A New Work of Importance
By Editor
Every work which will help in Bible study or religious knowledge should be welcomed. Every book which is broadly planned and is yet true to the Old Book should be doubly welcomed. Such a work lies before us. It bears the title of— "The Popular and Critical Bible Encyclopedia."
It is published by the Howard Severance Company, of Chicago, in three substantial volumes, the set before us in three fourths leather. It is a Scriptural dictionary as well as an encyclopedia, defining and explaining all religious terms on Biographical, Geographical, Historical, Archeological, and Doctrinal Themes. It is well illustrated by over 600 maps and engravings. The work is edited by the Right Rev. Samuel Fallows, A.M., D.D., LL.D., assisted by Andrew C. Zenos, A.M., D.D., and Herbert Willett, A.M., Ph.D. Its list of named contributors numbers 128. One notable and helpful feature is the pronunciation of each word, the original word, the transliteration of the original, and definition, if definition is demanded. In matters of doctrine it aims to give all views where there are decided differences. For instance the article on the Sabbath was prepared by the Rev. Baden Powell of Oxford University, and "J. K.," and presents about five different views of the Sabbath question; but a supplementary article is given by W. C. Whitford on "The Seventh Day of the Week the Only Divinely Appointed Sabbath," a well-written paper. Regarding the great questions of sin, atonement, resurrection, it is Biblical; and so far as our examination has gone, on other typical articles we find it loyal to the Word, frequently and admirably refuting the views of the Higher Criticism. Its archeological information is valuable. We are glad of the work, and sincerely hope that it may have a sale worthy of its merits. The letter-press, illustrations, and binding are all that could be desired, and it is the newest encyclopedia of this character before the public.