PUBLICATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, 11 September 1913, Page 49

PUBLICATIONS

'Short Sermons on CatTiolic Doctrine (Vol. 11., The Commandments). By Rev. P. Hehel, S.J. Joseph Wagner, New York. This volume is what it professes to be— a plain and practical exposition of the Faith.' In these days, 'however, something more is required in order to, make a book of sermons worth while.' There must be something fresh and striking and telling in the manner in Vhich the solid doctrines are set forth and in this respect Father Hehel's volume is not sufficiently out of the ordinary to make any special appeal to priests Vhose library shelves are already well stocked with 'similar books of the kind. These brief discourses, \vhich cover the whole of the ecclesiastical year, are of 'course above all criticism in respect to their matter. Price, one dollar, net. Sermon Plans for All the Sundays of the Year. From the French of Abbe H. Lesetre. Joseph Wagner, New York. This book stands in a somewhat different category. The introductory chapter on .' How and What to Preach' is excellent; and the sermon plans are really helpful, stimulating, and suggestive. The themes selected are often new; and the treatment is invariably fresh, original, and interesting. The sermon outlines are just what such plans, ought to —a sound and solid framework opening up trains of thought which the preacher can pursue and develop in his own way, and which are really worth developing. Altogether, the book is a decided advance on the volumes of platitudes with which the sermon market is already flooded and the priest who purchases will find that for once in a way he is getting something like value for his money. Price, one dollar, net. Oremus: The Priest's Handbook of English Prayers for Church Services and Special Occasions. Joseph Wagner, New York. The object of this compilation is to enable priests to have.at their command a collection of prayers in the vernacular for use on the various occasions as the conclusion of funeral services, the first Holy Communion of children, Confirmation, devotions in hospitals, 'on 'board ship, etc. —when it is desired to have the corigre- - gation join with the priest in offering a prayer in harmony with the occasion. Undoubtedly there is room for such a work; and so far as it goes the present manual will prove of service. With one exception those for the first Holy Communion of children—the prayers are admirably selected; and the work is beautifully bound and printed, but the size and shape are not convenient for pocket purposes. Price, one dollar and a-half (net). We have also received the following publications ■from the Australian Catholic Truth Society : —.4 vour\ieen, by Lady Gilbert (Rosa Mulholland 1 ); Culture and 'Belief, by Very Rev. M. J. O'Reilly, CM.; The Sacred Heart, by Rev. M. Forrest, M.S.H.; and Should the Irish National Scripture Lessons be Introduced, into H>he State Schools of Victoria, a speech delivered by Br. Pearson, M.L.A., Minister of Education, in the Legislative Assembly of Victoria on July 25, 1889, regarding which we will probably have something further to say in a future issue.