have done, and which the volume on "Predestination" sufficiently attests. It was for definite views on Baptismal Regeneration he was apparently searching, when he came across Augustine's master-thought, the doctrine of Predestination. It captivated his metaphysical mind, and the result was the massive treatise upon it.

The method adopted in this great work is metaphysical, and rightly so. We should like to know how such a subject as Original Sin, on which the doctrine of Predestination rests, can be treated with any degree of thoroughness without metaphysics. A transatlantic theologian, Dr. Shedd, has asserted-that it is owing to the neglect of the metaphysical side of this subject that theology has made so little progress in this department for a hundred years. Mozley's method is, therefore, the proper one for reaching any real grip of such a subject. He seems, indeed, to hesitate between a thorough-going Angustinianism and a modified recognition of human freedom; yet his sympathies all lie with Augustine, and he is careful to note that all the greatest schoolmen are on Augustine's side.

Some will wish that his position were less cautious and hesitating, but we are strongly of opinion that Mozley's book will help materially to determine other minds in this controversy. Edward's treatise on "The Freedom of the Will" has been found fault with for giving no adequate place for the establishment of human responsibility, and has even afforded a man like Huxley somewhat of a handle in insinuating the automatic and purely passive position of man. Mozley, with a century of more recent experience than Jonathan Edwards, has kept his eye upon such possible uses of the doctrine, and has guarded against them. We read the work years ago in the first edition, and rejoice that a second edition has been called for.

But, before leaving this doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration, as held by Dr. Mozley, we must ask attention to the fact that he believed in the regeneration, when successful, being due to the physical act. While denying success in all cases because the subsequent life disproves it, he believed in sacramental success in some cases. Now, what is this sacramental success? We are anxious to show that it amounts to nothing less than the assumption of a physical miracle. Baptismal Regeneration, Transubstantiation and Consubstantiation all imply that through certain mechanical processes spiritual results are obtained. The rationale of these doctrines comes to be this, that sinners are tempted to look to sacraments instead of to the Saviour for salvation. All assumption of mystery in these ordinances will not prevent us reaching this clear outcome of Sacramentarianism as such. Dr. J. Macleod Campbell, in his little book on “Christ, the Bread of Life," has put this beyond

question. But our reason for asking attention to this point is, that it prepares us for Dr. Mozley's position in handling the subject of Miracles. If a divine really believes that a certain physical process in baptism or in the eucharist produces spiritual and saving results, then he is pledged on the point of the continuance of miracles. It would be interesting to inquire how far Sacramentarian views have entered into the question of the credibility of Miracles and confused the argument.

The Bampton Lecture of 1865, by Dr. Mozley, on "Miracles" gives us about the best specimen of a thoroughly philosophic style with which we are acquainted. Besides, this training upon Predestination constituted an admirable preparation for the treatment of the credibility of Miracles. For, curiously enough, it is this idea of Predestination which supplies the best answer to the scientific objections taken to Miracles. The "Reign of Law" is a predestination which either includes freedom, or reduces everything to automatism. The question in debate, therefore, is, "Are we necessitated to suppose that the Reign of Law' is only a dead uniformity, admitting of no real volition, whether human or Divine; or, does it include freedom, both human and Divine, of which last Miracles are presumably the manifestation?" The scientific objectors to the credibility of Miracles really assume that a Reign of Law" has been so predetermined by some conclave of gods or atoms as to exclude all spontaneity properly so called. We may be conscious of our freedom, but scientific assumption overrides self-consciousness and gives the lie direct to the testimony of

our nature.

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Now, Dr. Mozley, in his volume, addresses himself to the particular point of determining on what this tyrannical, enslaving" Reign of Law" rests. Where is the scientific certainty that all things will continue as they are even for another day? We may have a presumption that they shall so continue, but there can be no absolute necessity. The imagination, Dr. Mozley shows, gets over-impressed by the spectacle before it, and builds a certainty out of what is, after all, but a presumption.

Of course, such analysis of inductive science, which relegates high-sounding assurances to the region of imagination, and administers a caution to our times, could not be received calmly. But it is significant that the notice of Mozley's work, which Prof. Tyndall published in the Fortnightly Review, and which he has republished in his "Fragments of Science," does not deal with this portion of the Bampton Lecture at all. Unfortunately, Dr. Mozley proceeds, after his admirable demonstration of the uncertainty of inductive science, to speak of special providences as "invisible miracles." His argument did not

require this. The astute physicist seized the advantage thus given him, and maintained that if the quasi-miraculous now exists, it should be capable of verification; which, not being the case, throws suspicion upon the whole series of Miracles.

