6 AUGUST 1887, Page 26

The Vocation of the Preacher. By E. Paxton Hood. (Hodder

and Stoughton.)—Mr. Hood was an easy writer, who, with many ex. cellences, was perhaps chargeable with the fault of superabundance and prolixity. This volume is an excellent specimen of his manner. The personal and biographical element is largely intermingled with plenty of shrewd and wise observation, and with an earnestness and devotion which make the whole instinct with life. Mr. Hood, without reaching the first rank of preachers, had many qualities of greatness as a speaker. As a lecturer and essayist he had a gift of copious and felicitous illustration. Humour never failed him ; he had a wide sympathy, which was but little affected by theological and ecclesiastical differences. Altogether, this volume, though some- what lengthy, will well repay perusal.