Page images
PDF
EPUB

happens to be, at that moment, of exorbitant value to his neighbor. On this convic tion he refuses the fair price, and offers one that would double his own profit, and leave the other without any profit, or with a loss. The other hesitates, reasons, entreats-but at last reluctantly yields. The merchants exults in a good bargain. A good bargain!—is that what you call it? Why, the thing you have done is neither more nor less than taking advantage of your neighbor's necessity to deprive him of the just reward of his labor, and to put it in your own pocket.

"But I am not bound to look after another man's interests.' Yes, you are. God has bound you to it. He has bound all other men to do the same to you. You have denied your brother his equal rights. Had you done your duty, two hearts would have been the better, but now two hearts are worse. Yours is contracting around its ill-gotten profits; his is soured and distrustful."

COMMERCIAL VALUE OF AN OLD MAN IN CHINA.

The reasonableness and placability of the natives were, on one occasion, evinced in rather a remarkable manner at Chusan, while I was there. An Englishman had come across some wild ducks in the canal inside the city, at which he fired with ball, all his shot having been previously expended. The bullet missed the birds, and, glancing from the water, killed an old Chinaman, who was sitting at his own door, enjoying his pipe.

The unfortunate sportsman, horrified at the result of his silly thoughtlessness, hurried away to take counsel with his friends, who recommended him to try to settle the matter with the relatives of the deceased, to prevent their complaint from being laid formally before the authorities, who would be obliged to award a heavy punishment for such reckless carelessness. With this view, one of his friends was dispatched to visit the family, to condole with them for their loss, and to explain how thoroughly it was the result of accident. He deplored the unhappy circumstance which had deprived the family of so valuable and so respectable a member, and pointed out the cheering fact that he was very old, and, in the natural course of things, could not have been expected to live much longer, and that pecuniary recompense should be made to console the family for the few months' society they might have anticipated enjoying with him. They admitted that he was old, very old, and as he could not have lived long, they mentioned a hundred dollars, as a sum likely to have a good effect in assuaging the bitterness of their affliction.

The ambassador, delighted at hearing a demand so much more reasonable than he anticipated, but concealing his satisfaction, pointed out that the deceased was so old that he could hardly have estimated his short remnant of existence at such a large

sum.

THE LOVE OF MONEY.

In the catechism of the Nineteenth Century, says Hiram Fuller, the true answer to the question," What is the chief end of man?" should be-MONEY. When one pauses to reflect upon this universal scramble after "the root of all evil," the money-mania of the day becomes a sort of miraculous phenomenon. It seems to be the summum bonum of human existence-the ultima thule of human effort. Men work for it, fight for it, beg for it, steal for it, starve for it, preach for it, lie for it, live for it, and die for it. And all the while, from the cradle to the grave, nature and God are ever thundering in our ears the solemn question-"What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" This madness for money is the strongest and lowest of the passions; it is the insatiate Moloch of the human heart, before whose remorseless altar all the finer attributes of humanity are sacrificed. It makes merchandise of all that is sacred in human affections; and even traffics in the awful solemnities of the eternal world. Fathers sell their daughters for gold; and temples dedicated to religion are used as marts for the display of the glittering temptation.

Miserly men, in the possession of great wealth, and who pretend to love their children as the "apple of their eye," will stint them in education, in pleasure, and in health; and keep them cramped and miserable for lack of money, through all the earlier and better years of their existence; and when Death relaxes the old man's grasp from his money-bags, the overwhelming avalanche of wealth becomes often a curse rather than a blessing to his heirs. Human life at longest is but a span-a fleeting dream-a passing apparition in the phantasmagoria of Time. What folly to devote it to an unscrupulous struggle for that" which perisheth with the using!"

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Peruvian Antiquities. By MARIANO EDWARD RIVERO, Director of the Natural Museum, Lima, and Corresponding Member of various Scientific Societies in Europe and America; and JOHN JAMES VON TSCHUDI, Doctor in Philosophy, Medicine, Surgery, etc., etc., and Member of various Societies of Medicine, Natural History, Geography, and Agriculture. Translated into English from the original Spanish. By FRANCIS L. HAWKS, D. D., LL. D. 8vo., pp. 306. New York: George P. Putnam & Co.

The curious in antiquarian literature is indebted to the learned labors of Dr. Hawks for "the best account of Peru by a native, at a date as late as 1851," and for a more particular description of its most ancient architectural remains than is to be found elsewhere. The work is divided into chapters, and treats-1st, of the relations between the two hemispheres prior to the discovery by Columbus; 2d, ancient inhabitants of Peru; 3d, considerations on the history of Peru before the arrival of the Spaniards; 4th, system of government, or political institutions of the Incas; 5th, the Quichuan language; 6th, scientific culture under the dynasty of the Incas; 7th, religious system of the Incas; 8th, religious ceremonies; 9th, state of arts among the ancient Peruvians; 10th, ancient monuments. The original work was the labor of ten years; and the authors studied ancient monuments, gathering, with great solicitude, all the curiosities of the times of the Incas, and they have furnished the public with a full description of the ruins of sumptuous edifices, the sad remains of grandeur and power of the Incas, their idols and their manufactures; and also of the fall of a nation made deeply interesting by its tragical history.

2.-A Manual of Elementary Geology; or the Ancient Changes of the Earth and its Inhabitants, as illustrated by Geological Monuments. By Sir CHARLES LYELL, M. A., F. R. S. Reprinted from the fourth and entirely revised edition, illustrated with Five Hundred Engravings. 8vo., pp. 512. New York: D. Appleton & Co. No writer on geology has surpassed this able and distinguished author in the merit of his works. Nor is the reputation of any one higher for attainments in geological science than that of Sir Charles Lyell. In the work before us, it has been his aim to unfold and illustrate the ancient changes of the earth, rather than to explain the principles of geology upon which those changes were made. As a matter of necessity, the examples or facts upon which principles are based, or which are likewise the result of presupposed principles, necessarily intermingle in a treatise which may attempt to unfold either separately; yet in this case, the ancient changes of the earth present so many striking features and give rise to so many interesting points of consideration, that a wide distinction may be observed between a work upon them and one upon the principles of geology. The volume, of which this is a new edition, is written with all that elegance of style and richness of learning for which the author is distinguished, and forms one of our most valuable productions on the general science of geology.

2 vols

3.-On Civil Liberty and Self-Government. By FRANCIS LIEBER, LL. D. 12mo., pp. 355 and 371. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo & Co. This is a treatise upon the fundamental principles of self-government and civil liberty, which is designed to serve as a guide for those about entering life, to true and correct political principles. In the main, the work is sound and judicious, and must aid in strengthening that independent and free spirit which should be possessed by every American. The author is a distinguished teacher of political principles, and is intimately acquainted with events and their bearing upon public affairs. The volumes are worthy of a wide circulation, and will command, from the ability with which they are written, respect in all quarters.

4.-Youths' Manual of Geography, combined with History and Astronomy. Designed for the use of the junior and intermediate classes in public and private schools. By JAMES MONTEITH, Public School No. 18. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co.

We have not space to describe the various merits of this manual. Suffice it to say, that the plan is admirably conceived and happily carried out.

5.-Philosophy of Sir William Hamilton, Bart., Professor of Logic and Metaphysics in Edinburgh University. Arranged and edited by O. W. WIGHT, Translator of Cousin's "History of Modern Philosophy." For the use of Schools and Colleges. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

Sir William Hamilton is at once a metaphysian of marked and vigorous originality of thought, and a scholar profoundly versed in philosophical theories and the writings of metaphysicians. He has not only thought for himself, but he has carefully studied what others have thought and written-a thing which original minds are sometimes apt to neglect. But Hamilton's labors have unfortunately been desultory, consisting of reviews, dissertations, and other fragmentary works. Mr. Wright has done a real service to metaphysical science by giving something like a systematic arrangement to these detached essays, and by presenting them in their natural sequence and connec tion of topics, he gives us an idea of Hamilton's system as a whole. Thus, in the first of the three parts into which the work is divided, we have the first of the supplementary dissertations to Reid, which, as it discusses the origin of ideas and the foundation of knowledge, naturally comes first in every metaphysical system. In part second, on the philosophy of perception, we have Hamilton's famous review on Brown, and the second, third, and fourth supplementary dissertations to Reid. Part third, on the philosophy of the conditional, contains the review of Cousin. There are no more interesting chapters of metaphysics, than the two long lists of ancient and modern au thorities which Hamilton gives-the one on the truth of common sense and intuitive belief, on the one hand, and the other, on the absolute limitation of human knowledge. The work is printed with care, and published in Appleton's usual good style.

6-A Church Dictionary. By WALTER FARQUHAR Нook, D. D., Vicar of Leeds. Sixth edition. Revised and adapted to the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, by a Presbyter of said Church. 8vo. pp. 580. Philadel phia: E. H. Butler.

This is the first American from the sixth London edition, and its republication here was undertaken with special reference to the wants of American Churchmen. The editor of this edition has modified and amended the work by the introduction of much new matter, relating to the American branch of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, especially in those points where that Church canonically, rubrically and politically differs from the Church of England, of which the author, Dr. Hook, is a learned and distinguished minister. It is a work displaying great research and industry, and, in a literary point of view, far above the usual style of similar publi@ations.

7.-The Art Journal for September, 1853. London and New York: George Virtue.

The illustrations in this number fully sustain the high artistic character of this unrivaled work. But we have so often expressed our almost unqualified opinion of its excellence, that it would seem a work of supererogation to do more at this time than merely to give the titles of the engravings, as follows: Utrecht, engraved by E. Challis, from the picture by G. Jones, R. A., in the Vernon Galley; A Mythological Battle, engraved by G. Finden, from the picture by F. Stothard, R. A., in the same gallery; and Virginius, engraved by E. Roffe, from the group in marble, by P. McDowell, R. A. We are glad to notice by an advertisement, that the Vernon Gallery is not exhausted, and that several of the most beautiful of the series have yet to appear. This work has no rival or equal of its class in the world of art literature. 8.-The Attractions of the World to Come. By ALFRED BRYANT.

New York: M. W. Dodd.

12mo., pp. 308.

Seven chapters or discourses from the contents of this volume. The subjects of them are the Immortality of the Soul, the Intermediate State, the Resurrection, the Day of Judgment, the Nature of Future Happiness, the Nature of Future Punishment, &c., &c. They are written in a vigorous, forcible style, and will be well received by the religiously disposed.

9.-The Forged Will; or Crime and Retribution. By EMERSON BENNETT, 12mo, pp. 302. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson.

That vice and crime meet with a reward in the degradation of their victim, none will deny. But other retribution is often made, such as confounds the culprit and awakens a sense of remorse. An instance of this nature is presented with much force and effect in the Forged Will. It is worked up with strong effect.

10.-The British Poets. 18mo.

Boston: Little, Brown & Co.

We have before us five volumes of the British poets, viz: "The Poetical Works of Alexander Pope, with a Life, by Rev. Alexander Dyce, in three volumes; ""The Poetical Works of Thomas Gray, edited, with a Life, by Rev. John Mitford;" and "The Poetical Works of Oliver Goldsmith, edited, with a Life, by Rev. John Mitford;" but it is not our purpose to speak (were this the place or were we competent to the task) critically of these works. But of the style in which they are published, we may speak in terms of unqualified admiration, although to those who are familiar with the publications emanating from the above-named house, it may seem a work of supererogation on our part. The paper and print resemble the best English edition of the poets; indeed, we are quite sure they are equal if not superior in every respect to that edition. The present volumes are to be followed by some sixty more, which, when finished, will afford the best library edition of the British poets extant, and at a price so low as to place it in the hands of persons of moderate means.

[ocr errors]

11.-A Record of the Boston Stage. By WILLIAM WARLAND CLAPP, Jr., Editor of the Boston Evening Gazette." 18mo., pp. 479. Boston: James Munroe & Co. Mr. Clapp, the accomplished editor of the Evening Gazette, one of the oldest, most respectable, and judiciously conducted journals in the United States, has contrived to gather, from the most reliable and authentic sources, all the interesting facts relating to the progress of the drama in Boston, and grouping them in a continuous form, has presented a most attractive record of the drama in the "Literary Emporium," from the earliest times to the present day. The work is not a mere dry detail of "facts and figures," but is interwoven with anecdotes and reminiscences of celebrated actors and actresses, together with stirring events connected with the drama in its hours of glory and gloom." We regard it as a most valuable contribution to the history of the drama in this country, and we heartily thank our esteemed friend the author for his successful efforts to embody in a form so readable, traditions and materials which would otherwise have been lost to the friends of the drama in America.

66

12.-The Hundred Boston Orators appointed by the Municipal and other Public Bodies from 1770 to 1852; comprising Historical Gleanings, illustrating the Principles and Progress of our Republican Institutions. By JAMES SPEAR LORING. 8vo., pp. 716. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

Mr. Loring has, after careful research, pursued with intense devotion during a period of four years, embodied a great mass of materials in relation to our political and national history. Commencing with the Boston massacre in 1770, and Thomas Young, who delivered the first oration in 1771, on that event which Daniel Webster dates as "the severance of the British empire," the author goes on to furnish biographical notices of some hundred and forty names, closing the list of orators with the name of the Rev. Thomas Star King, the orator of July, 1852. The volume is replete with historical reminiscences connected with the American revolution, and contains ample and reliable sketches of the genius and character of the orators of Boston for a period of eighty years.

13.-The Second War with England. By J. F. HEADLEY, author of "Napoleon and his Marshals,"" Washington and his Generals," "The Old Guard,” “"Scott and Jackson," &c. 2 vols. 12mo., pp. 346 & 328. New York: Charles Scribner.

The present history of the last war with England is perhaps the most comprehensive of the many that have been written. The author has combined, in proper proportions, the different topics connected with that war. His aim has been to give impressions as well as facts-to trace the current and depict the phases of public feeling-and he narrates the facts in a simple, unostentatious manner; while at the same time its pages abound with graphic and eloquent descriptions of the marked events of the time.

14.-The Rose Bud: A Love Gift for Young Hearts for 1854. Edited by Mrs. C. A. SOULE. 18mo pp. 166. Boston: A. Tompkins & B. B. Mussey.

It affords us great pleasure to speak in terms of high commendation of this beautiful but unpretending gift book. It contains some twenty original pieces "in prose and verse from some of the best names in literature, and is not simply an infant's pastime, but an intellectual recreation for old and young-a book which parent and child can enjoy together. The engravings, four in number, are in the best style of the art, and the letter-press illustrations are not surpassed by any of the annuals of the day.

15.-Memoir of the Life and Character of the Right Hon. Edmund Burke, with specimens of his Poetry and Letters and an estimate of his Genius and Talents compared with those of his great cotemporaries. By JAMES PRIOR. 2 vols., 18mo., pp. 976. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields.

To an attentive reader of the political and literary history of England during the last half of the eighteenth century, no name will more frequently attract the attention, whether we consider the large space he occupied in the public eye, the original genius he possessed, the diversified talents he displayed, the great events with which his life was connected, and the alternate eulogy and abuse by which his reputation has been assailed, than that of Edmund Burke. The present edition of Prior's life of the great British statesman and scholar has been revised and greatly enlarged, and its reproduction in this country, in a style so worthy of the enduring reputation of the man, will be appreciated by every American statesman and scholar.

16.-Venice, the City of the Sea, from the Invasion of Napoleon in 1797, to the Capitulation of Radetzky in 1849; with a contemporaneous view of the Peninsula. By EDMUND FLAGG. With a map and embellishments. 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 449 and 501. New York: Charles Scribner.

These volumes present us with a comprehensive view of Venice as she once was and as she now is, together with a sketch of her invasion by Napoleon and her fall in 1797, after a flourishing existence of fourteen centuries. They are written with great research. Almost everything of importance has been collected, that can throw light upon this interesting city at this brilliant period of her existence. The author has unhesitatingly gathered his facts from all quarters, for which due acknowledgements are made, and he has presented us with two entertaining volumes.

17-Six Months in Italy. By Geo. Stillman Hillard. 2 vols., 12 mo., pp. 432 and 455. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields.

Italy, in the eyes of this accomplished writer, still glows with the charms for which she has been so long famous. So delightful are his journeys that we go over the same ground which former travellers have visited with new and increased gratification. Numerous as have been the works written of Italy, yet this one is as fresh as if it had been without a predecessor. The author observes everything worth a notice, and his observations are so judicious, his reflections so natural and truthful, and his style so cultivated and finished, that everything is said with a pleasing gracefulness. We welcome these two volumes as among the most choice of the kind recently from the press.

18.-Henri; or, The Web and Woof of Life. By WM. G. CAMBRIDGE. 12mo., pp. 432. Boston: Abel Tompkins.

Beneath "the veil of fiction" the author has contrived to embody some ideas of a reformatory character, which will, as he anticipates, be considered by some unpopular and by others regarded as utopian, or at least in advance of the age. Without accepting all the views of the writer, we are free to say, his work contains much that will commend it to every free-thinking, progressive mind, and as a literary performance it will bear the test of severe criticism. Mr. Cambridge cares "more for the good that might be wrought than for the approving smiles of those who ever walk with their backs to the sun and their faces to the past."

19.-"All's not Gold that Glitters:" or the Young Californian. By COUSIN ALICE. Author of "No such Word as Fail," "Contentment better than Wealth," etc. 18mo. pp. 208. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

Another of Mrs. Neal's agreeable and instructive tales, designed for American boys who, more than those growing up in any other country, are thinking of money getting before they are fairly out of school. The lessons shadowed forth in this story are that the possession of gold is not happiness, and that all fair promises are not to be trusted. Money per se is not, however, the root of all evil, but the inordinate love of it. 20.-Essays upon Summer Hours. By CHARLES LANMAN, author of "A Summer in the Wilderness," "A Tour in the Saguenay," "Letters from the Alleghany Mountains," "Records of a Tourist," the " Private Life of Daniel Webster," &c. New York. M. W. Dodd.

This volume contains some very pleasant and agreeable sketches and essays, and is written in a lively piquant style.

« PreviousContinue »