16 JANUARY 1886, Page 22

Golden Legends of the Olden Time. By John Stoughton, D.D.

(Hodder and Stoughton.)—Dr. Stoughton has gone to various sources for his materials, and especially to the great Acta Sanctorum of the Bollandists ; and these materials he uses on the excellent principle that he gives the legends as they stand, selecting them, of course, for their significance and beauty, and what may be called moral truth, but not subjecting them to any rationalising process. If this rule is not invariably followed, there is always good reason for departing from it ; nor is the treatment of any subject other than respectful. There are twenty-one chapters in all; St. Christopher, St. George, St. Benedict, St. Francis of Assisi are among the famous personages whose doings are described. The volume is particularly pleasing and appropriate in appearance.