The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-08-04
LITERARY CH:T-CHAT.

SOME OF OUR METHODIST friends have lately
been discussing the causes OF the decline OF
Methodlsm" IN the United states and the best
means OF counteracting the downward tendency.
II 1t be true that MethOdism is upon It's decline in
this country, which certainly is not apparent to
ordinary observers, we should imagine that one OF
the most powerful means OF reviving the interest
OF the denomination would be the example Afforded
by the life and abors OF the late Rev. Alfred Cook
man, whose biography, written by the Rev. Henry
B. Ridgaway, ID. d. has Just been published by
Messrs. Harper h Brothers This volume forms
one OF the most interesting religious biographies
that have fallen under our notice, and we nave no
doubt 1t will be as warmly welcomed by readers Of
other denominationai views as by that great body
Of Christians with whom he was connected by
ecclesiastical ties and among whom his lilo
was passed in earnest and selfdenyinS
labors. The Rev. Alfred Goodman was no common
preacher Inheriting from his father, the Rev.
George Grinston Goodman, an unusual gift OF elo-
quence, and from his very cradle consecrated to
the service Of the Christian ministry, to which his
life was devoted with apostolic zeal and earnest
ness, he exercised upon his hearers o fascination
scarcely second to that Of the pulpit oratory Of
Wesley or OF Whltefeld. Wherever he preacned the
people heard him gladly, and the influence OF his
ministry was powerful and widespread. The an.
nouncement that he was TO preach was sufficient
gather thousands about the platform at camp
meeting. Nor the example Of his life less saiu.
tary and powerful; indeed it has been said Of him
that his life was the best he preached.
He never forgot his sacred calling, and, though
never obtrusive in urging his views he impressed
even casual acquaintances by the sincerity OF his
purpose and his constant anxiety to preach
through bis life as well as by word OF mouth. The
story OF such life is worthy to be remembered,
and we are glad to welcome the anectionate biog
raphy in which Mr.. Ridgaway has recorded the
labors and character OF his friend. Mr.. Goodman
died in 1871 at the early age Of forty-four. There
are thousands who felt the influence Of his ministry
in the pulpit and through personal intercourse
with the man, who will be glad to revive their
memory Of him In the pages of this interesting
volume.
Mr.. HOWARD PAUL has exploited from American
newspapers, for the benefit of the serious British
public, "The Book of Modern American Anecdotes,'
which Routledge has published. The leading idea
Of the editor he tells us, that leach tale and
scrap should be funny and characteristic"
LORD SrANH0PE's proposition in the House or
Lords to confer an order Of merit on men dstin-
guished in literature and science is received with
general disfavor by the British press. The sand
ard says
We can do nothing better for literature. science
| and art than to leave them alone. The state can
confer no distinction on those VINO are wotny "
honor in this order, and 1t ought not to distinguish
those who are not worthy. The idea OF state pa.
| trouage to literature Is altogether foreign 10 .ne
age and alien to the feelings OF It's proiessoIss.
The only patron which they recognize Is the pups
lie and the only reward they c0yet Is tnat wnIcn -
| Ia impossible Tor kings ana MINISTER'S '" D0'
The Dailv Netos remarks u
| There ia no reason in the world why Her MaJee
tvs Ministers should be good judges OF poemss
! statues and scientific propositions 9la
The Times says
| aneicient test OF merit IN any calling. mere we
find ourselves at in the midst =, o. a mnliisude
~ eho nnas ana the engineer, between the popular
nreacner and the patentee OF new dyer
Nm. JnrpKRsos DAVIS Is sttll engaged at inter
walls on his "iistory OF the Confederate States,'
though suffering from defective eyesignt.
THE spectator In an article on the marriage
question, candidy admits that 1.-The hrst command
| ment Tor the poor is-'Leave EnRland.,n