30 MARCH 1889, Page 42

We may commend to students of history or ethics, Seneca

on Benefits, translated by Aubrey Stewart, M.A. (Bell and Sons.)— "Seneca," the translator rightly says, "seems almost forgotten in modern times." Yet he is full of interest, for he represents what was probably a common habit of thought in the more serious minds in Rome during the first century of our era. It is just possible that he may have heard of Christianity. However that may be, the moral ideas of Christianity were " in the air " when he wrote ; for it can hardly be doubted, whatever view we may take of the origin of the religion, it came at that time of the world's history to which it was suited. Evolutionists and revelationists may agree in conceding this. This suggests one of the sources of interest in

Seneca. Another is to be found in the glimpses he gives us of Roman life and manners. English readers cannot have a better guide than Mr. Stewart.