The Christian says:—“In this ingenious and novel experiment, gravity and mirth go hand in hand. The style is energetic and pointed, and the matter pregnant and suggestive.”
The Sword and Trowel says:—“Very clever.”
The Nonconformist says:—“Under the guise of commentary on texts from old nursery rhymes and stories, Mr. Ritchie really gives us some admirable discourses—‘Sermonic Fancy Work’ in very deed. It is astonishing how, by the help of a slight vein of paradox and a nimble fancy, he can pass, almost imperceptibly, from mild fun to very sad earnest, touching not a few of our most ingrained faults in the most efficient way.”
The Scotsman says:—“A clever, wholesome, readable little book.”
The Homilist says:—“The sermons are really good. They have satire, but it is satire which consumes religious rubbish and nonsense. They have fun and humour, but you are made to laugh in order that you may think with more vigour and seriousness.”
The Freeman says:—“The ‘Familiar Texts’ are the old nursery rhymes treated homiletically. In the styles adopted we fancy we can trace resemblances to those of some of the popular preachers of our day. The wit is not without wisdom. The satire is not destitute of sense. It is the sort of book that a reader with any humour in him will find it difficult to lay down before he has read it right through.”
Capital and Labour says:—“A droll book and yet containing much quaint wisdom in searching out and applying principles of truth and common sense.... As a whole, and considering its healthy tone and practical scope, we heartily commend this handsome little volume. It is a fine specimen of the combined arts of the typographer and bookbinder, and its attractive exterior ought to draw many readers, who will then be charmed with the contents and with the unconventional method of treatment.”
Crown 8vo. Cloth elegant, gilt edges, price 5s. Plain, 4s. 6d.
WON BY WAITING.