The Trackless Way. By E. Rentoul Esler. (Brimley Johnson. 6s.) — This
book can hardly fail to remind the reader of a certain famous novel. Mr. Gideon Horville is a Presbyterian minister, not an Anglican ; his mentor is not a sceptical squire, but a stone-breaker; he does not resign, but is deprived; he does not found a Theistic Church, but becomes agent to the stone- breaker, who turns out to be an Earl in disguise. The end of all is a sort of phalanstery, where the wife who has left him and he live on somewhat unusual terms. The book shows no little ability ; the conversations are often brilliant; the description of the meeting of the Presbytery is particularly good. But there are, we think, grave faults. The story of the book that really is written by the stone-breaking Earl, but is published in Heroine's name, is an extravagance ; and the portrait of the editor of the religious periodical is sure to be labelled. It is distinctly spiteful, as is also what is said about missionaries. Has Mrs. Rentoul Esler ever heard of Valpy French, and Patteson, and Paton ? They did not come home after two years' ineffectual service on the plea of their wives' ill-health.
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