PUBLICATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, 1 May 1913, Page 49

PUBLICATIONS

History of -Rome and the Popes in the Middle Ages. By Hartmann Grisar, S..J, Authorised English translation by L. Cappadelta, Vol 111. London: Kegan Paul. t -"

This sumptuous volume, with its handsome binding, its'excellent paper and large and attractive type, its numerous, appropriate, and in some instances superb illustrations, and its wide range of interesting subject matter, deserves to the full the warm welcome extended to its predecessors. -.lt is written in the same careful spirit of scrupulous fidelity to fact. ' The sources which have supplied us,' says the author, ' with material for our History of Rome and the Popes are very different from that fictitious literature which falsely claims the right to rank among the sources of history. Even when we have been compelled to have recourse to works in which truth is mingled with error, we have at least endeavored to sift conscientiously what is trustworthy from that which is not. All we have hitherto said concerning the Papacy and the Eternal City has invariably been based on the real sources of historical knowledge official and contemporary documents of the Popes, on monuments which are still before our eyes, and on the statements of the best informed and most veracious chroniclers. Our historical narrative Will continue to proceed on these same lines.'

The present volume opens with an account of Western monasticism, and its relations to the Holy See. Then we have an account of the Popes from Virgilius to St. Gregory I, followed by a description of the churches and other public buildings in and about Rome as. they appeared during that period. After that there is described for us the beginning of the downfall of the imperial power by the irruption of the Lombards into' Italy. The final section deals with the progressive decline of civil order and Roman culture ' on the one hand, and with 'the signs of life in the Roman Church' on the other. A succinct account is given of the evidences of the Roman Primacy in various countries, and among the Franks in particular. The following paragraph will serve as a specimen of the author's style, and is valuable as showing the part played by the Papacy, then as now, in maintaining the unity and stability of the Church: ' The historic part in history already taken by the Papacy warranted the assurance that the Church of Rome would prove equal to all future. tasks. Unprecedented difficulties, both from within and from without, had been overcome by the marvellous power of the Primacy. Thanks to the Popes, the Church had brilliantly demonstrated that she could stand alone, though the Roman Empire, upon which she had once reckoned for support, was fast sinking into ruin. And not only did this mighty body preserve its footing, but with the help of the spirit of unity infused into it from Rome, at the downfall of the ancient policy and civilisation it was able to save for futurity the best elements of the past.' The next volume is to deal with the work of Gregory the Great—' the same Pope who, through his efforts on behalf of the spiritual welfare of the new nations when the ancient ' world was crumbling to pieces, laid the foundation of the new world of the Middle Ages '—and it will <be awaited with much interest. Each volume has a copious summary of contents, as well as a carefully compiled and accurate index. Price, 15s net.

The Truth of Christianity. By Lt.-Col. Turton, D.S.O. Wells Gardner, Darton and Co., Ltd., 3 and 4, Paternoster Buildings, London, E.C.

This is an examination of the more important arguments for and against the truth of Christianity, written by a Protestant layman but from such a broad and general standpoint as to be acceptable to and available by the members of all Christian bodies. The only fault we have to find with the volume is its modesty rare enough quality in books nowadays, but one which, if it is not actually out of place, is at least not specially called for in the present compilation. Thus the author, after setting forth a telling

array of 5 arguments . proving . that the four Gospels are absolutely authentic, is content to draw the conclusion, .' Therefore the truth of the Christian religion is extremely probable.' He is warranted in going a good deal,further 'than that;' and we would be glad to hope that in future editions he will see his way to draw the stronger inference that he is manifestly entitled to draw. For the rest, the book has been received with a chorus of commendation from all quarters, in which we cordially join. Not a difficulty has been shirked or evaded; and while there is solid matter worthy.; the attention of the trained theologian the work is written in a clear and popular style which makes it intelligible to all. The success of the book may be gathered from the fact that it is now in its twentieth thousand. The type is clear and large; and the work is furnished with an admirable index. We very heartily recommend the volume.. Price, 2s 6d. ■■'., .....-"