COPARTNERSHIP.

The undersigned have this day formed a Copartnership, under the firm of

LEAVITT, DELISSER AND COMPANY,

For the transaction of a general Auction and Commission Business, at Nos. 377 and 379 Broadway corner of White Street.

New York, Dec. 1, 1855.

GEORGE A. LEAVITT,
R. L. DELISSER,
JOHN K. ALLEN.

NEW AUCTION AND
AND COMMISSION HOUSE,
377 & 379 BROADWAY, Cor. of WHITE STREET,

FOR THE SALE OF

BOOKS, STATIONRY, PAPIR, PAINTINGS, FANCY GOODS,
WORKS OF ART, FURNITURE,

AND MERCHANDISE GENERALLY.

HE undersigned are now ready to receive consignments of Goods for Sale by Auction. The THE undersignation of their place of business being in the very heart of the City-affords peculiar facilities for the disposal of all kinds of property. Their attention will be particularly directed to the sale of Books, Public and Private Libraries, Stationery, Paper, Furniture, &c., &c.

DANA & COMPANY,

381 BROADWAY, NEW YORK,

Have just Published,

MEN AND TIMES OF THE REVOLUTION;

or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson. Including Journals of Travels in Europe and America, from 1777 to 1842, with his Correspondence with Public Men, and Reminiscences and Incidents of the Revolution. Edited by his son, Winslow C. Watson. In one octavo volume of 480 pages. Price, $1 50.

"The American Merchant," as we saw him in our boyhood at the Academy, from the easel of the great American artist, Copley, the powder fresh on his hair, and the shimmer of the velvet leaving us in doubt whether his coat was the handiwork of the painter or the tailor-the American Merchant, Elkanah Watson, lives still, on the canvas of Copley, in colors that time has ripened, and not impaired; but all that is mortal of this man of Revolutionary times, has been gathered to his fathers; and his son, Winslow C. Watson, Esq., here presents us with a volume of reminiscences, whose only fault is its brevity.-Evening Post.

We can promise our readers a treat in the perusal of this vivid chronicle of the olden time.-Home Journal,

lives of few men afford richer and more abundant material,
of men Finan Watson.

To make an interesting memoir and readable book, the
Few were so diligent

n making notes, and so careful to preserve, for the benefit of
their family and posterity, the rich treasures gleaned from a

Parties, favoring us with their business, may be assured that every attention, both as to distribution of wide and extensive intercourse with the world.—Daily News. catalogues and extensive advertising, will be given to their interests, and every effort made to secure the attendance and comfort of purchasers. Accounts of sales will be promptly rendered, and settled without delay, and cash advances made, when required.

LEAVITT, DELISSER & CO.,
377 & 379 Broadway, cor. White St.

N. B.-Every article offered at Auction by this house, will be positively sold to the highest bidder. No goods at private sale, or offered for sale, when limited.

Rooms of the Publishers' Association, New York, Dec. 13, 1855. Messrs. LEAVITT, DELISSER & Co.-GENTLEMEN,-Your letter of the 10th instant is at hand, enclosing a proposition to conduct the next regular Trade Sale for the Publishers' Association. We have the pleasure to inform you, that at the regular meeting of the Association, it was unanimously

RESOLVED “That the proposition of Messrs. Leavitt, Delisser & Co., in regard to Trade Sales, be accepted by the Association."

You will, therefore, consider yourselves as engaged to conduct the next regular Trade Sales of the New York Publishers' Association, on the proposed terms.

Recently published.

OUR CHURCH MUSIC.-A Book for Pastors and People. By Richard Storrs Willis. 12mo. 133 pp. Price, 50 cents.

It is full of interest to the pastor, the choir, and the congre. gation. Journal of Commerce.

It is worth reading, laughing over, and thinking about.Troy Daily Whig.

It abounds in true philosophical criticism of both music and men.-Courier and Enquirer.

Numerous and extended notices attest the rare value of this little publication.

SERMONS FOR THE TIMES.-By Rev. Chas. Kingsley, author of " Village Sermons," "Alton Locke," &c. 12mo. 360 pp. Price, 75 cents.

