THE FEAST OF QUAILS

By Howard J. Chidley, D.D. 'O6. Fleming H. Re veil Company.

Another Book of Sermons by a Dartmouth graduate, following closely upon Arrows of Light by Dr. Boynton Merrill 'l5. If Dartmouth has not turned a large number of her graduates in the direction of the ministry she has certainly turned some destinies to achieve distinction.

These Sermons for Various Occasions by Dr. Chidley are ten in number, four general and the others tor special occasions, such as Christmas and Easter. The first one, perhaps the best, on the feast of quails gives the title to the book. The introduction by Dr. S. Parkes Cadman is very appreciative both of the sermons and of the writer who was associated for three years with him in Central Church, Brooklyn.

Three things will probably strike the reader before he has proceeded far in his reading. The style is rapid, with short pithy sentences. The living people of the world of today surround the pages. The preacher belongs in the class of the prophets—full of energy and enthusiasm; seeing through the times; speaking candidly and seriously; and all the time rising above the page to keep his purpose clear and lure the people upward. There is no loitering or lingering along the way, hence there is not a dry sermon in the list. The illustrations are mostly realistic; taken from the present-day-life; and they illustrate.

While comparisons are invidious, nevertheless the first sermon is just the one many thoughtful people would be glad to read. It is a plea for men and women, upon whom this depression has fallen heavily, to save to the last ditch their self-respect and independence. The plea then turns to other people to allow them their self-salvation. "It is treacherously easy to pauperize the spirit of people whom we try to help."