BOOK NOTICES

New Zealand Tablet, 18 September 1919, Page 17

BOOK NOTICES

The Ecclesiastical Review . (Linehan, Melbourne 20s yearly).

The June number of the Ecclesiastical lie view is full of useful and instructive articles, book reviews, and liturgical and theological discussions. There is no need to dwell on its utility for the clergy. Annual Report of the Minister of Mines in British Columbia.

A large volume of 500 pages, illustrated and provided with numerous maps. It is certain to bo of interest for all who are connected with mining. A Plea for Educational Reform , by Major Gerald Dease, D.L. (Linehan, Melbourne, Is 9d.) Major Dease is one of the Commissioners of Irish Education, and in this little book he gives not only the public but his colleagues much occasion for thinking furiously. It is a useful criticism of the defects of the Irish system and contains much inspiration for us all. What Major Dease says about Ireland might be written of New Zealand: “There is one sine Qua non for efficient popular education that has so far been consistently ignored, and that is the complete and studied state-

V TS . Pi • ■ ■■■• ■ ■ ■ ll rnent of popular views and needs. Elementary education lias hitherto been the virtual monopoly' of officials and professors—the two r classes that probably understand and care less.about children under 12 years of age than any others in \the community. Before it ; becomes a living force y to wake up the country we shall have to consult-doctors,; brain specialists,' women, business men, Labor, manufacture, the Gaelic League, and Irish colleges ... and glean from them all material ■ for a new ; structure. Co-operation and advice from the clergy, and teaching professions will naturally be indispensable : the former, in addition to the administrative experience they possess as managers, have, v in virtue of their calling, a unique insight into human nature and spiritual authority without which education is a delusion.” " ' > Ihe Spiritual .Life-.: Doctrine and Practice of Christian Perfection , by Rev. Walter Elliott. (Linehan, Melbourne, Bs.) In this volume by the well-known Paulist, Father Elliott, wo have an admirable manual for spiritual reading and meditation. Father Elliott’s wide experience as a missionary enables him to grasp the needs of the people of our day for sound instruction on the eternal truths and on the moral laws which ought to regulate the conduct of every sincere Christian. Tho book contains 40 excellent chapters, which cover the groundwork of a full course of spiritual exercises. Religious, priest, or layman will read them with profit and edification, and we feel confident that this second edition of Father Elliott’s work will further the ends at which he aims the salvation of souls and the glory of God. ‘.% 6 <| J The Mystic Life by Savinien Louismet, 0.5.8. (Burns and Oates, Ltd., 28 Orchard Street, London, AV.) To all who desire a closer knowledge of, and a more intimate association with, the spiritual life, Father Louismet’s book' will be welcome. Catholic mysticism is the experience of the soul, as yet a wayfarer, tasting the sweetness and realising the goodness of God. It is the true mysticism the mysticism of St. John and of St. Paul, of the Holy Mass, of the whole Catholic liturgy. It will become clear to readers that mysticism is not an almost unattainable state of sanctity, but : a development of piety to which all sincere Catholics who try to follow Christ’s will with humility and fidelity can aspire. This mysticism means essentially conformity to the will of God and an earnest co-operation with the work of the Holy Ghost in the soul. The simplest formula of mysticism may be taken from St. Paul’s words: “I live now, now not I, but Christ truly liveth in me.” % Mysticism— True and False , by the same; author. : -sb This volume is a complement to the foregoing book. It shows us how to distinguish in the mystical

life ? the I essential from the • non-essential, and it makes still more evident' to our readers that the fundamental idea : of true mysticism is LIFE f ‘ WITH GOD THROUGH ACTIVE LOVE. Dom, Lduismet points out that the true handbook » for the ; aspirant towards the mystical ~ life is the New Testament. , He advises students to feed their souls daily at this source and to learn therefrom the notes of austerity and sweetness which are the characteristics of the life. In the two sayings of Our Lord, How narrow is the gate and straight the way which leadeth to life, and, My yoke is sweet and my burthen light the foundations are contained. ‘ - ,