Lancashire Idylls. By Marshall Mather. (F. Warne and Co.)— Mr.
Mather sketches here with much force, with some humour, and more pathos—for the subject lends itself to pathos rather than to humour—a portion of life among the Lancashire moors which had for its centre a Nonconformist chapel, Machpelah by name. In the first chapter we are introduced to Mr. Penrose, the new minister ; in the last Mr. Penrose brings home his young wife. Now and then we have a glimpse of theology, as in the argument between the young pastor and the old on Calvinists. " I am a Calvinistic Universalist," cries at last the younger dis- putant. His adversary must have kept his counsel, or certainly he would not have tarried long enough to bring home a wife. These " Idylls " are well worth reading. They are true pictures of life, drawn by a hand that has sympathy as well as skill.
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