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Religious.

TALK ABOUT BOOKS.

"What has been done can be made in "Credentials of the Gospel."* Evidone," is the line of argument dence is sought in individual experience and in the outside world; Christianity, other religions, and history are explored; objections are stated and answered. The arguments are forceful, logical, and such as to strengthen faith in the Divine Word, and to enable one the more readily to give a reason for the hope that is in him. -A book to teach boys to be, not to seem, is "Under the Lantern at Black Rocks."†

taken in "Christian Missions in the Nineteenth Century,"* to prove false the assertion frequently made, that to evangelize the pagan nations is to attempt the impossible. Away back in history it is shown how the AngloSaxons and other nations were converted by missionary efforts. Many valuable lessons are also drawn from the teachings of the past as to the best methods of this branch of Christian work. The book is an encouraging one,-especially in that it shows how mistaken and wrong efforts have been overruled for good, and how even the wrath of man has been made to praise God. A series of lectures delivered to the students of Union Theological Seminary in Bangor on the "Evidence of Christian Experience "t has been published in book form. The task set by the author for himself was that of acting as the interpreter of the best thought of the age in the department of theological investigation. Other systems of religious beliefs are examined, the good in them admitted and commended, and their fallacies pointed out. Granting to the adversaries of Christianity the same rights that he takes himself, he candidly states their objections to the Christian system, and carefully considers and fairly answers them. The work is searching, careful, strong, and sound.—Bishop Foster has ventured into a new field of investigation in his "Philosophy of Christian Experience."‡ Little reference is made in the work to the Bible, the argument being built up on self. consciousness on the soul itself. His first step is to give clear definitions of the leading terms involved; he then examines the grounds of Christian experience, traces its history, and studies its principles and elements. The clear, keen, sound arguments carry conviction with them, and the author fully realizes his hope to show that Christian experience is capable of rational interpretation and defense.—A thorough search into the question whether the Christian hope rests upon a true foundation is

*Christian Missions in the Nineteenth Century. By Rev. Elbert S. Todd, D.D. New York: Hunt & Eaton, Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. Price, 75 cts.

†The Evidence of Christian Experience. By Lewis French Stearns. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. Price, $2.00.

Philosophy of Christian Experience. By Randolph S. Foster. New York: Hunt & Eaton. Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. Price, $1.00.

Biography.

Charles Wallace French's latest history

bears for its title the magic name Abraham Lincoln. All the material in hand is admirably arranged to focus its light upon this noble man, whose great achievement in erasing slavery from America gives him a sacred place in history like that of Moses; whose insight and activity in national affairs rank him with the world's greatest rulers, and whose individual life offers a shining example that does not tarnish with time. theme is handled ably, almost reverently, in a style direct and unobtrusive, sometimes welling forth in conspicuous beauty. The book is one to develop rapidly one's bump of acquisition.

This favorite

The history of "Theodoric,"|| an important character in the Story of the Nations, begins at the middle of the fifth century. This "Barbaric Champion of Civilization," born in Pannonia, is an important arbiter in the destiny of Italy. The hero of a series of brilliant exploits, he was the son of Theudemir, one of the chiefs of the Ostrogoths settled on the banks of the Danube. At the age of eight years he was sent as hostage to the court of Constantinople. Finally he established his rule in the whole peninsula of Italy. Under his care, Italy flourished again : in agriculture, industry, literature, and art. The facts are important, are handled vigorously, concretely, and will attract the younger students of history. The trend of events is clearly shown.

-In the series Makers of America, the volume

*The Credentials of the Gospel. By Josep Agar Beet. New York: Hunt & Eaton. Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. Price, $1.00.

+ Under the Lantern at Black Rocks. By Rev. Edward
A. Rand.
Cincinnati:
New York: Hunt & Eaton.
Cranston & Stowe. Price, $1.25.

↑ Abraham Lincoln. By Charles Wallace French. New York: Funk & Wagnalls. Price, $1.50.

Theodoric, The Goth. By Thomas Hodgkin, D. C. L New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, Price, $1.50.

