15 JUNE 1901, Page 25

SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.

[Under this heading us notice such Books of the Week as hoes not been reserred for retino in other forms.] Henry Drummond. By Cuthbert Lennox. (A. 3lclrose. 2s. Gd. net.)—This is mainly an account of Professor Drummond'a Evangelistic work. There never has been a more sincere Evan- gelist, and never, we might say, one less bound by conventions, His personal magnetism was very great. This, indeed, is literally true, for in the pre•Evangelistic days he had a quite extraordinary mesmeric or hypnotic power. And he used thi personal influence in a very remarkable way, with a freedom and breadth of thought which is certainly not a common charac- teristic of the zealous persons who are preachers at revivals, missioners, or soldiers in spiritual armies, regular or irregular. This side of Henry Drummond's life is admirably described in this volume. Mr. Lennox is as tactful as he is sympathetic. Of the Lterary and scientific aspects of Henry Drammond's work less is said, but this is adequate to the occasion. The Spectator was the first to recognise the irept,rtance of "Natural Law in the Spiritual World" as a contribution to the perennial question of " Science and Religion." As far as details are con- cerned, such books can be tentative only; but the assertion of the underlying principle was a service of the greatest value. The same may be said of " The Ascent of Mari." That altruism is a moving power in the evolution of Nature, as well as the struggle for existence, was an affirmation of the very highest importance. Mr. Lennox's book is a compact and lucid account of a great man and a great work.