LIFE'S DARK PROBLEMS OR Is This a Good World? BY MINOT J. SAVAGE, D.D. Crown Octavo, net, $1.35 (By mail, $1.50) CONTENTS The Answer of Job; Some Theological Answers; The Divine Government; Pain; Life's Incompleteness; Moral Evil; Death; Accidents and Calamities; Mental Disease and Decay; Is God a Father? In these chapters the author discusses at length the principal ones of life's dark problems. He does not undertake to answer all the questions which any one might ask, nor does he feel under obligation to do this. He holds, as all reasonable persons must, that to the finite mind an infinite universe must always be a mystery. All men need is solid standing ground under their feet and light enough to take the next step in advance. In this spirit of modesty, then, he attemps to say none of these difficulties is utterly overwhelming, but that in spite of them there is reason to trust in God and look forward with most inspiring hope to the future. The book ought to be helpful to those who are inclined to hold pessimistic views of the universe, or who are crushed and helpless under specific burdens of their own. G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS NEW YORK LONDON No better gift books than the above "Hymns and "Poems," being specially adapted for the holiday season, "Light on the Cloud" for time of bereavement and sorrow. For sale by booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by GEO. H. ELLIS CO., Publisher, 272 CONGRESS ST., BOSTON. 104 EAST 20тH ST., NEW YORK. The preface by Mr. Savage gives the reasons, clearly and concisely, why a book like this is needed. It answers a great demand, and it will supply a serious deficiency. Having had the privilege of reading the contents very thoroughly, I gladly record my satisfaction in the character of the work, my hope of its wide acceptance and use, my appreciation of the author's motives in preparing it. The questions and answers allow of supplementing, of individual handling, of personal direction. It is not a hard-andfast production. There is a large liberty of detail, explanation, and unfolding. The doctrinal positions are in accord with rational religion and liberal Christianity, the critical judgments are based on modern scholarship, and the great aim throughout is to assist an inquirer or pupil to a positive, permanent faith. If any one finds comments and criticisms which at first sight seem needless, let it be remembered that a Unitarian catechism must give reasons, point out errors, and trace causes: it cannot simply dogmatize. I am sure that in the true use of this book great gains will come to our Sundayschools, to searchers after truth, to our cause. EDWARD A. HORTON. AUTHOR'S PREFACE. This little Catechism has grown out of the needs of my own work. Fathers and mothers have said to me, “Our children are constantly asking us questions that we cannot answer." Perfectly natural! Their reading and study have not been such as to make them familiar with the results of critical scholarship. The great modern revolution of thought is bewildering. This is an attempt to make the path of ascertained truth a little plainer. This is the call for help in the home. Besides this, a similar call has come from the Sunday-school. Multitudes of teachers have little time to ransack libraries and study large works. This is an attempt, then, to help them, by putting in their hands, in brief compass, the principal things believed by Unitarians concerning the greatest subject. The list of reference books that follows the questions and answers will enable those who wish to do so to go more deeply into the topics suggested. It is believed that this Catechism will be found adapted to any grade of scholars above the infant class, provided the teacher has some skill in the matter of interpretation. GEO. H. ELLIS CO., Publishers, 272 Congress St., Boston, Mass. The Passing and Permanent in Religion 336 pp. 8. $1.35 net. By mail, $1.50 In this volume Dr. Savage has attempted to make clear the great, positive elements of religion which cannot pass away. In distinguishing these from the transient things, he seeks to assure his readers that they need not be troubled by the necessary changes which are caused by our growth in the knowledge of truth. No really divine thing can be destroyed. The author considers the following topics: Religions and Religion, Theologies and Theology, Universe, Man, Bibles, Gods, Saviours, Worship, Prayer, The Church, Hells, Heavens, The Resurrection Life. Being a Review of the World's Beliefs on the Subject, a Consideration of Present Conditions of Thought and Feeling; leading to the Question as to whether it can be Demonstrated as a Fact. To which is added an Appendix containing Some Hints as to Personal Experiences and Opinions. "The book is one that every one can and ought to read. There are no technicalities of style to offer an excuse for passing it by No unintelligible philosophy or speculative formulas lie at the basis of the discussion. It is all in plain English. Dr. Savage has the excellent knack of putting profound problems into every-day language. He states the issues and dilemmas of present thought with remarkable clearness, and with as much boldness as clearness, challenging every mental temper except courage and intelligent thinking. These are rare qualities, and ought to give the work a wide reading even among those who are not prepared to follow its sympathies."-Prof. JAMES H. HYSLOP, in the Christian Register. G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS, New York and London EPDC LIVING BY THE DAY Selections for Every Day of MINOT J. Savage, D.D. By H. G. W. 16mo, 210 pp., cloth, gilt top, $1.00 net. It is thought that the many friends of Dr. Savage will be glad to have, every day through the year, these words of cheer and hope from him. Our Catalogues of Calendars, Children's Books, and Gift Books sent free on application. E. P. DUTTON & CO., Publishers 31 West Twenty-third St., New York. |