the heart of the reader. I sincerely trust that he may meet with such a measure of encouragement as to be induced to complete his plan; and I am sure that these miniature biographies of sacred personages need only to be known in order to be appreciated."

"This little cloth-covered 32mo volume, consisting of 'SEVENTY-FIVE ORIGINAL HYMNS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND UNION MEETINGS, BY JAMES K. STARLING,'"* remarked the Editor, "ought to have had our recommendation before. I regret that it should have been overlooked, as it is really deserving of the attention of the class for whom it has been specially provided. Though possessing no poetic fire, the versification of the hymns is smooth and flowing, and the sentiments are always devout and fervent."

"A very neatly got-up series of discourses," said Mrs. M., "is now in course of monthly publication, from the prolific pen of the Rev. J. Cumming, D.D. It bears the general title of SAVING TRUTHS.'t As this designation imports, the truths to be illustrated in this series are such as are regarded by all true Christians as vital, saving, essential; the denial of which is not injury, but ruin; while their acceptance, through the Holy Spirit, is life and peace and eternal rest. The seven numbers which have already appeared are pervaded by the earnestness, unction, force, and beauty of illustration, so characteristic of most of the productions of their author."

"It is a gratifying sign of the times," observed Augustus, "to find that the rapidly multiplying Christian Instruction Societies of our land are making their influence felt upon our literature. Many local journals have been started by them, which rely almost exclusively for their literary support upon the talents of their members. Besides these periodical issues, the spring of each year is now heralded by the appearance of pamphlets and volumes, in which the lectures delivered before their assemblies during the winter season are printed and presented to the public. This, as is well known, has been done now for some ten years in London; and the remarkable success of the Exeter Hall prelections seems to have encouraged the Association Committees of some of the large provincial towns to follow so good an example."

"Have you any specimens of these provincial lectures ?" asked Edward.

"Yes; here are two, which have reached me by the hands of a friend, delivered last winter before crowded audiences in

London: B. L. Green, and Sunday School Union.

+ London: J. F. Shaw.

the town of Ipswich. They are both of a more decidedly spiritual tone than it is usual to select for such occasions, and are of a very high order of excellence."

"Will you favour us with the topics?" inquired Emmeline.

"One is entitled, 'THE TRUE End of Life, and the Way TO IT BY THE REV. ISAAC LORD." This was published by special request; and well does it deserve that honour. It is particularly adapted for perusal by the many thoughtful young men employed in our large mercantile establishments. It is marked by comprehension, force, clearness, manliness, and a fraternal affectionateness that never degenerates into maudlin feebleness. I have been so much struck with the adaptability of the lecture to the religious exigencies of the present time, that I would venture to suggest to the Editor the propriety of inserting an extract from its pages in an early number of our Magazine."

"I shall be happy to accede to your wish, Augustus," replied the Editor, "having perfect confidence in the soundness of your judgment and the wisdom of your suggestions. I must defer the insertion, however, for a month or two, as it is my intention to enrich the present number with an admirable passage from its companion lecture.'

"Thank you, sir, for your ready courtesy," rejoined Augustus. "I gather, then, from your remark that you are already acquainted with the second pamphlet, by the Rev. W. Clarkson, late Missionary in India, bearing the striking inscription of THIS WORLD, OR THE NEXT?" "+

"Just so; it is a production in itself of so remarkable a character-the topic which it ably and eloquently discusses is of such momentous interest to all men-and the position of antagonism which its author assumes towards a well-known work by one of our leading Nonconformist divines, invests it with such additional claims to general attention—that it is sure to be heard of and read far beyond the locality where it was first delivered. Whilst it is my conviction that the scope of Mr. Binney's work-'Is it possible to make the Best of both Worlds?'-has been unintentionally misunderstood, and that his argument has been charged with consequences for which it is not responsible, I am nevertheless glad to see the contrary views expounded by so competent a champion as Mr. Clarkson has proved himself to be. Truth will be the gainer by the controversy."

:

* London Nisbet & Co. Ipswich: Burton.
+ London: Simpkin, Marshall, & Co.

THE FLIGHT OF CESTIUS GALLUS
AND HIS ARMY.

AN EPISODE IN THE LAST JEWISH WAR.

THE retreat of Cestius Gallus, the Roman governor of Syria, with the army under his command, after an attack on Jerusalem in which he all but succeeded in forcing a surrender, is one of the most memorable events in the Jewish war, previous to the final siege and fall of the city. It occurred A.D. 66. It may be said to be the event which, at first giving hope and exultation to the Jewish insurgents, in its consequences tended most immediately to bring the whole Roman power to bear upon Judea, and thus critically determined the fall of the city. We shall attempt briefly to describe the circumstances which led to the advance of Cestius against Jerusalem, and the humiliating and fatal retreat in which this first effort of the Roman arms resulted, in that memorable last Jewish struggle.

Although little more than thirty years had passed since the crucifixion of the Messiah, the signs were already becoming apparent that some great calamities were at hand, and that the predictions of our Lord, however improbable at the time of their being spoken, were hastening to their fulfilment. After the deposition and disgrace of Pontius Pilate, Palestine fell for a time under the direction of the Roman procurators of Syria, and thus continued during the reign of Tiberius, and that of his successor, Caligula. But Claudius, soon after his accession (A.D. 41), invested Herod Agrippa, the grandson of Herod the Great and of Mariamne, with the sovereignty of all the territories possessed by his grandfather. This is that Herod Agrippa whose splendour of appearance at Cæsarea, so soon followed by a miserable death, is recorded by the Evangelist Luke. (Acts xii.) After his death,