Orthodox London. By the Rev. C. Maurice Davies, D.D. Second
Series. (Tinsley Brothers.)—This volume is, we are not sorry to find, "a final farewell" to what the author calls his "comprehensive sub- ject." Ten chapters are devoted to reports of sermons by archbishops and bishops. It is pleasing to find that these dignitaries. on the whole, satisfy Dr. Davies. The critic, in fact, is generally kindly ; but he makes a signal example of one unhappy incumbent, who seems not to have appreciated the dignity of a reporter for the Daily Telegraph. He suggests that "there are special reasons why Mr. — [the name is given, but we do not choose to repeat it] should object to having his sermons reported," and further pillories him in the undignified attitude of " tucking the whole of his surplice behind him" during the reading of the sermon, and "leaving his legs exposed to view, as he lolled in his cozy arm-chair." There is a pettiness and meanness about such little revenges which make us put little trust in Dr. Davies's judgment. When the Bishops are done with, we have descriptions of a variety of services, and some of these are the most readable things in the book. In truth they are sometimes more than readable,—marked by sound sense and just appreciation of men and things. Dr. Davies, indeed, sometimes annoys and sometimes pleases very much. There are parts, and that which he has performed in these series of volumes ia, we sus- pect, one of them, which no ability or tact can get through without offence.
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