LITERARY NOTICES by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 29, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 51.

LITERARY NOTICES.

By Editor

[The Signs of the Times holds itself under no obligation to notice any publications sent to it by publishers. Those considered worthy of notice, or which are deemed profitable to its subscribers, will receive such notice as time, space, and value will permit.]

"OUR JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD," by Rev. Francis E. Clark, D.D., with "GLIMPSES OF LIFE IN FAR-OFF LANDS, as Seen through a Woman's Eyes," by Mrs. Harriet E. Clark, in one volume, copiously and finely illustrated, 642 pages. A. D. Worthington & Co., Hartford, Conn. Sold by subscription.

The writer of this book is the president of the United Society of Christian Endeavor, and the material of which the book is composed was gathered while on a trip around the world in the interest of that work, although this book says but little about it. The thirty-first chapter, however, gives a résumé of Mr. Clark's ideas of that work and missionary work in general. It is sad to reflect that the influence of this great movement among the young people of the world is being thrown into the scale in favor of Sunday laws, or a union of Church and State. This same spirit is indicated in Mr. Clark's reference to the natives of Samoa, where the inference is, sluggards and adulterers though they be, that they are Christians because they keep Sunday. How much better a Biblical standard would be. But the book in question touches lightly upon that subject only as the society and its president stand for that unscriptural day and the unscriptural methods of upholding it.

But apart from the above Mr. and Mrs. Clark have given us a most readable book on the manners, customs, habits, and peoples which have come into their field of observation in a most interesting route around the world. The route lay many times outside the beaten round-the-world path, and therefore brought in many scenes and matters of interest which are not described in any other book of travel. Mr. Clark has also the happy faculty of touching the most salient points of a subject in a few words, and passing on to other objects of interest without wearying the reader. The illustrations are apropos, and serve to make more interesting even what would otherwise be to young and old an interesting and readable book.

We have received from Meyer & Brothers, publishers, 108 Washington Street, Chicago, Ill., the following works:—

"HONEY OUT OF THE ROCK," single copy, 35 cents; $3.50 per dozen; $10 per one hundred.

"LITTLE BRANCHES," single copy, 10 cents; $1.35 per dozen; $10 per one hundred.

"SERMONS IN SONG," single copy, 15 cents; $1.80 per dozen; $10 per one hundred.

These books we have not had time to examine so closely as we would be glad to do, but so far as we have, we have but little fault to find and much to say in praise of them. The first one, "Honey out of the Rock," is enriched by songs from such sweet singers as Kirkpatrick, Tenney, Fillmore, Davis, Sweeney, McGranahan, Palmer, Ogden, Excell, and of others too numerous to mention. The poetry for the most part is pure and elevated, and the sentiment such as will lift the soul from sin to the Saviour from sin. There are blemishes in the way of unscriptural theology, especially as regards life only through our Lord Jesus Christ; death is sometimes held up before us as the beginning of life; but apart from these hymns which contain these sentiments, the book is one which is worthy of a place among the best, and one which we believe will wear.

"Little Branches" consists of 57 little hymns and songs adapted to young children, and it contains some very excellent pieces indeed. It is singularly free from the silliness and empty songs which are often found in such books. We hope that the sweet songs which this book contains will sing their way into many a child heart.

The last book noticed above is "Sermons in Song," edited by Grant C. Tuller and Isaac H. Meredith, for use in religious meetings and other religious services. This, as with the others noticed, contains some most excellent hymns and songs, which breathe a truly gospel spirit. There are several rich ones on the coming of the Lord, together with some older ones which will always be favorites.

Taking them all in all, these three books in their line are among the best we have seen for a long time, and deserve a wide circulation.

Two premium books issued by the American Sunday School Union (1112 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.) are the latest in juvenile literature. The Union offered $1,000 in two premiums, $600 for the best book and $400 for the next best, written for the society, on the "Christian Nurture and Education of Youth for the Twentieth Century." After careful examination of a large number of manuscripts submitted, the premium of $600 was awarded to the manuscript "A New Life in Education." The second premium, of $400, was awarded to the manuscript entitled "How John and I Brought up the Child. By John's Wife." After the awards were made the names of the writers of the two prize books were found to be Fletcher Durell, Ph.D., of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., and Mrs. Elizabeth Grinnell, of Pasadena, California. Of the merits of these we shall have more to say to our readers when we examine the works.

"FIVE-MINUTE OBJECT SERMONS TO CHILDREN," by Sylvanus Stall, D.D., issued in book form some four months ago, is having a wide circulation, and said to be proving a real help to religious workers among children, and also to mothers. More in the future. The book is published by the Funk & Wagnalls Company, New York.

Among the neatest and tastiest pamphlets brought out by the printer's art are those gotten out by the railway companies, and one of the very neatest which we have seen in this line is "Indian Land and Wonder Land," by Olin D. Wheeler. It describes that part of this country traversed by the Northern Pacific. It shows what civilization has done, and describes many of the natural wonders now to be seen in that wonderful region. It contains 26 illustrations, 3 maps, a good deal of interesting reading, and all about rates on the N. P. R. R. to many of these western wonders. Address, Mr. Chas. S. Fee, General Passenger and Ticket Agent, Northern Pacific Railroad, St. Paul, Minn.

A pamphlet, "Extracts from U. S. Congressional Record," containing the address of Hon. W. S. Linton and discussion in Congress upon Sectarian Appropriations of National Money to Indian Education, and the vote thereon, also remarks made respecting a requirement to teach the English language in New Mexico after admission to Statehood, and two separate votes rejecting such a requirement. It should be circulated. Address Gen. Green Clay Smith, P. O. Box 333, Washington, D. C. Price, postage paid, $2.50 per thousand, or 5 copies 10 cents.

The Good Health for October is worth in its instruction the price of the subscription. Dr. Oswald's "Health Studies" are always interesting. "The Pilgrimage to Mecca,"—one of the great sources of the cholera scourge,—"How to Live Long," "Lung Gymnastics," "How to Cultivate the Body," "The Training of Parents," "The Full Pack," and the "Unsuspected Poisoning by Sterilized Meat and Milk of Tuberculous Animals," are among the important articles that this first-class health journal contains. Edited by Dr. J. H. Kellogg. Subscription price with companion volume, $1.75. Address, Good Health, Battle Creek, Mich.

One of the best of popular family magazines which comes to our table is Demorest's Illustrated Family Monthly. Its portrait gallery of celebrities is an interesting feature to its readers, and its departments are always well sustained. For sale by all news dealers; 10 cents a number.