Book Notices by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, Cal. · Feb 24, 1909

Book Notices.

By Editor

"The Religion of Babylon and Assyria, especially in Its Relations to Israel." By Robert William Rogers, Ph.D., Litt.D., LL.D., F.R.G.S. Illustrated. Price, cloth, $2.00, net. Eaton and Mains, New York.

This book is the reprint of five lectures delivered in Harvard University in 1908. Dr. Rogers has for fifteen years been a diligent Assyrian investigator. In brief, the book covers: (1) "The Recovery of a Lost Religion," in which he tells us anew, but more briefly than in his larger work, "The History of Babylonia and Assyria," the wonderful story of the discovery and decipherment of the records left by those ancient peoples. This is illuminated by many illustrations of the cuneiform text. (2) "The Gods of Babylonia and Assyria," a very instructive chapter. (3) "The Cosmologies," the beliefs of these ancients regarding the origin of things. Many extracts are taken from the ancient tablets. (4) "The Sacred Books," from which copious extracts have been made. (5) "The Myths and Epics," in which is considered the great hymns of praise, their songs, and incantations, very few of which have come to us save in title. It seems strange to us, with the facts revealed, how scholars can conclude or even suggest that the laws and theology and cosmology of the Bible came from the Babylonians or Assyrians. One needs but to compare the sublime simplicity of the one to the fanciful and preposterous legends of the other to see the almost infinite superiority of the Bible record. The perversion of the original true is seen in all these idolatrous systems. God preserved the true through Israel, and archeology is demonstrating the truth of the Bible.

"The Bible and Spiritual Life." By Arthur T. Pierson, editor Missionary Review of the World. Cloth, $1.50, net. Gospel Publishing House, 54 West 22d St., New York.

The object of this volume is to show that "for all the cravings and crises in man's moral and spiritual life, this Book of God, [the Bible] is the exact provision, satisfaction, and guide; that only He who, having made man, knows what is in man, could have made a book which so anticipates and answers all the needs of his higher nature." The Bible as God's Book, as Man's Book, the Problems of the Family, of Salvation, of Faith, of Prayer, of Service, of Suffering, of Providence, are all considered. There are valuable analytical diagrams. Many of our readers will not agree with Dr. Pierson in his theology on the return of the Jews, the Millennium, and some other things, but all will find many, many helpful thoughts, inspiring suggestions, and uplifting spiritual food. There are several illuminating diagrams.

"Panseron's A B C of Music; a Primer of Vocalization," containing the elements of music. Revised and extended by N. Clifford Page. Price, $1.00. Oliver Ditson Company, Boston, Mass.

Panseron (1796-1859) was a noted French professor, who gave special study to singing and style, holding the position for many years at the Paris Conservatoire. His long experience resulted in valuable text-books. This is a thoro revision, adapted to and made comprehensive to beginners without a teacher, but in no way lessening the value of the teacher. We are not a skilled musician, but in our judgment the book will prove a valuable instructor, simple, clear, and comprehensive.

"Boy's-Eye Views of the Sunday School." By Pucker. Price, 60 cents, net. The Sunday School Times Company, Philadelphia.

This little book, in the free style of a live schoolboy, we suspect is written by a live experienced superintendent. It is a helpful little book, viewing all phases of the school in a way which brings out its defects. And it suggests a better way. It gives "Pucker's" views of Vacations, Beginners, the Superintendent, the Secretary, Blackboards, Review, Saloons, Getting New Scholars, Singing, etc., twenty chapters in all.

Bibles.—Remember that we are headquarters for anything in the Bible line. We shall be pleased to send you our catalog of Bible selections on application. Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.