SV111 NO IICE OF HEREEIiT SPENCERS 



forms of truth, and not for much that we hold true bold in the 

 destruction of error, though without that joy in destruction which 

 often claims the name of boldness ; these works arc interesting 

 in themselves and in their relation to the current thought of the 

 time. They seem at first sight to form the turning point in the 

 positive philosophy, but closer examination shows us that it is 

 only a new and marked stage in a regular growth. It is the 

 positive philosophy reaching the higher relations of our being,, 

 and establishing what before it ignored because it had not 

 reached, and by ignoring seemed to deny. This system formerly 

 excluded theology and psychology. In the works of Herbert Spen 

 cer we have the rudiments of a positive theology and an immense 

 step toward the perfection of the science of psychology. * * =* 

 Such is a brief and meagre sketch of a discussion which wo 

 would commend to be followed in detail by every mind interested 

 in theological studies. Herbert Spencer comes in good faith from 

 what has been so long a hostile camp, bringing a flag of truce 

 and presenting terms of agreement meant to be honourable to 

 both parties : let us give him a candid hearing. * * * In 

 conclusion, we would remark that the work of Herbert Spencer 

 referred to (First Principles) is not mainly theological, but will 

 present the latest and broadest generalizations of science, and we 

 would commend to our readers this author, too little known 

 among us, as at once one of the clearest of teachers and one of the 

 wisest and most honourable of opponents. 



From the Ncic Englander. 



Though we find here some unwarranted assumptions, as well 

 as some grave omissions, yet this part (Laws of the Knowable) 

 may be considered, upon the whole, as a fine specimen of scien 

 tific reasoning. Considerable space is devoted to tho &quot; Law of 

 Evolution&quot; the discovery of which is the author s chief claim to 

 originality, and certainly evinces great power of generalization. 

 To quote the abstract definition without a full statement of the 

 inductions from which it is derived would convey no fair im 

 pression of the breadth and strength of the thought which it 

 epitomizes. Of Mr. Spencer s general characteristics as a writer, 

 we may observe that his style is marked by great purity, clear- 



