Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1885-08-20


nor conoealment. Her readers know that
Il Is there and believe il enduring and rella-
Die as are, one is lead TO think all her char
actoristics.
Inc style Is uneven, In places too familiar
Tor published essays, though perhaps, ex-
cusable when one considers the occasion OF
these efforts. At amateur performances,
tney would OF course anywhere, every one
OIL them be received with acclaim. The
apostrophes are, however, weakened by
their frequency and might indeed, all be
left out with no lanentable detriment.
Usually 1t Is crisp, clear telling English,
which is used, sometimes, however, too
much ornament, too great straining for
effect and q little carelessness or want OF
ease are apparent. Received through F. @.
Mccall, 7l5 Market street.
sERM' Ms BY BISHOP MATTHEW SIMPSON
OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
edited from Shorthand reports by George r.
Crooks, ID. d., New York, Harper u Brothers
FRANKLIN Square, 1885.
The salient point In these sermons Is the
eloquence OF sincere conviction. They
shoot an electric thrill. They are strong as
with the spirit Of man, resistless In the
might of God. The speaker, whether
through victory won, or faith unassailed Is
absolutely unincumbered by doubt. He is
braced by overriding Providence brave in
tho personal faith OF apostles, prophets,
martyrs. Now and then comes I'm strain
Of the sweet winsomeness Of the great
French preachers, particularly those Of
modern days. The usual style is direct,
answering appeal.
In this cold age OF doubt, cavil, uncer-
tainty, such man rs Bishop Simpson was
a steady power. OF the Methodist church,
he was thoroughly representative. This
volume is equally so. Those elements Of
personally frank revelation, soul to soul
standing bare, OF impassioned eloquence,
as of eternal things almost present to the
senses, which have made 1t irresistible, are
found here in undiminished strength.
The preacher presupposes faith In his
hearers. He is never metaphysical, never
argumentative. The absence Of perplexing
questions and Of specific reference to the
thinkers of the d0y are noticeable. To the
fervor OF the apostle he adds the simple
directness, the concentration OF the proph t.
No one can better incite the young, fire the
adult, stay the aged. In hearing these SER
mons, one can imagine furore Of earnest
ness, an exaltation OF effort falling upon
the hearers like that which fend the French
soldiery any whittier, when they heard the
Marseillaise.
The manly ring of the sermon on faith
makes 1t, perhaps, best of all. "Christiun
Unity" which is made TO consist In doing,
Is also fine. In the first sermon on the
Resurrection there would seem slight
physiological error. Water about the heart
is sign of death itself, however induced,
not necessarily therefore from violent,
Mental Emotion" which fact makes the
proof OF Christ's death even stronger than
Bishop Simpson puts it. 1.-THE Great Com
mission" and "Victory of Faith touch a
modern range, though the bishops deilni-
ton of the difference between organic and
inorganic matter might be made subject to
criticism. A latent unneeded uniairness,
too, now and then comes to the surface in
speaking of un-Christian charities. Still In
these sermons there is nothing morose,
narrow, acrid. OF all things a joyful
Christian is expected and commended. The
style is always clear, crisp, vigorous. The
chain of thought is not wearing. The
bishop himself, self-conscious, yet with
beautiful forgetfulness of self, with frank
dignity and noble simplicity, evidently leads
the way in hearty, manly, dignined
Christian life, which commands respect in
all quarters, and worthily embodies both
the best traditions and soundest aspirations
Of the church OF which he was member.
Received through c. F. ThosBm Il Co.