The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-07-06
Literary, Notes.

Literary, Notes.
Not long after the death of the lamented Dr.
James w. Alexander, volume of Sacramento
Sermons written by him, was issued through
the Randolph firm introduced by Preface from
the pen of his brother, DR.: S. D. Alexander.
Being of such rare excellence as they are-con
tanning the very marrow of the gospel in regard
to its special teaching in the central doctrine of
the vicarious sufferngs of our divine Redeemer,
we may well be surprised that fresh edition
has not been called for long ago. This lack has
now been supplied in the new and beautiful one
Just brought out by the Randolphs 1000 Broad
way. One might almost think it had been pre-
pared with reference to those who above others,
realize and prize the precious truths herein set
forth-the old, whose eyes. need considering
for the type and leading are exceptionally gen.
erous SO that the remarkably clear, open page
is luxury to look upon.
At this late date, when most OF our II inisters,
and we trust not few private Christians are
more or less familiar with these solemn, consol-
ing, and rich discourses, clothed in the attrac-
tive literary style of which Dr. Alexander was
such MASTER it is somewhat superauous to
call attention to the contents of this volume.
Surely the salvation by the cross of Christ was
never more definitely, more earnestly, more
tenderly set forth in all its breadth and depth
and height, than in these pages. We wish every
Presbyterian family might have copy Of this
book on their shelves
Messrs. Randolph & Co, also issue collec-
ton of sermons entitled The Christian Year, 5y
the late Dr. Laurence, Pastor of the Church of
the Holy Communion, Ne,0 York Cfty. DIR.
Lawrence was the assistant and immediate sue
cessor of the sanity DR.. Mulenburg and fit
man, from his consecrated life, to take up and
carry on Dr. Mulenburgs work His spirit of
devotion to the peculiar lines of labor left to his
hands, was scarcely less ardent than that of his
predecessor. Though for years grievous suf-
ferer from pain, and scarcely ever knowing
day free from 1t, he toiled on among the poor
the sick, the Ignorant, the debased until his
mortal strength gave way under the strain
These sermons have been collected by one of
his bereaved Pensioners, since his. death, and
through them, DR.. Lawrence may still preach to
the orphaned flock who so mourn his loss, and
no less, to Christians at large. They are not
doctrinal discourses; they do not deal with the
subtleties of theological controversy; but thew
are full of the teachings of Christ loving per.
suasive, Misunderstanding on every page the
spirit of the beloved disciple. OF course. being
from an Episcopal clergyman, they are marked
by peculiarites of thought and diction, distinct
from our Presbyterian 70 mulas; but that need
be no reason why we should like them less 1t
IS well for us, at times, to read religious ltera-
ture outside the lines of our denominational
bounds; it keeps us from sectarian prejudice
and narrowness.
The author of John HazJar, Gentleman, has
recently sent forth the poems of life time under
the title of Thirty Years: Poems Newand old.
published by the Messrs. Houghton. Afi6l,n C.
Co., 4, Park Street, Boston,. Mrs. Mulock-
Craik seldom writes anything that has not sweet,
wholesome lessons wrapped up in it; and her
poems are no exception. The volume of verse
issued some years ago, was very popular, and
commended the gentle author as tenderly to the
hearts of her thousands of readers. as did the
best of her other books In this collection we
have all the contents of that volume besides
very many other lyrics, and especially. poems
adapted to childhood, or suggested by it. In
so large number, there must of necessity he
many of unequal merit-some which perbaps
had as well be omitted altogether as being of an
ephemeral nature But vast majority of them
are very musical, full Of elevatd Christian SEN
tlment, and pervaded by sweet comforting
hslPtutness that inclnes one to take them CLOSELY
to ones heart. There is none of the penius Of
Mrs. Browning, and but little of the lyric power
Of Jean lngelow, in this book but there is a
great class of readers who are fond of poetry
for whom these Poems Of Thirty Years NAV
have tender revelations not found in the works
Of these more elevated and poetic singers.
Volumes Seventeenth and EiqhteenM of Ldtle
Classics, edited by Rossiter johnson, have lust
been published blythe Houghton house Boston,.
They are devoted to selections from the master
writers, on such subjects as can be classed under
the heads Of Nature and Humanity. In volume
seventeenth we have some of the choicest bits
Of modern writing Charles Kingsleys paper on
me fens; John Ruskins eloquent outburst Of
prose-poetry on The FIrmau,ent; Thoreau's
Winter Walk Dudley Warmers exquisitelv
comic A-Hunting Of the Deer; Gilbert Hamer-
tons taking essay on Dogs, and various others
not less deserving o. the name Of English Class.
lcs In volume eighteenth are contained TbacL.