Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-05-28
SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN REVIEW.

This able review, after temporary suspension,
occasoned by the sickness of one Of the editors
and the removal of another, has again made its
appearance There is no work of the kind which
more richly deserves generous patronage. 1t
reflects the genius of the large and intelligent bo-
dy of Presbyterian clergymen; but while it is
specially the exponent Of their creed and faith, it
comprehends much that will delight and instruct
the general reader. Wherever this Review and
the Southern Quarterly are read, intelligence will
be diffused, and orthodox pro-slavery opinions
cherished On the other hand, the weak support
which these Reviews meet, are the strongest pos
sible evidence of the empiricsm and superfciali'
ty of Southern education and Southern knowledge.
The fact must strike every observer, that here is
the true secret of the failure of Southern period
calls. Though to be regretted it is not to be dis
gused, that the circle Of intelligent readers at
the South is too small to sustain works of ability
in any other than languid condition. 1t is not
from liberal or penurious motives, that such is
the case, for they willingly support the illustra
ted nonsense, and nonsensical illustrations of the
Northern Press. No other cnuse will account for
it, than the one already given, the want of intelli
gent, well-educated readers. We do not mean to
say that this is peculiar to the South, for it is ev-
identity the case Mt the North. Soft nonsense,
tales of horror, obscene incidents and trials, ore
the bats held out to tempt Northern readers, and
there is no evidence that in proportion to their
white population, they have more intelligent rea-
ders than we have. But there is strong evidence
that as I. people, we are superficial readers and
superficial thinkers. The only difference between
the two sections, is that the Northern mind is in
q morbid state, and Graves the stimulus of licen-
tious and lawless literature while the apathy of
the South is contented with the inanities of HAR.
PER, GRAHAM or PETERSON. But where lies the
fault-in ourselves or in our stars? We will ven
ture the opinion that it lies at the doors of our
institutions of learning. Else what becomes of
the quota of graduates sent out yearly from the
different Colleges, or limitations of Colleges,
which are scattered over the whole country? If
they are educated, why are they not readers and
thinkers? And if they are readers and thinkers,
why do they shrink from the perusal of such able
and logical periodicals as the Southern Quarterly
and the one which stands at the head of this arti-
Gle? The fact is, they are not educated in any
true sense of the word They are not trained to
think, to pursue truth earnestly, to love wisdom,
and to make it their ambition and their glory, to
exalt and build up the literature of their country,
and win an honorable name among those whom the
world twill not willingly let die" Every day
do the newspapers of the country appeal to the
pride, the patriotism and the intelligence of the
country to rally to the support Of her able but
lauguishing periodicals. If that appeal is in vain,
let not their ghosts shake their bony fingers at
them-"ye cannot say they did it." There are
graduates enough in South Carolna-if they de-
served the name-to support, at least, two able
Reviews. That they do not, and will not do it,
is the strongest satire Colleges and Univer-
sites.
Look at the contents of the April number of the
Presbyterian Reviep, md say, if the subjects and
authors are not worthy the attention of every scho
ar in the land?
Constitution Of the Presbyterian Church, by Rev.
Samuel r. Baird; Christian Missions and african
Colonization, by Rev. J. B. Adger, D. D.; The
Martyrs Of Scotland and Sir Waltnr Scott, by Jno.
H. Bocock; Testimony of the Ancient Jews TO The
Trinity, by Rev. Thomas Smyth, D. D.. Historical
Sketch of System, Of TAsology by Enoch Pond, D.
D. Molatry, by Vim. A. Scott, D. D.. WiQfaWs
Sermon on Duelling, by Rev. J. B. Adger, D. D.
Critical Notices, &c.