28 APRIL 1888, Page 23

Christian Socialism. By the Rev. W. Kaufmann, M.A. (Kegan Paul,

Trench, and Co.)—Mr. Kaufmann here reproduces, with some changes, papers which have from time to time appeared in various periodicals, and which have contributed to make their author an authority on this subject. Lamennais, Charles Kingsley, and Huber are among the thinkers of whose work he gives a descrip- tion. His paper on Kingsley, and the comparison which he draws between him and Lamennais, may be especially mentioned. The workings of Christian Socialism in Germany are also described in two noteworthy papers. Mr. Kaufmann's statement of his own views is one that will repay study, as will also his concluding paper, on "The Social Duty of the Clergy." But it is deplorable to find him writing deliberately :—" From general observation, especially among the country clergy, we should be inclined to say, admitting many exceptions, that the manner and method in dealing with the working class on the part of the clergyman is often either that of overbearing, dictatorial pomposity, or that of softly soothing and good-natured imbecility."