In our day, when muddy heads do so greatly abound, a volume of such sturdy, pungent, powerful, and illuminating Saxon, is of the highest worth.-Church Journal.

The discourses are remarkable for their simplicity, yet they evince rare intellectual power, and each page gives evidence of the genius of the author.-Boston Evening Transcript.

They are so practical and sensible, that they will be read with profit and pleasure by all persons who are seekers after truth.-Boston Daily Advertiser.

One of the most characteristic, if not one of the most extraordinary, volumes of the day.-Calendar.

Kingsley is a powerful writer, whether his works are novels or sermons.-Hartford Courant.

IMPRESSIONS OF ENGLAND.-By the Rev.
A. Cleveland Coxe. 12mo. 340 pp. Price, $1.

This is no mere book of travel, but the experiences of a gentleman of keen observation, who seems to have addressed his mind, during his sojourn in England, to the investigation of the distinguishing and characteristic merits of English civilization. His work is, consequently, one of considerable philosophical, political, and social interest.-Boston Daily Evening Traveller.

He paints his pictures vividly, and interests us, without fatigue, to the end.-New Haven Morning Journal and Courier.

The regular Spring Trade Sale of BOOKS, STATIONERY, STEREOTYPE PLATES, &c., will commence on THURSDAY, March 20th, 1856, with the invoices of Books, and be continued in the order of UNISON OF THE LITURGY. Being an Exthe Catalogue. The Stationery will be sold after the Books.

Invoices must be in the hands of the Auctioneers on or before the 25th of January, at which time the catalogue will go to press. All invoices received after that date, will be inserted at the end of the catalogue, in the order in which they are received.

Owing to the unusual number of Catalogues of this Sale, which it is designed to circulate, it is necessary that invoices should be on hand by the time named.

TERMS OF SALE.

On all Purchases from the whole Catalogue, amounting to $1,000 and upwards, four and six months credit; on purchases from the whole catalogue, less than $1,000, and more than $100, four months' credit; and on all purchases less than $100, cash.

Approved endorsed notes to be dated on the first day of sale, payable in the City of New York, and satisfactory to the sellers, will be required. Bills must be settled before the delivery of the goods, and within fifteen days after the sale. All bills not settled within twenty days, to be subject to an addition of one per cent; and interest, insurance, and storage to be charged, until settled for. All goods not settled for within thirty days, to be re-sold, on account of the purchaser, or returned to the contributors.

Any imperfections required by the purchasers, are to be applied for to the contributors, within four months of the day of sale.

hibition of the Harmony of the Subject contained in the Collect for each Sunday in the year, with the Epistle, the Gospel, and the Lessons for that day; and of its accordance with a corresponding topic in the Church's Catechism, and in her Articles of Religion. By Archer Gifford, A M. Advent to Ash Wednesday. 12mo. 328 pp. Price, $1.

A large number of the most distinguished Bishops, Clergy. men, and Laymen of the Church, to whom a specimen of this work, containing the Sundays in Advent, was submitted some months since, have concurred in testifying to its felicitousness in conception, and its faithfulness in execution, and in the expression of the hope that the author would go on and complete that which had been so happily begun.

It is at once a noble eulogy upon the liturgy, and a practical guide to its use. In this latter, its real purpose, it most admirably succeeds.-Newark Daily Advertiser.

DANA & COMPANY,

PUBLISHERS,

381 Broadway, New York.

HARPER & BROTHERS'

&

NEW BOOK-LIST FOR APRIL.

HARPER & BROTHERS will send the following Works by Mail, postage paid (to any distance within the United States, under Three Thousand Miles), on

Motley's Dutch Republic. The Rise of the Dutch Republic. A History. By John Lothrop Motley. 3 vols. 8vo., Muslin, $6; Sheep, $6 75; Half Calf, $8 25. (Just ready.)

The Revolution of the Netherlands, from its importance, well deserves to be treated in a separate and independent na rative by itself. It is gratifying to learn that, before long, such a history may be expected-it, indeed, it should not appear before the publication of this work-from the pen of our accomplished countryman, Mr. J Lothrop Motley, who, dur ing the last five years, for the better prosecution of bis labors, has established his residence in the neighborhood of the scenes of his narrative. No one acquainted with the fine powers of mind possessed by this scholar, and the earnestness with which he has devoted himself to the task. can doubt that he will do full justice to his important, but difficult subject.-W. H. PRESCOTT.

