Arrows in the Air. By the Rev. H. R. Haweis,
M.A. (C. Kegan Paul and Co.)—Everything that Mr. Haweis writes is fresh and full of thought. His works hold a place of their own in the literature of the day ; and we believe that they are beginning to exercise a con s. siderable influence for good upon manyaniade. If too many sermons by preachers of all sects and parties exhibit a want of thought and definite object, dealing with matters devoid of interest to all but theological disputants, no such charge can be justly brought against Mr. Haweis's discourses and addresses. Whether criticising in a friendly spirit Mr. Gladstone on Christianity, or speaking of Pius IX. and the Confessional, or treating of the Chief Good, he is every- where plain and outspoken. His arrows go straight to the mark, and pierce many a pretentious sham and specious hypocrisy. It is when dealing with social questions that Mr. Haweis is most effective. He is righteously severe upon so-called Christians who, stifling their better feelings or wilfully shutting their eyes to their responsibilities, connive at the perpetration of great sins, or heap up wealth by debasing callings. On matters con- nected with the poor of London, be speaks with the authority of one who has a personal knowledge of them, and he pleads eloquently on their behalf; while he censures the weak sentimentalists who, from their want of better information, or from idle neglect of inquiry, do so much harm by promiscuous almsgiving. His chapters on "Dinners for the People," " Doctors for the People," and " Sunday Recreation" are admirable. The style is generally good, though here and there we mark a trace of hasty composition, or a bit of doubtful history. Mr. Haweis would probably admit that "the poor, when they get higher wages, drink it all away," is a statement requiring a vast deal of quali. fication ; and it is difficult to see how the Pope can be said to have "invented" the Jesuits. But the defects of the book are few indeed compared with its many excellences, and we can heartily recommend it to all who wish to see what an earnest, large-minded clergyman can do in contending against the evils of our day, and in offering sound, practical advice to those who desire to aid in correcting them.
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