"The Interpreter's Commentary on the Epistles" (Hodder and Stoughton) is,
as far as we know, a new series. If so, it begins well with The Epistles to the Corinthians, by J. E. McFadyen, D.D., 6s. Dr. McFadyen prints the text of the Authorized Version, but supplies a translation of his own, which is distinguished from the notes and comments which accompany it by the bold type in which it is printed. The arrangement is a very convenient one, saving much space, to mention one of the advantages. A commentator on the Corinthian Epistles has to deal with many difficulties. There is something very personal and local about them. A private letter is much more difficult to interpret long after the occasion that called it forth has passed away than a despatch would be. Then, again, much that is to be found in the letters was written in answer to letters which have dis- appeared. These difficulties Dr. McFadyen meets fairly and well. We cannot go into details, but we commend the book to our readers. Perhaps the most doubtful passage in the Epistles is the allusion to the practice of baptizing for the dead. Dr. McFadyen regards this reference as a skilful occupation by the Apostle of his readers' position. We need not suppose that he saw any great value in this attempt to benefit the departed, but he uses it as an argument. If you believe that the dead benefit by this ceremony it is clear that you believe in the continued existence to which the dc trine of the resurrection testifies.
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