“MOMENTS WITH THE SAINTS.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 458, 15 May 1909, Page 2

“MOMENTS WITH THE SAINTS.”

(By a Critic), This little book is one that must appeal to a latge section of the community. It contains a number of choice selections from the Christian Fathers—one for each day of the year—all breathing alike that spirit of faith and love towards God and Christ, and selfsacrifice and devoted service towards the world, characteristic of the early centuries of Christian history. Many quotations are taken from the literary remains of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Cyprian and St. Augustine (Bishop of Hippo), but it is pleasing to see that one or two saints of English blood find a place in the “ Moments,” such as St. Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, a man who did not fear to speak boldly even to kings, and who is noted in English history as bding the first person to make a successful opposition to the imposition of a tax in the reign of Richard I. To those who are already acquainted with the lives and works of the Fathers this compilation will need no recommendation, but to those who peruse it without any previous acquaintance with the authors, will be impressed with the freshness of '

these gems of Christian thought. They seem to point to a practice of Christian principles and a state of belief which are far from common in these later days. And this piquancy (if the word may be used in such a solemn connection) is the more remarkable when it is remembered that many of the same Saints, with their contemporaries, were the framers of those creeds which have in late years been objected to by some, for not presenting truly the essentials of the Christian religion, and for insisting upon, as essential, points of belief which, in modern times, are held to be unimportant. But this is as it may be. The ‘Moments with the Saints” can be heartily recommended to the public. Everyone, no matter how busy, can afford to spend a ‘‘ moment ” now and then in such goodly company. The ” make-up ” is very neat, and reflects credit upon the publishers. The compiler, Rev. G. Y. Woodward, deserves commendation for his well-chosen selection.