support of the church for his most unconstitutional measures, until he attempted to encroach upon the privileges of the church. In France, after the great battle of the Reformation was over, the secular arm was exerted most zealously by the Bourbons, to defend the unity of the Church as well as the Gallican liberties. And in gratitude the Church gave her aid to uproot from the constitution of France what few traces of ancient freedom had outlived the domination of the Valois. And under the different governments which have ruled over France during the present century, the clergy has been found untiringly working for the consolidation of a strong government; because under such a government alone can the clergy hope for what is so precious in their eyes-exclusive rule. Now, since all history demonstrates that an established religion is necessary for the maintenance of arbitrary power, even as arbitrary power is necessary for the maintenance of an established religion, why weakly cling to the one horn of a dilemma? Why submit to arbitrary power, yet assert the unlawfulness of a hierarchy? Why denounce the monopolies of livings; yet cringe to the monopoly of legislation? Why appear in the double character of a dissenter and a loyalist? The partial experiments of the Swiss and Scottish churches, but more especially the successful working of our own liberal system, prove that the ut most latitude of conscience can only be obtained through the utmost latitude of civil liberty, and that a government based upon the will of the governed is the only one that reqires no support from an established Church. It may be that under such a system, new and fanciful sects will constantly arise, and that the catholicity of the Church will be somewhat impaired. But those who deplore such a state of things must reflect, that it furnishes the strongest argument against the union of Church and State, because if the Church left to herself fail to secure universal assent, it is evident that individual liberty must be violated when the power of the State interposes to compel that assent. 2.-A RESIDENCE OF TWENTY-ONE YEARS IN THE SANDWICH ISLANDS; or the Civil, Religious and Political History of those Islands, &c. By Hiram Bingham, A. M. Hartford: Hazekiah Huntingdon. The At last Although it is about one hundred years since these islands were first visited by Christian navigators-although some eighty years have elapsed since their first British explorer paid with his blood for the reputed honor of their discovery, it is but a short time since they have assumed a place, however inconsiderable, among the powers of the earth. The history of their redemption from the savage state is interesting, so far as it is interesting to watch experiments of a religious or political character. For many years after the death of Captain Cook, these islands derived but little benefit from their intercourse with the whites, although that intercourse became daily more frequent. The famed beauty of their climate; the laxity of their morals, the advantageous location of their mid-ocean paradise, as well as the sandal wood of their forests, attracted to their shores ship after ship that sailed away with precious freights, and left behind only new diseases and new wants-the bane of civilization without its redeeming advantages. Meanwhile their interior polity was singularly unpropitious to the development of their resources. priests and warlike chieftains claimed and exercised a precarious authority, which had uo basis but the fickle affection of their followers. As a natural consequence, the frequent recurrence of petty domestic wars distracted the country and retarded its growth. a native chief, more enlightened and more enterprising than the rest, succeeded in overpowering his rivals and in uniting the whole group under his rule. Thus he laid the foundation of the Hawaiian empire and commenced a dynasty The shrewd Kamehameha was not slow in devising measures to reap benefit from the visits of foreign vessels to his ports. The Christian institutions for increasing the revenue found favor in his eyes, and he hastened to imitate them. At last, the arrival in the United States of several natives of those "sunny isles." awakened the attention of the benevolent. A large mission, well appointed and provided with the engines of education, was sent to explore this virgin field. Their success was greatly aided by circumstances. The founder of the Hawaiian empire had lately died, and an infant king, who rejoiced in the euphonious appellation of Liholiho, reigned under the guardianship of a dowager. This youth, who had imbibed a thorough disgust for the strict ceremonial of the religion of his ancestors and the influence of its priests, both of which in a measure opposed the gratification of his licentious appetites, resolved to abol ish the existing religious system. In this he was partly seconded by the Queen Regent, who was an ambitious woman, and whose pride ill brooked the mortifying tabus and inconvenient restrictions which the popular worship imposed upon her sex. At the time therefore of the arrival of the mission (1820,) philosophical indifference in matters of religion, very much resembling atheism, was gradually extending throughout the island, although a numerous party still professed respect for their time-honored idols and cere mouies, and caused considerable auxiety to the rulers. These naturally felt disposed to favor the exertions of the missionaries, who, in