The British Quarterly Review. April. (Hodder and Stoughton).— The first
article of this number is a noteworthy criticism, by Mr. St. George Mivart, of Mr. J. B. Stab's remarkable book, "The Concepts of Modern Physics," and indirectly, of much of the current philosophy on this subject. The second comes from the pen of Miss Julia Wedgwood, and contains a most able appreciation of the life and labours of F. D. Maurice. Among many articles and reviews that have been called forth by the appearance of Colonel Maurice's book, we have seen none which showed a finer sense of what Mr. Maurice was, and what he did for theology. The essay displays no blind partiality. Miss Wedgwood criticises when the occasion demands. She does not attempt to conceal from herself or from her readers that there were defects in the great man's mind, if none, or none at least that can be discerned, in his character. She remarks, for in- stance, with much force, what hearers and readers of his discourses mast often have felt,—that "he seems to have felt always as if a contradiction were explained when both its members were
distinctly stated." She points out very well the secret of what is called his obscurity. His style was always clear; but, "sooner or later, his readers or hearers bad to surrender for a time the belief that logical coherence was the test of truth." It must not be supposed that Miss Wedgwood is chiefly critical,—i.e., adversely critical. On the contrary, she estimates with a thorough and loving appreciation the man, his character, and his work. Next to these articles in importance and interest, we should be inclined to put the plea advanced by Dr. Fairbairn and Professor Bryce for the establishment by the Nonconformist communities of a 'Theological Faculty at Oxford. Dr. Fairbairn is, indeed, to our minds, somewhat too rhetorical. We are not always clear about what be means; and we certainly think that he has overstated the case as to the theological defects of the Church of England. Professor Bryce's brief article is a model of moderate and judicious argument. And the object for which the writers plead has all our sympathy. Mr. Henry Solly contributes an article which is well worth reading, on " Rehousing the Industrial Classes." The other essays are "Father Curci and the Vatican," by F. E. Trollope ; "The House of Lords since 1832," by W. Jeans ; "Dictionary-Making, Past and Present," by Richard Lovett ; and the customary "Political Review of the Quarter."
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