without some more substantial marks of favour (Vit. § 76). Vespasian assigned him apartments in his own former private residence, made him a Roman citizen, with the addition of a pecuniary revenue, and presented him with an estate in Judea. These grants and privileges Titus, on his sole accession, confirmed, and showed equal generosity in refusing to listen to any calumnies of his enemies. Domitian added to former benefactions an immunity from the payment of any land-charge for his Jewish estate, and even had some of his accusers punished. We have no means of ascertaining how long he survived this latter prince; but he was certainly alive after the death of the second Agrippa, which is fixed at A.D. 97 (Vit. § 65).

The leisure which Josephus enjoyed at Rome, he appears to have employed in composing his historical and other treatises. His first work was an account of the later wars of the Jews, in the language of his native country, which he drew up for the use of his countrymen beyond the Euphrates (Bell. Pr. § 2). This work he afterwards translated into Greek, for the use of general readers, which is the work which, under the twofold title of the "Jewish War," or "History of the Destruction of Judea," we now have. It is composed in seven books, and embraces the period of Jewish history extending from the insurrection of the Jews against Antiochus Epiphanes to the subjugation of the country by the Romans. The first part of this period is treated more cursorily, the latter more at length, the whole of the last five books being devoted to the details of what may be called the Roman War. The next work published by Josephus was what he styles his "Jewish Antiquities," which was composed in the thirteenth year of the reign of Domitian (See above). It is comprised in twenty books, of which the first eleven, a small portion of the last excepted, are taken up with a narrative of the facts in the Old Testament, the remaining nine bringing this history down to the twelfth year of the reign of Nero. In this work, also, Josephus is proportionably copious in the latter portion of his history, assigning no less than six of the books to the last hundred years. This work is, like the last mentioned, in Greek, to qualify himself for accurate composition in which, he tells us he spared no pains or expense,

putting himself under the tuition of suitable teachers (Bell. Pr. § 5; Antiq. xx. 12; Cont. Ap. i. § 9). After this he composed a brief autobiography, giving the particulars of his ancestry and education which we have already abbreviated, and detailing more at length the series of his military and other movements and operations in Galilee. His remaining works are two books against Apion, a grammarian of Alexandria, which are chiefly of an apologetic nature, designed to vindicate the authenticity of his former histories, and a sort of diatribe or declamation on the virtues of the Maccabees,-both these also being composed in Greek. The whole have come down to us perfect, with the exception of the second book against Apion, in which there is a lacuna embracing about four sections.

It must be obvious, even from the above hasty review, how valuable an assistance the works of our author are likely to prove to biblical students. As it regards the matter which is found in them, they travel over the same ground precisely, both chronological and geographical, which our two Testaments traverse, being inclusive also of the interval between the two. As it regards their diction, the Greek of Josephus, is also precisely the Greek of the apostolic age, a circumstance which will not be, thought unimportant by any who know the gradual changes which time effects in the significance of language. Josephus wrote Greek just as most of the apostles and evangelists wrote it,-not as his native tongue, but as a language which he had acquired, and acquired principally in the. habits and intercourse of life. We consider his value, as a writer, to a student of the original Scriptures, to be mainly fourfold: first of all, to authenticate their narrations, secondly, to supplement them, thirdly, to furnish aids for biblical criticism, -and, lastly, aids for biblical interpretation... Under more general beads we might re present this value as partly historical, partly philological.

Our present business will be solely, with the latter branch of the latter. No witness can be a more competent one than Josephus, to the meaning of Greek words as used by,, writers in and about Palestine, in the apostolic age, We propose, in our next number, to call him into court to give evidence as to the meaning of the words relating to Baptism.

THE TREASURY HARMONY OF THE FOUR .EVANGELISTS. COMPILED BY ROBERT MIMPRISS. 12mo. pp. 485. London: Thomas Varty.

This volume, though complete in itself, lays especial claim to our attention by its connection. It is, in point of fact, the manual for teachers in the fourth and fifth grades of Mr. Mimpriss's system of Sunday school instruction. As this system is beginning to excite a good deal of enquiry, a few words of explanation may not be amiss as introductory to our notice of the book itself.

The aim of Mr. Mimpriss in his method of instruction, is vividness of impression. In order to secure this, he confines all the scholars to one lesson per day; taking care that the subjects selected, though consecutive, shall be independent of each other.

