[British Critic, January 1840.]
The Dean of Christ Church has published (University Press) an edition of Theodoret’s Græcarum Affectionum Curatio, with collations of Oxford and Paris MSS. Students in divinity are deeply indebted to this celebrated scholar for thus directing his labours to their benefit.
Mr. Dowling has published a valuable account of the various Collections of Ecclesiastical Treatises which have appeared since 1700 (Oxford, University Press).
Mr. Parkinson’s Hulsean Lectures for 1838 (J. W. Parker) are on the following important subjects: the Authority and Inspiration of Scripture; Creeds; Articles of Religion; Liturgies and Rituals; Church Authority for restraining Error and propagating the Truth. It is, as this list of subjects shows, one of the most systematic works which have appeared of late years, and is well calculated to raise the tone of opinion in our theological schools.
Mr. Vaughan Thomas’s Address delivered at the Birmingham Royal School of Medicine and Surgery (Parker, Oxford), is an erudite and luminous argument upon the connection of medical studies with revealed truth. It is intended as a “specification of the intentions of Dr. Warneford,” in endowing an annual prize essay in this institution.
Dr. Hook’s Sermon, “The Gospel, and the Gospel only, the Basis of Education” (Rivingtons), is written with that author’s usual strength and clearness. The words of his title are proposed as a substitute for that ill-timed and unfortunate watchword, “The Bible and the Bible only,” into which many well-intentioned Church people have been betrayed, and now find to their cost that “the ministers of the crown have taken them at their word,” and they have all the time been playing into the hands of the Socinians.
The same Author’s Sermon on the “Novelties of Romanism” (Rivingtons), is not only a clear argumentative composition (perhaps the best of his publications), but written from the heart, with the power which earnestness gives. There is no one to whom the cause, of what are sometimes called High Church principles, is more indebted at this moment than Dr. Hook. Not to speak of the services of years past, he is now in the front of the battle, bearing the odium of others, and suffering for views and sentiments which inflict on them little inconvenience. As to the present Sermon, we recommend it for distribution.
Mr. Norris’s deeply interesting and affecting Sermon on the death of Archdeacon Watson (Rivingtons) will humble many a reader at his own inferiority to the picture drawn in it, and lift up his mind in humble thankfulness that our Church is not yet given over by her Divine Master. The Archdeacon’s Charge, delivered in 1816, on “The Divine Commission with Perpetuity of the Christian Priesthood,” has been reprinted, as being seasonable at this time.
Dr. Pusey has published a Sermon, preached at Brighton, on the Last Judgment (Rivingtons), which will be read, as every thing which comes from him, without notice from us.
Sermons have also been published by Bishop Russell on “The Historical Evidence for the Apostolical Institution of Episcopacy,” (Edinburgh, Oliver and Boyd). By Dr. Hawkins, Provost of Oriel College, on “Church Extension,” (Fellows). By Sir G. Prevost, on “Corruption and Schism hindering the free Course of the Gospel,” (Rivingtons). By Chancellor Raikes, on “The Man of God,” (Hatchard). By Precentor Lowe on “The Divine Commission and Authority of the Christian Priesthood,” (Exeter, Spreat). By Mr. Medley, on “The Union of the Members in Christ’s Body,” (Exeter Hanneford). And by Mr. Moore on the “Church and Holy Scriptures,” (Rivingtons).
We warmly recommend to notice Mr. Oakeley’s Sermon on “Christ manifested to the Faithful through his Church” (Rivingtons), and Principal Le Bas’s Sermon at Harlow (Rivingtons), on “The Uses of the Offering,” with its introduction.
“The Church, a Gift of the Saviour” (Burns), a’ Sermon preached at Salford by Mr. A. Watson, shows much zeal for the truth and the whole truth.
“The System of the Church, and the consequent Obligations of her Ministers” (Rivingtons), a Visitation Sermon preached at Kendal by the Rev. R. P. Graves, sets forth the Church as a divine, harmonious, and a living system, only requiring to be acted upon; “a city that is at unity in itself.” Perhaps we should say that the excellent writer approaches too near to the spirit of the last century in a certain contemplative admiration of the “Ordinances and Formularies” of the Church.
“The Unity and Holiness of the Church” has been treated in a somewhat warmer and more practical style, by Mr. William Dodd, at the visitation of the Archdeacon of Northumberland. We beg; by the way, to commend one passage to the notice of those who at once profess the creeds and decry all reserve: “The same Creed which declares that Jesus Christ was ‘crucified for us,’ teaches also that there is ‘one Catholic and Apostolic Church,’ and ‘one baptism for the remission of sins.’ We must preach the first doctrine; but we may not, as faithful and consistent Pastors, practise Reserve in regard to the others.”