Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-11-29
LITERARY NOTES.

THE NATIVE RELIGIONS OF MEXICO AND PERU.
By ALBERT REvILLE; D, D., Professor of The Sci
ae 0b Y phip Is tf feee e Franz
Lectures, 1851 New YORK: Charles scribners
Sons Washington: VIM. Balantyne L SON
The title of this book will sufficiently explain
| its character to those familiar with the nature
and purpose of the famous HILBERT lectures,
which now constitute one of the noted annual
treats for intellectual London. For the benefit
of those unfamiliar with the subject it may.
however. be said that the object of the course is
to promote religious scholarship through the
medium OF inquiries touching the origin and
growth OF the various religions of the world. AS
the fund provided for its maintenance is ample
and the distinction OF being chosen to deliver
one OF the courses Is by no means small the
best talent working in those lines of thought
has been enlisted in the work, as is evidenced
by the tact that among the predecessors OF Prof
Reville have been such scholars and thinkers es
Max Muller, Ernest Renan and Prof. Kuenen
And with this distinguished company the
French savan who occupied the desk this year
seems quite worthy to stand 1t is true that
theologians may say that in his six discourses
he has presented nothing absolutely new in the
field of original discovery; but they must admit
that he has been able to throw considerable
light on what has already been known and to
invest subject comparatively dry in itself with
uncommon interest. Prof Reville's treatment
OF his theme is popular and historical. rather
than philosophical; and herein lies its adyan-
tage. since in this way the popular as we'll as
the professional mind will likely be drawn to an
investigation of the matters under discussion.
He sketches in graphic manner the religions
ofthe Peruvans and MeXicans at the time of tine
Spanish invasions and in the course of his eX-
position gives many interesting pictures of the
civilization and religious customs and mOnastic
establishments of the native races, reaching the
conclusion for which he gives sound reasons
that, though presenting some strong points OF
resemblance and not infrequently very striking
parallels. the native religious faiths and observ-
aDces were in no sense the reflection or out
growth of those of other races, but entirely in
dependent in themselves, and the natural eX-
preston of inherent principles and emotions
planted in the heart of the human family where
ever found. This is the view substantially held
by the most enlightened students of compare
tive religion. They agree that the same causes
produce the same results wherever operative
that. in other words, man is every where essen
TALLY the same in his nature; that the laws Of
thought do not change; and that in the uni
formity Of religious feeling and expression lies
the surest evidence OF the unity of the human
race
CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY; Or. MEN OF BUSINESS
WHO Dip SOMETHING BESIDES MAKING MONEY
Boi}on fG To a99 Apeans BY JAMES PAnToS
Robert Beall.
Although not designed for a holiday book, it
would be difficult to find more suitable gift
for boy than this collection of nearly fifty BIZ
ographical sketches. 1t is full of encourage
ment and Indictment. and the lessons it teaches
cannot be too often nor too deeply impressed
upon the mind OF the rising generation which,
1t must be confessed. is disposed rather toward
spending other peoples money than earning and
properly using its own. Although the advan-
tageS or snug balance at bank are not to be
despised, the mere matter of money getting is
not advocated, but the judciOus use of it after
competency has been acquired and the right to
period OF repOse honestly earned. To Illus
trate the authors theme representative men of
different countries have been chosen and the
sketch of EACH though necessarily brief is clear
cut, instructive and thoroughly readable to the
last word. In fact. Mr.. Parton is one of the
few writer's who cannot be dull if he would and
an additional interest is given to his text by por-
traits of some OF the more notable characters in
troduced.
JAMES MADISON. By SIDNEY HOWARD GAY Ameri-
Co Washington: Vim. Ballantyne 4 Son.
Mr.. Gays effort to portray the character and
career Of Madison does not rise to the level of
the other works composing the series to which
1t belongs. In the opening chapters many facts
that are interesting, and some that are new, in
regard to MadisOns early life are given and the
authors style is not without a certain literary
grace; but that Is the most that can be said in
favor of the book. That it will fall far short
OF satisfying the friends of Mr.. Madison is
very certain; but even the casual reader of or
binary Intelligence and fairness is likely to be
impressed with the feeling that Mr. GAYS esti-
mate OF his abilities and the place to which he
is entitled to in the history Of his country IS alto
gether too low. Although not ranking with the
greatest of men. Madison was far more than re-
spectacle as scholar. writer. and statesman, and
MS many excellent traits of character were en-
titled to warmer and more appreciative recog-
milton than Mr.. Gay seems able or at least will
ing to yield. He probably does not mean to be
unjust, but he certainly fails to be Just.
TEACHINGS AND CoUNsELlS. Twenty Bacca-
areS sf sy with Discourse on President
9ork: Charles scrioner's Sons. Washington: Vim.
Most II not oil the sermons included in
this volume have already been published in
one form or another, but the collection is
richly worth bringing together as it has been.
for convenience Of use and preservation. Few
men have exercised within their chosen field a
better influence than has DR.. Hopkins. and these
discourses show his character and powers at
their best. There Is permanent interest In
the subjects treated. and the style in which he
presents them is marked by great directness of
expression, clearness Of thought and power of
Illustration, making the volume one Of more
than usual value in its application Of sound re-
ligious principles to the wants Of every day
life.
SOME HERETICs OF YESTERDAY. By s. E HER
RICK, d. d, Minister OF Mt Vernon Church Boston
Boston: HoughtOn. Mitfiin & Co. Washington VIM
Ballantyne
Under this title Dr. Herrck has given to- a
wider circle than his congregation his interest
ing course OF lectures in which are discussed the
life and work of some of the more prominent
leaders in the religious movements of the last
six hundred years. They are extremely enter
tainining as biographical sketches as well as
instructive in illustrating how the heresies of
one period become the orthodox doctrines of
another, and in setting forth the principles of
the reformation. The authors style is crisp and
clear. the characters of his several subjects are
sketched distinctly, and many well drawn pic
ture are given Of the social life Of the times.
oCGIDENT; With Preludes on Current Events. By
JOSEPH Cook. Boston: Houghton, Mif1a & Co
Washington: Ballantyne & Son
Since his return from his tour around the
world, Mr.. Cook has resumed his course of
Monday lectures in Boston, devoting them
mainly to the results Of his inquiries and obser-
walton in England, Germany, Italy and Greece
touching what for want of a better term NAV
be styled the state and promise of advanced
thought in those countries; and for the benefit
of the unfortunate world beyond the range of
his voice they are grouped together in book
form and given to it under the title above.
Like all his efforts, they are Joseph ookish in
the extreme, and will doubtless be greatly
admired by those who admire that sort of thing.
MY FRIENDS AND l. Edited by JULIAN sruae1s
Holt CO. Bre rent e Brothers ass henry
The literary merit Of this volume is yery con-
siderable, though the impression left on the