The reply of Dr. Mozley to Prof. Tyndall has unfortunately not received the attention it deserves.* It lies buried in the Contemporary Review, and was not republished in his " Essays," although much more important than several which do appear. It received no reply from the Professor, we presume because he had none to give. The answer was briefly this: He takes up the sinlessness of Christ. He shows that this possesses all the strange characteristics of a breach of continuity. "Scripture is a succession of saintly biographies all upon one type, the penitential. By a sudden transition, there springs up one solitary instance of a completely opposite type which vanishes and never reappears. Of this sinlessness of Jesus Christ Miracles were the concurrent proof along with the sublime life He led. The sublime life was insufficient of itself to prove it; the Miracles, again, were insufficient of themselves, but both combined to substantiate the sinlessness.

This reply, the full beauty of which cannot be conveyed in the few lines here devoted to it, helps us to understand the power and the weakness of the volume. Mozley was under no under no necessity to contend for the miraculous now. Special providences do not necessarily enter into and should not embarrass the question of Miracles. We concede that of the miraculous we have now no evidence: therefore to contend that we have is only to lay ourselves open to the assaults of sceptical science; but we contend as strenuously that of the miraculous in Scripture times there was abundant evidence. We contend in the very same way that we have no literature in recent centuries to be compared with what we call the Scriptures; but the Miracle of literature eighteen centuries ago is not discredited by the un-miraculous literature of to-day.

* Since our paper was written we are glad to see it has been republished in a final volume of "Essays."

The whole debate must resolve itself into a question of testimony.

Miracles, when regarded in the light of Predestination, become part and parcel of the great argument of Design. We find, therefore, in the most natural way, that Dr. Mozley proceeds, in 1869, to grapple with the "Argument of Design," as impugned by the Darwinian hypothesis, and especially by such a writer as the late George Henry Lewes. It is republished from the Quarterly Review in his essays, and will repay perusal. We can believe that his discussions when a boy with Herbert Spencer's father pre pared him for intelligently grappling with the philosophy of which the son is the most distinguished expositor. Mozley's essay will help t dissipate a large amount of unclear thinking which has gathered round the subject. Anothe essay on "Causation " prepared for the Christian Evidence Society is eminently worthy of the great metaphysical thinker.

We have already spoken in high terms of his "University Sermons," published in 1876. We can well understand how his defective delivery prevented his audiences from realising what a masterly theologian was before them. His "O Testament Lectures," published in 1877, are still more compact pieces of theology. They grapp with Old Testament morality in a bold and successful fashion. No one can discuss tho roughly the moral difficulties of the Old Testa ment without consulting these lectures and profiting by them. The posthumous volume of "Sermons Parochial and Occasional," though of a much lighter cast than the preceding, yet contains many interesting and precious bits analysis.

We have now completed our review. We regard the nine or ten volumes of Canon Mozley as about the ablest theological efforts of the present century. We do not agree with some of his positions, but we admire greatly the ability and style of all his work. We may gain a distinctive view from the volumes of what theolo gical thinking should be, if the questions whi now exercise men's minds, are to be adequately dealt with.

R. MCCHEYNE Edgar, M.A.

OR, HOW

Sure, He that made us with such large discourse, Looking before and after, gave us not,

CHAPTER I.

A TEMPTING OFFER.

0

you have made up your mind to accept that very complimentary offer, have you, Estella ?"

"Quite. It didn't take me long to decide, when once I found that you had no objection."

"I do not think I had any right to object," returned the young man ; "I knew pretty well in which direction your wishes tended; and this unlookedfor means of earning a livelihood presented itself just when you were in search of some line that you might follow without demeaning yourself. It really looked as if your course were marked out."

"That was just what I thought. And I am sure, Alfred, it's a much pleasanter line to take than that of teaching. I should be a bad hand at giving lessons, for I haven't half patience enough.'

"As for that," returned the brother, "one's patience is tried in almost every calling; and I don't expect you'll find it all smooth sailing in yours. The managers of concerts and public amusements of all sorts are sometimes hard taskmasters."

"Be that as it may," said Estella, "I shall have the satisfaction of following day by day the occupation which has been my greatest delight from childhood." And there was such a sparkle of joy in the girl's dark eyes, as she uttered these words, that Alfred could not but feel proud of her; and there flashed before his mind's eye a vision of the success which seemed already half promised to the young aspirant to artistic fame.

Estella Nares had been an orphan for the last year, and since the death of her second parent, had lived with her brother, who was clerk in a large firm in one of the midland counties. Their means were scanty, but they contrived together to rent a small villa residence

In

on the outskirts of the town. It was a bright day for Alfred (so he thought) when his sister joined him; for he was fond, and not a little proud of her. Besides, he anticipated that the neat little home, all to themselves, would be far more cheerful than bachelor's lodgings. disposition these two differed widely: for Alfred, though always happy in himself, was somewhat grave, while Estella was vivacious, and almost frolicsome. Now and then it actually crossed her mind that he was a dull companion for her; but she always reproved herself for such a thought, and tried to remember what a dear good brother he was, and how devoted to her interests.

