Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

ARTICLE X.-NOTICES OF BOOKS.

THEOLOGY.

YOUNG'S "PROVINCE OF REASON."*-The name of the author of this book is a guarantee for its value, even though it were not a professed reply to Mansel. In JOHN YOUNG the author of "The Limits of Religious Thought" has found a competent critic and an antagonist worthy of his steel. The work is divided into six sections. The first of these is Introductory, in which are discussed Rationalism in general, and the German Philosophical Rationalism in particular; the effort being to show that the cry of Rationalism may be ignorantly and foolishly urged, and that what is and what is not objectionable in the reality ought to be intelligently discriminated. The second section treats of Applications of Logic, in which Mansel's exposition of the senses of "The Infinite," and "The Absolute," are criticised-his loose conceptions and his headlong inferences are skillfully exposed, and the entire treatment of the matters which are vital to his whole theory is shown to be superficial and inconsistent. Section third, concerning the Philosophy of the Unconditioned, expounds the difference between Mansel and Hamilton, showing that the one wrote in the interest of theology and the other in that of philosophy, and that the real intent of each is opposite to that of the other. After discussing the Scottish and Oxonian theories, he gives his own. Section fourth, concerning Written Revelations, discusses, first, the necessary conditions of Revelation, contending that these are certain and trustworthy knowledge of God and his will; second, the Evidences of Revelation, showing that for the majority of mankind these must necessarily be internal, and that to establish these last the comparison must be made between what man may know of God and the book which claims to have been given by God; thirdly, Revelation and God, showing that if God cannot in the nature of things be revealed, then there can be no Revelation. Section fifth, concerning Morality and Moral

*The Province of Reason. A criticism of the Bampton Lecture on "The Limits of Religious Thought." By JOHN YOUNG, LL. D., Edinburgh, Author of New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1860.

"The Christ of History," &c. 16mo. pp. 305.

[blocks in formation]

Sense, treats somewhat as they deserve, the very objectionable views on these subjects propounded by Mansel, though with scarcely the discrimination and force which we had expected, the author's own philosophy not being sufficiently mature and correct to enable him to vindicate the truth at all points with entire success. We find in this section, however, many just observations and forcible arguments. Our author exposes, though not with half the severity which they richly merit, the dangerous doctrines of Mansel in respect to our capacity to judge of moral excellence or the opposite, without the light of Revelation. The last section, concerning Reason and Faith, vindicates Reason and shows that there is no conflict between it and Faith. The author seeks to develop the relations of the two, not to our satisfaction altogether, we confess. He fails to emphasize the moral element in Faith, which is its distinguishing feature as well as its legitimate criterion. Still he contends manfully and rightly for the claims and authority of Reason, and shows that to exalt Faith at the expense of Reason is to destroy both Faith and Reason. The book is most timely, not merely in its relation to Mansel's plausible theories, but because it is adapted to check a tendency to inexact conceptions on such subjects, which are fostered by other theologians besides those of the school of Mansel.

HODGE'S OUTLINES OF THEOLOGY."-This work exhibits a system of theology, in the form of questions and answers, and covers all the topics usually embraced in treatises upon natural and revealed religion. The style is concise and perspicuous. The matter is derived from the lectures of Professor Hodge, of Princeton, with occasional citations from his reviews and essays. It may thus be regarded as an authentic and authorized description of the Princeton theology, and as such will be sought for by theological students, and ministers. It is no more than justice to say that under various heads we find valuable arguments and definitions, couched always in clear and manly English. The reputation of Dr. Hodge for theological ability and learning will not be lessened by this publication. At the same time, we must add that on controverted themes, as original sin, and the nature of the atonement, we are furnished with most unsatisfactory answers to the objections which have been again and again brought against the

* Outlines of Theology. By the Rev. A. ALEXANDER HODGE, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Fredericksburg, Va. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 1860.

Princeton theories, and with which the author, by the very fact of considering them, shows himself to be acquainted. Why attempt a rational defense of propositions which can never be vindicated on grounds of reason? Why not rest them solely on the Church authority, or on the interpretations of Scripture which are alleged in their behalf! We are tired of such flimsy reasoning as we find on page 256, et seq., and in the chapter on the Satisfaction of Christ and the Extent of Redemption. If the advocates of the Princeton views have nothing more thorough and pertinent to say in response to their opponents than the threadbare phrases which they must feel do not meet the case, they had much better abstain from controversy.

LOVE AND PENALTY.*-This timely volume consists of nine lectures, which were delivered on Sabbath evenings, and are published at the request of a large number of gentlemen who heard them. They are an eloquent and able vindication of the theme which is described in the title. There is no subject on which there is more vacillation and skepticism than this-none on which much of modern popular literature is more thoroughly unsound. As a consequence, the entire system of the gospel is feebly received by multitudes who, in some sense, believe it. The motives which enforce to Christian gratitude and obedience are robbed of much of their appropriate power-while appeals from the pulpit to the unbelieving are impotent to alarm and to win.

Dr. Thompson was wise in selecting his theme, and he has treated it with abundant and varied power. His argument is clear, bis illustrations are felicitous, his appeals are earnest, and his spirit is eminently conciliatory and Christian. We hope to give a full analysis and review of the volume in our next number. All that we can do at present is confidently to recommend it to our readers as a work which deserves their attention, and which ought to receive a wide circulation.

