OF THE Literary Churchman. THE object of this Journal is literary, and not controversial; rather to convey information than to inculcate any particular opinions; rather to furnish helps toward a correct judgment, than to assume the office either of advocate or judge. The Church has her judges of doctrine, whose duty it is to pronounce judgment with authority. Our office is rather to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. In this office, however, whilst we aim at impartiality, we can neither profess nor practise indifferentism. We believe that nothing is more fatal to the true conveyance of information with respect to religious statements, than the way of representing them which is prompted by unwillingness to admit the solid truth of any. There is more truth in a false statement, there is more truth in the garbled representation of it by an adversary, than in the cold and lifeless impression of it which comes through the medium of an unbelieving mind; and none but an unbelieving mind can be wholly indifferent. Rather, indifferentism itself is a sectarian opinion, and one of the last to which a religious mind can shew any kind of partiality. But truth is better set forth by the gravity of simple enunciation, than by the violence of invective or the piquancy of ridicule. It is hoped that the annals of religious literature may furnish matter of sufficient interest to dispense with the necessity for any such incentives to reading, and that the number of readers who desire real information respecting the publications of the day will be found sufficient for the maintenance of a faithful register of that part of them which bears directly upon religion. It may not be possible adequately to convey the knowledge of the fact that something ridiculous has appeared, or that some monstrous heresy has been broached, without in some sense ridiculing the one, or inveighing against the other. But if this is done to no greater extent than is requisite for the information of the general reader, the duty of forbearance is satisfied, and the testimony is, in a fair sense, candid and impartial. Truth requires, not only from the judge, but from the faithful informant, some praise of undoubted merit, and some censure of error or indiscretion. Truth will be our aim, in preference to the more popular endeavour to say what is striking, whether true or false. Our undertaking is begun in the recollection that "in the multitude of words there lacketh not sin," and in the sense of that responsibility which attaches to every attempt to direct, or even aid, the judgment of others in matters of serious importance. That sin will be best avoided, that responsibility best discharged, if our own convictions are soberly and unflinchingly expressed, while facts and arguments are clearly and impartially stated. The labour required for its due execution is considerable, and we must even ask some indulgence if the task is not always fully and equably performed. Yet it is hoped that enough may be accomplished to make this Journal by far the most complete repository of information in its own line, and a considerable help to the understanding of what is read, as well as to the choice of books for reading. THE LITERARY CHURCHMAN OFFICE, 377, STRAND. SERMONS, &c. By Bp. of Oxford, Goodwin, Fraser, Curteis, Williams, Cowie, Brereton, Kempe, Williams, Puckle, Brock, Jackson, Cotton, Codd, Reichel, SINGLE SERMONS. By Bp. of Oxford, Bp. of Salisbury, Archdn. CHARGES. By Bp. of Bath and Wells, Archdeacons Randall, Hall, Coxe, Bickersteth, Dodgson, &c. And of numerous other Books, Tracts, Pamphlets, &c., on subjects of the day, of Parochial, Devotional, Historical, and Biographical Works, Church Music, Serials, Periodicals, New Editions, and the Chief Religious Publications in FRANCE, GERMANY, and AMERICA. In all, upwards of Three Hundred and Eighty Books, Tracts, or Pamphlets on, or connected with, Religious subjects, and published during the last six months, are reviewed or noticed in the Twelve First Numbers of the LITERARY CHURCHMAN. Price for the First Twelve Numbers, unstamped, 4s., (per post, 4s. 6d.) FROM THE PROVINCIAL PRESS, "Numerous as are our periodicals devoted to the cause of religion, there was yet room for one taking the distinct ground proposed to be occupied by the LITERARY CHURCHMAN.' We have periodicals whose sole aim appears to be controversy, and there can be no doubt that their tendency is rather to divide the Church into parties, or at least to perpetuate the divisions, than to produce that harmonious whole which is the great desideratum. There is nothing in the plan or in the first number of the LITERARY CHURCHMAN' that addresses itself to any section of the Church; but there is much that speaks wisely and well to the Church at large. This is just what we long wished to see. We really have had too much religious controversy. With a great portion of our own country sunk in ignorance and apathy, and with three-fourths of the world to evangelize, there is plenty for the Church to do without proclaiming its differences about things non-essential. The 'Current Events' connected with religion (which we conclude will be a regular feature of the journal) is a practically useful article. The Reviews, which embrace all leading works, are very ably and impartially written, and the general information on Church matters is all that can be wished. We predict for the ' LITERARY CHURCHMAN' a very extensive circulation, and we have no scruple in saying that we believe that it will do good wherever it circulates."—Leicester Advertiser, May 19, 1855. "The tone of the publication seems that of moderate and liberal Churchmen, who are desirous of conducting it in a Catholic spirit."-Coventry Herald, May 11, 1855. "It would be equally unjust and unreasonable in us to deny or forget the mighty obligations under which our common Protestantism has been laid by the Church of England, her prelates, professors, and teachers. With all her faults, this elder sister of our British evangelism is still a vast engine for good; and it is only fair to admit that, unlike our own establishment, she still numbers the majority of Englishmen among her votaries. Perhaps her chief defects are those against which the LITERARY CHURCHMAN' at least professes to direct its energies, namely, the want of practical commonsense, of adaptation to the advancement of society, and fair impartiality in judging of the efforts of her members or antagonists. THE LITERARY CHURCHMAN' intends to be impartial, but from its own point of view;' which we hold to be as fair and reasonable, as well as able, a definition of human, practical impartiality, as we have ever yet met with,—that is, human, contra-distinguished from abstract, mathematical impartiality; and we are bound to add, that the editorial observations and the reviews of religious books contained in this number come fairly up to this high standard. We cordially recommend it to the patronage of those belonging to the Anglican Church, while we are not travelling far out of our duty by suggesting its perusal, and, in many respects, imitation, to some similar organs amongst ourselves, who have yet to learn that it is possible to contemplate others from our own point of view,' and yet to do so fairly."—Galloway Advertiser, May 24, 1855. (Presbyterian.) "We are pleased no less with the literary ability displayed in the work than the moderate tone which pervades its articles; and in the latter point of view it contrasts most favourably with some other Church of England organs which we could name."Bradford Observer, May 24, 1855. "Its reviews and notices of new works are very copious; and a peculiar characteristic of it will be, that a portion of it is to be devoted to foreign and American theological literature."-North Wales Chronicle, May 12, 1855. "The name is well chosen to indicate its peculiar object; and if the execution corresponds to the promise and scheme set forth in the introductory articles, its usefulness will be undoubtedly great. It proposes to direct its efforts chiefly to current ecclesiastical literature, and, under several varieties of notice and review, to make known the most important works which from time to time issue from the press in relation to religious subjects. Of the first number we cannot but speak most favourably, and recommend it to general notice. The leading articles, indeed, are few and cursory, but pithy and suggestive. The reviews are elaborate, and ably done. We wish the journal success."-Scottish Ecclesiastical Journal, May, 1855. In form and size it resembles its older and well-known contemporary, the 'Athenæum;' but it is strictly confined to religious literature and ecclesiastical intelligence. In a word, the LITERARY CHURCHMAN' bids fair to be a first-rate and popular class paper,' at once inexpensive, compendious, and very readable. Its principles appear to be sound and moderate Church principles. And if it be conducted with the practical earnestness, ability, and general utility which characterise its opening number, we venture to predict for it both a successful and a most useful career."-Liverpool Mail, May 12, 1855. Prospectus, Further Notices, &c., forwarded, on application to the Office, 377, Strand. BY JOHN HENRY AND JAMES PARKER. Now ready, antique cloth, 5s., bound in calf, 10s. 6d. ABP. LAUD'S PRIVATE DEVOTIONS. A NEW EDITION. Containing the original Latin Prayers complete, with a Translation appended to each. Now ready, in 8vo. THE PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE SERVICE. An Inquiry concerning the True Manner of Understanding and Using the Order for MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER, and for the ADMINISTRATION OF THE HOLY COMMUNION IN THE ENGLISH CHURCH. By the Rev. PHILIP FREEMAN, M.A., Formerly Fellow and Tutor of St. Peter's College, Cambridge; late Principal of the Theological College, Chichester. Vol. I. ON THE ORDER FOR MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 8vo., 10s. 6d. Vol. II. ON THE ORDER FOR THE HOLY COMMUNION, is in preparation. Now ready, price 2s. 6d. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FROM THE FIRST CENTURY TO THE REFORMATION. By J. S. BARTLETT. Now ready, 8vo., 4s. THE PROMISES OF CHRISTIANITY. By W. KAY, D.D., Principal of Bishop's College, Calcutta, and Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. 16mo., cloth, 2s. THE OLD WEEK'S PREPARATION Towards a worthy receiving of the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, after the warning in the Church for its celebration. Edited by WM. FRASER, B.C.L., Curate of Alton. "A book often printed with the Prayer-book, and perhaps more largely used than any other set of meditations on the Holy Sacrament."-Guardian, June 13, 1855. The Complete Set, cloth, lettered, £1 8s. 6d.; in strong binding, £2 2s. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. "The Commentary is said to be intended for devotional reading, and certainly ought not to be approached in a controversial or even critical spirit. We will say only that the portion before us, including the Commentary on St. Matthew, fulfils the promise of the title-page, in being plain and fit for readers of all classes. The learning, which is great, is everywhere subordinated to real illustration and enforcing of the sacred text."-Guardian, Feb. 15, 1854. "Two portions of a Plain Commentary' (embracing the whole of St. Matthew and St. Mark) on the Gospels, we consider to be a very extraordinary work in every way. To be at once so full, and yet so popular; so deep, and yet so homely, (in the best sense of the word,) are rare recommendations. For size, cheapness, and in working character, if we may so say, it ought to supersede all our common Family Bibles. It is the book not only for simple, plain, devotional readers, but it is suggestive to the more advanced student of Scripture; and it realizes what has so long been wanted, a Catholic interpretation, and comment for the people; a gloss, yet religious : a commentary, yet not dull; an explanation, yet not pedantic."-Christian Remembrancer, April, 1854. OXFORD; AND 377, STRAND, LONDON. BY JOHN HENRY AND JAMES PARKER. Now ready, crown 8vo., price 3s. 6d. MANUAL OF GREEK AND LATIN PROSE COMPOSITION, Specially designed to Illustrate the Differences of Idiom between those Languages and the English. By E. R. HUMPHREYS, LL.D., Head Master of Cheltenham Grammar School; Author of "Exercitationes Iambicæ," "Lyra Hellenica," "Manual of Civil Law," &c. TO ACCOMPANY THE TEXTS OF THE OXFORD POCKET CLASSICS. Aschines in Ctesiphontem. Text and Notes, sewed, 2s. Cornelius Nepos. Text and Notes, sewed, 1s. 6d. The Antigone of Sophocles. Text and Notes, sewed, 1s. The Philoctetes of Sophocles. THE ANNALS OF ENGLAND. AN EPITOME OF ENGLISH HISTORY, From Cotemporary Writers, the Rolls of Parliament, and other Public Records. Vol. I., fcap. 8vo., with Illustrations, cloth, 5s. "This is a book we like. It is not one to read through, but one to study. It is not'a history, but a summary of history, based on the statements of the most nearly contemporary writers. The anteNorman era is the fullest, considering the scanty nature of our documents, the writer being justly of opinion that the conquering race did not effect such great changes as is generally supposed. Many facts hitherto little known have been derived from the Patent Rolls, the Rolls of Parliament, and the Statutes of the Realm (an invaluable well-spring of early English history); while, to meet a common deficiency, brief biographies of eminent persons are occasionally introduced."-Atlas, May 19, 1855. "We have rarely met with a more highly useful book for educational purposes than this Epitome. It gives a brief, but comprehensive, outline of all the great events which have marked the character and habits of the British people, and fixes the dates of such events with accuracy and precision, in such a manner as to fix them upon the pupil's memory, and to store his mind with information that cannot be too highly prized. As a book of reference, it will also be found valuable. We cannot but speak in terms of the highest approbation of the manner in which a most laborious undertaking has been thus far fulfilled."-Daily News, June 4, 1855. Now ready, Illustrated, price 7s. 6d. THE ECCLESIASTICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL TOPOGRAPHY OF ENGLAND. PART VII. SUFFOLK. Containing an account of every Church in that County, with Notices of objects of interest in or near. Each Church has been personally surveyed for the work by some com petent person. In Ornamental Wrapper, square 16mo., 1s. 6d. A MANUAL OF GOTHIC MOULDINGS. Forming No. II. of a Series of Manuals of Gothic Ornament; with numerous Illustrations. In Coloured Wrapper, square 16mo., 1s. 6d. A MANUAL OF GOTHIC STONE CARVING. Forming No. I. of a Series of Manuals of Gothic Ornament; with nearly Sixty Illustrations. OXFORD; AND 377, STRAND, LONDON. |