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ARTICLE X.-NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.

THEOLOGICAL AND RELIGIOUS.

STANLEY'S SERMONS ON THE BIBLE. ITS FORM AND ITS SUBSTANCE.*These sermons are not inferior in interest and importance to any of the works of the author which have been republished in this country. We are somewhat surprised that they have not been brought within the reach of his numerous admirers on this side of the Atlantic. The somewhat long preface does indeed touch very significantly upon the doctrines and positions of parties in the Church of England, and intimates quite distinctly to which side the sympathies of the author incline. On page 81 we find also the following: "Even within our own memory the catastrophe of the disruption of the United States of America was foretold, even with the exact date, several years beforehand." But in spite of these unsuitablenesses to our condition and our convictions, the discourses themselves are admirably adapted to the condition and temper of mind of a multitude of ingenious and thoughtful young men, who know not what to think of the authority and inspiration of the Scriptures amid the din of varying opinions and the noise of antagonist partisans. "God

The theme of the three discourses is Hebrew i. 1, 2. who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers, by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son." It is subdivided as follows: The first discourse is devoted to the topic suggested by the words "at sundry times and in divers manners," and treats of the variety of methods in which Пle has spoken in the Old Testament. The contrast between the variety which characterizes the Old Testament Scriptures and the dreary and wearying monotony which prevails in the Koran, is finely conceived and eloquently illustrated. The fact that we have in these Scriptures a Revelation manifestly progressive, is also distinctly announced. These important principles are, it is

*The Bible: Its Form and its Substance. Three Sermons preached before the University of Oxford, by ARTHUR PENRHYN STANLEY, D. D., Regius Professor of History, and Canon of Christ Church. Oxford, and London: John Henry & James Parker. 1863. 8vo. pp. 115.

to be confessed, little more than stated; they are neither so carefully stated, nor so fully defended, nor so watchfully guarded as we could desire, or as the vindication of the Old Testament requires; but the eloquent assertion of them by the author would of itself suffice to relieve the difficulties of many an honest but troubled inquirer.

The second sermon is on "God spake by the Prophets," and treats of the various functions and the wonderful adaptations of the prophetical office. In explaining these he inquires, "What, then, is the essence of this prophetic teaching? It may be divided into three parts, according to the three famous words of St. Bernard-Respice, Aspice, Prospice. The interpretation of the divine will respecting the Past, the Present, and the Future." According to this division the prophets are viewed as the Historians, the Preachers, and the Seers of the Covenant People. Each of these functions is briefly described and well illustrated.

The third sermon is on "God hath spoken by his Son," and the theme is "The final Revelation of God is in the person and character of Jesus Christ." This the highest and the most difficult of themes proposed by the author, is far from being exhausted. It is scarcely entered upon before it is abandoned for the conclusion of the discourse. But the author does not leave it without suggesting truths of the profoundest importance to the theology of the present day.

This brochure cannot be considered as a finished or satisfactory discussion of some of the most important topics in Christian Theology; but as an eloquent vindication of the authority and claims of the Scriptures, it is, in our opinion, admirably adapted to produce a strong and happy impression upon the educated young men of the present day.

CHRISTIANITY THE RELIGION OF NATURE.*-The title of these lectures may startle some of our readers. In former times it might have provoked sharp controversy and unrelenting criticism. As used and explained by the author, it signifies no more than that the truth which Christianity reveals is as old as the Universe, that it did not begin

*Christianity the Religion of Nature. Lectures delivered before the Lowell Institute. By A. P. PEABODY, D. D., LL. D., Preacher to the University and Plummer Professor of Christian Morals in Harvard College. Boston: Gould & Lincoln, 1864. Royal 12mo. pp. 256. [New Haven: T. H. Pease. Price $1.25.]

historical development of the sciences, is untrue. I have still among my papers the memoranda of a second review, (for which I failed to obtain a place), the purpose of which was to show the untenableness of his theory of intellectual progress. The only doctrine of importance in which I agree with him—the relativity of all knowledge-is one common to him and sundry other thinkers of earlier date; and even this, I hold in a different sense from that in which he held it. But on all points that are distinctive of his philosophy, I differ from him. I deny his Hierarchy of the Sciences. I regard his division of intellec tual progress into the three phases, theological, metaphysical, and positive, as superficial. I reject utterly his Religion of Humanity. And his ideal of society I hold in detestation. Some of his minor views I accept; some of his incidental remarks seem to me profound; but from everything which distinguishes Comtism as a system, I dissent entirely. The only influence on my own course of thought, which I can trace to M. Comte's writings, is the influence that results from meeting with antagonistic opinions definitely expressed.

