New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-03-25
NEW PUBLICATIONS.


THE wrsrM1HsrER REVIEW Nc cn s jan is 20
LeldoA John ChsssAa'
The American edition of the rrst num-
-, Of the new series Of this free and fearless
,.,;odica il lust issued, containing an excellent
,s,iety OF spirited, readable contributions. We
ere not acquainted with the names Of many OF
ahe writers for The Westminster, but to Judge by
their productions they comprise no small snare
Of the valuable learning, bodness OF speculation,
and earnestness Of purpose which are to Dc
found in modern English literature. The work
a. already announced, has recently passed into
the hands Of Mr.. John Chapman, and will appear
under new editorial management. The funda-
mental principle OF the Review will continue 70
be the recognition OF the law Of progress. WIN
no respect for the practical inhdelity ana de-
.tmctive policy which would wink out of sight
the existence of widespread doubts In relation
to established creeds and systems, sitting all In
ouiry dangerous to prescripsve claims, it means
70 exhibit that frank expression Of opinion, and
untrammeled investigation and criticism which
are prompted by lively faith in the prevalence
of truth. A'limited portion of the work is to be
devoted to articles on controverted questions, in
which opinions may be set forth at variance with
the prevailing ideas and measures sustained by
the Review, though not dscrepant with its gen.
ersl spirit. The wide range of topics included
special attention. In the treatment Of Religious
questions, the Review will aim at the union Of
sympathy for the cherished associations Of pure
and elevated minds with an incorporating
pursuit Of truth. The elements of ecclesiastical
authority and of dogmas will be fearlessly exam
ined, and the results of the most advanced Bib
lical criticism will be discussed without reserve,
under the conviction that religion has its founda-
ton in mans nature, and discards old forms in
order to assume others more expressive OF its
essence. At the same time il will bear in mind
the importance of a constructive religious phi
losophy as connected with the development Of
the moral nature and Of those poetic elements
which form the basis of our noblest aspirations
and the essential beauty of life In literature, a
series Of historical and critical sketches will be
given of the most remarkable books, both Eng
lish and foreign, that may appear during each
successive quarter.
This is, certainly, a liberal and comprehensive
platform, and, if well followed up, will secure
freshness of thought and style of criticism in
accordance with the spirit of the age, which are
BY no means found to a superfuous extent in our
current periodical literature. The American
publishers, we ought to add, by an arrangement
with the propriet0rs in London, have stipulated
to pay sum involving large share of the profits
Of republication.
Beside several political articles in the present
number, we have piquant discussion on" She'll
Fish: their Works and Ways" an account of
"Julia Won Krudener as Coquette and Mystic
1.-THE Ethics of Christendom," and a series o
rapid sketches of the literature of different coun
tries. l" Retrospective Survey of American
Literature" contains a criticism of several OF
our historical writer's, which we here reproduce:
GEORGE BANCROFT.
Among the historians who have attained
. high and deserved reputation within the Uni.
ted States within the last few years, we are inclined
10 yield the first place TO George Bancroft. His
great work on the " History OF the United States"
has been brought down from the commencement Of
American colonization TO the opening OF the Revo-
luionsIy War; to which subject 1t is understood tn
ne mt nds dsvottns the three succeeding volumes.
while he was Minister OF the United States at the
Couro g. janice, have brought to light great
mass Of documentary evidence on the antecedents
aud course of the Revelation, which have rot yet
been made public With his critical asacity in sit.
Ing evidence his hound lfke instinct in sceAting
~ particle OF testimony that can lead him on the
risht track ana his plastic skill in modiog the most
confused and discordaht materials into CON pact,
symmetrical and truthful narrative he cannot fail to
present the story OF that great historical dYan with
freshness accuracy, and artistic beauty, worthy OF
the immortal events II commentaries. Mr.. Ban
sIoh 10 now exclusively occupied IN the completion
OF this work. He pursues 1t with the drudging ide
tty Of mechanical laborer, combined with the en-
thusiasm Of poet and the compreh ensve wisdom
Of statesman, With strong social tastes, he gives
t6no m Hya 70 tfa pnsf lui
brafy whore he labors the iiveoAg cay In the spKt
Of the ancient artist, Nalls dies linso His
lience In political and diplomatic life, NO less than
his rare and generous culture, and his singular union
81 the highest mental faculties, enable US TO predict
with confidence that this work will be reckoned
ius Inc Volumes Of the History Of the uaiied
Sate already published are weil kno wn to inteli.
gent rssdsIs both In Great Britain and America.
They distinguished for their compact brevty of
statement, their terse and vigorous dicuon, their
brilliant panoramic views, and the boldhess and
grace Of their shetches Of personal character
for the tenscy with which cings to the domn ant
and insplring idea of which it records the develop
mont. Whoever reads 1t. without comprehendins
the standpoint OF the author. 10 liable TO disap-
pcintnent; for 1t mutt DO confessed that - mere
nalrasivs Of events the preference may De given to
TIE productions Of far inferior authors. Bur il 10 to
ee regarded ~ IN epic In prose OF the triumph of
freedom. This noble principle is considered By Mr..
Bancroft essential attribute OF the soul neess-
ssay asserting itself in proportion to the spiritual
supremacy which has been achieved. The history,
Ties, devoted to the ILLUSTRATION OF the progress Of
freedom, ~ an outoirsA Of the spontaneous action
81 the soul 1t 10 In this psnt Of that the re-
Ieneahabls ohapssrs the Nassachusstss Piisrims,
the Pennsylvania Quaksrs, and the North American
Indiana, we're written and their fall purpor their
profound significance, can only DO appreciated BY
readers whose minds possess at least the seeds OF
ynpssAy with this sublime philosophy. The chap.
Yer On We Quakefs 10 . pregnant psychological
0eatlae. Sparkling ell over with the elscGYic
heAts OF rich Humanitarian philosophy, it In.
vests the tAselosic visi6hs OF Fox and Barclay
with - radiance and beauty which have been
upressrved In the formal and nfslsss organic sys-
tsns OF slsr SUCCESSORS The parallel run BY tas
historian between William Penn and John Locke 10
enc OF The nos cAarasteristic productions Of his ps