UNIVERSALIST NOTES.

We all stopped to think how old we were the other day when Dr. Miner's resignation was announced. The doctor has always seemed so perennially young and strong, and so much a part of the active life of the church, that it brought a shock to hear that he really felt himself a little weary and desirous of a rest and of relief from the exacting cares of parish work. It is hard for some of us to realize that he is hard upon eighty, so undimmed is his sight and so unabated his vigor. His record in the church, his labors for the State and city where he has so long lived, are such as entitle him to the warmest praise and the highest honor. To his church he has always been the loyal, aggressive champion, mighty in his hold upon the philosophy of her faith and in its practical bearings upon human thought. His interest in all humane work, the securing of a universal peace, the extinction of the liquor traffic, the promotion of public morals, have given him a national and even international reputation. His work in behalf of education has never been fully appreciated. As president of Tufts College, and as a member for many years of the State Board of Education, he has rendered the very highest service to the higher education of both men and women. But I imagine that few people except the men who have had the good fortune to be his pupils can understand the doctor's peculiar power as an instructor, nor the suggestiveness and intellectual stimulus of his class-room work. Few teachers could do such work as he in higher branches of ethics and of political economy. One of the richest recollections of the writer's life is the memory of the half term spent in studying "Butler's Analogy" under Dr. Miner. Two impressions were indelibly fixed by that experience,one that Butler was a profound thinker; the other, that Dr. Miner was another.

It is not by any means certain that Columbus Avenue Church is ready to permit Dr. Miner to withdraw from its pulpit. Nor is it at all likely that he desires to relinquish his labors in so many noble causes. What the course of the church and its honored pastor will be remains to be decided. But the resignation has reminded us all afresh of our obligations to Dr. Miner and the splendid record of his forty-three years' pastorate. May he live to be a hundred, and always be able to lift up his voice for righteousness!

THE MAY MEETINGS.

The "Anniversary Meetings," both East and West, are announced as usual this year. The usual programme is laid out for the Boston folks, and Chicago adds two new

items in the first meeting of the Universalist Social Union for a banquet at the Grand Pacific Hotel, and the meeting of the Young People's Christian Union at St. Paul's Church. Considering the fact that all the meetings at Chicago date their beginnings back but about three years, this is a most excellent showing.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S UNIONS.

These young organizations throughout our church are giving evidence of great thrift and activity. This spring they have held many State and district meetings, which have given us a fair test of the strength and usefulness they afford to all our work. To promote the building of the new church at Harriman is their present and immediate aim; but their plans and purposes are larger than any single scheme, and include the fostering of a deeper religious life and a warmer loyalty to the church. Already we feel the impulse of their new interest throughout the land, and the increase of our working force among the younger men and women is reassuring and full of inspiration, even to those who look with pain and foreboding at the retirement of our veterans. JOHN COLEMAN ADAMS.

Brooklyn, N.Y.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESS ABROAD.

The London Inquirer of May 2 prints an extended supplement devoted to a report of the meeting of the National Conference of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches which had just closed in that city. The meeting seems to have been the largest of the kind ever held in England. The conference sermon was preached by Rev. Stopford Brooke.

An interesting testimony to the integrity of Mr. Bradlaugh's character comes from the pen of the lady who calls herself "Edna Lyall," a well-known writer and a member of the Anglican Church. She says: "Those who slander Mr. Bradlaugh can surely never have met him, or else they must have been strangely blind. That any one who had really talked with him should doubt his integrity seems to me incomprehensible. From such study of his life and writings as I had been able to make, I was prepared to find him strong and altogether honorable; and I confess that on meeting him his extreme gentleness and considerateness came to me as a surprise. Now that I am eight years older, and have had a little more experience of the hardness of life, it strikes me still more as being most wonderful that at such a time-in the height of the parlia

mentary struggle-what chiefly impressed one should have been his quiet serenity and his kindly patience."

