New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-01-08
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

cuR,sr1AS TRUTH AND MODERN OPINION LIMO PIP -"''
"n"'S WHtrrAkkN
Tho GREAT question of the day concernln<
an, laons OF religion aud science Is here trea' 20 by
.overal eminent dvines Of the Episcopal Gnu. en- The
volume consists OF series OF sermons 10 which the
most important points of the subject are considered BY
the different preachers, each in his method aud
STYLE but with q certain prevailing unity OF tone ana
sentiment. DR.. c. S. uonry discusses the Chr'suan
doctrine Of Providence, DIT Hugh Miller Thompson the
doctrine OF prayer. Dr. L. A. Washburn examines tae
grounds OF moral responsibility and the nature OF py
cal law. the relation OF miracles 70 the CAr's1'u l""
" explained by DR.. J. H. Ryhnce, Inc "n'
ness OF Scripture by Dr. william ~ huu'i"o
hon. while Bishop T. NJ Clarke discourses Oh
Immortality" and DR. John Cotton sm'h po
sents an elaborate and able argument on evouI'u au
No connection with theology In treating the sno'eo
miracles Dr. Ryance protests against the IuO '" 'S
are TO be regarded arbitrary lhi.ao1"ils "po" '0
domain Of q divine order. On tue contrary Ho "''I
tains that they we're beneGcent vndicatons OF such
order recurring no moro thaa an orderly saDordiaaon
of secondary 20 primary causes To speak OF miracle
as violation OF natural law is verbal indsereton,
which allows OF mischevOus in'erences. and applci
tons. A miracle is not violent lrruptOn OF power
npop the normal order and action OF things, but sub
ordination Ordinary to extraordinary causes provided
for in the gna scheme OF the universe win regard
10 the function of miracles In relation 70 the
Christian faith, DR.. Rylance remarks that most
men Of diseerument have been brought 10
acknowledge that too high and exclusive place mas
been commonly assigned 10 them among the cNneu'es
of Christianity No absolute precedence can be etap
shed in behalf Of line OF evidence over Diners
When viewed alone. miracles are nothing b"t sup Il
dous marves, which prove nothing aud mean h''h'h@.
They should be taken as part Of grand system Oh
moral and spiritual teaching in the line OF continuous
evolution and they then take their place in the evolving
order, as signs OF supernatural mission IHe most
profound discourse the volume Is perhaps that ny
DR. John Cotton Smith, IN which he presents lncid
ANALYSIS OF the Of evolution and its bearing on
Tho conception OF personal Creator. 1, IL no plrt Of
his purpose to attempt to rcfue the doctrine or eYon
ton He ahirms, however, that the direction OF scien
tlac discovery for the last few seems to make II
not Improbable that before this generation shili
have passed away, some theory OF evolution VIII be
generally accepted the most rational explanation OF
the phenomena Of nature Bd, should tins provo 10 DC
the case he is persuaded toat IL would not initiate
against any interest peculiar to Christianity or IN any
wise compromise the dOctrle Of tic Divine personality
which is the fundamental principle Of reg on. TI's
position Is sustained with great force OF reasoning aud
illustrated by many opposite examples. II closing
hrs argument DR.. Smith makes polluted reference to
the significance OF the question in the present state or
scientific research, ana is boring on theological
studies. Professor Aglss!z, lie susgests, has l!t
scarcely a successor, IN TIE higher walks OF
science, 10 opinions upon the subject OF
evolution The unanmity OF scientific men
h demanding Interpretation of Nature the theory
Of evolution, most remarkable fact ana should re-
ceve the serious consideration OF every educated
Christian. In view OF what may soon be univcr5alJ
accepted as scientific truth It Is the solemn duty OF the
Christian world inquire how far discrimination may
tie made between the popular Interpretation of certain
portions Of the Bible and the essential principles OF the
Christian faith. DR.. Smith. think, Is greatly to be
commended for the and frankness. as wei as
Ibe modest intelligence, with which be has engaged IN
The discussion OF this pregnant question His liberal
OF course, viii not meet vita universal
ympathy. In certain quarters even his fairness TO
Seience may be regarded treachery to religion At all
events. his caudOr viii be deemed indiscTcet and the
transparent expression OF his views will he received
with anxiety If with alarm BIT the clearness with
which he recognizes the situation, will afford him strength
FOR the maintenance his ground His robust faith
that the progress OF science never prove injurious
the vital OF religion Will quicken his deyo-
uon the one without in. ,aIrng has loyalty 10 the
other.