Symbolism; or, Exposition of the Doctrinal Differences between Catholics and Protestants, as evidenced by their Symbolical Writings.
By John A. Moehler, D.D.
Translated from the German, with a Memoir of the Author, preceded by an Historical Sketch of the state of Protestantism and Catholicism in Germany for the last hundred years.
By J. B. Robertson.
New edition, revised and annotated by the Translator.
One vol. 8vo, pp. 504,
New York: The Catholic Publication Society. 1868.
The Symbolism of Dr. Möhler is, perhaps, the most remarkable polemical work which has appeared since the days of Bellarmine and Bossuet. Its influence in Germany has been extraordinary, and the translation by Mr. Robertson has exerted an influence of similar importance in Great Britain and the United States, as well as in every part of the world where English is spoken. The late illustrious convert from the Protestant Episcopal hierarchy, Dr. Ives, was greatly indebted to this book for the convictions which brought him into the Church, and many others might doubtless say the same of themselves. It may be well to say, for the benefit of non-professional readers, that "Symbolism" in German phraseology means the exposition of symbols of faith or authorized formularies of doctrines, and that this work is a thorough discussion of the dogmatic differences between the Catholic Church and the principal Protestant denominations. The present edition is a very convenient one, in one volume, neatly executed and well printed. We cannot too earnestly recommend to our intelligent readers, who desire thorough and solid information on the great topics of Catholic doctrine, to study carefully this great masterpiece of learning and thought.
The Pope And The Church Considered In Their Mutual Relations With Reference To The Errors Of The High Church Party In England.
By the Rev. Paul Bottalla, S.J.,
Professor of Theology in St. Beuno's College, North Wales.
Part I. The Supreme Authority of the Pope.
London: Burns, Gates & Co. 1868.
The Apostolical And Infallible Authority Of The Pope.
By F. X. Weninger, D.D., S.J.
New York: Sadlier. Cincinnati: John P. Walsh. 1868.
The first named of these two works is one of the very best and most learned treatises on the subject discussed which has appeared in the English language, and will prove an invaluable addition to every clergyman's or educated layman's library. It is, moreover, of very moderate size, and written with remarkable logical terseness and lucidness of style and order.
The second work also contains a valuable and extensive collection of authorities and testimonies to the supreme teaching authority of the Holy See, and a résumé of the arguments usually given by theologians in support of the author's thesis. The moderate and gentle spirit in which the venerated author speaks of the adherents of another school of Catholic theologians is especially commendable and worthy of imitation, particularly as we are now awaiting the assembling of an Ecumenical Council, which will doubtless decide all questions heretofore in controversy in regard to which the good of the Church requires any clearer definitions than those which have been already made and universally accepted. There are some few corrections called for in the construction of the author's sentences, especially one which occurs in the note to page 206. The mechanical execution of the book cannot receive any high commendation.
The Illustrated Catholic Sunday-school Library.
Second Series. Twelve volumes, pp. 144 each.
New York: The Catholic Publication Society,
126 Nassau street. 1868.
The titles of the volumes in this series are as follows: