16 FEBRUARY 1889, Page 27

Illustrated Notes on English Church History. Vol. II., "Its Refor-

mation and Modern Work." By the Rev. C. Arthur Lane. (S.P.C.K.)—When we say that Mr. Lane is one of the lecturers of the Church Defence Institution, it will be guessed what line he takes. That the Church is a national institution, continuous with that which has stood in these realms from the early days of Christianity, and that it has not lost its title to respect, but has rather strengthened it by energetic performance of its work, is the chief topic of these notes.—With this may be mentioned a somewhat similar volume, Tell Us Why ? by Gertrude Heath (Sampson Low and Co.), " a book for children, explanatory of some of the customs and ceremonies of the Church of England."