The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-10-06
BOOKS RECEIVED.

SERMONS by the Rev. Charles Mnnigerode, DID,
Rector of st. Pauls church, Richmond Va.
Richmond: Woodhouse & Parham. 1880.
Price $3.50.
We learn from the brief preface to this volume
of 81 pages that it has been published at the
earnest request of, and by few members of, Dr.
Minnigerode's congregation. 1t consists of
twenty-one sermons: l. The All of Man; 2.
What Shall 1t Profit? g. What Them L. The
Name of Christian s. The Bread of Life; 6.
Forbidden Fruit; Z. Weighed in the Balances
s. Repent; 8. No God; TO- Fruits; II. Salts
fed; II. Press Toward the Mark; 10. Count
the Cost ID Lost by Hope; 10. Perfecting
Holiness; 16 Gods Saving and Ours II. ODE
dience; is. Two Masters; 10. Gods Holy Tenn
pie; 20. The Incarnation; 81. Communion Ser
mon. Dr. Minnigerode is we'll known as one of
the ablest, most learned, and most influential of
the Episcopal clergy of Virginia, and equally
well known for the soundness of his theology.
for his enthusiastic love of truth and for the
earnestness and blameless purity of his Christian
llte 1t has rarely been our lot to know any
man who in the social relations of life and in the
onwearled and conscientious discharge of his
duties as pastor more fully realized our ideal
traits of character are faithfully reflected in this
little volume of sermons. There is something
almost passionate in the cry of the faithful
preacher to his congregation to make their call
ing and election sure. The discourses are mark
ed at the same time by freshness, vivacity, depth
| OF conviction experience of the world, simplicity
of style, breadth of learning, and philosophic
thoughtfulness The learning is that of one
who does not think it necessary to parade it.,
and there seems to be an entire familiarity with
all the Leading topics of the day in philosophy
and science. The sermons are especially adapted
to make an impression in those circles of society
whose culture, refinement, and wealth render
them peculiarly liable to the allurements and
vanities of the pride, pomp, and pleasures of the
world, whether they appeal to the impenitent
sinner, or urge upon those who have entered the
Christian race a more complete and unreserved
conservation. DR.. Minnigerode speaks as with
the authority of one who had had a full expe-
rlence of all that is beautiful and attractive in
life devoted to the world, where rank, and edu-
cation, and opportunity combined to favor the
pursuit of earthly happiness.
One of the most striking traits in these SER
mons as compositions, is the descriptive talent
displayed in picturing natural scenes and the
creations of art-as the picture of the Wilder
ness of Judea, in Sermon V, and the scene of
our Lords Temptation; the fine description of
Babylon and the Palace of Belshazzar in Ser
mon VII; the description of the Acropolis at
Athens in Sermon VIII; and the description of
Andrea Orcagna's painting of The Triumph of
Death" In the Campo Santo at Pisa in Sermon
| VII
We would call special attention to the sermon
on Psalm xiv: l, 1.-THE fool hath said in his
heart, there is no God" This is a fine argu-
ment' and fine example of exegesis Also to
Sermon " MAN shall not live by bread alone, {"
Matt. w; 4; also to Sermon Xxx on The Incar-
nation; also to Sermon on ROM vi 81.
There are marks of haste, we must add, about
the preparation of the sermons, as well as about
the proof-reading, due, no doubt to the untiring
round of duties laid upon the pastor of large
city congregation.