An Orthodox writer in an English paper gives utterance to the following remarks in regard to the Sunday-schools, which we hope is rather an extreme statement of the danger which our own Sunday-schools run in the necessity which many of them feel for a constant round of amusement: "Many teachers will not come to an annual Sundayschool meeting unless there be the comic man; at children's missionary meetings there must be droll and funny recitations; a kiss in the dark' is held out as the attraction of an annual congregation meeting; a place of worship, while well-nigh empty for a week evening calling upon God, is filled to hear a humorist or buffoon."

Rev. Dr. Crosskey, one of our most prominent English Unitarian ministers, says in a recent address: "Make your children happy; quicken their intellectual activity; but at the same time never, never forget that the culture of their religious natures is the special function of the Sunday-school. What they learn to reverence, and what they learn to love, will emphatically determine the whole course of their lives; and to reverence what is righteous is to worship God, to love what is holy is to obey his will.”

Says the London Christian Life: "French Protestantism has just sustained two losses of the most serious character by the deaths of M. de Pressensé of Paris and Prof. Reuss of Strasburg, whose names were better known in England than those of any other of the contemporary Protestant leaders in France. One of our contributors, who is at present in Paris, sends us an account of the service held on Sunday afternoon (19th April) by Père Hyacinthe, in memory of M. Pressensé. The 'Gallican Church' was densely crowded half an hour before the commencement of the service, and some twelve hundred persons were present. Père Hyacinthe's address, which occupied a little over an hour, was an impassioned exposition of the services rendered by Pressensé to the cause of a progressive reconstruction of Christianity, which should release it from the narrow dogmatism of the sixteenth century and restore it to the simplicity of the New Testament."

The recent difficulties in India call to mind the great Indian Congress which was held the past year at the instigation of large-minded people, in spite of the dismal croakings of narrow politicians and stubborn John Bulls who believe in coercion and in keeping conquered nationalities at their feet. Although English was the language

used in the sessions, because all understood it, the one thousand delegates present represented eight different Indian languages. If this remarkable Congress had taken place earlier in the century, it might have prevented many local and sectional feuds; but we trust its influence even now will do something toward bringing about a feeling of human brotherhood between England and the native princes of India. A book has come out lately in England on "The Indian Mutiny of 1857," by Col. G. B. Mallison, which is a terrible arraignment of the English government in its manage ment of this conquered people. An edition has been published in New York.

MARTHA PERRY LOWE.

NOTES ON RECENT BIBLICAL LITERATURE.

A Washington Bible Class, by Gail Hamilton (Appletons, 1891, pp. 303, $1.50), is a book that must give great discomfort to the advocates of traditional Orthodoxy. It is no adequate exposition of the Bible, and some parts, especially the chapters on miracles and the Andover Case, are very unsatisfactory. But it is full of bright things, very powerfully stated. Even the commonplaces of our faith are made to shine with a new lustre in the setting of a fresh and unique rhetoric. Its value lies in two things: a very powerful plea for the use of reason in the study of the Bible, which must be studied as literature, and a remarkably trenchant and caustic criticism of the sacauthor becomes eloquently indignant to the rificial theory as applied to Jesus. point of fiery denunciation over the old sacrificial interpretation of Jesus' character and ministry.

The

The Book of Isaiah, by George Adam Smith ("The Expositor's Bible" Series, Armstrong, 2 vols., pp. 454, 474, $3.00), is one of the hopeful signs of the times. The series to which it belongs is the outcome of what may be called conservative scholarship, and yet this work represents the very best type of rationalism. It is a purely and thoroughly historical and ethical rather than dogmatic treatment of the subject. The supreme effort is to interpret these writings in connection with the circumstances of the times in which they were produced, and by this interpretation to gain some moral inspiration for increase of life to-day. The differences between these volumes and such a work as Alexander's "Isaiah" are immense. Here we find a literary rather than a theological treatment, both more natural and more spiritual. Mr. Smith argues for the composite character of this collection of

prophecies, and accepts the late date of the second part. He also holds that the "Suffering Servant" must not be considered a prediction or description of Jesus of Nazareth. Thus, very rapidly in these days, the old traditional argument from prophecy is being abandoned.

