Contemporary Literature [pp. 729-761]

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE.
The Book of Common Prayer. Revision a Duty and a Necessity. An
Historical Inquiry, in Two Lectures, delivered at Ottawa, Toronto, New
York, &c. By Rev. MASON GALLAGHER, Presbyter of the Reformed Episcopal Church. New York: D. A. Woodworth, 96 Nassau street. Pp. 58.
This is one of the New Reformed Episcopal Church publications. By the
history of seven revisions of the Book of Common Prayer the earnest author
would show the necessity for the eighth, under Bishop Cummins. It is in
some respects an instructive review, fully showing that the Prayer Book
contains conflicting elements, and justifying the proposed changes.
The Address of Dr. James J. Brownson, commemorative of the Life and
Character of the Rev. David Elliott, D.D., LL.D., late Professor in
Allegheny Theological Seminary, is not only a biographical delineation
worthy of its subject, but an important contribution to the history of the
Seminary of which Dr. Elliott was so long a pillar and ornament, and of the
development and growth of Presbyterianism in one of its chief American
strongholds, Western Pennsylvania.
We are glad to receive the Inaugural Address of. Dr. Herrick Johnson as
Professor of Sacred Rhetoric in Auburn Theological Seminary, in which he
eloquently sets forth the true conception, end, aim, and substance of preaching, and the importance of cultivating a true artistic skill and power therein. It is fortunate for our Seminaries, and specially promotive of their
great end, when those in charge of the homiletic department can, as in the
present case, strongly exemplify their own teaching.
Jansen, McClurg & Co., of Chicago, have issued an authentic and complete Report of the Trial of the Rev. David Swing, before the Presbytery of
Chicago, edited by a Committee of Presbytery, which those will not fail to
consult who desire trustworthy knowledge of the various steps, documents,
pleadings, and findings in this case, which has now acquired doctrinal,
ecclesiastical, and historical importance. From a local inquiry into the
teachings of a minister, as related to certain charges, specifications, and
proofs made in regard to them, it has come, as we have shown in a previous
number, to embrace the deeper question of the doctrinal platform estab lishied by the Reunion, and hereafter to be recognized by our courts, the
relation of Professor Swing to tihe historic New School doctrines, and the
proper method of dealilng with certain modes of statement when orderly
brought to the cognizance of our Ecclesiastical Court. All this gives moment
to the pamphlet before us. L. H. A.
The W~orld's Edition of the Great Presbyterian Confict. PATTON VS.
SWI'NG. Both sides of the questivn. With portraits of Profs. Patton and
Swing. Chicago: Macdonald & Co. Besides an imperfect account of the
trial, this volume contains fourteen sermons of Prof. Swing, on the basis of
wx hich (in part) the chargesand specifications are made. It, however, rather
exaggerates matters when it speaks of the trial, in capitals, as the Great Pres byterian Conflict.
Our First Htetd-ed YWzar-s. By C. EDWARDS LESTER. New York:
760
lOct.