elief, he contrives to make audible a ghastly whisper,
that money, popular reputation, political power, and the sensual
gratifications which these may command, are alone worth getting off the
sofa to realize. Against this monstrous foe to all faithful pilgrimages
Mr. Herbert Spencer is a very able combatant. In "Social Statics,"
especially, he meets the adversary on his own ground. The moral sense is
triumphantly rescued from the assaults of Paley and Bentham, and is
declared capable of generating a fundamental intuition which may be
expanded into a scientific morality. If any are pale at the discovery
that "our little systems have their day and cease to be," let them know
that an honest seeking will ever furnish material for their renewal with
life adapted to man's changing wants. It is not difficult to criticize
various portions of Mr. Spencer's belief, or to offer weighty objections
to certain applications of his principles; but we doubt if any living
man, accepting the limitations of the natural philosopher, has the
balance of mind to write more intelligently upon the highest
subjects,--to furnish more that is true and elevating, and less that is
questionable. We believe that most readers of "Social Statics" will feel
an increased sense of personal responsibility, and a new realization of
what is well enough expressed in ecclesiastical phrase as "the exceeding
sinfulness of sin." And so believing, we do not hesitate to commend it
to the American public.

_Reason in Religion._ By FREDERIC HENRY HEDGE. Boston:
Walker, Fuller, & Co.

The various essays which are brought together under this title discuss
questions of theology, and the opinions which mankind hold upon the most
interesting philosophical and spiritual themes. The author's aim is, to
state as fairly as he can conflicting views, and to propound his own
solution. In this labor Dr. Hedge appears to represent that condition of
Unitarian thinking which prefers a rational to a traditional ground of
authority in matters pertaining to the spiritual life, and strives to
interpret and accommodate the sacred history without forsaking it.

It would not be possible, within the limits of a book notice, to treat
fitly all the questions which are raised by these highly suggestive
essays. Dr. Hedge's clear and chiselled statements cut all the jesses of
our thoughts, and they rise unhooded into his still air. Providence,
Prayer, Free-Will, and Retribution, Evil