14 OCTOBER 1893, Page 11

From Philistia : Essays on Church and World. By J.

Brierley, B.A. (Clarke and Co.)—Thoso essays will be found well worth reading. The first gives as well-balanced an estimate of Rabelais as is to be found in literature ; the second is a vigorous protest against the "New Hellenism." Christianity can very easily assimilate all that is really valuable in the Greek idea. But wo cannot afford that it shall "abdicate in favour of it." It is about time to speak plain truth about the "Pagan" reactions. They have their origin in a revolt against Christianity, and the motive of this revolt is a craving for moral license. "A French Priest" is a vivid picture of that extraordinary man, M. Vianney, the Cur6 of Ars. W e do not always find ourselves in agreement with Mr. Brierley, but we recognise in him an earnest thinker who has something worth hearing to say on religion, morals, and literature,