LITERARY NOTICES by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, Cal. · Jan 6, 1904

LITERARY NOTICES.

By Editor

"Modern Practical Theology." A manual of homiletics, liturgics, poimenics, archagics, pedagogy, sociology, and the English Bible. By Ferdinand S. Schenck, D. D. Funk & Wagnalls, Publishers, New York and London. Cloth, 5x7 in. 320 pp. Price, $1.00 net.

This book deals with the practical work of the ministry in the preparation and delivery of sermons; in the conduct of public worship; in the shepherding of the flock entrusted to his care; in organizing the aggressive force of his charge; in teaching and teaching others to teach. A chapter on Sociology deals with the social life of mankind, especially the social life of the Bible and its relation to the establishment of the kingdom of God. The closing chapter deals with the study of the English Bible, book by book, bringing out many helpful suggestions, in spite of the author's seeming inclination toward the evolution theory, which he touches very lightly. The minister will find in this book much that will be of benefit, especially in the matter of sermon preparation and analytical Bible study. The chapters on Liturgics and Pedagogy seem written especially for ministers of the Reformed (Dutch) Church. The book would have been of more real worth in advancing true religious living had the author taken an uncompromising stand against tobacco, wine, and the questionable pastimes in which too many church members indulge.

"Faces Toward the Light." By Sylvanus Stall, D.D. Cloth, gilt top, 310 pp. $1.00 net. The Vir Publishing Company, Philadelphia and London.

This book is designed for devotional reading. Its chapters are short and pointed, and are interspersed with many short paragraphs of a helpful religious nature. The book is well written, the style is good, and it will be found of assistance by religious workers in suggesting themes for spiritual talks. However, the book is not free from the unscriptural dogma of natural immortality, tho references to this are generally merely incidental. The book is not helped, either, by the author's digression in the attempt to teach that feet-washing was not given to the church as an ordinance. The digression is not necessary to the purpose of the book, and the scriptural evidence is on the other side of the question.

"Experiences of a Pioneer Evangelist of the Northwest." By Elder W. B. Hill. Published by the author.

This book of 344 pages is an interesting story of a man, who, seeking the light, was led from the occupations of the world to become a minister of God in the truth for this time. It gives very many interesting experiences, and teaches much truth. Several of its incidents are aptly illustrated by line sketches. We would tell our readers where to obtain the book and its price, but we find no address given in the book, tho we presume College View, Neb., might reach the author.

"George Washington Jones"—A Christmas Gift that Went Begging. By Ruth McEnery Stuart. Cloth, illustrated. 147 pp. Price $1.00. Published by Henry Altemus Company, Philadelphia, Pa.

This is a sweet and touching little story of Southern life, told in a graphic and interesting way.

"Early Conversion." By Rev. E. Payson Hammond. 232 pages. Paper covers. Price, 25 cents. J. S. Ogilvie Publishing Company, 57 Rose Street, New York.

This book has been specially written for ministers and Gospel workers of all kinds, and has in it also many things which will interest children and youth. Mr. Hammond believes in child conversion because he has demonstrated it. You may not always believe in his methods or agree with his theology, but you will believe, on reading the book, that he knows how to reach the children and bring them to Jesus. It is full of suggestive helpfulness.