In the Hebraica (published quarterly at New Haven, and edited by Prof. Wm. R. Harper, price per number 75 cents), the discussion of the "Pentateuchal Question," begun October, 1888, proceeds. In the articles by Prof. Harper is, so far as I know, the best statement in English of the position of the higher criticism,-of the school of Kuenen, Wellhausen, Stade, and others. The replies by Prof. Green show learning and ingenuity, but they also show how impossible it is for conservatives to meet the arguments put forth by the new scholarship.

The Changed Attitude toward the Bible, by Prof. Joseph Henry Thayer of Harvard University (Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1891, pp. 69, 50 cents), is an attempt to point out some of the extreme and erroneous claims popularly made in behalf of the Bible and the harm which comes from such exaggeration. This handsome booklet is a plea for a more rational use of the New Testament especially, not a blind worship of the letter, but a free and reverent use of these writings as the literary product of early Christianity ("The Church produced the Bible, not the Bible the Church"), which bear the traces of human imperfection and are of unequal value. He distinguishes between the "Word of God" and Scripture; and, while Prof. Thayer is in the main cautious and conservative,-many will say too much so,—we must commend this outspoken language: Let me "utter a word of admonition to Sunday-school teachers and preachers of the gospel, in case I have the honor to address any such. Guard against the seduction of Silence in this matter. To hold one's peace at such a time as this is neither honest nor politic" (p. 65).

Who Wrote the Bible? by Washington Gladden (Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1891, pp. 381, $1.25), is a very disappointing and unsatisfactory book. In view of the author's reputation, many, like myself, will take it up expecting a treat, to put it down with a sense of sadness. Though well written, it shows no adequate grasp of the subjects treated. It looks like a bundle of parish sermons, which the writer was moved to put into print because they seemed helpful to an uncritical congregation. There is here much breadth and considerable edification, but not enough positive and exact instruction. The chapters are too much mere sermons to be valuable for direct information. There is

no adequate presentation of facts. The topics are important, but whoever comes to learn will go away destitute of the clear knowledge really needed. The most unpleasant feature in the book is the disagreeable see-saw between the old traditions and the new scholarship, especially in those chapters which relate to the Pentateuch and the Gospels. To take Bleek as a sole guide and to slur at the "wealth of imagination" of such men as Kuenen and Wellhausen is simply to reveal one's incompetence to treat the higher criticism intelligently. Mr. Gladden is satisfied that the Gospels were written by the men whose names they bear, and finds great comfort in quoting Andrews Norton to this effect. All of which illus trates how easy it is for one to be dead to the age in which he labors. This beautifully printed book will act as a solvent; but, as a guide to the truth, it is of little value.

The Edward Robinson Chair of Biblical Theology (printed by Scribners for Union Theological Seminary, 1891, pp. 84, 50 cents) is devoted chiefly to the inaugural address on the "Authority of Holy Scripture" given by Dr. Charles A. Briggs. It will probably cause the Presbyterian Church much trouble, and it may be the entering wedge of a very serious division in that body. The tone of this address is positive and assertive, as though the author were laying down a platform for a coming campaign. One feels the tension of intense conviction, as though there was here the preparation for battle. Evidently, Dr. Briggs does not mean to be misunderstood; and, if attacked, as he must be, he will probably show himself a good fighter. His view of the authority of the Bible must make conservatives very uneasy. Among the barriers which have kept people from the Bible he names the dogma of verbal inspiration, the false claim of authenticity ("It may be regarded as the certain result of the science of higher criticism that Moses did not write the Pentateuch and David did not write the Psalter"), the assertion that the Bible is free from errors ("There are errors in the Scriptures that no one has been able to explain away"), the over-emphasis of miracles, and the erroneous notions respecting predietive prophecy. These false assumptions we must abandon before we can find the real Bible. But this is asking Presbyterians to turn their backs upon their past history, and acknowledge that the fathers of the faith made colossal mistakes. No wonder that many cry out that this is destroying the Bible: it is destroying the Presbyterian theory and use of the Bible. When Dr. Briggs declares, "The Bible has been treated as if it were a baby, to be wrapped in swaddling clothes, nursed, and carefully

