New-York daily tribune., 1863-07-06

" Tho supernatural truths Of revelation were re-
yeaed 70 the minds Of the sacred writers not TO their
pens' and fingers ends, and are distinct from the
dead letters In which they may DO clothed" Revsla
ton hsd thus an existence it is inferred, before tho
characers Of Holy Writ and would continue to exist
in tho minds Of men, though all tho Bibles in the
world were lost. II this principle be accepted IL
might relieve tho natural anxiety OF many pions
minds with regard to tho criticisms Of Bishop
Cole oso. and other writers who ara reputed 70 DO
ofa destructive character. Nor, according 70 tsis
book. does tho doctrine Of inspiration prssupposs
tho entire freedom from error, In tho Bible, with
respect 10 details that do not belong to religious
faith or morals. Hence, as might be presumed, the
suthor Il no advocate Of the literal construction OF
the seeounA Of the six days creation, or OF the
general dsluge but fully adopts the ground indicated
by tho progress Of scientific research. The discus
sions In tho volume are carried On with great
vivacity and sboundng in familiar popular ilustra'
.ions, avoid the siffns" and Formally OF most
treatisss on the subject.
THE HISTORY OF THE SUPERNATURAL. b. WI
LIAn Hovrrr. vols. limo J. B. HPpinsott Co.
For several years past, William Hewitt has been
devoted student Of the anomalous events indicated
in the title Of these volumes. The effect upon bis
mind does not appear TO have been OF . Wholesome
character. With q natural tendency TO extreme
views, rash and prssumptuous judgments, and We
hemeu. psrtisanshp, the balance of bis intellect has
bssn evidently disturbed by his researches in the
sphere Of the supernatural and instead Of exercising
critical judgment on the alleged facts OF history
bis facility Of faith like that Of the ancient father
Of the Church, who believed because it was i'm
possible" The present work has Little claim TO his
torcal discrimination or accuracy. 1t q collection
Of tales and legends, gathered from every country
and in oil ages, with no presnse OF ciitlng the evil
dsncs in their favor but accepted, with An easy cTe-
dulity in proportion to the narvellousness Of the
story. Tho traditions Of every nation, from the his
tory OF Tobi in The Apocrypha, to the Cock Lane
Ghos. In London, are brought forward a. illu'tra-
tons Of the supernatural, without an inquiry as to
their evidence, or hint tina. they are unworthy Of
implicit belief. Nor is the author content with the
simple narrative Of events, which carry suspicion on
their very face, and which thinker could re-
eeiye, unless compelled by irresstible proof. Ho
urges bis point with heated partisan zeal. His de-
nuneisions Of those who remain incredulous are
nctured with tho bitterness Of religious fansticsm.
In every case ho assumes the nalibiity Of bis con-
clu,ions, without trace Of tho modesy which Is an
essential condition OF success In the investigation OF
truth. The readeu familiar with the works Of Mrs.
Grove, Mr.. Dale Owen, and especially Of Schubert,
Eschenmsyer, and other German writers on the sab
ect, will find little novelty in these difuso volumes,
whils they will miss the spir. Of candOr and serene
inquiry which for the most part recommend the pro-
duetions Of tho last named authors.
ELEMENTS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW. By HESHr
WnsIros, Ii. ID. Second Annotated Edition. BY
wnuI. BxAoa LAwHHoA sv0' Pp' lOs'' Little
Brown. l. "a.
Since tho publication of Mr.. whsa.on's last add.
tions 10 this great classical work on International
Law nearly sixteen years have elapsed, during
which space Of time numerous remarkable events
have taken place. which furnish now illustrations o!
the principles Of the science 70 which he devoted %
large portion Of tho studies and abors Of his life.
Among these may be mentioned a. Of signal interest
tho accession Of Louis Napoleon 70 the throne OF
France, tho attempt at ns,iono independence by the
Hungarian Magyars, the political revolutions in
Italy, the complicated movements in regard TO the
Ottoman Empire, to say nothing of the gigantic con-
test now pending between the Government, of this
country and the rsvolted States These and similar
topics afford ample opportunity To the present editor
for the application Of his varied legal erudhion,
which he Las not failed to exercise with ability and
Judgment. Several important titles are now
treated for tho frst time, including q review
Of the leading questions to which recent
events have given q special interest. The sub
ees Of naturalization and expa!ston, the right TO
wrecks, tho case Of tho Trent, the Constitution Of
prize courts aud American prize decisions are dis
cussed in elaborate notes, presenting IN compact
form Q review Of tho prominent questions which
now challenge the attention Of tho publicist and
statesman. The discussion Of some points Of cur.
rent interest is resumed in Supplement to the vol
ums, which, with tho publication Of tho essential
documents, brings the subjects respectively nearly
down 10 contemporary dates. In tho memoir Of Mr..
Wheaton by the editor oil the volume tho character
Of that eminent jarst and most estlmable man is
portrayed in bright and attractive coors, doing
eieilous Justice 10 bis remarkable sttainmsnts in bis
f.yorito departments Of research, the singular
modesty and simplicity Of his disposition, and the
raro powers OF expression aud illustration which
made him authority in social Iiis as well rs IN
tho walks Of solid learning.
THEOLOGY or UkIvERSALisM by THosA BALD.
wiz TnAYEA. limo. pp. 43 Tompkins Co.
The doctrnal principles Of tho Universalist eenom-
nation are clearly and ably set forth in this comprs
hensive volume. The author is equally distinguished
as a preacher and scholar among the members Of
the religious persuasion TO which ho belongs. His
work is evidently tho fruit Of extensive research,
conscientious study, and profound reflection With
out any parade Of learning, Is shows the marks Of