preaching a new system, would surely discredit the old. Every assistance was therefore tendered to the American teachers, and in a short time the land was covered with schools where the Christian religion was taught in the Hawaiian language, from books printed at the Mission. The facilities tendered to the missionaries became still greater when, the king having died abroad, Queen Kaa humanu became sole ruler, and felt the necessity of securing the support of the Christian neophytes against her rebellious subjects, and the advice of the learned strangers in her intercourse with foreign vessels and foreign residents. The influence of the missionaries now overstepped all bounds, so that they, or rather one of their number, may be fairly considered responsible for the acts of the Queen and of her successors. Missionaries, after all, are only men.. They are fond of the good things of this world, and they are particularly fond of power. Whoever loves power must naturally hate those who attempt to prevent him from retaining it. Now it so happened that many such attempts were made, and many causes therefore combined to kindle hatred in the evangelical bosoms of the missionaries. Foreign residents became restless under the virtual domination of a priest. Masters of vessels were indignant to find this Polynesian oasis turned into a psalm-singing conventicle. Merchants who had invested their capitals in the Hawaiian trade, complained that this trade was subverted to suit religious prejudices. Foreign officers disdained to treat with an irresponsible minister of foreign affairs, who, while directing the politics of the Sovereign of Hawaii, claimed the protection of the United States. Indeed, some of the acts of the government of the Sandwich Islands, passed under the influence of the missionaries, exhibit bigoted intolerance, not unmingled with Jesuitical craft. Several Catholic priests, having established themselves at the islands, began making converts and celebrating mass. Messrs. Bingham & Co. were highly indignant at this intrusion. The Catholic priests were ordered to leave the country, and as they failed to do so with sufficient expedition, were hurried off with iudecent haste on board of a frail Hawaiian nutshell and conveyed to the coast of California. Their converts were persecuted, for the sake of consistency, through a very ingenious contrivance. A law was passed, making it felony to worship idols. Under this law, which purported to aim a blow at the ancient superstition of the islands, several Catholics were indicted, tried, and sentenced to hard labor on the public works. Shortly afterwards the missionaries began a crusade against every immoral practice. Stringent enactments were passed against licentiousness, drunkenness, and even, we believe, against Sabbath-breaking. But the well meaning bigots soon learned that the human passions are not to be restrained by enactments. Women continued to repair on board of the ships in the harbor; only they had to swim thither instead of going in canoes. Liquor continued to be sold-only it had to be sold secretly, until a French frigate sprung its broadside upon the town of Honolulu, and demanded to lerance for Frenchmen and French goods-Cognac and Catholicity. At last, after having exercised nearly absolute sway over the Hawaiian empire for many years. and having succeeded in embroiling its rulers with powerful nations, H. Bingham was recalled by the Board of Missions, and hastened to publish his vindication in an octavo volume, which we have perused with an interest, arising merely from the nature of the subject, and not at all from the manner in which he has treated it. The Kanaka race is disappearing, as every race must disappear that comes in contact with the whites. Since these islanders greeted with the friendly aloha the first European that visited their shores, their numbers have constantly diminished, their breed has deteriorated. In spite of the civilized wares and missionaries we have sent them, and the new wants we have awakened in their midst, they have little to thank us for. If it be objected that their morals have been improved, we are obliged to deny the statement. From our own knowledge of these unfortunate people, we may venture to assert that the only progress they have made towards rivalling the moral character of their Christian instructors consists in this, that whereas heretofore they sinned in ignorance, they now sin with the knowledge of evil. Acts which they formerly committed believing them to be right, they now commit knowing them to be wrong. What they in other times did in the broad face of day, they now do in the silent hours of night. They have added hypocrisy to their other vices. Meanwhile their history still remains to be written. Let us hope that Mr. A. Teneyck. who, as American commissioner, has resided for several years at Honolulu, and who has enjoyed rare opportunities for observation of the Hawaiian character, will soon fill this vacant space in literature. 3.-IRVING'S WORKS. TALES OF A TRAVELLER. By Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., author of the "Sketch Book," &c. Author's revised edition. George P. Putnam, 155 Broadway. The present volume is number seven of the admirable edition in process of publication by Mr. Putnam. It is not only the standard edition of the author, but, in point of typogra phy and style, is certainly the most desirable that has appeared. These are qualities that we are pleased to hear are so well appreciated by the public, that the appearance of successive volumes has been delayed by the necessity of repeating editions of the previous ones, exhausted as soon as delivered from the press, without satisfying the demand. 