The Unity of the Truth.
The Unity of the Truth in Christianity and Evolution. By J. Max Hark, D.D. 12mo. 293 pages. Small Pica type, leaded, cloth, gilt top, uncut pages, 90c.
Few books of its kind recently published have aroused more discussion and called forth more varied and contradictory opinions. For example, The Andover Review gave fifteen pages to a criticism of its positions; while The Christian Union, of equal authority, declares that “The volume deserves to take rank with the works of Munger, Newman Smyth, and Prof. Drummond.” The N. Y. Independent, though granting that “in many respects the volume is instructive and suggestive,” and “its aim merits commendation,” has devoted over four columns to combatting its arguments; whereas the critical Sunday-School Times has heartily commended it in a leading review. While the Presbyterian Quarterly (S. C.) condemns it as being “of no more use than to show the antagonism of the human heart to the things of God,” the Reformed Review (Pa.) praises it as “an earnest effort towards the solution of a grave and difficult problem,” and says, “The author deserves the thanks of all who are sincerely interested in the progress of religion and in the welfare of the Church.” Such contradictions from such sources are the strongest proof of the importance of the work, and of the need of every intelligent person’s reading and judging it for himself. At the same time, however, by far the greater weight of criticism, religious and secular, is favorable to it, as will be seen by the following few
Critical Comments.
“A very remarkable book, written in a nervous, brilliant style, each phrase a squarely-planted and advancing step. That it will bring peace and conviction to many restless souls cannot be doubted.”—The World, N. Y. City.
“We have seen no volume which seems to us so thorough and intelligent in its purpose to consider the relations between modern evolutionary thought and ancient Christian faith and doctrines. Does not attempt to reconcile science and religion by tearing away either the one or the other.”—The Christian Union, N. Y. City.
“A good, wholesome book, brief enough for the busiest Christian, an honest untechnical book, of plain words, and powerful. It is an admirable essay, informed with the essence of true religion, and destined to bring light to many struggling Christians.”—The Press, Philadelphia.
“He speaks with freshness and enthusiasm. We are persuaded that Dr. Hark’s purpose and spirit are such that good will be wrought by his work.”—Illus. Christian Weekly, N. Y. City.
“A candid and thoughtful discussion; expounded with much earnestness and a fine religious spirit.”—Literary World, Boston.
“It can hardly fail to help the candid reader to a wider and more satisfactory view of God, of Providence, of Prayer, and of Religion. Whatever does this for man has proved an infinite blessing to him.”—Christian Evangelist, St. Louis.
“Significant as showing very clearly the drift of the orthodox creed in the hands of its intelligent supporters.”—Sunday News, Charleston, S. C.
“A sincere and reverent endeavor to help all inquiring souls, in trouble concerning the conflict between evolution and the doctrines of Christianity.”—The Interior, Chicago.
“No writer could approach any question with a more candid spirit or more honorable motive. We wish every clergyman could read the work, and every other person indeed who is interested in the question of evolution.”—Herald of Gospel Liberty, Dayton, O.