Foreign Missions: What They have Done and How They may
be Extended. By Alfred Beer. (Robert Culley. 2s, ad. net.)— There is information to he derived from this volume ; and no one certainly feels any doubt about the zeal of the author. We cannot but think, however, that there is some narrowness in his views. It is quite true, for instance, that the centuries which followed the beginnings of Christianity showed a decline. Surely there vere missionary efforts between the Apostolic or sub. Apostolic days and the Reformation, "A ray of light fell upon St. Francis," says Mr. Beer. That is the first name mentioned in Church history. But the men who brought the Gospel—not exactly, it is true, in Mr. Beer's chosen form—to the nations of Northern Europe might have had a word of appreciation. Did no ray of light fall on Patrick, and Aldan, and Columba, and Boniface, and Ulphilaa ? And is it wise to speak of the Indian caste system as "one of Satan's masterpieces" P It is certainly not conciliatory.
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