Dr. A. Smythe Palmer's essay on "Jacob at Bethel" is as fearless as it is learned; he has no hesitation in accepting purely natural explanations for the famous vision of Jacob narrated in the twenty-eighth chapter of Genesis. The basis of this dream is to be found in circumstances with which Jacob must have been familiar-the celestial ladder was no other than a Babylonian Ziggurat, or terraced mound, upon the summit of which was the house of the mountain god. Much curious information is given as to the origin of these structures and their influence on the language of the Bible. The stone which formed the pillow upon which the wanderer rested also comes in for its share of attention, and we are reminded of the important part played by stones in old religions and the frequent reference to Jehovah as a Rock in the Old Testament. Few Christians probably bear in mind that the very name of their religion has reference to the ancient custom of anointing with oil, and about this Dr. Palmer has much that is instructive to tell.

The book is a valuable contribution to Biblical literature, and throws a flood of light upon much that appears obscure in the Hebrew writings. -"The Westminster Review," Volume 152.