14 FEBRUARY 1880, Page 24

The Fathers, for English Readers.—The Venerable Bede. By the Rev.

G. F. Browne, M.A. (S.P.C.K.)—Mr. Browne begins by bringing out very clearly the circumstances which make Bede so remarkable a man. We scarcely attach enough weight to the extraordinary fact that Bede's parents were probably in early life savages and heathens. Such a development in the course of a single generation is indeed marvellous. The familiar facts of Bcde's life are well told, and there is an excellent summary of his literary work. The difficult question of the miracles is treated with discretion. Altogether, Mr. Browne has made a valuable addition to this excellent series.