The prominent features of his system are simultaneousness and gradation. All learn the same lesson at the same time, and all receive it in language adapted to their capacities. For the same information which is conveyed to the highest classes in the language of the authorised version, is epitomised into fifty-two, thirty-two, or ten lines in the inferior grades, according to the capacities of the children: care being taken throughout, to employ, in every lesson, as much as possible, the very words of Scripture.

The theme selected by Mr. Mimpriss, is the Life and Ministry of Christ as recorded by the four Evangelists. This is first reduced to a continuous narrative, according to Greswell's "Harmonia Evangelica," and then divided into a hundred sections for the purpose of forming lessons. Instruction is thus furnished for two years, during which pupils sufficiently advanced may be moved to superior grades.

Manuals are provided for the teachers of all these several grades, except the first, in which questions are printed along with the lessons themselves. The notes are explanatory, illustrative, historical, geographical, and practical. Each grade-book being more comprehensive than the one below it.

The objection that the life of Christ furnishes too contracted a range for Sunday school instruction, is obviated by the consideration that any other portion of divine truth may be similarly treated,* and by an examination of the volume now under review. For although the younger classes may not be taken beyond the range of gospel narrative, it is evident the elder scholars are required to search all the scriptures. We open at random, and find on page 5 references to Malachi, 1 and 2 Kings, James, Hosea, 1 Corinthians, Romans, Hebrews, 2 Chronicles, Revelations, Genesis, Judges, Daniel, and Numbers, besides other references to the four Gospels.

The "Treasury Harmony" contains both the excellences and the defects usual in such compilations. Detail is evidently Mr. Mimpriss's forte; but many of his gleanings would have benefitted by passing through the crucible of a vigorous judgment. He has given the opinions of others with all the honest integrity of a modest man. But we regret that he has not exhibited more frequently that strong sound sense which characterises his system.

The notes are generally compiled with great care; but we cannot pass over some instances of fanciful, or even faulty, interpretation-such as the allusions to Levitical washings under the word baptism, the significancy attached to ordinary names, as though they had been given by inspiration, and the premillenial tinge which, however acceptable to some, is scarcely judicious in a book intended for general use.

The compiler, however, deserves the warmest thanks of the christian public for this valuable compilation. If we have freely pointed out a few minor faults, we do not the less appreciate its excellence and value; and we doubt not that all intelligent Sunday school teachers will agree with us, that that will be a memorable era in the history of Lord's-day instruction, when every school shall be furnished with the apparatus which Mr. Mimpriss has made so accessible, and every teacher of our senior classes shall be supplied with a copy of the " Treasury Harmony."

The friend who has enabled the Tract Society to publish paragraph bibles, has certainly laboured most diligently in his object. A medium size, and a most beautiful pocket edition, the completest we know for that purpose, are already before the public. And one is now presented to it of a much larger size, with careful annotations in foot notes. In addition to the great advantages we have before pointed out as peculiar to the paragraph system, the present edition is of the size for a family bible. It is well supplied with excellent maps, and plates of objects really needing their aid, as the tabernacle, &c. The notes, though brief, are comprehensive, and are selected from the devouter class of critics. We have looked at several parts, and see no trace of the much denounced Germanism in them. They are thoroughly consistent with the Society's great rule of abiding by the doctrines in which the great Reformers were agreed. It would be a very serviceable addition if the annotations were referred to the verse, as well as to the words, by figures almost invisible in the text. We strongly recommend it as a family bible. We conjecture that, when completed, its price will be from fifteen to perhaps twenty shillings.

WANDERINGS OF THE RIVER OF THE WATER OF LIFE, IN THE DEVELOPMENT, DISCIPLINE, AND FRUITS OF FAITH. BY GEORGE B. CHEEVER, D.D. Pp. 332. Collins's Series.

THE MERCY-SEAT; THOUGHTS SUGGESTED - BY THE LORD'S PRAYER. BY GARDINER SPRING, D.D. Collins's Series.