Estella had not lived many months at Playborough before it became known that she had great musical talent, as well as a strong and telling voice. Such gifts were not likely to remain long dormant in a place which was, in fact, a sort of musical centre. Possessing its hundred thousand inhabitants, and lying at a vast distance from the metropolis, it was the very town in which public entertainments were sure to answer. And for nothing was there a greater demand than for concerts. Occasionally artists from the London opera houses came down; but the risk involved in engaging them was too great for any local manager to incur more than once or twice in the year. There was, however, a resident music-publisher who conceived a plan for starting a perpetual round of concerts, to be held at Playborough and other towns within a limited distance. For this purpose he secured whatever native talent was available, always supplying deficiencies with third and fourth-rate singers from London.

This scheme had been set on foot three or four years before Estella Nares came to keep house for her brother; and by the time that she arrived it was in a highly prosperous condition. It is hardly necessary to explain what it was that led to the discovery of her genius by the enter prising manager; enough to say that, on his suspicion being aroused, he invited her and her brother to a small gathering at his house, and there gave her the first opportunity that she

ever enjoyed of displaying her abilities before a Playborough audience.

Not naturally timid, the girl of twenty did herself full justice; and, without the faintest idea of the honour in store for her, felt not a little pleased by the remarks which fell upon her ear in passing from one speaker to another. Alfred, too, was elated, especially when Mr. Joynes himself came up to him, and inquired if his sister's talent were hereditary. "Undoubtedly it is," he replied. maternal grandmother was a great singer." "I should say that your sister had been well taught," returned Mr. Joynes.

"My

"She had good lessons continuously for six months, and made the most of them. That was just at the time when her voice was formed. My father could not afford to give her all the advantages that he desired."

Indeed. I think I have heard that your father was a builder; was that the case?" "Yes, he was a builder; and, unfortunately, one is liable to great losses in that business."

"And in many others," added the publisher, with a short laugh. Then, at a hint from his wife, he gave his arm to one of the guests, and led the way downstairs to the supper-room.

A sumptuous repast was spread on a wellappointed table. Chickens, ham, and lobstersalad; creams and jellies; and there was goodly show of plate. Of wines there was a delicate assortment, sherry, port, moselle, and

hock.

a

Perhaps it was policy in Mr. Joynes to let it be seen that he was a prosperous man. And (to do him justice) he had the further motive of genuine hospitality. When he gathered his friends together he liked to treat them well, and treating them well meant, in his estimation, giving them plenty of choice viands and beverages.

The party became very merry over the supper table, while conversation ran chiefly upon the events of the musical world. Here Estella felt herself at a loss. She had seen and heard little in her young life, and the very names of many noted performers were unknown to her. Her next neighbour, a young man with a supercilious air, and the deepest of bass voices, put on a contemptuous smile, because she inquired, in her innocence, what instrument John Thomas played.

"You'll be asking next," said he, in a most conceited tone, "what voice Mr. Draper has ;" himself being the veritable Mr. Draper, of Playborough renown. Need we say that the young man would not have made so foolish a remark at the commencement of supper; and that several glasses of wine usually had the effect of making him commit absurdities, of which even he would have been ashamed at any other time?

Alfred Nares saw that some of the guests were becoming jovial, and thought it high time to retire. Glancing across to his sister, he rose from his seat; and she was about to follow him, when the host bade her not to hasten away.

"Thank you," she replied, "but we always keep early hours, and it is now on the stroke of twelve.

"But we shall want another song when we return to the drawing-room; you mustn't disappoint us."

Estella wavered; but in a moment Alfred was by her side, telling her that she must not be tempted. She was young and inexperienced for such society as this; and he was resolved to shield her as far as he was able from its dangers. So she rose up, and this was the signal for several others to depart.

Estella was donning her cloak in the hall when Mr. Joynes sidled up to her, and said, in a half whisper: "How would you like to become a professional singer, Miss Nares ?"

"A professional singer ?" she exclaimed, in amazement.

"Hush! not so loud," returned the other; "there would be nothing so extraordinary in it. Many a young lady less gifted than you has earned fame and fortune on the boards before now." The poor girl coloured up at such an unlooked-for compliment, and with quivering lips, answered under her breath: "There's no other life that I should take half so much pride in."

It was Mr. Joynes' turn to colour; for he seemed to have gained his point already in this spontaneous admission by the young vocalist of her own aspirings. He had but to manage his affairs adroitly, and he might make a good thing out of her without in any way defrauding her of her due.

Good," said he; "make no mention to anyone of what I have said to you; leave it all to me; and I promise it shall not be long before you hear from me.'

Half afraid that she had let herself in for more than she ought to have done on her own responsibility, Estella replied hurriedly: "You are very good, Mr. Joynes; but I must consult my brother before I can form any plans. I was merely telling you what my own inclinations would lead me to do; but I cannot act without advice."

66

No, no, of course not. You will not be bound in any way till you give your consent. But just let me have time to devise a plan for your consideration before break silence."

you

Estella agreed; and, as she walked home that night, leaning on her brother's arm, the words "fame and fortune on the boards," kept ringing in her ears, till she was deaf to all external sounds. Alfred never for one moment