24 JANUARY 1931, Page 27

The emiment Swedish theologian Dr. Yngve Brilioth is already well

known in this country by his book on The Anglican Revival ; and accounts of his great work on the Eucharist—first published in 1926—have familiarized English students of religion with the general trend of his thought. But since there can be few Anglican scholars able to tackle this book in its original form, a welcome is assured for the excellent translation—slightly abridged, but in no way mutilated—which has been made by Father Herbert, S.S.M. This is now published under the title Eucharistic Faith and Practice, Evangelical and Catholic (S.P.C.K., 12s. 43d.). Dr. Brilioth regards the full Eucharistic rite as a rich complex, in which he distinguishes five essential characters: namely, thanks- giving, sacrifice, commemoration, communion, and mystery, or Presence. Different periods and types of Christianity have laid stress upon now one and now another of these. The Roman Church has emphasised mystery and sacrifice ; the Reformers restored the elements of commemoration and communion to a central place. Writing as a Lutheran, yet deeply sympathetic to Catholic spirituality, Dr. Brilioth is able, as Father Herbert says, to " take up a truly mediatorial attitude " ; and both sides in one of the chief religious con- troversies of our day have much to learn from his admirable book.

* * * *