rious journals, and have been well received. A visit to Palestine during the time of the preparation of the volume aided the author in his effort to furnish a correct geographical and topographical setting to the poem. THE IMPREGNABLE ROCK OF HOLY SCRIPTURE. By William Ewart Gladstone. Pp. 1891. 174. Cloth 35cts. New York: John B. Alden. A cheap edition of the recent valuable work, the chapters of which first appeared in the Sunday School Times, noticed at length in our last number. A DEFENCE OF JUDAISM VERSUS PROSELYTING CHRISTIANITY.¦ By Isaac M. Wise. 8vo. pp. 129. Cincinnati and Chicago: The American Israelite. 1889. Rabbi Wise announces that this book was written and published as a response to that "missionary chieftain, who took a vulgar renegade from Judaism by his hand, and appointed him a missionary to the Jews," an act which he denounces as an insult to Judaism to be most bitterly resented. From this, as well as from the the title, the reader may judge of the character of the book. The expectation excited by this, however, is in some respects happily unfulfilled. After the first chapter, the author leaves off vituperation and undertakes the discussion of the main question, why the Israelite cannot embrace Christianity. He writes from the standpoint of universal brotherhood, universal salvation and the supremacy of reason. He avows the highest respect for Judaism, Christianity, Islamism and every other religion "in harmony with the postulate of reason and the standard of conscience." He denies the doctrine of sin, and finds sinners only in "those exceptional persons who are possessed of the demon of folly," regarding sin in the same light as a defection of the mind. He agrees with Canon Taylor in the denunciation of general or special missionary work "among the so-called unconverted,” as a work which has no other result in his judgment than the increase of hypocrisy, and the annual waste of millions of dollars. Coming directly to the point at issue, he discusses the following subjects: Rejecting the Evangelical Story from Historical Motives; the Testimony of Miracles is Inadmissible; the Doctrine of Divine Immortality; Universal Salvation without the Messiah; Mundane Happiness depends on Morality, not on Christology; on Intelligence, not on Christ: No Christology in Moses, in Isaiah, in Jeremiah, in Psalms, in Zechariah. As a "reformed Israelite" he argues for what he calls "denationalized Judaism," a principle already partly realized in Christianity, the Islam, the philosophemes of most prominent philosophers, the government of free nations, reign of freedom, etc., as the only religion that will secure man's present and eternal happiness. This, he argues, was what the prophets preached and predicted. The book is valuable as being a bold, defiant, outspoken attack from an able enemy upon the outposts of Christianity, and it will be well for all to read it who would intelligently understand and appreciate the work of missions to the Jews and its special difficulties. SEMITIC PHILOSOPHY: Showing the Ultimate, Social and Scientific Outcome of Original Christianity in its Conflict with Surviving Ancient Heathenisin. By Philip C. Friese. Pp. 247. Chicago: S. C. Griggs & Company. 1890. This is a curious book, hard to be understood. Its subject is the Semitic Philosophy, and this is discussed and applied in six chapters. The first seeks to define this philosophy; the second, to show that it was man's original philosophy; the third deals with the doctrine and practice of the kingdom of God; the fourth sets forth the ideal written constitution; the fifth outlines the general social reformation to be effected by the Semitic Philosophy; and in the sixth, and concluding chapter, several interesting applications of this philosophy are made. The whole is a curious mixture of ill-defined philosophy, of far-fetched social theories, and of utterly false religious tenets. The Semitic Philosophy claims to be an exposition of the kingdom of God, and this kingdom is explained to consist of the doctrines of Jesus. But the whole exposition is really too absurd for serious discussion. Plato's Republic and More's Utopia are quite as true, and much more romantic reading. THE NEW INTERPRETATION; or the Scriptures Viewed in the Light of Christian Science. By George B. Day, Pastor of the Church of Christ (Scientist), Chicago. Second edition. Pp. 121. Cloth. 50 cents. Chicago: O. M. Parsons. 1889. 99.66 Eleven sermons, on "Robert Elsmere, "The Good is All,' 99 66 'Origin of Evil," "Death Abolished,' "The True and the False I," and like themes. The author puts about as good a face on his theory as it is possible to give it, and our readers who desire to see as good a presentation as can be given to it would do well to read these discourses. FAITH HEALING, A DEFENCE; or The Lord Thy Healer. By Rev. R. L Marsh, B. D. New York: Fleming H. Revell. 