burg, Pa.; Rev. G. E. Ackerman, A.M., M.D., S.T.D., of Buffalo, N. Y.; Rev. Geo. H. Dryer, A.M., Medina, N. Y.

The regular paper of the evening was by Rev. James M. Whiton, Ph.D., whose subject was "The Ethical Proof of Our Belief in Immortality." The subject was discussed by Mr. Boucher, Mr. Wilder, Rev. Mr. Dows and Dr. Deems.

At the Monthly Meeting held May 5th, the devotional exercises were led by Rev. James M. Whiton, Ph.D., of New York.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The following names of new members were read by the Secretary: Rev. Daniel E. Baldwin, Ph.D., D.D., of Waynesburg, Pa.; Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Van Dyke, of Cranbury, N. J.; Mr. Charles C. Hine, of Newark, N. J.; Rev. Thomas E. Fleming, A.M., Ph.D., of Davenport, Iowa; Rev. George W. Peck, A.M., LL.D., of Dansville, N. Y.; John G. Van Slyke, A.M., D.D., of Kingston, N. Y.; Amos B. Smith, M.D., of the Hygienic Institute of Geneva, N. Y.; and Rev. Charles P. Mills, of Newburyport,

Mass.

C. B. Warring, Ph.D., author of "Miracles of To-Day," read a paper on "A Literal Genesis I. in the Light of Present Knowledge." The paper was discussed by Rev. J. M. Whiton, Mr. Wilder, and Phoebus W. Lyon, Esq.

The next Monthly Meeting of the Institute will be in October.

ABOUT BOOKS.

[In this department we shall make mention of recent publications, especially those in the line of our studies. There will not be space for extended review. The name of the book, its publisher, and its price when known, together with a brief statement of its drift will probably meet the demands of our readers. Any book mentioned will be sent post-paid, on receipt of price, by WILBUR B. Ketcham, 71 Bible House, New York.]

We find our space so contracted at the conclusion of our volume that we can make little more than mere mention of the books on our table. (1.) The most important to our readers is the "History of Modern Philosophy," by Kuno Fischer. This volume treats of Descartes and his school, and is translated from the third and revised German edition by Prof. Gordy, of

Ohio University, is edited by ex-president Porter, and published by Charles Scribner's Sons. It is a clearly printed octavo of 589 pp.: price $3.50. It is impossible to endorse any book of its size thoroughly, and we might point out what seems to us just criticisms of some of the interpretations which he gives of some schools of philosophy, but that would be true in the case of any book. This volume shows great ability and treats its subject in a style so bright and clear that those who are beginning to study philosophy will scarcely have any difficulty in understanding the author. On that account we give it very hearty recommendation to those of our readers who are not professional students or readers of philosophy, but who desire a good book in this department. The endorsement Dr. Porter gives to the translator will increase the confidence of readers. (2.) Messrs. Ginn & Co. (Boston) publish (12m0., 235 pp.) an interesting work on "The Philosophy of Wealth," by Prof. John B. Clark, of Smith College. It is an attempt to reformulate economic principles, the author holding that the traditional system is obviously defective in its premises. Of course there will be differences of opinion in regard to the views of the author, but the book is well worth study. (3.) A remarkably bright and tonic book is "Masters of the Situation, or Some Secrets of Success," by Rev. William J. Tilley. It is published by S. C. Griggs & Co. (Chicago): price $1.25. It is an excellent book to put in the hands of young people. (4.) Messrs. Funk & Wagnalls, in a little book of 91 pages, give us" The New Psychic Studies in their Relation to Christian Thought," by Franklin Johnson, D.D. The name of the book sufficiently explains its intent. (5.) An able book which should be in all libraries is the Rev. Wilbur F. Crafts' "The Sabbath For Man," published by Funk & Wagnalls. It is a study of the origination, obligation, history, advantages, and present state of Sabbath observance, with special reference to the rights of working men, based on Scripture, literature, and especially on a symposium of correspondence with persons of all nations and 'denominations. It is an encyclopedia in itself on this subject. One who has this volume will scarcely need to go elsewhere in examining any branch of this great subject. It is dedicated to workingmen, in defence of whose Sabbath it was compiled. We

regard the book as more than ordinarily valuable. (6.) The same house, in the "Bible Students' Library," publish a translation of Düsterdieck's "Critical and Exegetical Handbook to the Revelation of St. John." The translation is made by Prof. Jacobs of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. It is a most important contribution to our biblical literature. The Tübingen school undertook to overthrow the Johannean origin of the Gospel by conceding the Book of Revelation to St. John, and then endeavoring to show that the style of the Gospel was so different from the Book of Revelation that they could not have been written by the same author. The writer of this book takes exactly the opposite ground and denies the apostolic origin of the Book of Revelation. His arguments do not seem conclusive. We find also a fly or two in the ointment. He does not believe the Book of Revelation to be of apostolic origin, but he does believe it to be inspired. He admits that the account is canonical but says that it must be considered deutero-canonical. To the discriminating Bible student, while these things are objectionable, they do not destroy the value of this very able and learned book. (7.) The same publishers have issued the fifth volume of Dr. Joseph Parker's great work "The People's Bible," which brings it down to the close of the fifth chapter of Judges. We have already warmly expressed our favorable opinion of this very great work. (8.) "Creed and Character "is the title of a volume of sermons by the Rev. H. S. Holland, Canon of St. Paul's, republished by Charles Scribner's Sons: $1.50. (9.) The same publishers are issuing a series of concise and carefully prepared volumes of special eras of history. Each is devoted to a group of events of such importance as to entitle it to be regarded as an epoch. The series has had great success, and has been adopted as a text-book in many of our colleges and universities. The latest is "The Early Tudors, Henry VII. and Henry VIII.," by the Rev. C. E. Moberly, late a Master in Rugby School, with maps and plans: price $1.00. (10.) Messrs. Ginn & Co. have brought out "A Handbook to Dante," by Giovanni A. Scartazzini, translated from the Italian, with notes and additions by Thomas Davidson. It is intended to furnish students of Dante's works with the necessary preparatory information, historical, biographical, and literary. The work is admirably well done and should be read by all who are intending to enter upon any study of the works of the dark Italian hierophant.