Religion, by the Rev. W. C. E. Newbolt (Longmans and
Co., 5s.), is the first of a projected series to appear under the title of the "Oxford Library of Practical Theology," designed for the use of laymen, translating, to use the language of the preface, " solid theological learning into the vernacular of everyday practical religion." Canon Newbolt uses an oratorical style, not always to the promotion of clearness (as in the chapter on "Doubts," where the dramatic form may easily mislead), but certainly with considerable success in the way of attraction. We have no wish to enter on a discussion of the very grave questions of which the writer treats. We would ask, how- ever, whether he considers the highly rhetorical similitude which he quotes from Jeremy Taylor a judicious statement. " We celebrate and exhibit the Lord's death in Sacrament and symbol.
Themistocies snatched up the son of King Admetus, and held him between himself and death, to mitigate the rage of the King, and prevailed accordingly." (The italics are ours.) Surely the "devout laymen" for whom Canon Newbolt writes may be led into very gross conceptions both of the Eucharist and. of the Atonement.
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