Madame Pfeiffers's Second Journey. A Lady's Second Journey round the World: from London to the Cape of Good Hope, Borneo, Java. Sumatra. Celebes, Ceram, the Moluccas, &c., California, Panama, Peru. Ecuador, and the United States. By Ida Pfeiffer, Authoress of the Lady's Journey round the World," &c. 12o., Muslin, $1 25. (Just Ready)

receipt of the Money.

This volume consists of a series of dashing descriptions of scenes in Mexican life, among priests, robbers, travelers, and all sorts of people. They often remind one of Gil Blas in their frankness of confession, as well as in their animated style.

Abbott's Hernando Cortez.-The History of Her

page

nando Cortez. By John S. C. Abbott. Illuminated title-
and numerous engravings. 16mo. muslin, 60 cents; mus-
lin, gilt edges, 75 cents.

The following volumes of Abbott's Illustrated Histories are
now ready. 16mo. muslin, 60 cents each:-

Cyrus the Great.
Darius the Great.
Xerxes the Great.
Alexander the Great.
Romulus.
Hannibal.
Pyrrhus.
Julius Cæsar.
Cleopatra.
Nero.

Alfred the Great.
William the Conqueror.
Mary Queen of Scots.
Queen Elizabeth.
Charles the First.
Charles the Second.

Josephine.

Maria Antoinette,
Madame Roland.
Hernando Cortez.

Helps's Spanish Conquest.-The Spanish Con-
quest in America, and its Relation to the History of Slavery,
and to the Government of Colonies. By Arthur Helps.
Numerous maps, &c. 2 vols. large 12mo. muslin, $2.
(Nearly ready.)

There is surely no little entertainment to be had from the narrative of a lady who has eaten boa-constrictor cutlets, who has sailed in a hollow tree, who has had an audience of the Susuhunan, and has felt cold on Chimborazo. The pleasure is the greater when the lady is, like Madame Pfeiffer, gentle, sensible, and womanly-a lover of travel and change, but not less for that a perfect woman. She describes faithfully what ever she sees, and loves honesty and justice. ** Our extract shows the book to be a pleasant one, and there are few readers who will not acquire by the help of it some welcome ad-subject contains many interesting developments-though it is dition to their stock of anecdote and information.-Examiner (London).

Celebrated Characters.

Memoirs of Celebrated Characters. By Alphonse de Lamartine, Author of the "Gi. rondists," &c. The Third and concluding Volume. 12mo, Muslin, 874 cents. (In press.)

The concluding volume of the series opens with a dramat ic portraiture of William Tell, which is followed by a most elaborate and magnificently-wrought picture of Madame de Sévigné, and a full-length portrait of Bossuet, which inay be said to be the most masterly of the many which constitute a remarkable series.-Athenæum (London). Jarves's Parisian Sights.-Parisian Sights and French Principles seen through American Spectacles. Second Series. By James Jackson Jarves. Fillustrations. 12mo. muslin, $1. (Now ready.) Jarves's Italian Sights.-Italian Sights and Papal Principles seen through American Spectacles. By Jaines Jackson Jarves. Numerous illustrations. 12mo., muslin, $1. (Just ready.)

Numerous

An elaborate and complete history of the Conquest of
Spanish America, from the time of Columbus to that of Her
nando Cortez. Though portions of the work have been ably.
treated in Irving's Columbus and Prescott's Peru and Mexico,
yet, as a connected whole, the ground is almost unbroken,
The work is written with special reference to the elucidation
of the establishment of slavery in this country, and on that
not sectarian or partisan in its tone, The subject is one of
the most important in modern history-the author is favora
bly known as a sound thinker and a scholar of rare accom-
plishments-and his work learned, scholar-like and yet popu-
lar, has been pronounced by leading critical authority in
England to be one of the most important and valuable contri-
butions to historical literature recently published in that
country.

Miss Bunkley's Book.-The Testimony of an
Escaped Novice from the Sisterhood of St. Joseph, Em
mettsburgh, Maryland, the Mother House of the Sisters of
Charity in the United States. By Josephine M. Bunkley.
12mo. muslin, $1.

