Palmer, D. D., of Albany, N. Y., which, plainly and sweetly enough, tells its own story. It has already been published in The Congregationalist; but there is a fitness in grouping it, as closely as possible, with the history of the scenes that gave it birth.

[The most interesting moment in the session of the late National Council of the Congregational Churches was that when, standing on Burial Hill at Plymouth over the graves of the Pilgrim Fathers, its members solemnly reaffirmed, with prayer and singing, their fidelity to the system of Christian Faith from which those noble men drew their highest inspiration.]

On Plymouth's Burial Hill we trod,
And high each heart was beating;
It seemed indeed "the field of God,"
Each stone his praise repeating.

"T was not 'mid chill December's blast
O'er sea and land wild sweeping;
June's longest day-too soon 't was past-
Its carnival was keeping.

Soft skies were o'er us as we stood,
With summer zephyrs breathing;
We saw God's smile on field and wood,
And flowers the earth enwreathing.
Beneath our feet the Pilgrims slept,

The brave, the true, all lowly;
Their humble graves by angels kept;
The ground to us was holy.

Ah! then all tenderly we thought,

We thought with pride and wonder, How-Freedom's price divinely taughtThey stood unflinching yonder;

Though wintry chillness reigned around,
And wintry winds were howling,
And only savage man was found,
And savage beasts were prowling.

Anew we felt their hopes and fears,
When want and sickness wasted;
As through the lingering, weary years,
Of sorrow's cup they tasted.

Grand souls! that with heroic will
The waves of trouble breasted;
Not e'en did woman falter, till

Beneath that turf they rested!

For God, for truth, for man, they bore
Loss, exile, grief, and danger,
As Christ, the Lord they loved, of yore
Accepted earth's low manger.

And there above their sacred dust
Whose names shall never perish,
We vowed THEIR FAITH, a holy trust,
For all mankind to cherish.

O God, who heard'st our prayer and song 'Neath heaven's high dome ascending, Bid us in thine own might be strong,

For that pure Faith contending.

From regions wide where Plenty fills
Her lap to overflowing;

From rugged realms where rocks and hills
With gold and gems are glowing;
From northern lakes that cool and bright
Their sparkling waves are spreading,
To where fresh orange groves delight,

Perpetual fragrance shedding;

From all the wide, wide land, the cry
For God's good Word is speeding;
And Freedom lifts her hands on high,

No more enchained and bleeding!

O wake, ye sons of Pilgrim sires!
Go, live in power and beauty
The life sublime their Faith inspires;
Its watchword-GOD AND DUTY!

Editorials proper end above. To accommodate our printer, who is obliged to make up his last form backwards, and in the absence of the other members of "the firm," the dubious "we" is here dropped, and the first person singular is assumed for the purpose of saying in this place-what could not as well be said elsewhere-a few things about the

"AMERICAN CONGREGATIONAL UNION."

This organization is now before our churches as never before. The good work generally conceded to it, already accomplished, entitles it to confidence. It has filled an important place, and saved and helped many a feeble Church. The late National Council "recommended a simultaneous collection in all our churches on the Sabbath previous to Forefathers' Day, December 17, 1865. Will it be taken? is the question that haunts me like an ugly dream; and sometimes it is propounded in, not a taunting way, surely, but with doubtful tones, by those alone who can make these collections certain and successful. It looks formidable, the $200,000, and, perhaps, many may be dissuaded from an effort to secure it because it is so large. But less than seventy dollars to every Church will give us the full amount. Besides, it is certain that many an individual will give his THOUSAND, perhaps more: I do most affectionately and urgently entreat every pastor to give this cause a place on that memorable Sabbath, or some Sabbath previous. A wide and effectual door is opened to us South as well as West. Hear what one of our many applicants says in reference to the wants of the little Church he represents, at Canterbury, Del.:

"We are now holding our meetings in the woods, our houses not being large enough to hold us: besides this, the colored people are coming in rapidly, ready and anxious to hear and learn. What shall we do with them? One of our members has a colored school in his house each Sunday of from forty to fifty, and they are learning rapidly. We have begun our labors, and have prosecuted them thus far, with the hope that, before cold weather came, we would have a house to worship in; we have lived through one winter, but we cannot through another unless we have help. For two years we have been trying to plant Congregationalism in this soil so long under the blighting curse of slavery; but we have received little or no encouragement or sympathy from the North: why is it?

We have made appeals enough; and surely they must know by this time that we are genuine Congregationalists, or we would not have held out thus long under such discouraging circumstances.

If we fail in our enterprise here, what encouragement is there for our brethren in other parts of the State to make an attempt. None at all, they will be obliged to take up with such fare as -or- gives. If we were in a town or city where we could hire a hall or a room large enough to hold our meetings, we would gladly do so, but here we are in a country place without any such accommodations, and we must either build a place or have none."

There are many others equally needy and equally in earnest for help. The calls from Missouri are already pressing us. Eight of the ten Congregational churches in that State are without suitable places of worship. Thus far this year, our receipts are not one tenth as large as are needed to meet present calls. The providence of God bids us "GO FORWARD." Believing that the money will come, we obey the heavenly mandate.

We cannot remain as we are, much less go backward, without great detriment. We propose no crusade upon other churches, or intrusion upon grounds already well occupied. Only where plain duty calls, and our brethren of other sects urge us to go, do we contemplate even a beginning. Less than this we cannot do with impunity. Many who have been prospered during these years of war will want a monument in the South, in the form of a sanctuary for one of these coming Congregational churches. Send us the money, and we will see to its timely erection.

"CONGREGATIONAL HOUSE.'

We must have it. The necessity is too imperious, and the indications too propitious now to fail. The Rev. A. P. Marvin, of Winchendon, has obtained leave of his people for one year to canvass the State in behalf of this most pressing object. While it is his purpose to see those who, it is hoped, will feel disposed to contribute to the one hundred thousand dollar fund proposed now to be raised, yet it is not necessary for any one to wait for his call. Any contribution directed to J. P. Melledge, Esq., of Boston, Mass., or to the undersigned, would be gratefully acknowledged.

This little notice will fall under the eyes of Congregationalists living out of Massa