The Abbey of S. Mary, Newbottle. By the Rev. J.
C. Carrick, D.D. (G. Lewis and Co., Selkirk.)—Dr. Carrick contents himself with two spellings of the name "Newbottle" for grand occasions, so to speak ; "Newbattle" for common use. There were thirty- sir available, and Newbottle seems to have the best authority, "bottle" being equivalent, it would seem, to the Latin villa. The Abbey, which belonged to the Cistercian Order, was founded by David I. in 1140. It became by degrees a very wealthy founda- tion. The catalogue of " Estates and Properties " in chap. 6 is of the most imposing kind. Besides the whole of the Newbattle Valley and other domains in the neighbourhood, the monks had possessions in Leith and Edinburgh ; they had salt-works, and they did a great business in coal-mining. Nothing is known about the internal history of the community. The succession of Abbots has been preserved,—Dr. Carrick, who is a most kindly historian, humorously remarks on the frequency with which the cellarer was elected. Of these Abbots we hear nothing but what is good. No visitations seem to have been preserved, or we might have had, it is possible, some variety to the unbroken peace of the story. Dr. Carrick tells us about many things besides the Abbey. He gives an account of his predecessors in the ministry, and of other persons connected more or less closely with the place. Distinguished among these is Robert Leighton, who was ordained to the pastorate in 1641. He remained for eleven years, and did much of his literary work. In 1653 he resigned, giving ill-health as his reason, but really wearied out by the strife of party. Some interesting records of his relations with his neighbours and fellow-ministers are given. But the most important link between the man and the place is to be found in "Leighton's Newbattle Library." Of his books, thirty-one are preserved, and are handed down to successive incumbents. Some of these were given to him by the Earl of Lothian ; others he purchased. Dr. Carrick's industry and learning are deserving of all praise. They would, however, have been more easily appreciated if he had given us an index. The " Contents," too, are of the most meagre kind,— nothing more than the headings of the twenty-seven chapters which constitute the book.
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