A History of Lay Preaching in the Christian Church. By
John Telford. (Charles H. Kelly.)—This is one of the series entitled "Books for Bible Students." It is, as its title indicates, mainly historical, but the very fact of the wide extent of the practice which it describes is a plea for its utility, we may say its necessity. Rome has not permitted its rigorous theories of sacerdotal powers to hinder the utilisation of the enthusiasm and genius of laymen. "Rome," as Dr. Jessopp, quoted by Mr. Telford, puts it, "has never been afraid of fanaticism." Angli- canism, hitherto more timid, is learning courage, and a book of this kind cannot fail to be of use. There is, of course, a very probable mistake to be avoided. An old friend of the writer of this notice used to say that one of the commonest errors of the day was the infallibility of the laity." It is not to be supposed that a lay preacher is eloquent and effective ex vi termini. On the whole, the professional preacher will do his work best, as other professionals do. But there are distinguished amateurs in this as in other things, and it is a grievous loss if their abilities cannot be utilised.
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