Such being my position, you will, I think, see, that by classing me as a Positivist, and tacitly including me among the. English admirers and disciples of Comte, your reviewer unintentionally misrepresents me. I am quite ready to bear the odium attaching to opinions which I do hold. But I object to have added the odium attaching to opinions which I do not hold. If by publishing this letter in your forthcoming Number you will allow me to set myself right with the American public on this matter, you will greatly oblige me.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

LONDON, November 21, 1863.

HERBERT SPENCER.

It is fair that we comply with Mr. Spencer's request; and we gladly record his emphatic dissent from some of the distinguishing features of M. Comte's system. In justice to the reviewer, however, it should be noticed that those whom he classes as English Positivists are said to be "not generally blind adherents " of M. Comte, and that some of them were said to "follow him afar off." If there was an apparent impli

cation in the review, that Mr. Spencer is merely "a follower of Comte," it was certainly unintentional. That he is an independent thinker, and that his system differs in several important respects from that of the French philosopher, are facts too obvious to be overlooked. Not only in the essay alluded to, on the "Genesis of Science," but in Part II. of the First Principles, the elements of a different (and, we think, a better) theory of scientific evolution are presented; and it was one purpose of the reviewer to indicate certain other points of disagreement. In describing "the spirit of his philosophy," therefore, as that of Positivism, this term was used in that broad sense which it now so commonly bears, as inclusive of opinions and modes of thought differing in various respects, but agreeing in the same general attitude towards the objects and means of theological inquiry which was assumed by the method of M. Comte. Partially to characterize this attitude, we may say that it consists in utterly refusing to recognize, in the supposed marks of design in Nature, anything more than conditions of existence under general laws, which bind together in one category all the phenomena both of matter and of mind, excluding the possibility of spiritual freedom; also, in assuming that the belief in a personal Deity is inconsistent with a scientific state of mind, and must finally be abolished by the progress of the intellect. It is true that these characteristics were not original in the philosophy of M. Comte; which, however, embodied them so fully as very naturally to have given name to that general style of philosophizing to which they belong. That it is not the style adopted by "all men of science," illustrious examples of Theistic and Christian naturalists, in our own day, abundantly show. It appears that Mr. Spencer regards the theory of the three phases of intellectual progress as superficial, and that he has criticised it (in an unpublished essay) as untenable; yet his own theory of intellectual progress, as bearing on religious belief, manifestly tends to a very similar result. Much more might be said on these points; but to proceed farther would lead us into an argument rather than an explanation. Since Mr. Spencer objects to the title of Positivist, it is certainly proper that it should no longer be applied to him.

ARTICLE X.-NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.

THEOLOGICAL AND RELIGIOUS.

STANLEY'S SERMONS ON THE BIBLE. ITS FORM AND ITS SUBSTANCE.*These sermons are not inferior in interest and importance to any of the works of the author which have been republished in this country. We are somewhat surprised that they have not been brought within the reach of his numerous admirers on this side of the Atlantic. The somewhat long preface does indeed touch very significantly upon the doctrines and positions of parties in the Church of England, and intimates quite distinctly to which side the sympathies of the author incline. On page 81 we find also the following: "Even within our own memory the catastrophe of the disruption of the United States of America was foretold, even with the exact date, several years beforehand." But in spite of these unsuitablenesses to our condition and our convictions, the discourses themselves are admirably adapted to the condition and temper of mind of a multitude of ingenious and thoughtful young men, who know not what to think of the authority and inspiration of the Scriptures amid the din of varying opinions and the noise of antagonist partisans.

The theme of the three discourses is Hebrew i. 1, 2. "God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers, by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son." It is subdivided as follows: The first discourse is devoted to the topic suggested by the words "at sundry times and in divers manners," and treats of the variety of methods in which He has spoken in the Old Testament. The contrast between the variety which characterizes the Old Testament Scriptures and the dreary and wearying monotony which prevails in the Koran, is finely conceived and eloquently illustrated. The fact that we have in these Scriptures a Revelation manifestly progressive, is also distinctly announced. These important principles are, it is

*The Bible: Its Form and its Substance. Three Sermons preached before the University of Oxford, by ARTHUR PENRHYN STANLEY, D. D., Regius Professor of History, and Canon of Christ Church. Oxford, and London: John Henry & James Parker.

1863. 8vo. pp. 115.

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