METCALF'S NATURE AND FOUNDATION OF MORAL OBLIGATION.t-We

* Love and Penalty; or, Eternal Punishment consistent with the Fatherhood of God. By JOSEPH P. THOMPSON, D. D., Pastor of the Broadway Tabernacle Church. New York: Sheldon & Co. 1860. 18mo. pp. 358.

An Inquiry into the Nature, Foundation, and Extent of Moral Obligation, involving the nature of duty, of holiness and of sin. Being an introduction to the study of moral science in all its branches, including the Legal, Theological, and Governmental. By DAVID METCALF. Boston: Crosby, Nichols, Lee & Co. 1860. pp. 499.

announced this volume in our last number, and are now happy to see it before us. It is a volume unique in its method, but interesting in its argument, and, in the main, so far as we have examined, correct in its positions and conclusions. The subject of which it treats has been often and earnestly canvassed by theological and ethical philosophers. The author defends what he calls the doctrine of Benevolent Utility, the doctrine of Cumberland, the Edwardses, and Dwight; of Aristotle, Leibnitz, and Malebranche. He does this with a thoroughness of analysis, a subtlety of discrimination, and an unflinching and untiring pertinacity of argumentation, which are worthy of the highest praise. The circumstances under which his taste for speculative studies was developed, and the perseverance with which he has prosecuted them, would entitle his work to a respectful consideration, if its intrinsic claims to attention were not of the highest order. It is a book such as sixty years ago would have been the theme of conversation in all the parishes of New England. The younger Edwards would have scrutinized every line. Hopkins, and Smalley, and Emmons, would each have perused it with eager interest. Scores of essays would have been written upon it for as many ministers' meetings.

The theme is just as interesting now as it ever was, and its applications are, if possible, more varied and more pressing to theology, to social science, and to common life. We advise our readers to buy this book, for though it seems, at the first view, to be a simple catechism, its questionings will awaken thought, and its answers remove difficulties that have disturbed many minds.

From the Preface we quote a single paragraph:

"The names by which doctrines are called often raise a prejudice against them, and in various ways cause them to be misunderstood, and for these reasons they become obnoxious to the popular mind. It is desirable, therefore, that the name of a doctrine should designate its true character, so as fairly to distinguish it from all other doctrines.

"That which we regard as the true doctrine on the nature of virtue may with propriety be designated the doctrine of benevolent utility, or benevolent rectitude, or universal benevolence. By these terms the true doctrine is purposely distinguished, 1. From the theory that mere undesigned utility is virtue: 2. From all the theories that involve selfishness as an element of virtue; 3. From all the forms of utilitarianism which discard impartial, universal, and disinterested benevolence; 4. From all the theories which deny that benevolence includes rectitude and all that is holiness; 5. From all the theories which deny that utility is an element in the foundation of obligation; 6. From all those which maintain that holiness is an end, but not a means;-that it is an ultimate end, in and of itself, having no end ulterior to itself; 7. And from the notion that the idea of virtue or right is a simple idea."

The book may be obtained of the author, at Worcester, Mass., who will send it by mail, post-paid, on the reception of " a one dollar bill and twenty-five cents in postage stamps." The author's name was incorrectly printed in our last number.

DIFFICULTIES OF ARMINIAN METHODISM.*-This is a decidedly warm attack on the Methodist polity, doctrines and history, in which there is, we dare say, a great deal of truth, but in which the good side of Methodism is not very earnestly exhibited. As long as certain ultra forms of Old School Calvinism shall retain their influence, we believe it is preördained of God that they should be offset and balanced by Arminian Methodism. We can scarcely expect the author of this volume to take the same charitable view as we do of the necessity or utility of this very respectable and useful denomination of Christians.

MCCLELLAND ON THE CANON AND INTERPRETATION OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.-This book is full of wit, and, if possible, more full of wisdom. We read the earlier edition with great interest and profit, and are pleased to see that it is now much enlarged, and issued in a more attractive form. We scarcely know a book that is better fitted to be useful, than this. We agree with the author that "the Wrong-heads in theology are still a numerous generation;" but we think they would decrease more rapidly if this lively and most instructive manual were read and considered, not only by "junior theological students," but by elder theological professors.

KURTZ'S HISTORY OF THE OLD COVENANT.-A brief notice of this

*The Difficulties of Arminian Methodism: a series of Letters, addressed to Bishop Simpson, of Pittsburgh. By WILLIAM ANNAN. Fourth edition, recently enlarged. Philadelphia: William S. and Alfred Martien. 1860. 12mo. pp. 336.

A Brief Treatise on the Canon and Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures : for the special benefit of Theological Students; but intended also for private Christians in general. By ALEXANDER McClelland, Professor of Biblical Literature in the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick. New York: Robert Carter and Brothers. 1860. 12mo. pp. 336.

History of the Old Covenant, from the German of J. H. KURTZ, D. D., Professor of Theology at Dorpat. Vol. I. Translated, annotated, and prefaced by a condensed abstract of KURTZ's "Bible and Astronomy." By the Rev. ALFRED EDERSHEIM, Ph. D., Author of "History of the Jewish Nation;" Translation of "Chalybius's Historical Development of Speculative Philosophy," etc., etc. Vol. II and III. Translated by JAMES MARTIN, B. A., Nottingham. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston. 1859. pp. 510, 429, 532.

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »