The Imperial Bible Dictionary. Edited by Rev. P. Fairbairn, D.D.
Illustrated by numerous engravings. 2 vols. (Blackie and Son.) — One's first impulse on looking at these two handsome volumes is to wonder why so much labour and capital should have been expended on a new Bible dictionary. It is the fourth work of the kind that we have had before us within a very limited period, and amongst the four is the elaborate publication edited by Dr. Smith, which might have been supposed adequate to the requirements of at least this generation. Bat Dr. Fairbairn has anticipated our perplexity, and informs us that, after mature deliberation, it has been determined that there is still room for a Bible dictionary constructed on sound principles of Scriptural inter- pretation. And Rev. J. Morgan, D.D., of Belfast, who contributes his mite to a great mass of testimony in favour of the work, elucidates the statement by the remark that there has been a false liberality in the admission of erroneous views in the best Bible dictionaries. Our readers will easily understand from this what they may expect to find in these volumes ; excellent botanical, zoological, and topographical articles, and such criticism as can be produced by good and able men who would think that there was something wrong with them spiritually, if they were allowed to come to any other than the so-called orthodox conclu- sion. Let us, however, do full justice to the care and labeur that have been bestowed upon the work ; where doctrinal prejudices do not in- terfere, the information is unimpeachable ; the printing, too is admir- able, and the illustrations, both wood and steel, deserve especial notice. The former, lavishly interspersed through the text, and very neatly executed, "include representations of plants and animals, of the more notable scenes and places, of Eastern garbs and manners, and of the remains of ancient skill and handicraft connected with domestic, social, and religious life." The steel plates, representing the more interesting towns and landscapes, some twenty in number, reflect the highest credit upon both artist and engraver ; all are good, and some of remark- able merit. We have been particularly pleased with the Mount Sinai of Mr. Walton, the Pozzuoli of Mr. Leitch, the Antioch of Mr. Warren, the ruins of Camarea of Mr. Bough, and the Ephesus (restored) of Mr. Falkener ; but we dare say that this selection might be challenged. Of the freshness and attractiveness of the whole body there can be no doubt; and people who, like the Archbishop of Canterbury, consider that the difficulties of the present day were all settled long ago by Arch- bishop 'Usher, could not do better than provide themselves with the Imperial Bible Dictionary, from which, skipping the critical articles, that may in their case be taken for read,' they can derive nothing but pleasure and profit. Indeed, the illustrations will, we have no doubt, attract many purchasers who may object to the strong Scotch flavour of the doctrinal statements, and think the statement that "Biblical criticism is stained with sin" a hard saying.
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