Essays on Cathedrals. By Various Writers. Edited by J. S.
Howson, D.D., Dean of Cheater. (Murray.)—To review this book at length with the attention which the several essays deserve would be to discuss a very wide subject. We can do nothing more than state our general impression of the volume. We have read not a few "Essays OD Cathedrals," and not been much edified. If the writer is a Dean, hie views may be summed up by the assertion that Canons are of no use, and might very well be improved off the face of the earth. A Canon, on the other hand, is equally clear about the uselessness of Deans. Out- siders, again, are of opinion that both Deans and Canons might with advantage be improved off the face of the earth. There is something much more satisfactory about the present volume. The essay by Mr. Freeman on the "Churches of the Old Foundation "is of itself sufficient to give it very considerable value. The clearness with which the growth of the system, and the significance which he makes us discover in what might seem utterly absurd and unintelligible, are full of interest, The Bishop of Carlisle shows good sense and practical wisdom in his "Recollections of a Dean." Canon Westcott's "Cathedral Foundations in Relation to Religions Thought" is another noticeable essay, as for the amount of learning which is compressed into it is Mr. Benson's "Relation of the Chapter to their Bishop." Of the practical bearing of the volume, it is not so easy to speak. A number of sugges- tions, naturally differing much in value, are made. Sometimes, as was to be expected, the various writers do not agree. One point is toler- ably plain, that the present plan of three months' residence is a useless absurdity. As Mr. Freeman pithily puts it, "A three menthe' residence is a mere mockery ; it is a mere interruption of other duties elsewhere ; it is a time in which the best man can do very little good, while an unfit man can do a great deal of mischief." Here in something for the reformers to begin with.
Previous page