1890. An attempt to meet the leading philosophical and practical objections to the doctrine of "Divine Healing." It is well written, ingenious and, to the author, very satisfactory. It proves a great many general or universal laws by exceptional cases, and handles the Scriptures with a remarkably free exegetical, we should rather say, eisegetical, hand. It aptly displays the characteristics of the majority of the adherents of this notion, their zeal, earnestness, good intentions, combined with uncharitableness, narrow-mindedness, and delight in half truths. DECLARATIONS AND LETTERS ON THE VATICAN DECREES, 1869-1887. By Ignaz Von Dollinger. Authorized translation. Pp. 178. $1.25. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark. 1891. The reasons for Dr. Dollinger's leaving the Roman Catholic Church were well known, but the strenuous efforts which were made, by entreaties, solicitations, arguments, continued through many years, to bring him back into line, are not so familiar. The volume before us is an account of these, as well as a thorough vindication of his course. It forms a most interesting and instructive chapter in the history not only of the church, but of liberty of conscience. It strikingly manifests both the honesty and faithfulness of Dr. Dollinger and the dishonest arts of those who sought to make him return to the church which had excommunicated him. DISCUSSION UPON THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES TO DISAPPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. BRIGGS AS THE EDWARD ROBINSON PROFESSOR OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY IN UNION SEMINARY. Remarks of John J. McCook, a Commissioner from the Presbytery of New York. MEMORANDUM OF FACTS AND THE LAW CONTROLLING THE RELATIONS OF THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. By John J. McCook, Commissioner from the Presbytery of New York. These pamphlets will be found very valuable in the study of the celebrated Briggs case, as it appeared before the Detroit Assembly. Mr. McCook is an elder in Dr. Hall's church, and an able lawyer. His speech in the Assembly was one of the strongest made, and doubtless influenced many minds, especially among the ruling elders, by its eminently judicial treatment of the question. The "Brief," or "Memorandum of Facts and the Law," printed in legal style, with authorities everywhere cited, presents an irrefragable argument for the Assembly's right of veto in the premises and of the perfect legality of the act of the Directors in conferring that power upon the Assembly, which now, upon its first exercise, these Directors so speedily repudiate. He is especially forcible in Point I., where he shows that the Directors' original action and the Assembly's subsequent action thereupon constituted a contract upon valid considerations, and in Point IV., where he shows that this relation has been formally recognized in other and similar institutions, and in Point VII., where he argues that the "transfer" of a professor is to be regarded as "the appointment of a professor." We heartily commend these pamphlets to our readers. THE PLANTING OF THE KINGDOM. A synopsis of the Missionary Enterprise. By Philo F. Leavens, D. D. Cr. 8vo, pp. 48. Cloth. 40 cents. New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Co. 1890. A most comprehensive statement of the establishment and work of missions among the aborigines of North America, in the islands of Oceanica, in India, in lands under Mohammedan rule, in China, in Japan, in West, South, East and Central Africa, in the Dutch East Indies, and in Spanish and Portuguese America. The little volume will be of special use in simultaneous meetings, monthly concerts, etc. BITS OF PASTURE; or, Handfuls of Grass for the Lord's Hungry Sheep. Being selections from sermons of J. R. Miller. Arranged by Mary A. Butler. 16mo, pp. 255. 60 cents. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication and Sabbathschool Work. 1891. A happy selection of suggestions, helpful, comforting thoughts, one for each day of the year. An index of the subjects would have made this dainty little volume very useful for homiletic work, as well as of more practical benefit to Christians. THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL CATALOGUE OF DAVIDSON COLLEGE. 1837-1887. Under the Auspices of the Alumni Association. Edited by W. A. Withers, A. M., (class of 1883), assisted by J. H. Hill, A. M.. (1854), W. S. Lacy, D. D., (1859), W. W. Moore, D. D., (1878), and H. L Smith, A. M., (1881). 8vo, pp. 194. $1. Raleigh: E. M. Uzzell. 1891. A college catalogue rarely calls for special notice, but here is one, elegantly bound, elegantly printed, and edited with exceeding great care, that gathers up and presents the results of fifty years of college work. It is invaluable, not only to every alumnus of Davidson College, but to every one who would study intelligently the subject of denominational colleges, their necessity, their work, their results. A glance at this volume is enough to show clearly the value of such institutions. Planted in a secluded place, remote from large towns and railroads, in an agricultural region, hampered by want of funds in its earlier years, sadly crippled by the war and diminution of its endowment, it has yet gone on quietly in its work, and has sent hundreds of men into the various occupations of life, with a sound, Christian, liberal education; and, better equipped than ever in men and appliances, is now carrying on the same work. Of the five hundred and ninety-nine graduates, one hundred and eighty-one have become ministers, ninety-one teachers, sixteen college presidents and professors, eighty-one farmers and sixty-nine physicians. These facts, with many more that may be gleaned from this book, furnish an unanswerable argument for the enlarged support and increased patronage and endowment of such an institution. Church and Christian education must be provided, or the church will not do her Master's work. A FEW THOUGHts for a Young MAN. By Hon. Horace Mann. A fine, large-type edition, in fine cloth binding. 25 cts. New York: John B. Alden. 1890. One of the most eloquent and instructive lectures every delivered from an American platform. It is a classic in its way. Tens of thousands of the foremost men of America gratefully acknowledge its inspiring influence upon their lives. The present edition is a beautiful one, worthy of the literary merit of the work, though half the price of any previous edition. POWER AND WEAKNESS OF MONEY. By J. H. Worcester, Jr., D. D. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication and Sabbath-school Work. Price 50 cts. This book is timely. The influence of money in these days is tremendous and is constantly growing. The preacher's voice ought to be heard amid the babble of worldly strifes. Dr. Worcester treats of money under six different topics-the power and weakness of money; the perils of money getting; the haste to be rich; the Christian law of trade; covetousness and retribution; and money as a test of character. The discussion is calm and logical. The author recognizes the value of money and its vast possible power for good when used as a sacred trust. ALDEN'S MANIFOLD CYCLOPÆDIA OF KNOWLEDGE AND LANGUAGE. With Illustrations. Vol. 26, Neuvaines-Of; vol. 27, O'Fallon-Palmiped; vol. 28, Palmistry— Perseus. Each volume cr. 8vo., about 600 pp. New York: John B. Alden. 1891. Our frequent commendation of this work finds its justification in each succeeding volume. The twenty-eight now issued, drawing the series towards its close, embody a vast amount of information of a valuable character, accessible in no other work to those who have not a large sum to invest in the larger but not more popularly useful encyclopædias. THE PRESBYTERIAN QUARTERLY. NO. 18.-OCTOBER, 1891. 1. CALVINISM AND CONFESSIONAL REVISION.1 OUR brethren in America cannot sufficiently realize to what an extent they have excited the interest of the Dutch Calvinists by their efforts to reach a revision of their ecclesiastical symbols. There are three causes to which this interest is due. First of all, the remembrance of the ever-memorable fact that the first Reformed Christians to set foot on American soil embarked for the New World from the Netherlands. On this account, Dutch Calvinists still feel a most intimate bond of sympathy with the Reformed in America, and thank God for each token of brotherly affection by which the latter country has so repeatedly strengthened this deep-rooted attachment. In the second place, the Dutch Calvinists have hailed with great enthusiasm the development of American church-life, as called forth by the principle of a Free Church, and emulate their brethren in America in their strenuous efforts to make this only true principle victorious in the Old World as well. To which must be thirdly added, that the Dutch Calvinists fully share the conviction of their American brethren, that the symbols of the sixteenth century were the product of a battle of spirits somewhat different from that in which the church is engaged at present, and cannot, consequently, inspire us with the same enthusiasm with which they stirred the race of our fathers. For such reasons, we feel ourselves closely allied with 1 From The Presbyterian and Reformed Review, by permission. Published by special request. THEOL SEMINARY JAN & 1001 LIBRARY |