Fiction.

entitled "Alexander Hamilton "* treats its subIn his novel entitled "One of Our ject politically and socially, considering his caConquerors,"* George Meredith reer more especially as statesman. The time expatiates on the comedy of marriage and the itself of the events, is an attractive one in the tragedy of love when blundering circumstances history of the nation, and Alexander Hamilton's compel a person to locate love and marriage great activity, particularly in the evolution at apart. Reading character deeply, fathoming this time of a monetary system out of seeming action, motive, and caprice, the author bandies chaos, gives rise to a consideration of questions with the weaknesses and strengths of frail bumany of which are of present importance. The manity and with the reciprocal evolution of the book is of great historical value, and gives a one from the other. He resembles Thackeray clear insight into affairs which are wont to pre- in his mixture of narration with philosophical sent themselves as puzzles to the reader.- disquisition; these stand united and harmoniAn important addition to the series Great Ex- ously, too, with the exception of an occasional plorers is an exact and detailed account of the jar, although they do not pretend to lead tofirst circumnavigation of the globe given in con- gether. The book discloses wonderful resource nection with the biography † of Ferdinand and variety; it is deep in pathos, not wanting Magellan. This explorer's life is shown to be in sarcasm, while probes and observations fly full of noble adventure and outcome notwith- fast. In its general effect upon the reader's standing the prejudice which long has made him mind it is one of those bright books which unpopular in history, and a calm retrospect of may be defined as one which brightens.events at a time when a more generous public A charming storyt of Switzerland is reproopinion favors fealty to the good of humanity duced in a smooth translation from the French. rather than to any one country, bids fair to free It is a story which pleases by its naïveté, whose his name from any stigma of disloyalty. The scenes are laid and whose characters drawn author has been so conscientious in giving au- without exaggeration or weakening of nature, thorities and so profuse in foot-notes that the whose atmosphere is fragrant with the breath of main text has rather a dry and choppy effect, rural districts, but which pleases only to disapthough it is new and connected. The work is point, because it ends without finishing. The illustrated and beautifully mapped and indexed. reader is rudely parted forever from the friends —A charm of writing like that with which Wash- he has made in the course of the volume.—— ington Irving imbued his historical works distin- The interest in "Felicia"‡ begins to thrive in guishes Tarducci's "Life of Columbus." The the first chapter and suffers no serious relapse style is at once easy, natural, and graceful. The throughout the novel. The love story contains exhaustive search among all documents-in- a plenteous sprinkling of fun, more frivolity, cluding those of the latest discovery-relating and the whole is highly tinctured with woe. to the discovery of the New World was made Deep pathos is reached in describing the existwith the utmost pains, as the author aimed to ence of the pet of fortune and position who marrefute the charges of imposture made against ries an opera tenor. The story gathers force as the great discoverer. His proofs are so strong, it progresses and some noble thoughts are imhis arguments so incontrovertible, as to win a pressed. The opposition of one's reality to one's unanimous verdict of acquittal for the accused. ideal is shown. The general effect is one that is At the same time the Italian author is no hero- not likely to be soon forgotten.- -“An Idyl of worshiper; he makes no attempt to represent War-Times" ought to win popularity. It atColumbus as a perfect man. His narrative is a tacks the reader on both the hard and the soft faithful account of the facts of the man's life side of his nature, offering the bitterness of war and times. The translator gives the book to and the sweetness of love in all their intensity; English readers with remarkable preservation it caters to the covert desire for a wedding as a of its original tone. The illustrations are photo- climax to the story, and yet, by a judicious type reproductions of the paintings of Luigi variety in the fate of the several lovers, saves Gregori.

Alexander Hamilton. By William Graham Sumner, LL.D. New York: Dodd, Mead, and Company. Price, 75 cts.

+ The Life of Ferdinand Magellan. By F. H. H. Guillemard, M.A., M.D. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company. Price, $1.25.

* One of Our Conquerors. By George Meredith. Boston: Roberts Brothers. Price, $1.50.

A Question of Love: A Story of Switzerland. From the French of T. Combe. Boston: Roberts Brothers. Price, $1.00.

Felicia. By Fannie N. D. Murfree. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company. Price, $1.25. The Lite of Christopher Columbus. By Francesco An Idyl of War-Times. By Major W. C. Bartlett, Tarducci. Two volumes. Translated by Henry F. U. S. A. New York City: Lew Vanderpoole Publishing

Brownson.

Detroit: H. F. Brownson, Publisher.

Company.

from the satiety which usually shadows the gratification of this wish. Besides pleasant scenery and amiable characters, may be found a lesso of constancy.

Miscellaneous.

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'Adopting an Abandoned Farm”* is the name of a bright, breezy book full of escapades and amusement, that laughs alternately at city and country people, at good fortune and ill-luck, and provokes a responsive ripple of fun and sarcasm in every reader. It does not pretend to deepness or etherealness; it is a pen caricature of ideal rural life.

A beautiful "Page in the History of the West London Mission" presents the story of the

Adopting an Abandoned Farm. By Kate Sanborn. New York: D. Appleton and Company. Price, 50 cts. †The Atheist Shoemaker. By Hugh Price Hughes, M.A. New York: Hunt & Eaton. Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe. Price, 40 cts.

conversion to Christ of an atheist shoemaker. The account, which is true, is pure and touching, with no attempts at humor or romance and so simply told that a child can read and understand.

Art students will be interested in the new edition of the Art Dictionary,* which will be found available for all ordinary purposes in regard to the theory and practice of art. Its conciseness enables it to cover a very large field, the defini

tions considering all terms used in painting, sculpture, architecture, etching, engraving, heraldry, etc. The book is attractive in appearance, printed in good, clear type, and is profusely illustrated. The lucidity and brevity of explanation and the excellent authorities for

the information contained render it a reliable reference book.

Adeline's Art Dictionary. Translated from the French, and Enlarged. New York: D. Appleton and Company. Price, $2 25.

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT NEWS

Professor Lebarron

HOME NEWS.-July 1. Russell Briggs made dean of Harvard College in place of Clement Lawrence Smith, resigned.

July 2. Tornadoes in Iowa and Missouri.Prince George of Greece entertained at Delmonico's by the Greek residents of New York. July 3. Railroad accident at Ravenna, Ohio. Nineteen killed and twelve injured.

July 4. Death of Ex-Vice-President Hannibal Hamlin. -Re-union of the Army of the Potomac at Buffalo, N. Y.

July 6. A gift of $500,000 to the University of Chicago, from the estate of Wm. B. Ogden.

July 7. Convention of Young People's Societies of Baptist Churches in Chicago.-State Teachers' Association opens at Saratoga.

July 9. Opening of the Tenth Annual Convention of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor in Minneapolis. Southern Educational Association at Lookout Mountain. July 11. Program for the dedication of the World's Fair agreed upon.

July 12. Destructive forest fires in Mich gan. July 14. The Afro-American National League meets in Knoxville.

July 15. The opening session of the National Temperance Convention at Saratoga.

July 16. Many people killed in a tornado at West Superior, Wis.

July 17. Much damage done to crops by hailstorms in Minnesota.

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FOR JULY, 1891.

July 19. Death of Major-General Kelly. July 27. Chinese discovered fraudulently entering the port at San Francisco.

FOREIGN NEWS.-July 1. Emperor William and party welcomed to Holland by the Queen. -Dominion Day celebrated in Canada. July 4. Death of William Henry Gladstone, eldest son of the statesman.

July 5. Paris papers urge the abandonment of proceedings against M. de Lesseps. July 9. The great strike of Belgian miners ends.

July 10. The Emperor and Empress of Germany entertained by the Lord Mayor of London. July 14. The anniversary of the fall of the Bastile celebrated in Paris and throughout France. Opening in Toronto of the Annual Convention of the National Educational Association of the United States.

July 17. The English Society of Authors celebrates the adoption of the Copyright Act. July 19. The Wagnerian Festival at Bayreuth. July 21. House of Commons votes $300,000 for the relief of the suffering poor in Ireland. July 23. World's Fair Commissioners received by Lord Salisbury in London.

July 27. Terrible railroad accident at St. Mande, France.

July 28. Election of Claudio Vicuna as President of Chili. いん 3°

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