New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-29
RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
-ou, CENTURIES OF CHRISTIAN ACTIN
! .rY' AT YALE" BISHOP BUTLER,
AND OTHER THEMES.

4 coi1-11ittee consisting Of James B. Reynolds.
eamuel II Fisher and Henry b. Wright was
eppoanted to edit book for the bicentcnniai of
Tele showing the religious work Of that uni
versity from its foundation as theological SEM
mary 60 the present time Under the title Two
Centuries Of Christian Activity at Yale" the
hook has been issued by G. p. Putnam's Sons, and
proves a most interesting compilation CT facts
and statistics relating to the religious life OF the
students. During the first century OF the exist
ence OF Yale College 40 per cent of Its gradu-
ates became ministers The fact that per cent
Of the students during the past year have EN-
tere6 the ministry is commented on and eN-
p1ained by the circumstance that during recent
years Yale has extended her courses to
cover all branches OF university training. Presi-
dent Cyrus Northrop of the University Of Min
neeota writes the introduction, and chapters are
contributed by the Rev. Arson Phelps Stokes,
tr. the Rev. Timothy Dwight. w H Salmon,
R. C. Morse. c. Fl. Smith. y. P. Beach. w S.
CONN and II. p. Wright Many interesting facts
concerning Young Mems Christian Associ-
alton work the various revivais. and re
cent occurrences in the religious life OF the
inststutions are stated The book offers a
view Of Yale which should prove a valuable cor
rectire enong those inclined to look too exclu-
sively at the athletic interests OF the students
st illustrates, indeed the first attempt to give
history Of the religious life of students In any
American college. and opens a field for his
torioaE udy and record. In the preface. among
olher things find this suggestive passage:
An encouraging sign OF the general interest
in college, education during the past decade is
afforded in The frequent discussion Of the moral
and religious influence Of college life II Is
fortunate that while the bad conduct of a few
reckless students finds its way into the press
the good conduct Of the serious minded students
excftes neither note nor comment Undergrad
catee hear CT the exploits of the venturesorne,
but not OF the other side OF college life /, is
therefore belief that history such as this
Is worthy OF publication
The history OF the foundation OF the college
anc OF the Revolutionary times when the differ
ent classes were divided and put in different
fowne because of 6 threatened invasion. when
III must be confessed that the preaching OF the
gospel and tine influence Of the ministry were
rather martial than sanctifying and SPIRITUAL
the history of all this is edifying. I'm many
cases ministers became military leaders and
sered .be struggle with Bibles and bayonets and
feelings OF bitterness and revenge against the
invaders animated all students" The pages
teal,ne with period OF great infdelity, about
,1So-si: with the revival under Dwight. and
It's effect; with other revivals; with the Civil
War ~sth Moody's influence In 1878. and with
the religious conditions since that time prove as
fascinating 8 romance Tits all in an untried
city through its religious side. The reader meets
with many unusual facts and enjoys the infor-
matAcn.
These who love old Bishop Butler viii be in
tesestsd IN the biography OF BIN written by w
A. oEooner. N. A.. OF oxford. and published by
s4Ocghton- Ninnin & Co. 1t gives an adequate
account OF the events in his career ana fun
discu&.ton OF the Analogy. with a general esti-
mate and summary OF the teachings OF its au-
thor. WHO ranked as the leading divine OF his
age Gladstone devoted much time in his later
years 20 an calculation OF the Analogy which
he ranked one OF the masterpieces OF lisera-
ture ~ well as OF theology. Butler lived during
tie reign OF King George II and Queen Caro-
line. both Of whom were devoted to him He
mt che tide OF atheism, and OF the great
na10es OF that era did much 10 preserve the old
soeoss "a English thought. Mr.. Spooners treat
Deaa u tie subject and OF the interesting
mreer with which he has 10 deal IL strsightfor-
uarf and apprecist!ve. An engraving from the