11 APRIL 1868, Page 24

of these sermons deal with questions that have given rise

to much con- troversy of late years, and are still working and fermenting amongst us. Purely theological quarrels they may seem, but they have not been left to theologians. The Athanasian Creed, the Sacraments, the discipline of the Church, the work of the Church in England have all been the occa- sion of heated argument. Dr. Vaughan's calm and even temper will do much to allay the bitterness of these arguments, and to lead men to an agreement on points which have hitherto served to inflame the fire.. But though Dr. Vaughan endeavours to soften down the rage of contro-

versy, he does not abate or extinguish the true zeal of religion. Witness his sermon on free and open Churches, which is bold and startling enough to some old-fashioned notions. Witness, too, his sermon on praise, which touches a common English fault in no hesitating manner. On the Athanasian Creed, on the proposed changes in the Burial Service, Dr. Vaughan takes a position between the two opposing parties, and some of his opinions will not be accepted by either. But his words ought to be listened to by both, and there is nothing in the whole volume that will not repay careful reading.