The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-10-02
WASHINGTON. d. G..
Gbs S,hitu.

B.Usuiyne Washington, ID. c.
4 reprint of this volume has been heretofor
given to the American public from another pres
in New York. but, for some reason or other,
WAS curtailed in certain portions of the work
The present edition is complete. We had In
tended to notice it earlier, but at the time GU
crowded columns prevented it. 1t is bool
well written by clergyman of the Church o
England, detailing interviews and conversation
with Roman Catholic priests and other mem
hers Of hat Church, partly in Ireland and partly
elsewhere, and presents a very clear Statement
theusual topics Of discussion in such cases. AS i
i record of actual events, and the discussions
we're conducted by the author in kindly spirit
and a similar and open one for the greater par
BIZ those With whom they were had, he could OBJ
serve and note the points of difficulty in the minds
Of individuals of the Roman Catholic persua.
sion. aad his work is valuable especially in meet
ing slch states of mind as may be found with
candid persons who are left to depend upon the
declarations of the priesthood, reverentially re-
ceiyirg rs truth whatever their church of
irrs. without the power of examining its
pretensions. No Roman Catholic of this
description, we feel confident, could honestly
read this work without at least misgivings in re-
spec; to many ofthe doctrines he has been taught
that are not in the Scripture, but which rest on
tradition and the authority of the church-such,
for instance, as the worship of images; the
supremacy or infallibility of the Pope or of the
Church; the mass; prayer to the saints and
TO the Virgin Mary auricular confession; the
Withholding of the Scriptures from the people,
with prayers and worship in Latin, &c. The
introductory chapter, on the moral results of the
Catholic system, presents some astounding facts
anisiatistics such as cannotlie, which itwould be
well for all to ponder. If system is to be judg-
81 Of on the rule, "By their fruits ye shall know
them,' and the comparison here made between
TIE Catholic and Protestant countries of Europe
IS Of any value, then so far the decision cannot
iai to be in favor of Professionalism. The claim
ior unity OF the Church by the Romish Church,
too, is most clearly set aside by appeals to fact
as to the various divisions existing and record.
ed by their own writer's. The doctrine of tran
sabstantiaticn, or the conversion of the bread
and wine into the actual body and blood of
christ is fairly refuted by an examination of
the circumstances in which the sacrament of the
Lords Supper was first instituted, as brought
into the place of the passover, and illustrated by
4 reference to the origin and nature of that
memorial by God, in keeping alive his deliver
snce OF his people from the awful plague of the
l'"-~';,-- IS ~ n 90 -, anA h-;---:-,- .hA.,
out Of their bondage, in Egypt. The book, too,
deserves attention, as these conversations and
The statements of the views on either side are
not confined to any single class of persons, but
relate TO priests and men and women, the laity
n different situations and circumstances. We
know Of no work better fitted than this, cover
Ing the whole ground. The author is we'll vers-
81 IN history, has had the advantages of obser'
'aliOn in many places, has witnessed the opera
ton Of the Romish system at home and abroad,
Is fair and clear reasoner, and has studied his
Bible careially-all of which preparation fits
him for the task he has undertaken. He gives
due credit to the consciousness and high
character Of many of those with whom he car
ried on his conversations, and writes like man
fully persuaded of the truth himself, and wish
.ns to impart it so far as he is able to others.
We can out wish it may find its way to many a
candid reader Of the Roman Catholic church,
aud be received in the same spirit in which it
IS evidently written.
>ENoSTHs N KANSAS BY Lady. Boston: John P. Jew
eft & Co. 1555.
As the record of this book terminates in April
last, il is chiefly valuable for furnishing us with
statements of the various facts that transpired
last winter, and which have led to the present
state Of affairs. One among many proofs that
the Free State men have been driven to arms
IN absolute selfdefence, and as the only means
Of maintaining their position, have also been
compelled to assume the offensive, and destroy
their foes rather than themselves be extermi-
mated
This lady writes graphically, gives good
insight into the ordinary emigrant life in Kan
s4s, sad partrays the various personages whose
names have become noted, and the acts in which
they have been engaged. The book is a fa-
lniiar set Of letters to her mother and friends,
and are presented to the public, as she says
With but few alterations.
'','VsA. BY Prosper Merimee Boston: Philips, ssmp
,'hA Co. l-56. For sale by Gray Ballamtyne, Wash
Hstou, u. c.
his is one Of those beautiful stories for which
The French are so famous, by a writer long known
ID Their literature as a successful candidate fol-
public favor. His style is finished one, and
rs HE and piquancy are better preserved il
Tue translation than is always the case. Th'
Tale Is told easily; the progress of its action, til
breaches the point aimed at, is suitably main
famed; and the interest of the reader grows
as he turns page after page, and comes neare
The close 1t is founded on the custom know
IN Corsica, and perhaps some parts of Italy, a
ne 'endettd, by which the near relative i
OOund to avenge the murder of his father o
oTo'her-a sort of usage resembling the oil
hebrew one, of the "Avenger of Blood" 4
good view Of the manners and customs of Coz
sea Is presented; and all is told 30 gracefully
aud ret with such life, it is quite readabl
DOOR, 1t is very neatly printed with larg
type and loaded pages-and being of moderat
SIZE, will no doubt be favorite with the pub
he, in its English dress.
S'Ll NANE-Hs FORTUNE AND HIS FRIENDS. BY Jsr
"t LOUD. New York: Derby Jackson. 1S56. *
He by Taylor Marry, Washington, D. C.
We are not able to say whether the name {
.Ae author is a real one, or ere nom, de plume
'a' Ia either case he holds graphic pen, an
many Of his sketches ara we'll drawn. The boo