Review.

The Thuth in its Own Light; or, Christianity Shown from Itself to be a Divine Revelation to Man. In five parts. By the Rev. John Cooper, author of "The Science of Spiritual Life," &c. Melbourne: George Robertson.

Mr. Cooper is Presbyterian Minister at Coburg, a suburb of Melbourne. The book before us was composed at intervals snatched from the cares and toils of ministerial life. It is not a book of sermons, nor a book founded on a series of sermons; but a book from its first conception down to its final completion. We do not object to a volume of sermons, nor to a volume founded on sermons, but we confess to a partiality for books designed and executed after the manner of the one before us.

The Parts of this volume appeared separately, and were reviewed as they appeared. Now that the volume is completed we are in a better position for judging of the book as a whole. It has been objected to the volume as it appeared in parts that it contains no division into chapters. This defect has at length been partially remedied by an analytical table appended to the Fifth Part. Having seen Mr. Cooper's book in its completed form, we unhesitatingly say that it is upon the whole a masterly work. Occasionally the ideas are repeated where repetition might have been avoided. The writer explains the cause of this repetition, but, rightly, does not seek to justify it. As a remedy we would strongly recommend division into chapters should a second edition be called for. It appears to us that the author now and again loses time establishing truths which few are likely to question. Critics have alleged that Mr. Cooper's tendency is too much in the direction of using abstract terms and thus repelling ordinary readers. This is hardly just. To our mind the ordinary reader will in no case fail to grasp the author's meaning, unless perchance in the preface to the Third Part.

The premises assumed in the book are for the most part sound, and he arguments conclusive. There is a freshness in the author's mode page 58 of treatment—he is never dull—he is often eloquent—he has heart as well as head. His work manifests deep conviction and earnestness, which win our sympathy even when he does not carry our judgment along with him.

The book is entirely free from denominationalism—the truths handled are as precious to Christians of every name as to the denomination to which Mr. Cooper belongs. Towards the close of the book there are ideas on the end aimed at in church discipline with which we do not agree. We think there is a penal element in all discipline, whatever be the object subserved by that discipline—whether the restoration or the destruction of the individual. If in any case the Church seeks the destruction of an erring brother, she departs from her acknowledged mission and her recognised principles.

The conventional Christianity of the day comes in for an unsparing, almost fierce, assault. How far the author is justified in his merciless attack, it is for every man to judge by his personal experience and observation. It is certainly a pity that so much cause should be given for such attacks. It is healthy boldly to be told our faults. Polite hints about the nastiness of our sins will not do. Where our affections are deeply engaged, we must be made to wince before we can be stirred up to thought and change of course. We heartily commend the book to our readers.

Mr. Cooper's book on the Science of Spiritual Life we have only recently seen. It is an able book; unfortunately its second chapter is a sort of literary pons asinorum. A number of readers never get any further; it is a sea of fire through which they cannot wade. We recommend all such to pass it over, for fortunately, unlike the pons asinorum of Euclid, it is not needful to the understanding of the rest of the book.

The author's sphere of labor is a quiet one. Whether such a sphere developes an active mind, we do not inquire, nor do we reflect on any when we say that some able men have not only begun but have also ended their course in obscure fields of labor, while men of very inferior talents and general attainments have to the hurt of the Church been thrust into great prominence.

On 20th September, the anniversary of the occupation of the city by Italian troops was celebrated enthusiastically in Rome.

The Roman Catholic Split in Germany.—The split in Germany, respecting the Papal Infallibility dogma, between the Ultramontanes and a large portion of the Roman Catholic people who have now called themselves "The Old Catholics," becomes daily greater.