The Clergy And The Pulpit In Their Relations To The People. By M. l'Abbé Mullois, chaplain to the Emperor Napoleon III. and Missionary Apostolic. Translated by George Percy Badger. First American edition. 12mo, pp. 308. New York: The Catholic Publication Society, 126 Nassau Street. 1867. This work of the learned and pious Abbé Mullois has attained an immense popularity in France, where it was issued a few years ago under the title of _Cours d'Eloquence Sacrée Populaire; ou, Essai sur la Manière de parler au Peuple._ It is the first of a series of essays which appeared subsequently, designed as hints to the clergy in their pastoral ministrations, especially in the pulpit. It is one of the most noticeable books that have been issued by the Catholic press, and cannot fail of receiving as cordial a welcome with us as it has already received in France. Its remarkable characteristic is the apostolic simplicity of its style, and its bold, manly tone. The author's principal object is to direct the attention of the clergy to the necessity of cultivating a popular style of eloquence in their discourses and instructions to the masses. But, in order that the sermon be popular, and reach the hearts of the people, the preacher must himself be popular. He must be a man loved by the people, engaging both their admiration and reverence by his manner and his language when addressing them, and above all, by loving them. Hence, the author wisely treats of the preacher before he treats of the sermon. The first chapter is devoted to the elucidation of his great maxim: "To address men well, they must be loved much." Have many rules of eloquence if you will, but do not forget the first and most essential one: Love the people whom you would instruct, convert, reprove, sanctify, and lead to God. "The end of preaching is to reclaim the hearts of men to God, and nothing but love can find out the mysterious avenues which lead to the heart. We are always eloquent when we wish to save one whom we love; we are always listened to when we are loved. ... If, then, you do not feel a fervent love and profound pity for humanity--if, in beholding its miseries and errors, you do not experience the throbbings, the holy thrillings of charity, be assured that the gift of Christian eloquence has been denied you," which is the good abbé's polite way (so truly French) of saying, "Don't preach." {140}