New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-04-05
NEW PUBLICATIONS.


u "THE METHODIST QUARTERLY REVIEW
for April, is a number which for learning, good
writing and general ability, is rarely surpassed in
American or British periodical literature. The
opening article on Philosophy and Faith, although
we do not agree with its leading positions, is mo-
del of profound and elaborate disquisition, show
ing an accurate knowledge of the progress OF phi
losophicAl speculation in ancient and modern times,
an uncommon facility in the delicate analysis
Of thought, transparent clearness Of expression
in the statement of abstract ideas, and broad
and intelligent perception of the wants ofreligious
science in the present age The writer maintains
that every man who is unwilling to renounce his
Christian convictions, must do one Of two things,
either establish the reconciliation between reli-
gion and philosophy, which Comte and other mod
ern thinkers have asserted to be impossible, or on
the other hand detect those fallacies in phioso-
ply which prohibit the concord. The latter alter
native is accepted by the reviewer. He denies
the possibility OF constructing valid metaphysi-
cal SvSten1 but contends for q valid metaphysical
method which shall lead to a solution Of the men
tai, moral, religious, political and social contradic
tons and heresies which are distracting Europe
and introducing disorder into our own country
This method would not present arguments for the
existence of God or the truth of revelation, for
these are beyond the range of human proof, but
would show the necessity of recognising both
from the invalidity of all reasoning which does not
start from their acknowledgment, and the acknow'
ledgment of it's own dependence thereon. In the
progress of the discussion the writer offers numer
ous criticisms. MANY of which are marked with
great acutenebs rus ou~Isy, -, 49,,
tens Of metaphysics which in his opinion threaten
the most plausible or violent assaults on the reli
gious convictions Of men. Among the phiIoso
piers whom he summons before his tribunal are
the Greek Eleetics, the German Transcendental-
lists, the French MateriaistS, 6pinoza, Saisset,
Cousin and Morell.-Other articles in this number
are devoted to the Use of Mathematics in Educa-
ton, Elizabeth Fry, Bishop Butler Sir Thomas
Brown, and An Earnest Ministry. 1t closes with
the usual admirable ummsries ofliterary and re
lgious intelligence by the indefatigabe edltor-
(Lane & Scott
"" THE Christian REVIEW" for April, is
an able and attractive number, containing va
riety of articles on popular TOPICS beside its usua
profound theological discussions. review Of
Mr. Cheever's work on the "Island World Of the
Pacific" gives occasion for an interesting des,rip
ton of the present state of the Sandwich Islands
Charles Summers Orstions and Speeches are
made the subject of an agreeable notice, speaking
CT that eminent scholar as having written "on
some Of the most important subjects which can
engage the attention Of man. 1t is impossible to
read any thing which he has written, without
new interest in his theme, or without gratitude
for the illumination which he has shed over it,
An article on the "Orgin of the Human Race
pays Just tribute to the writings of Prof.
Agassiz on that subject, as the offerings of mind
enlarged by the most varied and profound study
Of nature, penetrated by deep sense of her har
monies and breathing withal an earnest rever
ent, and truth-loving spirit From such source
the great interests Of religion and humanity have
nothing to fear. 1t is only from the timd and in
discreet zeal Of those who would screen the
tenets Of their faith from free and full discussion,
that these interests are liable to suffer. Nothing
can be more unwise than to oppose what is
thought to be the teaching of the Bible to the
doctrines Of any of the physical sciences.
Presenting so faultless q model Of philosophical
inquiry, they cannot fail to exert an important
influence upon the general mode Of treating
analogous questions II, in the language of one
who has himself successfully labored in the same
direction, the battle of the evidences will have
to be fought on the field Of physical science, and
not on that Of metaphysics" these and other
papers of similar character, which of late have
found place in our periodical literature, will
have no humble part in preparing the way for it,
Lewis Colby & Joseph Ballard
" "THE Comic NATURAL History OF TIE
HUMAN RACE" by HENRY L. STEPHENS. No. l.
A humorous description Of modern transmigstiOns'
illustrating some of the shapes into which men
try, and rather successfully too, to transform them
selves" The idea is good one and is carried
out with considerable success. Among the speci
mems of metamorphosed humanity We find The
Jail Bird" 1.-THE Attorney "The Giraffe"
"The Star Fish" The Milliner Bird" and so
forth, with portraits drawn from the life. A col
lection Of moro sbOminable puns than is crowded
into the natural history of The Attorney" was
never inflicted on unsuEpecting reader, bat then
the subject is "Philadelpha Lawyer" (Phils.
delpha s. Robinsonl
u GENERAL THEORY OF BRIDGE Cos
sTRUcTIoS" by HERMAN HAUPT, is the title of a
new systematic treati1e, devoted to an explana-
ton of the general principles of the architecture
Of bridges. Il is the fruit of series Of expert
ments on models. and Of the examination OF vari-
GUS structures in different parts Of the country,
especially in the State Of Pennsylvania. In the
opinion of the author, many serious defects exist
in several important structures that have escaped
the observation Of practical builders. He claims
for his volume the merit Of originality all the pro-