The New York herald., 1870-02-21
LITERATURE.
Criticisms Of New Books.


LIFE DUTIES. BY Il. F.. Marcy, A. NJ, N. D. New
YORK: ID. 4 J. Sadiier h Co.
The long experience OF Dr. Marcy as physician
In large practice renders him peculiarly fitted for
the writing or work pointing out the lire duties"
or man. By close attention to the physical ailments
or humanity he has been enabled to ascertain 10
what extent the sunerngs OF people are due
to merely spiritual causes, or, rather, to q want Of
spiritual blessings. In the preface to THIS book he
Justly remarks that .tne welfare OF individuals OF
society, OF governments, is dependent 10 great ex-
tent upon proper GU ture and development OF the
spiritual and physical man, ana DIR. Marcy pro-
ceeds TO prescribe cure for existing maladies ~
simple as 1t Is efcacious. TO begin with we must
cherish for God love supreme over a else. and 10
feel this love we must indulge IN prayer and med
tation, and possess iaith hope and charity The
seventh chapter which is devoted TO temperance, IL
an essay great force. The necessity for moderate
indulgence IN Intoxicating LIQUIDS % the In IN
y nnc'ea upon phys ss mSraI
drunkenness results In, are oil argued with great
force and cogency. alike manner the chapter on
morality and vlrtuev most instructive and argu
mentalive. Dr. Marcy writes with much deicacy
at the same tune holding up 70 view . mirror
wherein we can see the damning effects OF lmmo-
rallty ana vice. The dangers or sensuality It's pro-
vocation 70 inndelity towards God and It's destruc
stated. In fact Doctor holds that giving vent W
the passions. matter OF what character they may
gerous to the spiritual heath or man. Excessive
absorption OF tho faculties In worldly pleasures
WnlCn are nATlllcSS enough OI themselves, are he
dangerous Intemperance or liDertnlsm. He would
not however, recommend u mankind the severe
abstinence OF PHritanIsm. moderate enjoyment OF
the pleasures OF nature and OF society Is
beneficial TO ana need not conflict with his duties
TO morality and religion. Coming TO the purely
spiritual duties Dr. Marcy argues eloaucntly III be-
half OF baptism OF repentance, acknowledgment and
reformation. Not the least interesting OF the chap
ters Is that on 'Ihe Holy Communion Ii 10 vlg0r-
Gus and convincing. The book closes with an argn-
ment and plea Tor Christian unity. Tnc work
throughout exhibits the careful consideration be-
na IN
OF the influences which mould the characters OF mai
catholic spirit he shoYs us wherein we are ". .a1 or
criminal, and teaches US how 10 well psr.orm our
life duties.
A History OF OREGON (New York: The American
News Company Is really valuable addition to the
histories OF these United States. The research OF
the author tW, H. Cray has been signally successful
III bringing TO light vas, amount OI Interesting
information.
$. MACcT PLAUTI. CArTTvI TRIsUMMUs Er Ru DEss
New York: Harper i Brothers) Is a neatly printed
and bound volume. containing three OF the purcst
and most popular OF the comedies OF Plautus witb
English notes, critical and explanatory"
VOICE PROM THE NEwsBoys New YORK: A. 8.
Barnes * Coz is republication OF what was a p"up
lar and much read work wnen 1t first appeared
The MERCHANTS AND BANKERS ALMANAC for 1870
Is an accurate compilation Of valuable information
u makes fair sized volume, which is handaomelv
rcd and gold Va
CONVERSATIONS on LIBERALISM AND THE Church
New York; u. J. Sadier q Col Is a strong Ultra
montane work, well written and logical hui hv no
means convincing.
iHE MAIDEN WIDOW philadelphia: 7. b. Peterson
" broihers) is as might be supposed, another work
@ aon tne iecuhd pen OF Mrs. Southwortb. IL has the
me ein VI oeing no worse Than the novels written by
Inc same lady. -