4.—CALIFORNIA: A Tour of Duty in California; including a description of the Gold Region, and an account of the Voyage round Cape Horn, &c. &c. By Joseph Warren Revere, Lieut. U. States Navy, lately in command of the Military District of Souora. Edited by Joseph N. Balestier, of New-York. C. S. Francis & Co., 252 Broadway, New-York. Of all the many books to which the California excitement has given being, this of Lieut. Revere is probably the most concise and comprehensive, as well as being of a lively and attractive style, abounding in anecdote and graphic scenery. His official capacity, and the favorable circumstances of his approach to the El Dorado," together with an apparent accurate understanding of the matter, make his book exceedingly valuable to those who wish as it were a personal introduction to men and things in that remarkable region. In conclusion, the author addresses a few brief and earnest words to those going thither. After showing the utter impossibility of the existence of African slavery in California, the author remarks: "And yet it is said to be on account of this slavery question that California is denied a civil government, excluded from the Union, and thus exposed to a frightful state of anarchy and confusion. If it be conceded that California is entitled to come into the Union, and that, on becoming a sovereign state, she will have, like other states, exclusive jurisdiction over the subject of slavery within her borders, it seems very strange that a controversy which must be settled, and soon settled, by the people of California, should induce Congress to leave her without a government, and without laws." Most passing strange it is, indeed; but what is the sacrifice of twenty Californias, and myriads of human beings, bond and free, to the great question of Van Buren vengeance? 3. THE CALIFORNIA AND OREGON TRAIL; Being Sketches of Prairie and Rocky Mountain Life. By Francis Parkman, jr. George P. Putnam, 155 Broadway. This volume comprises a series of sketches that had been previously published in a magazine in 1847. The journey of which they are descriptive, as set forth in the advertisement, was undertaken with the view of studying the Indian character" from life," and the author expresses regret that the high standard of an Uncas or Outalissa is far above the claim of the genuine savage. As descriptive of a race fast passing away, and of the wild and wonderful country from which they are perishing, and through which the march of civilization is forcing its way, to the dazzling treasures of the Pacific borders, the work is attractive, and is got up in the style and character of most of the publications of Mr. Putnam. The cuts are very admirable specimens of the high perfection to which engravings in wood have arrived, 6.-NOTES OF TRAVEL IN CAEIFORNIA. From the official reports of Col. Fremont and Maj. Emory. D. Appleton & Co., 200 Broadway. The official report of Col. Fremont is an exceedingly valuable document, accompanied by the great map, being an accurate and faithful description of that country, which has so suddenly attracted the attention of the world, after so long a time having been almost the most neglected spot on earth's surface. 7.-BOOK OF THE WORLD. Mr. Colton, No. 86 Cedar-street, New-York, is about to issue a work under the title of "Book of the World," or a geographical, statistical and historical account of all nations. It will be illustrated with maps and other engravings, and contain a large number of statistical tables, referring to almost every department of life. It will be in two volumes, royal octavo, and contain altogether about 1500 closely printed pages. It cannot but prove highly useful to the mercantile public, and, indeed, to all who wish to extend their sphere of knowledge to other countries. It is a work replete, so far as we have seen the proofs, with highly interesting and valuable matter, and as such we bespeak for it a rapid sale. It is one of the best got up works we have ever seen, and as a specimen of typography, creditable to the printers. 8. THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION. By J. D. Morrell, A. M., author of the "History of Modern Philosophy." D. Appleton & Co., 200 Broadway, New-York. This work, we are told by Dr. Morrell, in his preface, grew out of the manner in which his former work "On the Speculative Philosophy of Europe in the nineteenth century," had been received by the reviewers. It became apparent, he thinks, that popular writers had no clear philosophical views whatever to guide them upon that great subject, and this work, therefore, is devoted to the relation between philosophy and religion, a point only alluded to in the former work. We are sure that this matter will meet with general attention. 9.-ABBOTT'S HISTORIES.-HISTORY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH, and HANNIBAL. By Jacob Abbott. With Illuminated Title-page and numerous Engravings. 12mo., muslin gilt, 75 cents; muslin, 60 cents each. Harper Brothers, New-York. Already there are five of these attractive histories of Mr. Abbott. The style of matter and manner of its production are eminently calculated to excite youthful attention, and to implant historical truths without the semblance of a task. 10. THE MIDNIGHT SUN. By Miss Bremer. Translated from the original unpublished manuscript by Mary Howitt. Harper Brothers, New-York. The works of Miss Bremer are deservedly popular, and this fully sustains her reputation. 