ago advanced the paradox that the cosmos is neither favorable nor unfavorable to the growth of morality, but indifferent to it; but Mr. Bruce passes Huxley's argument by with only a brief mention, and with no adequate appreciation of the question it raises. One would have thought that in tracing the course of opinion on moral and religious themes the author would have inquired whether there has been in recorded times a substantial progress in the moral character of mankind, yet Mr. Bruce seems never to have asked himself the question. His book, therefore, though meritorious in some respects, is not satisfactory as a discussion of its subjects, but leaves much to be desired by those who are interested in the profound and all-important problem of the moral order of the world.
James B. Peterson.
Leslie Stephen, Dr. Stanton Coit, and Prof. J. H. Muirhead. Edited by the Society of Ethical Propagandists. London, Swan
Sonnenschein & Co., Ltd., 1900.—pp. ix, 324.This volume is a significant expression of some of the deeper spiritual needs of the age. It is both evidence and product of that steadily advancing Aufklaerung which has resulted in the breaking up of theological beliefs that had been commonly regarded as the sole ground and support of morality. The society under whose auspices it appears came into existence because of a conviction that for many earnest minds the old springs of moral inspiration had become dry, and the old centres of moral activity difficult, if not impossible, rallying-points.
The distinguished list of contributors is a sufficient guarantee of the interest and value of the book. The first essay, from which the volume has received its title, is by Sir John Seeley, and was delivered before the Ethical Society of Cambridge. Then follow two essays by Felix Adler, the one on Freedom of Ethical Fellowship, the other on The Ethical Bond of Union. From Mr. Salter's pen is given the last chapter of his Ethical Religion under the same title, and an additional paper on The True Basis of Religious Union. Professor Sidgwick treats of The Scope and Limits of the Work of an Ethical Society, and The Aims and Methods of an Ethical Society, the latter of which papers appeared in the International Journal of Ethics with the title My Station and Its Duties. Professor von Gizycki's contribution is entitled
