The One Mediator ; the Operation of the Son of
God in Nature and in Grace. By Peter Goldsmith Medd, MA., the Bampton Lecture for 1882. (Rivingtons.) —Mr. Medd has got hold of a great and true conception, but has failed adequately to work it out. The truth is, that his theme obtains clearer expression, and, paradoxical as it may seem, a fuller statement, in the brief preface than it does in the lectures themselves. The lectures are full of discussions which to us
are irrelevant, and even when they are relevant contribute little to the the progress of the discussion. On the other hand, the statement in the preface leaves little to be desired. No doubt, the preface was the part which was last written, and when it fell to be written, Mr. Medd's theme and purpose had become clear to himself, and could be clearly stated. But the transition from the clearness of view and definite- ness of aim set forth in the preface, to the indefinite and lengthy dis- cussions of the lectures, comes with somewhat of a shock upon the reader. Nor can it be said that Mr. Medd, in his treatment of Old- Testament topics, has added anything to our knowledge. On the contrary, his attitude to these questions belongs for the most part to the era which preceded scientific exegesis of the Old Testament. There are some things, notwithstanding, which are worth attention. The discussion in the first two lectures is the best and the most mature, as the discussion of the Theophanics is the most unsatisfactory ; while the discussion on the Apocalypse, and the identification of the Mystic Babylon with Jerusalem, may be set down as a "pious opinion." If Mr. Medd were to rewrite his book, condense it, and lift the work as a whole to the height reached in the preface, he would do a great service to theology. As the book stands, that service has yet to be done.
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