He begins by saying: "We take for granted the probable truth of the theory of evolution as stated by Mr. Darwin, and that it applies to man as really as to any lower animal." He a.s.sumes that an acceptable historian of biology must possess a genealogical tree of the animal kingdom, and adds that a knowledge of the sequence of dominant functions or "physiological dynasties," is quite as necessary to his inquiry as a history of the development of anatomical details. Since the germs of the future are always concealed in the history of the present, he claims that "if we can trace this sequence of dominant functions, whose evolution has filled past ages, we can safely foretell something, at least, of man"s future development."
The possibility of making false trails, at times, should not deter the investigator; for what he would establish is not the history of a single human race, nor of the movements of a century, but an understanding of the development of animal life through ages. "And only," says Professor Tyler, "when we have a biological history can we have any satisfactory conception of environment." The book concludes with a brief notice of the modern theories of heredity and variation advanced by Nageli and Weismann.
The Morse Lectures for 1894
THE RELIGIONS OF j.a.pAN
FROM THE DAWN OF HISTORY TO THE ERA OF THE MeIJI
By WILLIAM ELLIOT GRIFFIS, D.D.
Formerly of the Imperial University of Tokio; Author of "The Mikado"s Empire" and "Corea, the Hermit Nation"
"The book is excellent throughout, and indispensable to the religious student."--_The Atlantic Monthly_.
"To any one desiring a knowledge of the development and ethical status of the East, this book will prove of the utmost a.s.sistance, and Dr. Griffis may be thanked for throwing a still greater charm about the Land of the Rising Sun."--_The Churchman_.
"Already an acknowledged authority on j.a.panese questions, Dr.
Griffis in this volume gives to an appreciative public, what we risk calling his most valuable contribution to the literature this profoundly interesting nation has evoked."--_The Evangelist_.
"... The fine quality of Dr. Griffis" works. His book is fresh and original, and may be depended on as material for scientific use....
It may safely be said that it is the best general account of the religions of j.a.pan that has appeared in the English language, and for any but the special student it is the best we know of in any tongue."--_The Critic_.
The Morse Lectures for 1893
THE PLACE OF CHRIST IN MODERN THEOLOGY
By A.M. FAIRBAIRN, M.A., D.D.
Princ.i.p.al of Mansfield College, Oxford; Gifford Lecturer in the University of Aberdeen; Late Morse Lecturer in Union Seminary, New York, and Lyman Beecher Lecturer in Yale University
"One of the most valuable and comprehensive contributions to theology that has been made during this generation."--_London Spectator_.
"The knowledge, ability, and liberality of the author unite to make the work interesting and valuable."--_The Dial_.
"It is very high, but thoroughly deserved, praise to say that it is worthy of its great theme."--_The Critical Review_.
"The volume reveals Dr. Fairbairn as a clear and vigorous thinker, who knows how to be bold without being too bold."--_New York Tribune_.
"Suggestive, stimulating, and a harbinger of the future catholic theology."--_Boston Literary World_.
"It is a book abounding in fine and philosophical thoughts, and deeply sympathetic with the most earnest religious thinking of the time."--_The Critic_.
"If the object of a book of theology is to stir up the heart and mind with strong, clear thinking on divine things, no book, certainly, of the present season surpa.s.ses Dr. Fairbairn"s."--_The Outlook_.
"An important contribution to theological literature."--_London Times_.
"The work shows a keen insight into the relations of truth combined with a rare power of accurate judgment."--_New York Observer_.
"Beyond question this is one of the most signally valuable books of the season."--_The Advance_, Chicago.
The Ely Lectures for 1891
ORIENTAL RELIGIONS AND CHRISTIANITY
A COURSE OF LECTURES DELIVERED BEFORE THE STUDENTS OF UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, NEW YORK
By FRANK F. ELLEWOOD, D.D.
Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.; Lecturer on Comparative Religion in the University of the City of New York
"The volume is not only valuable, it is interesting; it not only gives information, but it stimulates thought."--_Evangelist_.
"Thoroughly Christian in spirit.... There is a compactness about it which makes it full of information and suggestion."--_Christian Inquirer_.
"The author has read widely, reflected carefully, and written ably."--_Congregationalist_.
"It is a book which we can most heartily commend to every pastor and to every intelligent student, of the work which the Church is called to do in the world."--_The Missionary_.
"An able work."--_Boston Transcript_.
"A more instructive book has not been issued for years."--_New York Observer_.
"A noteworthy contribution to Christian polemics."--_Boston Beacon_.
"The special value of this volume is in its careful differentiation of the schools of religionists in the East and the distinct points of antagonism on the very fundamental ideas of Oriental religions toward the religion of Jesus."--_Outlook_.
"We wish this book might be read by all missionaries and by all Christians at home."--_Presbyterian and Reformed Review_.
The Ely Lectures for 1890
THE EVIDENCE OF CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE