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edition, which is now called for, it will be omitted, and its place supplied with farther illustrations by Dr. Hawks. We have only to say in conclusion, that the volume is handsomely printed, and furnished with from forty to fifty useful engravings. We are glad to be able to recommend so useful and interesting a work to the notice of our readers.

A Compendium of Ecclesiastical History. By Dr. JoHN C. L. GIESELER, Consistorial Counselor and Ordinary Professor of Theology, in Göttingen. From the fourth edition, revised and amended. Translated from the German, by SAMUEL DAVIDSON, LL.D., Professor of Biblical Literature and Ecclesiastical History in the Lancashire Independent College. Vols. I. and II. New York: Harper & Brothers, 82 Cliff street. 1849.

THIS history has two peculiarities, which at the same time are very peculiar excellences. The first is, that the text contains only a condensed but precise statement of the realities-the ascertained facts and opinions-of Ecclesiastical History. The second is, that the realities in the text are in all cases sustained in the notes, by quotations from the original authorities. In the extent and minuteness of the quotations, we are reminded of Lardner, and in the precision of the text, of Bayle. As we are anxious to give our readers who may not have seen the work, a clear notion of what it is, we will go into some detail. We quote from the author his view of the object of ecclesiastical history.

"The object of Ecclesiastical History is to present in historical Development the entire course through which the Christian church has passed, and the influence which it has exerted upon other human relations, and to lay the foundation for a due estimate of it in all respects. As time consists of moments, so is history made up of circumstances connected together as cause and effect. Every condition of the church rests on a twofold relation. To its internal relations belongs, first of all, that religious faith, which forms its bond of union, both in its scientific development and life in the members; next, the character of the public religious exercises; and thirdly, the form of government. To the external relations of the church, belong its diffusion and its relation to other associations, particularly to the state. Though these relations are not independent of one another, but are developed by constant mutual action, they admit of a separate historical treatment. There arises, therefore,

1. A history of the church's external relations, viz. ;

(1.) History of its spread and limitation.

(2.) History of its relation to the state.

2. A history of its internal relations, viz.;
(1.) History of the doctrines of the church.
(a.) As an object of science,

History of opinions,

History of ethics,

History of the theological sciences.

(b.) As living and working in man,

History of religious and moral life.

(2.) History of ecclesiastical worship.

(3.) History of the internal constitution of the church."

But the historical representation of the facts requires also a division according to time. The author divides the history into Periods by means of Epochs. He makes four Periods; the first, extending to the time of Constantine, the first development of the church under external oppression; the second, to the beginning of the image controversies, the development of Christianity as the prevailing religion of the state; the third, to the Reformation, the development of Papacy, prevailing over the state; the fourth, the development of Pro

testantism.

The first Period is divided into three divisions, the first extending to the time of Hadrian, A. D., 117; the second, to Septimius Severus, 117-193; the third, of course, to Constantine, 193-324. Each Division is again divided into chapters, and has a special introduction. The introduction to the first division treats particularly of the religious and moral condition of the nations at the time of Christ's birth and during the first century, under two heads-the condition of the heathen nations, and the condition of the Jewish people. Then follow the chapters, which in the first division are three; the first, containing the life of Jesus; the second, the apostolic age to the destruction of Jerusalem; the third, the age of John, from 70-117. Each chapter is divided into sections. Thus the first chapter has five sections-the chronological data relative to the life of Jesus-early history of Jesus-John the Baptist-public ministry and doctrines of Jesus-alledged contemporary notices of Jesus, not in the New Testament. The formal division is carried no farther. But, then, each section is substantially divided, for almost every sentence contains definite facts and opinions, each of which is authenticated by its proper proof in the notesthe author thus passes from the broad combination of facts which makes up the epoch to the individual moments of time, and the reader has before him both the synthesis and the analysis of the historic elements. We will take an example to illustrate this last particular, from Period first, Division first, Chapter 2d, Section 30, on the Constitution of the Church. "The new churches out of Palestine formed themselves after the pattern of the mother church in Jerusalem. Their presidents were the Elders (ApEBUTεpoi, exisxoroi,) officially of equal rank, although, in many churches, individuals among them had a personal authority over the others." We subjoin a part of the first note. "That both appellations are the same follows from Acts xx, 17, 28: Tit. i, 5, 7: Phil. i, 1: 1 Tim. iii, 1, 8. Acknowledged by Hieronymus. Epist. 82, (al 83,) ad Oceanum: Apud veteres iidem episcopi et presbyteri, quia illud nomen dignitatis, hoc ætatis-idem ad Tit. 1,7. Idem est ergo presbyter, qui episcopus: et antequam diaboli instinctu studia in religione fierent, et dicereter in populis: ego sum Pauli, ego Apollo, ego autem Cephe, communi presbyterorum consilio ecclesiæ gubernabantur." But we must omit the remainder of this note, and the whole of the next.

But in addition to these quotations there are very numerous references to passages which are not quoted. Besides, there is prefixed to the Periods, the Divisions and the Chapters, an enumeration of the original sources of the facts, and of the important works upon the general subject, while in the notes, there is most abundant reference to the various works which treat of the particular topic under review.

The great advantage of this mode of writing ecclesiastical history is obvious. It enables the reader to become himself an original investigator. He has the evidence before him and can judge of the validity of the conclusion which is drawn from it. It is very true that mere facts are not history, any more than a mere skeleton is a living man; but it is equally true that there can be no re-calling of ancient times and manners to a new existence in the present by a mere act of the imagination. Broad generalizations, picturesque descriptions, vivid portraiture of character, when founded on a sufficient substratum of facts, are very well in their place, but without this support, they have neither the sanctity of history, nor the charm of fiction. But we ought not to intimate that this history contains only a mere detail of facts. There is a sober and sound philosophy pervading it, which connects these facts together, and the very precision with which they are expressed, gives a kind of reality to the statements.

In regard to the execution of the work, we remark, that the field of knowledge which it surveys is immense; that the research in this field is precise and accurate and minute; that the selection of quotations and authorities, though they are almost innumerable, is peculiarly choice; that the divisions, by which this vast collection of materials is arranged into a consistent order,

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is marked by sharp and well-defined boundaries; that the facts are firmly grasped and distinctly stated; and finally, that over all there has presided a sound and impartial judgment. This is the very work, which, as we should suppose, every Christian scholar would wish to have in his library. We ought to add, that the translation has been made from the most recent edition, the earlier portions of the original having been re-written, and enlarged by the author, so as to make it almost a new work.

Mahomet and his Successors. By WASHINGTON IRVING. In two volumes. Vol. I. New York: George P. Putnam, 155 Broadway. 1850.

THE design of this work is fully set forth by the writer himself "to digest into an easy, perspicuous and flowing narrative, the admitted facts concerning Mahomet, together with such legends and traditions as have been wrought into the whole system of oriental literature; and at the same time to give such a summary of his faith as might be sufficient for the more general reader." Mr. Irving has accomplished all that he undertook to do. The facts are judiciously selected, the legends and traditions carefully separated from the facts, and the articles of faith distinctly stated, while the whole is arranged in lucid order. It is not necessary to say that the volume is well written. But besides these merits, the reader will meet with an unobtrusive philosophy which, without any appearance of effort, seems to place things in their true light, and a fairness of judgment in determining the motives and designs of Mahomet, which on the one hand is far removed from the conceited affectation of heroworship, and on the other, from those prejudices which can find nothing but designed imposture in all false religions. We might also recommend this work as a new contribution to the evidences of Christianity; for, it can not fail to leave the impression upon every candid mind-and the more powerfully because there is no prominence given to any such design-that the Christian religion stands apart from all other systems of religion, alone in its holiness, as the inspired revelation of God.

The Miscellaneous Works of Oliver Goldsmith, including a variety of pieces now first collected. By JAMES PRIOR, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries; Member of the Royal Irish Academy; Author of the Life of Goldsmith, Life of Burke, etc. etc. In four volumes. Vol. I. New York: George P. Putnam, 155 Broadway. 1850.

MR. PUTNAM, after having favored the reading public with the biography of Oliver Goldsmith by Washington Irving,*—the biography of the most delightful writer in the English language by a writer not less delightful-proposes to make the connection between these authors still more intimate by publishing an edition of the miscellaneous works of Goldsmith, uniform with his edition of the works of Irving. No association could be more appropriate. These two writers, though different in many respects, agree in that which constitutes the charm of their writings, a genial humor, a pure humanity, and a graceful style. We have no readers, we are sure, who need any remarks from us upon the writings of Goldsmith; we have, therefore, only to inform them what they will find that is peculiar in this new edition. The present edition, then, is intended to embrace all his miscellaneous writings so far as they are known, not only all that is in the earlier edition, but all that has been collected by Prior and others. The present volume contains, first, the Bee, of which only eight numbers were issued from the press; secondly, the Essays,

* Has not Mr. Irving killed off "Uncle Contarine" too soon on page 75, since we read of him as still alive on page 102? We should hardly have noticed this, had we not been drawn on to read the book at a single sitting.

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thirty-eight in the whole, of which fifteen were first collected and published in Prior's edition; thirdly, An Inquiry into the present state of polite learning in Europe, two chapters of which are new; fourthly, Prefaces and Introductions, one half of which are new ;-the whole making a volume of five hundred and eighty-six pages. The volume is well printed, and the edition we think will become the standard one.

The Provincial Letters of Blaise Pascal. A new Translation with historical Introduction and Notes. By the Rev. THOMAS M'CRIE, Edinburgh. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, No. 285 Broadway. 1850. pp. 392.

IN noticing a work so well known as the Provincial Letters, we do not think it necessary to do more than point out the merits of the present edition. There have been two translations of these letters into English, the one made at the time of their original publication in French, and the other in 1816. The present is the third translation. There seem to have been so great defects in each of the others, as to justify an attempt to give a more exact version and one written in a better style. A work so important as this, deserves the best possible translation. Mr. M'Crie has been very successful in his attempt, and we think no one who is acquainted with this translation, would think of using any other. It appears in a good English style, and is made from the best edition of the original. It is also furnished with useful notes.