guarded, lest it should be injured by hereties and sceptics," is it any wonder that Presbyterians should send up to the General Assembly anxious inquiries about his soundness of faith? But my own rejoicing over this bold and advanced stand taken by Dr. Briggs is tinged with sadness when I remember that just before making these statements, so revolutionary and so divergent from the well-known positions of Presbyterian divines, he took a solemn oath by

which he declared his faith in the Bible as "the only infallible rule of faith and practice," and "the Westminster Confession of faith as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scripture.' Of course, Dr. Briggs finds some way by which he justifies such conduct as sincere and honor able; but, for myself, I cannot see how it can be so. And I feel that Presbyterians have a right to say that he is not one of them; and, holding such views, he is in honor bound to go out from them. It is more important that we be sincere than that we accept any particular views about the Bible. I rejoice that a man of Dr. Briggs's ability has reached more reasonable theories respecting Scripture; but my joy cannot be complete whi'e he or any other man continues to confuse the issue and distract the public mind by pursuing such a course as he is pursuing at present,-a course which undoubtedly seems right to him, but which I must call very unfortunate.

Madison, Wis., May 6, 1891.

LITERARY NOTES.

J. H. C.

For all who wish to keep posted during the next two or three years about everything pertaining to the World's Fair in Chicago, almost beyond a question the best paper to take is the Chicago Graphic. It ranks with the very best illustrated papers of the world, and from this time on it will give special attention to everything belonging to the great Columbian Exhibition.

In answer to inquiries that have come to ns, we are glad to be able to say that Mrs. Chant's book which we noticed last month, "The Golden Boat Action Songs," can be obtained from the Oliver Ditson Company,

Boston. Price 50 cents.

A sermon in German, preached by Rev. A. M. Judy of Davenport, Iowa, upon "Die Freisinnigkeit der Unitarier-Kirche" has been printed, and copies will be supplied gratis on application to Mr. Judy.

The American Unitarian Association has just published a new and more complete edition of its "List of Religious Books by

Unitarian Authors." Any one wishing to purchase Unitarian books will do well to send for this list, which will be mailed free on application. The prices of the books are given, and all the works named may be ordered from the American Unitarian Association Rooms, 25 Beacon Street, Boston.

An English translation of Graetz's History of the Jews will be published by the America. Jewish Publication Society of The first volume is to be ready for the public soon.

We are told that Professor Robertson Smith is to undertake the editorship of a new Biblical dictionary. This is good news, for at present we have no such dictionary in English that is free from orthodox bias or at all abreast with the best scholarship.

Our English Unitarian friends report eighteen Post-office Missions.

Rev. S. J. Barrows, editor of the Boston Christian Register, who recently spent some weeks in a careful study of "What the Southern Negro is doing for Himself," has an article on the subject in the June Atlantic.

The authorized Life of Robert Browning, by Mrs. Sutherland Orr, will be published shortly by Houghton, Mifflin & Co. It will be in two volumes, and will contain a new portrait and a picture of Browning's study.

Says the Boston Commonwealth: "The late Henry Bernard Carpenter left unpublished at his death some twenty lyrics and sonnets. These will shortly be issued by J. G. Cupples & Co., under the title 'A Poet's Last Song.' Mr. James Jeffrey Roche will contribute an introduction, and a late portrait of Mr. Carpenter will be prefixed to the volume."

The D. Lothrop Company have just issued, simultaneously with its appearance in England, George MacDonald's new story, "There and Back."

There are few more healthful or more

helpful books than those of Samuel Smiles.

In a recent interview Mr. Smiles said of his

"Self-help": "French, Germans, and Russians know it well. . . . I have seen copies of it in several of the Indian dialects. The Italians have made more of it, however, than any nation on earth, I think." He believes the sale in Italy has reached 80,000 copies, at one franc each.

It is well understood by scholars that, while the revised version of the Scriptures given to us a few years ago by the great revision committee of the churches is a