Of the many series of cheap works now in course of publication, we know of none which has greater claims for support than that of Mr. Collins. It contains already nearly thirty volumes, all excellent, interesting, and beautifully "got up ;" and those before us, which are the two last published, are fully fitted, in all respects, to be placed side by side with the excellent ones which have preceded them. Dr. Cheever's "Wanderings" is characterized by all the peculiar beauties of the Doctor's former writings,in many respects we like it better than any of them. It is divided into four parts,-Christ in the mind, Christ in

the affections, Christ in the life, Christ in the soul the Hope of Glory. "The MercySeat" is a course of sixteen Lectures on the Lord's Prayer. Those of our readers who have studied, under Dr. Spring's guidance, the "Attractions of the Cross," will not need much persuasion to induce them to accompany him to the "MercySeat." We strongly recommend both these works, as elevating in their tendency, and calculated to excite, what is so much needed now-a-days, an intelligent devotional: spirit.

A SELECTION FROM THE PAPERS OF THE LATE DR. WILLIAM BEILBY, EDINBURGH. EDITED BY W. INNES. WITH A MEMORIAL SKETCH BY J. A. JAMES. Pp. 153. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

We are confident this very interesting sketch will deeply interest all our readers. We could say much more did we not intend, to insert an extract or two. One will be, found in our "Miscellaneous 29 this month, and in our next number we shall endeavour, to find room for others. Oh, that every medical man were such as Dr. Beilby!

Recent Publications.

Tract Society's Monthly Volumes: Life, and Times of Leo the Tenth, The Jordan and the Dead Sea,-Good Health, the Means. of obtaining it,-Iona.-All excellent, and fitted to sustain the character of the Series.. We are glad to find the volumes decidedly, improving, in the omission of those sermonizing lectures which readers are sure to skip.

Green's Sunday School Library: Plain Letters to the Parents of Sunday Scholars, by G. E. Sargent,-Youthful Christianity, by the Rev. Samuel Martin.-Two admira-› ble volumes in an admirable series. The latter especially adapted for presentation to the young.

Florence Arnott; or, Is she generous?— Grace and Clara; be just as well as generous.-Ellen Leslie; the Reward of SelfControl.-Charles Hamilton; or, Better Rub than Rust.-Herbert Lee; how a Boy may do good.-All these are successive volumes of Mr. Green's beautiful Juvenile Library. We do not know anywhere a series of works for the young which we could more confidently or earnestly recommend.

The Child's Book of Poetry: Original and Selected. (Religious Tract Society.)

MR. GEORGE FREEMAN. Departed this life on the 9th day of April last, Mr. George Freeman, an efficient deacon of the Baptist church at Chipperfield, aged 30 years. As he was a great admirer of "The Church," and did what he could to promote its circulation, that may be deemed a fitting vehicle for communicating a brief outline of his life and character.

Mr. Freeman's native place was Watford, where he passed his childhood. quently he removed to Boxmoor, then to Hatfield, and lastly to Chipperfield, at which place he spent the last seven years of his life.

His first religious impressions were received on attending a prayer-meeting held weekly at home. Conviction of sin, and of the insufficiency of morality to save, seemed at first to produce resistance in his mind. "I began," he has told me, "to hate the cottage meetings, and felt glad when the good old man's addresses came to a close." His soul was troubled until he found peace in Christ. Reserved in disposition, and thinking there was much of what he then called cant in religious experience, he kept his anxieties to himself. "I often shrank from my old uncle's gaze, lest he should ask me a question relative to the state of my heart." At or about this time revival meetings were held at Watford, in connection with the Baptist church under the pastoral care of the Rev. E. Hull. The marked calmness manifested on these special occasions, attracted the searching notice of our departed friend. "Few men," he was wont to say, "could conduct revival meetings like Mr. Hull. I could not withstand any longer such pathetic appeals to the conscience and the heart. Twenty of us were brought in at one time, baptized, and received into the church."

He now began to redeem lost time by application to reading, and to works of love. Imparting instruction to the young, however, was his element. Referring to this, he has often affirmed that the happiest period of his life was spent with congenial fellowworkers in the Sunday school at Boxmoor, a sphere to which he removed soon after his conversion.

On the eve of marriage, seven years ago,

As a deacon, he felt it more binding on him than ever to visit the flock of Christ, and also ungodly persons who were afflicted. He was particularly fitted for visitation, though he thought not; and his visits were made useful, under the Divine blessing, to not a few, both saints and sinners.

His last illness was short and severe. Only seven days he lingered in pain without a murmer, and departed. Knowing his sentiments on dying testimonies, I asked him few questions relating to his state. The peace and prosperity of Zion appeared to occupy a large space in his heart. Almost all his enquiries related to the church, the school, and the out-stations. On my requesting him to inform me if he regretted so much labour as he had passed through, he replied, "No, no, were I to begin again I would do more. I have no regrets on that point. All I regret is, my poor nervous infirmity which permitted me to do no more for Him who did so much for me. I hope, if it please the Lord to raise me again, to pass through life's chequered scenes with more resignation and tranquillity of soul.", His confidence in God, through much suf fering of body, was remarkable to the last. One quarter of an hour before his departure, he looked at me (his breathing was very short) and said, "This is hard work, is it not? but it is just over." He looked a second time, and stretching out his hand, he added, in the words he was accustomed

to use when we separated for a season, "Good bye-good bye." Those present said, "Farewell, brother; think of us when you are in the other world;" and he departed.

His death was improved at Chipperfield on the following Lord's-day, and at Watford on the Sabbath following. Both places were too small to contain the concourse of friends who came to bear testimony to the truth, "The memory of the just is blessed."

Possessing neither a strong body nor mind, Mr. Freeman's strength seemed to consist in a true adjustment of the powers of both, and communion with God. He thought, communed, and acted systematically. He was an intelligent, discerning, progressive christian. His religion was neither of the soaring nor of the groveling kind. He mingled with the world, but remained separate from it. His views were large and free from sentimentalism. His antipathy to every thing in character or writing savouring of despotism, monopoly, or uncharitableness, led him, two years ago,

to discontinue the circulation of certain periodicals, and to increase, in their stead, that of magazines and papers of a better taste and spirit. He communed at home and abroad with the Invisible. On a journey, in which he accompanied me, he was wont to retire every morning after breakfast and spend some time in meditation and prayer. Oh, that christians did but feel that the grand secret, in all ages, of the church's power, is closet fellowship with God!

In conclusion, it is worthy of observation how much good, under God, may be accomplished by a person of small talent and opportunity, with simplicity and earnestness of mind. The Master asks what he gives, no more. In approval, He once said of a poor woman's devotion, "She hath done what she could." And He has been pleased, by way of encouragement, to grant to His devoted ones the anticipation of His approbation in the last great day: "Inasmuch as thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

ANECDOTE OF DR. BEILBY.-On one occasion, having been called to attend a young lady in consumption, he embraced an early opportunity of informing her of her danger, and of the probability of her illness, ere long, terminating fatally. He begged her solemnly to enquire of herself, if she was prepared to die; and spoke seriously to her on the importance of being ready for the summons of death. During his conversation, she exhibited signs of displeasure and disrelish for the subject, and he was obliged to leave her without any good impression being apparent. On his next visit, he was received with great coldness by his patient, who could hardly be induced to answer even the ordinary questions he addressed to her concerning her ailments. Not knowing the cause of this, he enquired of her friends in an adjoining room, "What makes Miss

so reserved and shy to-day; she will scarcely even speak to me ?"when he was told, "Oh, Dr. Beilby, she was much hurt by your speaking to her as you did yesterday; she considered it quite uncalled for, and begs that in future you will confine your conversation in her room to professional and commonplace topics, and avoid that of religion." On hearing this, he endeavoured to recollect in what terms he had spoken to her, and put the questions to his conscience -"Did I do right or wrong? If I were again

placed in similar circumstances, should I act differently, or repeat the same conduct?" Having answered these questions to himself, as his high sense of responsibility dictated, he returned to the invalid's chamber, and, after giving her some general directions with regard to her medicine and treatment, he prepared to leave the room; but, on reaching the door, he once more looked back, and ventured, in spite of his late rebuff, to say-" Is not that a blessed truth which God reveals to us in his own word, that The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses from all sin?"" Then, without adding another word, he closed the door, leaving the young lady alone. The following day, to his joyful surprise, on entering his patient's room, he received a most cordial welcome. She stretched out her hand, and said "Come in, Dr. Beilby; I am very glad to see you. I shall always be happy to see you now." He was pleased, but astonished; and asked her-"What had produced so marvellous a change in her mode of receiving him ?" when she replied-" Ah Doctor, when you spoke to me of death, I could not bear it, for I felt I had lived all' my life for pleasure, and, in prospect of death, I had no comfort; but when you told me of a Saviour, who is able and willing to cleanse me from all sin, then my heart rejoiced, and I could look forward without