11. THE CATONS: a Family Picture. By Sir E. Lytton Bulwer. Harper Brothers, New-York. This work of Mr. Bulwer has made its appearance under circumstances that have brought it extensively before the public, and has well sustained the high reputation of the author as an agreeable writer and philosophic observer. 12.-AN UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF THE MOST REMARKABLE EVENTS OF ALL NATIONS, FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE PRESENT TIME. Forming a complete history of the world. By G. C. Hebbe, L.L. D. Dewitt & Davenport, New-York. This title is, without doubt, exceedingly comprehensive. The promise contained in it is, however, so far, well redeemed. The publication is in numbers, and has reached the fourth of the 2d volume, and the history is brought down to the reign of Solomon, about 975 years before Christ. As a philosophic inquirer, Dr. Hebbe has high claims, and the industry and assiduity with which he has collated, from sacred aud profane sources, the materials of the history of that remote age of the world, entitle his work to great consideration. 13.-HINTS ON PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE. Containing, among other illustrations, Views and Plans of the Smithsonian Institution, &c., &c. Prepared on behalf of the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution. By Robert Dale Owen, Chairman of Committee. George P. Putnam, New-York. This is a specimen number of rare merit in regard to the cuts it presents. The adoption of some general style of architecture suited to the wants of the age and habits of the American people a want to which we had frequently adverted. In a country like this, where thousands of buildings, of all sizes, dimensions and uses, are annually being built, the nationality of some style of architecture is surely a matter of some importance. In New-York alone 2000 houses are built annually; neither in churches, dwellings nor stores is there anything like appropriateness of style, refinement of taste, or a reasonable display of judgment manifest. The "shabby-geuteel" seems to pervade every class of building. The desire to make a great show with a little money vitiates every attempt at construction, and this view has even been pushed so far as to place embattled towers upon Quaker meeting-houses. We trust that the dissemination of such works as those of the Building Committee of the Institute will go far to correct public taste in this maiter. 14.-RAPHAEL. By A. D. Lamartine. New York: Harper Brothers. In some respects, two of the greatest writers of modern France, Lamartine and Chateanbriaud, resemble each other. Both have shed great lustre upon their native country; both were poets of the highest order; both have received high political preferments; both gained immortality by their first attempts at literature, and both have ended by writing very indifferent books. Chateaubriand wrote Les Mémoires d'Outre Tombe, and Lamartine, who had already published Les Receuillements, now gives us Rophael. This work purports to be an autobiography, edited by the author from a manuscript bequeathed by a friend. This flimsy fiction, which has been already employed by this author in his introduction of Jocelyn, is adapted merely as a pretext for indulging that egotism of dreamy vanity which seems a necessary ingredient and competent part of the talent of some writers. It is a tale of Platonic love carried to a Platonic conclusion, through a series of every day incidents, which it does not suit our present purpose to follow. Were it not that the story nowhere trespasses over certain latitudinarian bounds of modesty and propriety which French taste lays out for itself, we would refer it to the George Said class of novels. As it is, we would consider it as a pale imitation of La Nouvelle Heloise. And we do not know but we ought to say of Lamartine's last and least creditable production, what Rosseau said of his immortal piece of sentimentalism: Toute fille qui lira ce livre est une fille perdue. III. TRANSLATIONS FROM HORACE.-ODE XIV.-TO THE REPUBLIC, 400 IV. DANTON.......... By the Author of ROBESPIERRE. V. CALIFORNIA-ITS POSITION AND PROSPECTS. A TOUR OF DUTY IN CALIFORNIA; including a description of the Gold Re- OREGON AND CALIFORNIA, in 1848. By J. Q. Thornton, late Judge of the THE CALIFORNIA AND OREGON TRAIL. By B. Francis Parkman, Jr. WHAT I SAW IN CALIFORNIA. By E. Bryant. NOTES OF TRAVEL IN CALIFORNIA; Official report of Col. J. C. Fremont, LIFE IN CALIFORNIA. By an American Citizen. WILEY & PUTNAM. HISTORY OF THE HAWAIIAN OR SANDWICH ISLANDS. By James Jackson 401 412 VI. THE THREE NUTS.-(From the German of Clemens Brentano,)..... 428 By MRS. ST. SIMONS. VII. LINES WRITTEN IN AN ALBUM.-(From the French of Beranger.) 435 VIII. MINNA VON BARNHELM.-A COMEDY, IN FIVE ACTS.. Translated from the German of G. E. Lessing. Act III. IX. ODE.-To AMERICA.... By MARTIN FARQUHAR TUPPER. X. ANCIENT AND MODERN CIVILIZATION... A Paper read to the Moutgomery (Orange county) Literary and Scientific Club, on Saturday evening, April 7th, 1849. 436 448 449 XI. SELECT LIBRARY OF THE GERMAN CLASSICS-IPHIGENeia of GOETHE.... 460 XII. FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW. 469 475 |