and concessions, which should characterize every successful metaphysician, as it should also every honest student. His treatment of the controversy between the nominalists and conceptualists, is strangely unfinished, and a little incoherent. His doctrine of perception, rich as it is in learning, and acute in its handling of the theories of others, is not entirely satisfactory in all its parts, nor is it even consistent with itself, especially in the account given of the primary and secondary qualities. In his doctrine of consciousness, also, he vacillates strangely between the doctrine of Dr. Thomas Brown and that of Dr. Thomas Reid.

In the metaphysics of Hamilton, as distinguished from his logic, there are the most decisive proofs of the hasty preparation incident to the composition of a first course of lectures. Numerous defective passages seem to have been left uncorrected in his manuscripts, however completely they may have been refuted or entirely omitted in the delivery of this course in subsequent years. The author was himself sensitively aware that these lectures were defective and incomplete. So far as the reputation of the author is concerned, it is to be regretted that they were ever published. Science, is, however, greatly the gainer by them, inasmuch as they have brought within the reach of a multitude of readers the fruits of his very extensive reading, as well as a great number of invaluable criticisms. His original remarks are always interesting and instructive, even when they do not command assent or secure conviction. What is of still greater importance is that the general direction of his philosophy is healthful and sound. When we have subtracted all the inconsistencies and untenable positions which he has advanced, there still remains a residue of truth that is valuable, profound, and most felicitously presented.

It will prove of the greatest service to metaphysical philosophy, that Mill has subjected the philosophical doctrines of so able and erudite a writer to an extended criticism. We may rest assured that wherever Hamilton is inconsistent or indefensible, Mill has probably exposed his defects. Wherever Hamilton is in the right and Mill has endeavored to refute him, we may be certain that Mill has done the utmost which his own system enables him to accomplish. The bringing out in detail of the several features of two systems so opposed as are those of Mill and Hamilton, is a service to metaphysical science which cannot be estimated too highly. The Essay of Locke on The Human Understanding and the Nouveaux Essais

of Leibnitz are two of the most instructive books which can be read, because they present the counter views of two antagonistic systems upon the same questions. In like manner Hamilton's metaphysics and Mill's critique should be studied together. We cannot doubt that in the history of English Philosophy these two works will be counted as two of the most important contributions of the present century.

M'COSH'S INTUITIONS OF THE MIND INDUCTIVELY INVESTIGATED * This is a new and considerably enlarged edition of Dr. M'Cosh's Intuitions of the Mind Of the first edition he confesses that, while it was "the result of long reflection, it was written out for the press rather hurriedly." He claims in this second edition. to have "corrected the errors which crept into the first, expounded his views more clearly and fully, and supported them by further critical notes and sections."

We have no doubt that this is true. The critical notes and sections furnish evidence of industry and care, and are considerably enlarged from those in the first edition. The volume itself is a most useful addition to our metaphysical literature. Inasmuch, also, as it treats of a subject which has only rarely been made the theme of a separate volume, it is all the more valuable. It is beautifully printed, and is furnished with a brief commendatory note from Prof. Shedd.

Professor M'Cosh is a very enterprising writer in metaphysics, and devotes himself especially to the relations which speculative science holds to Christian Theology. He keeps a very close watch of the course of speculation in Great Britain, and has a keen scent for any deviations from sound philosophy which he imagines may be of dangerous tendency, He writes with great ease to himself, and in a style which is very readily followed by the common reader.

In this volume he has expanded some points in respect to the appropriate evidence for intuitive truths, as well as in regard to the methods by which such truths can be discovered, which have not been sufficiently regarded by English metaphysicians.

*The Intuitions of the Mind Inductively Investigated. By the Rev. James M'Cosн, LL. D., Professor of Logic and Metaphysics in Queen's College, Belfast, &c., &c. New and revised edition. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1866. 8vo. pp. 448. New Haven: T. H. Pease.

For the general treatment which he has given to this most important theme, as well as for the convenient synopsis which he has given of the views of many leading writers, he deserves the thanks of all students in metaphysics. The American publishers have done good service to their many friends by republishing both editions of this work so promptly.

While we cannot accord to the author the very highest place as a metaphysical writer, we feel greatly indebted to his zeal for the valuable aid which he has rendered to all who are interested in this class of studies.

REID'S VOICES OF THE SOUL ANSWERED IN GOD.*—Who Rev. John Reid is, we do not know. Nor can we find out by careful reading of his book. It is introduced by a brief "Note," in which are contained strong commendations from Prof. Tayler Lewis and Prof. William G. T. Shedd, to whom the author's manuscript had been submitted. Prof. Lewis says, that the work "has a substantial value, both of thought and style, that ought to commend it to all thoughtful readers." Prof. Shedd says, "It is a work of originality and power. . . . . You have discussed the serious themes of evangelical religion in a manner that invests them with fresh interest for the believer, and also for the unbeliever." We have said that we do not know who Rev. John Reid is, and that he is too modest to let his readers know. But he will be known, if he writes such books as this. Indeed, this will make him known as an able expositor and defender of Christian truth; for, in our judgment, it is one of the best lately issued from the press.

The general nature of the treatise will be seen by this brief statement, quoted from the Preface. "It is evident that we are in the midst of a great discussion-a discussion that touches upon the highest and holiest themes of existence. Whether we have a Christian redemption and a Christian God, are the points that are to be settled. . . . . A deeper insight into human nature, and a more profound conception of the Godhead, are the wants of the time." . . . . In the present treatise, "The soul is taken as it is, and the attempt is made to find that in God which will meet and

* Voices of the Soul answered in God. By Rev. JOHN REID. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 630 Broadway. 1865. 12mo. pp. 374. New Haven: T. H. Pease.

match it." This attempt is made in three parts or divisions of the subject: Voices of the Soul answered in God the Redeemer; Voices of the Soul answered in God the Restorer; Voices of the Soul answered in God the Satisfier. Under part first, he treats these themes-An incarnation of God a want of mind-Deep conviction of sin need of a Divine Saviour-Consciousness of guilt need of divine atonement-Law broken: the divine sustainer of law-Punishment apprehended: the divine suffererHuman sorrow: the divine sympathizer. Under the second part, he treats these themes-Vestiges of the divine in man not sufficient to develop holiness apart from the supernatural-Natural benevolence not sufficient to constitute holiness apart from the supernatural. Sin developed, not holiness, by fixed laws of the feelings the supernatural needed to give a new direction to the heart. The soul in ruins: a supernatural restoration required.Need of redemption: the supernatural remedy found.--Men estranged from God: the philosophy of the supernatural cure. Under part third, he treats these themes-Hints respecting a nebulous region in the soul, and its relation to the future development of God.-The finite dissatisfied with less than the infinite.The soul a prayer, whose answer is God.-God, the home of the soul.

The manner in which these themes are treated is very able. The method is psychological, dealing with the consciousness directly, continually, and decisively-a method which interests and holds readers. The views are thoroughly evangelical. There is no attempt to conciliate disbelief or unbelief by meeting it half way, and by giving up a part of the doctrines it rejects. And yet it is thoroughly philosophical, entirely accordant with the nature and laws of free and responsible mind. The author takes the doctrines of Christianity, substantially as they are held by evangelical men, and shows that they are what the soul of man needs. He does not, however, run in theological ruts, but discusses his themes in a fresh and living way. Yet it is a way simple, natural, and unconscious. There is no straining after originality, and no striving to be as unlike other people as possible. Indeed, it is evidently pleasant to him to accord with other Christian writers. And he refers to them, and quotes from them, frequently. The style is admirable. It is very perspicuous. We have not noticed an obscure sentence in the book. It is terse, and strong, and

occasionally ornate. Its sentences are generally short and direct. Indeed, the style is justly described by the remark, that the author has something to say, and says it plainly, directly, forcibly, elegantly.

EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. VOLUME I.*— This volume is the work of an author already somewhat wellknown to the religious portion of the community. It is the first of three or more volumes to be published upon the Gospel, and is consequently quite incomplete in itself; but as the first six chapters make up one of the sections of John's narrative, the book seems properly enough to be divided at this point, while the author's method and plan are opened before us clearly and we are enabled to form some judgment of the completed work. The plan is as follows.-The text is divided into sections of six or eight verses, and a page or two of expository remarks and suggestions are added to each separate section. The individual words and phrases of each section are then commented upon briefly,-the author presenting his own view, together with the important views of the various leading commentators whose works he has examined. In his preface he gives a list of about seventy such commentators, of different periods and countries, whom he has for years carefully studied, and, so far as we have been able to look through his book, we think he has accomplised the work, which he proposed to himself, pretty successfully,—that is, he has concisely and clearly presented his own views, and those of others, in a form adapted "for family and private use." The introduction to the volume is made up of two things; first, a declaration of his opinions in regard to inspiration, and secondly, some remarks with reference to the different classes of commentators. As to inspiration, he states his unhesitating belief" in the plenary inspiration of every word of the original text of the Holy Scriptures," and though he acknowledges that difficulties are involved in this theory, he is willing to accept these difficulties, rather than lose that firm foundation for his faith, which he regards as lost so soon as we adopt any other and looser view of the subject. "The theolog

* Expository Thoughts on the Gospels. For Family and Private Use. With the Text complete. By the Rev. J. C. RYLE, B. A., Christ Church, Oxford, Vicar of Stradbroke, Suffolk. St. John, Vol. I. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1866. 8vo. pp. 422. New Haven: T. H. Pease.