Short Notices [pp. 759-784]

Slorwt Xotices.
himself above a certain crudeness of thought and expression
which deforms the present work. At the same time, it is cre ditable to him, and a pleasant token of profound interest in a
science which adjoins, and at various points interlaces with, the
scientia scientiarum-Christian Theology.
Oitr First Duty: a Missionary Sermon, preached by appointment before
the Synod of New Jersey, at Morristown, New Jersey; repeate(d in the
First Presbyterian Church, Scranton, Pennsylvania; and plublished at
their request. By M. J. Ilickok, pastor of the church. New Yor
John F. Trow, printer. 1860.
A Plea for Homle Missions, of unusual power, rising quite
above the stereotyped style of preachling, on such themes. It
abounds in rich, fresh, forcible thought, and glowing appeals.
It is one of those sermons which will interest the reader as
well as the hearer-a quality by no means common in pulpit
discourses.
An Outline of the Necessary Laws of Thought. A Treatise on Pure and
Applied Logic,. By William Thompson, D. D., Provost of Queen's (Col lege, Oxford. From the fourth London edition. New York: Sheldon&
Co. 1860.
This is one of the fruits of the quickened interest in the
study of Logic in Britain, which was largely due, in the first
instance, to the publication of Whately's celebrated treatise,
but has been vastly increased by the fresh contributions to the
science, the masterly discussions, and the inspiring personal instructions and influence of Sir William Hamilton-a name
destined to be quite as illustrious in connection with logic as
with any branch of metaphysical philosophy. Dr. Thompson
has dedicated this work to Hamilton, and received important
aid from himn in preparing it. He has incorporated the doctrines of his great master in his treatise, so far as they command his approbation. Yet the work is by no means servile,
or a mere echo of the great philosopher. It bears on every
page the imprint of independent, vigorous thinkipg, of scholarly
attainment, and refined culture. In short, it is, in every respect, a masterly treatise, much in advance of any thing else
on the subject in our language, unless it be the forthlcoming
Lectures of Hamilton, which we have not seen. The topics are
admirably distributed, and treated in brief chapters, quite convenient for students and teachers. In simplicity and ease of
style, as well as other qualities which adapt it to the ready
apprehension of young students, and others not familiarized to
the ponderous phrase and formidable technology introduced into
philosophy by Kant, it is quite superior to those publications
of Hamilton which we have thus far seen.
1860.]
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