Life and Travels of Herodotus. The Life and
Travels of Herodotus in the Fifth Century before Christ:
an imaginary Biography founded on Fact, illustrative of
the History, Manners, Religion, Literature, Arts, and Social
Condition of the Greeks, Egyptian, Persians, Babylon-
ians, Hebrews, Scythians, and other Ancient Nations, in
the Days of Pericles and Nehemiah. By J. Talboys
Wheeler, F.R.G.S. Map. 2 vols. 12mo, Muslin, $2 00
(Shortly.)

Alison's Europe, Second Series. The History of
Europe, from the Fall of Napoleon, in 1815, to the Acces
sion of Louis Napoleon, in 1852. Vols I and II, 8vo.,
Muslin, $1 25 a Volume; Sheep, $1 50 a Volume. (Nearly
Alison's Europe.
Ready)
The History of Europe, from
the Commencement of the French Revolution, in 179, to
the Restoration of the Bourbons, in 1815. In addition to
the Notes on Chapter LXXVI., which correct the errors of
the original work concerning the United States, a copious
Analytical Index has been appended to the American Edi.
tion. 4 vols. evo, Muslin, $5 00; Sheep, 85 50.
Napoleon at St. Helena; Or, Interesting Anecdotes
and Remarkable Conversations of the Emperor during the
Five and a Half Years of his Captivity. Collected from
the Memorials of Las Casas, O'Meara. Montholon, Antom-
marchi, and others. By John S. C. Abbott. With Illustra-
tions. 8vo, Muslin, 82 50; Half Calf, $3 00.

"The author of this volume desires to take the reader to St. Helena, and to introduce him to the humble apartment of the Emperor. He would give him a seat in the arm-chair, by the side of the illustrious sufferer, reclining upon the sofa, or to lead him to accompany the Emperor in his walk among the blackened rocks, and thus to listen to the glowing utterances of the imperial sage. The literature of our language afforda no richer intellectual treat than the conversations of Napo leon. Hitherto widely scattered in many volumes, and buried in the mist of a multiplicity of details of but transient interest, they have been inaccessible to the mass of readers. By presenting them in one volume, they are within the reach of all who can appreciate the eloquence of words and of thought." A Child's History of the U. States. By John Bonner. 2 vols. 16mo, Muslin, $1 00. (Uniform with Dickens's "Child's History of Englaud.")

are well selected and plainly told; the manner is lively and In a literary point of view, it is cleverly done. The facts attractive. Spectator (London).

It is written in a very clear and intelligible style.-Critic (London).

A Child's History of Rome. By John Bonner,
Author of "A Child's History of the United States." (In
17288.)

Maury's Geography of the Sea. The Physical
Geography of the Sea. By Lieutenant M. F. Maury, U. 3.
Navy. With Woodcuts and Charts. New edition, greatly
enlarged and improved. 8vo., Muslin, $1 50.

A grand book; an honor to America.-Presbyterian Quar

We are proud of Lieutenant Maury, as an American citizen. Whoever may wish a perfect treat among the novelties of science, will find it in the Physical Geography of the Sea." -Southern Meth. Quarterly Review.

Lily. A Novel. By the author of "Busy Moments

of an Idle Woman." 12mo., Muslin, $1.

"Lily" is a tasteful, shrewd, and readable book. Verily, at many an one lately, the scene of which was laid "among the race of American novels is improving. We have looked folks," but it is a long time since we met with nicer, spicier, and more natural dialogue than the fashionable talk of Lily."

celebrated Travels of Anacharsis, but is a much more proA work of permanent value, written on the plan of the found and complete work than that popular historical conrepresent the personal adventures of Herodotus, his private coction. The costume is of course fictitious, purporting to life, and extensive travels; but under this attractive garb it gives a picture of Greece, Scythia, Persia, Egypt, &c., setting forth the customs and manners of those nations in a pleasant-Boston Post. In this volume Mr. Jarves devotes his lively pen to the delight. The book is eminently instructive, and no less pleas scription of Italian society, illustrating the manuers and cus ing than instructive. toms of the people, and the influence of Catholic principles on Ewbank's Brazil. every day life. The frequent notices of art with which the work abounds present many valuable suggestions, and furnish an agreeable variety to the striking pictures of social and domes. tic life that compose a large portion of its contents. Mr. Jarves's exposition of the Ceremonies of the Catholic Church, and their bearing on public morality, is replete with instruc. tion, and in the existing state of religious inquiry, must be deemed seasonable and important.

James's Old Dominion. The Old Dominion; or,

the Southampton Massacre. A Novel. By G. P. R. Jaines, Esq., author of "Ticonderoga," "Agnes Sorel," "A Life of Vicissitudes," &c. 8vo. paper, 50 cents.

Mr. James is the only conspicuous representative of the school of fiction so signally illustrated by Sir Walter Scott. His prolific genius has given birth to a whole library of novels on which the verdict of public opinion has set its seal of approval. In splendor of diction, ease and copiousness of description, and felicity of character-drawing, James has few rivals, and, with these merits, his popularity with the million will sustain the test of time. The historical character of many of his novels makes them agreeable sources of information. They refresh the memory of past scenes, and give a glowing illustration to the incidents of a by-gone age. Madeira, Portugal, &c.—Sketches and Adventures in Madeira. Portugal, and the Andalusias of Spain. By the Author of " Daniel Webster and his Contemporaries." Numerous and beautiful illustrations. 12mo. muslin, $1 25. (In a few days.)

This book cannot fail to commend itself to a large circle of readers on account of the attractiveness of the subject, and the great amount of valuable and reliable information it

contains respecting the countries of which it treats. The
author writes with ability, and has enlivened his work with
picturesque descriptions of the manners and customs of the
natives, and interesting personal reminiscences,
Vagabond Life in Mexico.-By Gabriel Ferry,
for seven years resident in that country.
(In press.)

12mo, muslin.

Life in Brazil; or, a Journal of a Visit to the Land of the Cocoa and the Palm. With an Appendix, containing Illustrations of Ancient South Amer ican Arts, in recently discovered Implements and Products of Domestic Industry, and Works in Stone, Pottery, Gold, Silver, Bronze, &c. By Thomas Ewbank. With over 100 Illustrations. 8vo, Muslin, $2 00.

A valuable and interesting work, in which the author, be which was nearly every thing, arts, manners, costume, sides giving a minute account of ecclesiatical affairs, has noted whatever would be likely to interest him or his readers, buildings, trades, tools, pottery, food, slaves, animals, agricul tural products, climate, diseases, population, antiquities, &c.; hence this volume will be found a miscellany of tropical life. Macaulay's England. The History of England from the Accession of James II. By Thomas Babington Macaulay. With an original Portrait of the Author. PRICES OF HARPERS' COMPLETE AND UNIFORM

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Squier's Central America. Notes on Central
America; particularly the States of Honduras and San
Salvador: their Geography, Topography, Climate, Popula
tion, Resources, Productions, &c., &c., and the proposed
Interoceanic Railway. By E. G. Squier, formerly Chargé
d'Affaires of the United States to the Republics of Central
America. With original Maps and Illustrations. 8vo, Mus-
lin, $200,

American literature has lately produced no more powerful or striking fiction than this touching story of the life, love, and death of Lily Vere.-Saturday Courier. Helen Lincoln; or, The Power of Principle. By Carrie E. Capron. 12mo., Muslin. (In press.)

"A quiet, domestic story, of excellent moral and religious purpose, and written in a correct and pleasing style. The narrative is remarkably clear and well compacted; the changes and incidents flow naturally from and into each The Huguenot Exiles; or, the Times of Louis other; the characters are varied and well sustained; and the general tone is pure and elevated."

XIV. A Historical Novel, illustrating every phase of the
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"In this historical novel, the sufferings of the Protestants by with great brilliancy of coloring and graphic effect. The plot Catholic persecution, in the reign of Louis XIV., are portrayed is well conceived and well sustained."

Miss Beecher's Calisthenics.

Physiology and

Calisthenics, for the use of Schools and Families. By
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Moral Influences Employed in the
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FOR Reading and Exhibition in Schools, Acade

mies, and Private Circles. By William B. Fowle, $1. "The best book of School Dialogues in the market. heartily recommend it."-Zion's Herald.

"Here we have short and long, labored and easy, comic and serious, witty and wise,-something for everybody."N. Y. Teacher.

"It is decidedly the very best book of the kind."-T. BROOKS, Prin. Gram. Sch., Troy, N. Y.

THE SCHOOL HARP. A Collection of Pleasing and Instructive Songs for the use of Schools. Many of the songs are adapted to popular and familiar music. 25 cents. MORRIS COTTON, Publisher,

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THE OLD VICARAGE. By Mrs. Hubback, authoress of "The Wife's Sister," " May and December," It is the aim of the Publisher to give THE SPECTATOR & BOOKS AND STATIONERY,

A HAND-BOOK OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE; Ten

popularly arranged by an Eminent Physician, from Bohn's Scientific Library, with additions by a distinguished American Physician.

THE PRACTICAL HOUSEWIFE;
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Edited by an American Lady.

TREASURES IN NEEDLE-WORK; Comprising Instructions in Knitting, Netting, Crochet, Point Lace, Tatting, and Embroidery; Illustrated with useful and ornamental Designs, Patterns, &c., &c., by Mrs. Warren and Mrs. Pullen. Edited by an American Lady.

AUG. F. HARVEY,
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Editors copying the above a few times, with a notice,
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MEN AND TIMES OF THE REVOLUTION; HALF HOURS WITH THE BEST AUTHORS.

It is full of interest to the pastor, the choir, and the congre. THE PRIDE OF LIFE. By Lady Scott, author of "The Hengation. Journal of Commerce.

IMPRESSIONS OF ENGLAND.-By the Rev. FOREST SCENES IN NORWAY AND SWEDEN. By Rev.

There is no branch of knowledge that Science has taken more nearly to its heart than History. It is such a noble subject of investigation. It finds of necessity a chord of sympathy in every breast. It appeals to whatever of humanitiveness is within us. The biography of an individual interests us. It shows us our own mind's capabilities in a different direction from the one we have followed. How deep then would be our emotion as we peruse the records of a nation's life, if we read them aright. How solemnly should we regard its aggregated individualism. With what hushed and reverent awe should we listen to its mighty tramp as it issues from the portals of time, and marches across the world's stage into annihilation. For a nation's existence has no future. Its sole life is in time.

an unfolding is identical with that of a history. His
tory has its germs, its principles, its laws, without
which there would remain "only the unconnected
materials of names, dates and occurrences; a multi-
tudinous sea of effects without causes; an ocean of
chaos of atoms with no sort of connection or inter-
phenomena without a single supporting ground; a
mingling." The same law of organic sequence pre-
vails within the sphere of mind and of freedom that
works in the kingdom of matter and of necessity.
The first characteristic of this idea of develop-
ment that strikes our notice in proceeding to its
analytic definition, is the necessary connection of parts.
Isolation is impossible. Matter has been cut down,
ideally, to independent disconnected atoms. No
such elements as these, unassimilated and remaining
so, can be rudimental parts in a development. "A
rope of sand is the symbol of disconnection."
Testing History by this first characteristic, we
find it to agree. History is a continuous line of
connections; we can find no real break in it. The
succeeding is linked to the preceding.

teaches, viz: that an organic process may be downwards, as well as upwards; one of decline and slow death, as well as of rise and bloom.

The result of this part of the investigation is the further distinction of the idea of development from History as an abnormal, but organic process. "The that of improvement, and the definition of Secular loose and unscientific use of this single term develop ment has done as much as any other single cause, to introduce error into current theories of nature, of man, and of human history." The term need not be rejected; by a rigorous and scientific treatment of the idea itself, it must be made "to yield up its true and exact meaning; whereby it shall be fitted to apply equally to Heavenly and to Profane History, to pure and to corrupt evolutions, to organic processes of bloom and beauty and perfection, and to organic processes of decline, decay and ruin. The downward tendencies of human nature, which constitute the substance of Secular, as distinguished from Sacred, History; the acknowledged deterioration of languages, literatures, religions, arts, sciences, The second characteristic of a development is the and civilizations; the slow and sure decay of national natural connection of parts. "The sequence is not vigor, and return to barbarism; the unvarying dearbitrary and capricious; mere juxta-position with-cline, from public voluptuousness; in short, the entire history of man, so far as he is outside of supernatural influences, and unaffected by the intervention of his original Creator, though it is a self-determined and responsible process, is yet, in every part and particle, as organically connected, and as strict an evolution, as is that other upward tendency, started in the Christian Church, and ended in the eternal state, by which this same humanity is being restored to the heights whence it fell."

This

The third characteristic of a development is the
organic connection of the parts. This is the summit
of the series. There may
be necessary and natural
connection as in Mechanics, without organic.
last term therefore must be particularly examined.
In elucidating this point, Prof. Shedd adopts
Kant's definition of an organism, as "a product in
which each and every part is, reciprocally, means and
end.* Such words as intercommunication, inter-
mingling, action and re-action, are the nearest hints
we can get of an idea so difficult to fix in language
as the constantly shifting and changing process of
an expanding germ.

Again, this interconnection implies inward and unceasing motion in an organism. Whenever a development comes to a total stop, it comes to a dead stop. Movement is inseparable from the conception." "No product of finite power can be organic; for there is no pervasive moulding of the elements, no assimilation of the rudiments, no internal stir and fusion, in the work of the creature."

Besides, how tremendous are the interests involv-out any rational coherence. The two parts that are ed in national development. Weal or woe, liberty connected have a mutual adaptation to each other." and its priceless blessings, or slavery and its soul- Now nothing is more natural in its connections benumbing curse, the promotion of piety and virtue, than IIistory. "Symmetrical gradations, expected or the encouragement of impiety and vice-these transitions, anticipated terminations, appear all are the things involved in national progress to my- along its course riads of human beings. Who can contemplate interests so vast without profound emotion What wonder that Science has fixed her scrutinizing gaze on History, and sought to discover its Philosophy? For what cultivated mind is there which has not, at some time or other, paused-appalled before the marvellous presentations of History, and asked: Is all this a dream! Is it a ceaseless forth-coming, without an end, the result of blind nature, governed by an all-controlling, irresistible fate? Again, when it is felt that there must be progress in a higher sense, what difficult problems are presented for solution. In what does the progress consist? Where may it be seen? What do we start from? Where is the standard by which to measure attainment or retrogression? What clue shall we take to guide us through the labyrinth of facts? Can such a clue be found? In view of such inquiries it is not strange that the active intellect, with which man is endow ed, should endeavor to find answers, and construct a science or philosophy of History. We need not mention the great names which have gained an honorable distinction in these investigations, for they are well-known; we would only say, that if Prof. Shedd fulfils the promise he has already given, he will win no despicable position in the Temple of Fame. The four lectures before us are evidences of a mind possessing original powers, and severely trained in all its faculties. They are well worthy of study on a side issue-the peculiarities of our highest class of American mind. There is entire freedom from the extreme subjectivity of the German mind, while equalling it in exhaustive analysis—there is the sterling common sense which characterizes the English, with a boldness of thought which respect for traditions and authority denies to them, and an added acuteness peculiar to a young and vigorous nation. We should not complete our statement, did we omit to notice the manly piety which crowns the whole. It gives cause for the deepest thankfulness, that so many of our most learned and most scientific men are religious. If this is God's world, and we are His creatures, what can we understand, what significance can there be in anything, if we refuse to recognize Him in his works?

Sin, however, be it remembered, is man's creation; he makes it out of nothing. For the origin of moral evil cannot be accounted for, by the expansion of something already in existence, any more than the origin of matter can be. This point is very ably reasoned.

It follows then, that "the rigorous application of the doctrine of development compels us to the further position, that the reversal of this illegitimate and false process which is going on in humanity also necessitates a creative power. For no process of mere and strict evolution can go behind itself, and alter the base from which it proceeds. Radical changes cannot be produced in this manner. There must be an originant energy, in order to these The passage, if there be one, must be supernatural; i. e. the work of a creative, in distinction from an educing, agency, and by an instantaneous act, in distinction from a gradual process." Development, then, has first been distinguished from creation, and next from improvement.

Again, an organic process implies potentiality, as the basis of it. Here it is important to notice, in order to avoid the pantheistic employment of the idea of development, that the growth of a germ is not the We have thus given a brief abstract of the first creation of it, but is merely the expansion of a sub-two lectures; the third is on the nature and defistance already existing. To the ever recurring ques- nition of Church History; and the fourth, on the tions: How does this potential basis come into verifying test in Church History. We are conscious existence? to what and to whom, do these germs of of having done great injustice to our author; for no future and unceasing processes owe their origin? abstract can convey an idea of the beauty of lanthe theist gives but one answer. He applies the guage and illustration, and the tremendous cogency doctrine of creation out of nothing, to all germinal of reasoning by which his views are enforced. The substance whatsoever." The reasoning by which book contains only 128 pp., so that its cost is very this is established is very fine and conclusive. Prof. triding. We earnestly commend it to all who would Shedd here observes in a note that "the whole fab- gain a true view of the Philosophy of History. ric of modern Pantheism rests upon this petitio principii, viz: that the doctrine of development has the same legitimate application within the sphere of the Infinite and Eternal, that it has within that of The Shakspeare Papers of the late William Maginn, the Finite and Temporal.”

Finally, an organic development implies identity and sameness of original substance in all the phenomenal changes that accompany the expanding process.

With this third characteristic of a development, as thus unfolded, History is shown to correspond. We have not space to follow it.

LL. D. Annotated by Dr. SHELTON MACKENZIE, Editor of "Sheil's Sketches of the Irish Bar," "Noctes Ambrosianæ," &c. Redfield. 1856. Shaksperean commentation has come to be recognized as a legitimate outgrowth of English literature, But to revert more particularly to the work beas some diseases are of civilization. When there fore us, an introductory note informs us that the was but one commentator for a time, there was substance of it was originally written as an intro- The next lecture is on the Nature and Definition cause for apprehension; but, as in the multiplication duction to courses of prelections in the department of Secular History. All abstract ideas require cor- of desperate diseases, when two meet in a subject, of Ecclesiastical History. This accounts for the pre-rection by comparison with matters of fact. They the subject is looked upon as safe; so here, as long vailing reference to that department. Yet he hopes show what ought to be, not what is. Here may be as a commentator can find his double to damn-to that it will be found to have a general reference to found the explanation of many prevailing errors. call fool, idiot, wretch, runnion, &c.-the text is in all species of historical inquiry, and that it may con- The idea of development has been unduly limited, no danger. According to the good rule which regutribute to deepen and widen the growing interest in and it has been concluded that all movement in the lates bad things by regarding the worst as the best, the most comprehensive of the sciences. We pur- history of a moral agent must, of necessity, be nor- Dr. Maginn, to our mind, appears a most perfect pose to give a brief abstract of his argument, with mal and upward. But, all that is required by the type of the most perfect commentator-pedantic, susuch reflections as suggest themselves. à priori definition is, that the process shall be an ex-perficial, and conceited: bullying all who venture to panding one; but of what species, or from what basis, differ from, or to doubt the sufficiency of, his reasons; is still undetermined. If man has a free will, then ridiculing all whom he finds it difficult to answer, there is possibility of defection from law necessarily and, of course, riding a most remarkable hobby. attached to it, or the will would not be free. Consideration of the fact, which stares every inquirer in the face, of an abuse of freedom, and a consequent false unfolding in human nature, re-impresses on the mind the lesson which a vigorous analysis also

The first lecture examines the Abstract Idea of History. In order to investigate any subject successfully, we must first form a comprehensive and clear conception of its essential nature. What then is the true idea of History, and how may we know that it is the true idea, and therefore entitled to guide our inquiries and shape our constructions? The correct answer to these questions will constitute the Philosophy of History.

It is generally conceded now, that History is Development, and with this he agrees. The idea of

Urtheilskraft, § 65.

Courtesy to his adversary would seem to be the natural attendant of the intellectual superiority that Dr. Maginn evidently always felt to be his; yet of courtesy there is none; nor is there one redeeming grace of gentility in the whole range of his reference to other writers on the same subject. What can' there be in this particular subject to cause a man, who had certainly no very palpable reason to