28 SEPTEMBER 1889, Page 23

The Church of Scotland in the Thirteenth Century. By William

Lockhart. (Blackwood and Sons.)—Mr. Lockhart deals with his subject by telling his readers what is known of the life of an active Churchman of the thirteenth century, David de Bernham, who was Bishop of St. Andrews during the period 1239-1253. This prelate was put into the See somewhat against the will of the electors, whose choice had fallen upon some one else ; but he seems to have approved himself by his conduct in his office. He was particularly active in the consecration of ,churches. Among these is an interesting instance of the "Church of the Holy Trinity, Berwick, reconciled after the shedding of blood." Two " scoloc,s " (clerici sclwlares) had a quarrel, and the end of it was that one of them took refuge in the church, and was there murdered by his adversary. The church, thus polluted by the shedding of blood, could not be used till it had been "reconciled." Happily, the manners of our modern theological scholars are of a milder type. Mr. Lockhart adds some interesting chapters on cognate subjects, as " The Rise of the Mendicant Orders " and "Mediaeval Missions and Preaching." Here and there the Latin quotations need a little correction.