Besides the translation, Mr. M'Crie has prefixed a valuable historical Introduction of sixty-two pages. He first gives an account of the origin of the controversy between the Jesuits and the Jansenists-tracing it back to Augustine and the Pelagian controversy of the fifth century, through the discussions of the Thomists and Scotists in the middle ages. Then, beginning with the revival of the controversy by the Molinists and Jansenists, he brings down his review to the publication of the Provincial Letters. In doing this, he has occasion to speak of the establishment of the Jesuits, and of their opponents, the Port-Royalists. In addition to this, he gives much useful information as to Pascal himself, the composition and publication of the letters, the various editions, and other literary matters of interest. In the conclusion, he makes a satisfactory refutation of certain attempts of modern writers to depreciate these letters-especially of Sir James Macintosh, who in his history of England, refers to a vindication of the Jesuits by a writer, whom it turns out Sir James could never have read, since the work to which he refers is on an entirely different subject.

We think the republication of these letters is a good service rendered to literature and to Christianity. We hope they may be extensively circulated.

John Howard, and the Prison-World of Europe. From original and authentic documents. By HEPWORTH DIXON. With an Introductory Essay by RICHARD W. DICKINSON, D.D.; slightly abridged. New York: Robert Carter and Brothers, No. 285 Broadway. 1850. pp. 401.

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THERE have been two Lives of Howard, previous to the present one. ther of them, however, seems to have been very meritorious. The materials which the present biographer has used will best appear from his own account of them. "He has carefully collected," he says, "every document already printed-made, and caused to be made, numerous researches-conversed with persons who have preserved traditions and other memorials of this subjecttravelled in his traces over a great number of prisons-examined parliamentary and other records for such new facts as they might afford-and, in conclusion, has consulted these several sources of information, and interpreted their answers by such light as his personal experience of the prison-world suggested to be needful." This investigation has brought to light some new matter, and the materials for the biography of Howard are now collected.

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Whether they are herein finally used, depends, as the writer says, on the verdict of the reader. We acknowledge we think the present is not the final use which will be made of these materials. This memoir has some defects. The author speaks of Howard too much as a man of great genius-which he certainly was not, in the usual sense of the word-instead of presenting him as a bright example of what can be accomplished by decision of character directed by Christian benevolence. He also has failed fully to develope the Christian character of Howard as growing out of his faith in the doctrines of the Cross -a defect, however, partially remedied by the Introductory Essay. And finally, the book is written in an inflated, latinized style. But notwithstanding these defects, which we feel bound to mention, it is a most interesting book. The matter of it is of such a character that no one can begin to read, without finishing the work. The first chapter treats of the prison-world before the time of Howard. The next three chapters speak of Howard's early life. In 1773 Howard commenced his career of philanthropy-and from this time to his death, he was constantly employed in journeyings in England and on the continent for the inspection of prisons and lazarettoes. The remaining chapters of the work follow him in these journeyings, and are intensely interesting.

A Copious and Critical English-Latin Lexicon, founded on the German-Latin
Dictionary of Dr. Charles Ernest Georges. By the Rev. JOSEPH ESMOND
RIDDLE, M.A., of St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, author of "A complete Latin-
English Dictionary," &c., and the Rev. THOMAS KERCHEVER ARNOLD, M.A.,
Rector of Lyndon, and late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. First
American edition, carefully revised, and containing a copious Dictionary of
Proper Names from the best sources, by CHARLES ANTHON, LL.D., Pro-
fessor of the Greek and Latin Languages in Columbia College. New York:
Harper & Brothers, Publishers. 1849.

THE authors of this work say truly in their preface, that "it can hardly be said to have had any predecessor in its own kind." The classical student in England and America, to whom this would have been just the manual he needed, has heretofore had no better English-Latin lexicon than the meager ill-arranged work of Ainsworth. He has, it is true, been able to consult such excellent helps to writing Latin as Crombie's Gymnasium, Dumesnil's Synonymes, Robertson's Phraseologia and other similar works, and, if familiar with the German language, to avail himself of the results of German industry and scholarship in this department of classical learning. But this course has generally involved much inconvenience or much labor-so much indeed as to constitute a serious obstacle in the way of those who wished to encourage the writing of Latin in our schools and colleges. Few learners know how to use advantageously the books named above, even if inclined to do so, and it has been necessary to use them, if they were used at all, as substitutes for a proper English-Latin lexicon.

The volume before us supplies the need which has been so long and so generally felt. It is an ample work, its arrangement is excellent and it is reliable. It contains upwards of seven hundred and fifty closely printed octavo pages, which, by the help of a system of signs, abbreviations and references, are made to contain an unusual quantity of matter. Although it is smaller than either of the German works from which it is chiefly derived, yet a comparison will show that the editors have used both judgment and skill in reducing the book to a convenient size-judgment in omitting matter comparatively unimportant to learners, and skill in condensing without omitting.

The names of the authors are in themselves no slight guarantee of the correctness of the work. Mr. Riddle's name has long been associated in the minds of scholars with Latin lexicography, nor could he well have had a better preparation for the laborious task which he has so largely shared in accomplishing, than he found in translating the great Latin-German lexicon of

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