The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-03-29
NEU PURLTCATIONS.


 "Through Science to Faith" by New
 man Smyth. Charles Scribners Sons; price $15O net; for sale by the Pease- Lewis Co. In Through Science to Faith" Rev. Dr. Newman Smyth re- vises his series of lectures delivered in the winter of 1900-'01, placing them in intelligible form for those not scientifi- cally acquainted with evolution. The volume is a lucid resume of evolutiona- ny science since Darwins time, clearing questions ordinarily perplexing to the general public by dscarding vague technical expressions. Though simply written, the volume will be welcome in scientific circles as recognition from the theological side of the value of their work in the moral uplifting of the race, and 1t will be welcomed by Christians for it's clear exposition regarding the harmony of modern scientific discovery with the faith of the Christian. Through nature to God is the burden of the work. It's object, as stated in the authors preface, is to answer the in quiry whether through the science of the century passing away the coming age might enter into richer possessions of the spiritual faiths which have been mans heritage through all the centu- ries." As is further stated by Dr. Smyth: Tn this discussion of ques- tions which lead up to the higher inter- pretation of life we shall start from the naturalist's point of view It shall be our purpose to seek, especially among recent biological materials, for signs and evidences of the constitutional ri ip1a nf f so far as they may be revealed, to find some surer and clearer interpretation of our life. Our method will be a sim pie but positive method. We shall not seek to adapt science to religion, or to impose faith upon science. We shall seek to learn first from the biologists the significant facts which they have observed. Secondly, we shall accept and make the most of their theories or explanations of the obsefVed facts. so far as they may be made to go. Then, thirdly we shall inquire for ourselves what may be their higher and larger significance for our rational and reli- gious conception of the word. We shall | thus hope in a positive method to make a fresh start at least in the | way towards more scientifically spir | itual understanding of the creation-of | its underlying unity, of it's informing | principles, of it's real continuities through all its spheres, and of it's pos sible completions beyond our present knowledge" Thousands will feel in- debted to Dr. Smyth for this admirable work which, dvested of technical terms explains in the authors linn pid, fascinating style and diction the great truths that modern science, es- pecially the science of biology, have ! developed. "If a man die shall he live again" has been the cry of man in all ages, and this volume Is helpful and up- lifting to all seeking light on this most profound and vital of all problems The book evidences a close and most careful study of the leading and most accredited scientific authorities, and as one writer has we'll said. "all will con cede to the author commanding grasp of his matter in hand and his courage and penetration of mind and sprituali- ] ty to make one of the noblest efforts yet put forth in popular form to con- ] struct new natural theology" Dr. Smyth writes for that large class who would Inform themselves concerning (
  ry science since Darwins time, espec- ] tally in it's relation to our most cher ished human faiths and hopes" Dr. Smyth has brought to his task close re- fine scholarship and literary style both lucid and Illuminating, to- gether with deep spirituality and the l result is a book of rare fascination, which must be classed as a brilliant achievement and one in which both the ( Christian and the general reader will { ind instruction, satisfaction and de- ( fight. S "The Siege of Lady ResOute' by I Harris Dickson, is a charming story of | French days in the times of the weak Louis XIV and Madame Maintenon, c Those who enjoyed that excellent story, z