The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-12-24
NEW PUBLICATIONS.


New York: Houghton, Mifflin &c Co.; Port
land: Loring, Short & Harmony This Es-
say is virtually sequel to the authors for
mer work on The Destiny of Man, SO much
so that the force of the argument in the con-
clusion of this can hardly be fully appreclat-
ed without reference to the other book. In
this volume the author discusses three posi-
BILE ways in which, in the broadcast sense,
one may contemplate the universe.
First, the world of phenomena is regarded
as sufficient unto itself, needing not to be re-
ferred to any underlying and all-comprehen-
sive unity. Nothing has an ultimate origin or
destiny. Atoms drift and eddy about in an
utterly blind and irrational manner, though
now and then evolving, as. by accident, tenn
porary combinations which have a rational
appearance to us. This is Atheism pure
and unqualified. 1t recognizes no Omnipo-
tent Energy.
Secondly, we may hold that the world of
phenomena is utterly unintelligible, unless
referred to an underlying and all-compre-
hensive unity All things are manifesto
lions of an Omnipresent Energy, which is
merely an inscrutable essence. Such view
is 'Pantheism." 1t recognizes an Omnipres-
ent Energy, but virtually identifies it with
the totality of things.
Thirdly, we may hold that the world OF
phenomena is ineligible only when regard
ed as the multiform manifestation of an On
nipresent Energy that is in some way an
thropomorphic, or quasi-personal There is
a true objective reasonableness in the uni
verse; its events have an orderly progress
sion, and so far as those events are brought
within our ken for us to generalize them ex-
haustively, their progression is towards
goal that is recognizable by human intelli-
gence. Such a theory of things is "Theism''
1t recognizes an Omnipresent Energy which
is none other than the living God.
In this essay the author aims to exhibit
this Theistic doctrine, which he himself
holds, as the legitimate outcome OF modern
scientific thought as well as of ancient faith.
Mr.. Fiske reviews the several theories pre-
sented from the standpoint of evolution, but
he is no materialist much less an atheist or
pantheist. but presents cogent consldera-
lions for the confession of his faith in one
God, the supreme Author of all things visi-
BILE and invisible.
Of late the fashion of the day has favored
materialistic theories of worlds formed by
atoms whirling through space in rotatory
motion and gradually growing into symmet-
rical systems without the originating and dl-
recting supertendence of Infinite Wisdom.
But all such theories are fundamentally false
reyivals of old systems, and will not long
survive such searching criticism as this of
Mr.. Fiske and similar authors.
The Life and Times of Samuel Bowles By
George S. Merriam. (New York: Century
Company Mr.. Bowles was one of the rep
resentative men through whom new pow
er in society has been developed and exer-
cised. This field was in one sense narrow,
for the Springfield Republican was pub
lished in provincial town, and limited to
comparatively small circulation; but it exer-
cised wide influence. Mr.. Bowles's edito-
rial work covered the period from the an
nexation of Texas to the close of reconstruc-
ton under President Hayes. He was spec
tator and and actor in the struggle which
ended in the overthrow of slavery, and also
in the problems which taxed the nation in
the years following the war. A great part OF
the significance and value of his life, lay in
his contribution to these debates.
The files of newspaper can not be trust
ed always to give the true proportion of the
events which they narrate from day to day,
and their record must be open to large cor
rection from other sources. But they yield
abundant and vivid material by picturing
the scene as it appeared to actors and con-
temporaries, and giving details taught by
the reporters pen before memory has had
time to grow treacherous.
The more essential part of the book is
that which deals with the personal life of
its subject. Few men in his generation had
more striking personality than Sam
Bowles," or were more widely known. He
was man of strong, racy, many-sided indi-
viduality, man richly worth knowing even
by report, if the biographer represents his
true quality. The work addresses itself to
the common interest of humanity. The
writer say to his readers, Behold man!
Thus he looked, acted and grew. This was
his work, these were his joys, his battles, his
defeats, his victories. Such was the front he
wore to the world, and so he opened his
heart to those he loved. This was the out
come of his life and this is its significance
and appeal.
The Great Poets as Religious Teachers.
BY John H. Morrison. New York: Harper
& Brothers; Portland :Loring, Short & Har-
mon.) Seers or poets have been looked up
to by common consent as imperial rulers In
the world of creative thought, and penetrat-
ing farthest into the secrets of the universe.
Owing to instincts, which are often isafer
guides than our most elaborate theories, the
favorite stories and songs of children, and
the folklore which has found its way every
where into human hearts and homes are
made up from traditions which appeal most
wildly to the Imagination and people the
world with ideal conceptions. Such are the
books like Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress. of
which thousands upon thousands of copies
are demanded by each successive generation.
In like manner the great poets have been
recognized as august and effective teachers,
and had leading place in the higher sys-
TENS of education.
1t is the purpose of these essays to indl-
cate by few illustrious examples some OF
the lessons and some of the methods by
which this higher training, through their
means, may be carried on. These great poets
and prophets who have been the vanguard
in the progress of the race, and by lifting
men up to higher consciousness of what
they ought to be have kept them moving for
ward towards higher ideal, must always
hold the highest place in every well organ
lied and healthful condition of society.
Outline of Christian History. A. d. 90
$780, BY Joseph Henry Allan. Boston:
Roberts Brothers.) This Outline is designed
primarily as a manual for class instruction.
1t follows rigidly in its plan the mechanical
form which seems best fitted for such man
ual. 1t would not have been possible in any
other way to include the necessary number
and variety of topics within so limited
space. An amount Of information is thus
brought together which will be of value and
interest for the intelligent student of gen
eral history, as well as the classes for whom
the work is specially designed Neither this,
however, nor any single work ought to salts
fy the student For general guide as a
work of reference McClintock's and Strong's
Cyclopedia is perhaps better, or for the ear
lier past eight centuries) Smiths Great Die
tionaries of Christian Antiquities q vols)