Harmonic Maxims of Science and Religion. By the Rev. W.
Baker, Vicar of Cramby, near York. (Longman and Co.)—The author's design is to prove that certain given maxima must be observed in order to obtain accurate knowledge of nature or of revelation, but that while scientific men observe these maxims in the pursuit of the one, theolo- gians neglect them in the pursuit of the other. He then takes eight of these maxims, such as "No truth or law of Nature is essentially hurtful," "Divine laws are immutable,"—and shows how they are violated by the ordinary modes of reasoning of sceptics and orthodox theologians alike, and does not shrink from contending that Macaulay's theory of the unprogressive character of religions doctrine is unsound. This idea that theology is a progressive science will of course seem very shocking to the lovers of dogma, to whatever extreme of opinion they may belong, and it is not easy to say where the adoption of the reasoning of Mr. Baker might lead religious thinkers. This is no objection, how- ever, to those principles, if they are sound, but it necessitates a very careful inquiry into their soundness, and unfortunately illhealth has prevented the author from giving his work that extension which was required by his original design. In a literary point of view the book deserves high praise, and whatever judgment may be passed on the writer's conclusions, his moderation and temper will convince impartial persons that his sole object is the advancement of religion.
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