The daily morning journal and courier., 1901-05-06

nity, being native of New Havel
 (born in 1S5S) and a graduate of Yal,
 Law and Divinity schools. He Is tn,
 son-in-law of our greatly esteemed ant
 prominent townsman, E. B. Bowditch
 MT. Root was pastor of High street
 Congregational church, Auburn, Me.
 and afterward pastor of Park church
 Hartford, Conn.,, church memorable
 for the long and exalted service of Hor-
 ace Bushnell in the pastorate. He is
 now general secretary of the American
 Social Science association and editor of
 Social Science Journal. MT. Root also
 pursued special studies in sociology at
 Harvard. He has published "Old School
 Days at Calender" a story, and also
 several short stories; and has contrib
 uted on literary, sociological and relig-
 ious topics to the Independent Outlook,
 Congregationalist, Churchman, New York Tribune, and is an occasional writer for other New York journals. Ills treatment of the subject of the
 book which is before us for review is
 characterized by the fluency of diction
 and perspicacity for which his previous
 literary work is marked, and particu-
 larly by his earnestness, fearlessness
 and candor which he has evinced in
 discussion connected with church work
 and church usefulness. The problem of
 the modern church is confronted vigor- ously, particularly that phase of it which deals, as MT. Root says, with the need of overcoming the incubus of fashion and formality which lies like weight upon many churches, palsying spiritual power and efficiency and ren- derng the position of many clergymen precarious. The need of an awakening of spiritual life in the church is set forth by acute thinkers alive to the sub- ject in all denominations. In his nota- ble book entitled "Our Country" Dr. Josiah Strong pointed out some church. ly tendencies that may well occasion alarm in the minds of those who love the church ard desire that 1t may rise above the environment of a merely for mai Churchianity. The book to which attention is now called is but a repeti- tion of the question so often asked, What is the matter with the church?" The author, in a series of brief chap ters endeavors to answer that question. Having been, as pastor of city churches for some years, compelled to face the very problems suggested, while at the same time student of social problems, he possesses practical knowledge of the topics discussed. In reality the work Is optimistic, though unhesitatingly frank in dealing with the subject. The book possesses much to commend it to all who have the best interests of true re- ligion at heart.
 Cassell & Company, London, and and West 18th street, New York an nounce for early publication "A Soldier of the King" by Dora M. Jones. Size IA B, 300 pages. cloth, s1.25. The TO- mantle story of John Gifford-who, be- coming as eminent saint as he had once been sinner, stands portrayed for all fme as Evangelist in the pages of Pilgrims Progress" though well | known to students of Bunyarl's early fife, has never yet been made the sub- | ect of novel Clifford was a wild cav ilier before he became preacher and | he adventures of his earlier, unregener- ,te days form the subject of "A Soldier ,f the King.
 The scenery is laid chiefly in Maid tone. Around Clifford are grouped other notable characters whose names are in he county archives, and the story in dudes the most picturesque episode in he history of that ancient English own-its capture by the Commonwealth 'oldiers in 164S
 Full of action and interest, uplifting n It's morals, the reader IS swiftly car- fed along in close sympathy with these nen and women of 300 years ago, and II too soon is the last page turned.
 The Review of Reviews for May is mother excellent number of this excel, aut magazine. Besides the many top cs of current home and foreign inter- st presented in the departments and illustrated there are original ontributions. George P. Morris ives character sketch of Ed iard Everett Hale. w. Frank Me- he Great Lakes; Charles Johnston f Russia's Readiness for War; f amuel E. Moffett of the Navy of Ja- an; James H. Garfield of Funston, / roduct of Kansas. Other articles are The Municipal Elections and Their leaning" by the editor of the maga- f inc; Great Celebrations and Gather f lgs of 19O1;" and Mr. Frederick Har- I son in America All the articles are , nelly illustrated. Copies fox sale by T. [. Pease & Son. f