14 DECEMBER 1901, Page 22

In The Temple Bible" (J. M. Dent and Co.) we

have received Leviticus, edited by J. A. Paterson, D.D. Dr. Paters= adopts the conclusions at which the students of the Higher Criticism have arrived as to the date and composition of the- book. We cannot epitomise these results; but we may say generally that they will commend themselves to most persons who keep an open mind on these subjects, and do not feel them- selves bound to follow traditional opinions. Let any one look at chap. xxvi. and say which is the more likely view, that it was. written by Moses a thousand years or so before the Exile, or by one who had seen with his own eyes the miseries of that time. Take this verse, for instance : "As long as it [the land] lietla desolate it shall rest ; because it did not rest in your Sabbaths- when ye dwelt upon it."—In the same series, The Gospels- According to St. Matthew and St. Mark, edited by the Dean of Ely. Dr. Stubbs's introduction is brief and, guarded in tone, as far as the critical aspect of the subject is concerned. One sentence, however, we may quote which will command, we feel sure, a very general assent:— ,` Doubts many there have ever been, and probably ever will be, among Christians as to the meaning of the Teaching of JeSUB, and as to the particulars of what He said and did, but no one, think, who reads the story of the Gospels with a frank and sym- pathetic heart can ever really doubt much as to the tone and temper of His mind, as to the essential features of His character, as to the inherent spirit of His religion, as to the eternal charm of His unique and potent Personality."