The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-01-12
Literary Notes.

W scholar and theologlan, ana Mr.. Arthur Gilman,
the well known md accomplished man of let
tiers, have been for several years past engaged.
1t is indeed magnificent volume 1t does not
fall within the compass of those books that DR..
Johnson liked-"a book to carry in ones hand
to the fre"-for it numbers 900 pages. 1t
comprises 1.-THE best religious Poems of all ages
and countries" and after making our most
critical examination, we are ready to admit
that there is no boast in what the compilers
claim; it must. of nece -sity. we should think,
be received henceforth, as the Classic, in the
matter of Religious Poetry. Its mechanical ex-
ecution is of the fnest-heavy, soft tinted pa
per-most generous margins-beautifully en-.
graved portraits--clear, logical. convenient
arrangement-brief biographical Notes-full,
scholarly Indexes (Which add everything to the
value of such Cyclopedia), large. open, we'll
loaded type, and binding just as plain and SUBJ
stantial or as rich as the readers purse NAV de.
t:rmine What more is wanting to make the
great volume perfect?
Some may object that names are admitted to
whom the MUSES. would need an introduction
and that Poems have place which can scarce
ly be classed in the category of Religious;
that might m axe the most lenient. critic demur.
But the next reader might object if the very
names and pieces were omitted. 1t is not to be
supposed that DIR. Schaff and Mr.. Gilman catered
for their own taste alone: 1t is for the vast
public, and this same public has most varied
appetite Still, were we disposed to be fault
finding in presence of so rich and exhaustive an
Anthology as this, we might wish to hedge
little more closely the Parnassian path from the
occasional poetic. tramp but we dare not be
critical when every thing has been done so ad.
mirably for delectation. We are glad to
see SO many of the grand old Greek and Latin
hymns given in translation, as well as the finest
in German hymnology. Here we evidently
have Dr. Schaff hand, for his taste in this di-.
rection is well known.
What treasure to a household of Young
people, such a splendid volume as this would
be-to be always on the table around which the
family gathers to be pored over by opening
minds, to be thumbed and worn like a diction
airy This is the use to which we hope to see it
put; and if so used it will prove to such house.
hold, in itself, "a liberal education"
The careful labor bestowed "a this vast com.
pilation has been immense, and all readers NAV
feel sure that they have here the true text of
every poem given.
We have been greatly interested in volume
Just issued by the Randolph firm 600, Broad
aUay, Ne,o YORK; entitled Honolulu: Sketches of
L!fe IN the Haaoaiian Islands. By Laura Fish
Judd. Up. 25S.) 1t is much more than its
modest title promises; for it comprises in real
ity, history OF the Hawaiian kingdom from its
ncipiency, beginning with its earliest efforts to-
wards anything like systematic government, its
struggles out of heathendom into its first rude
form of civilization, till its final emergence into
Christian sovereignty, which in many points
IS an example to the older nations OF the earth
The story, as told by Mrs. Judd, the wife of DR.
Judd, medical missionary who Joined the de
voted Blnghams, Chamberlains, and Goodriches
IN 1873, is as stirring as romance 1t large
~ drawn from Mrs. Judd's private journal but
the selections are so judiciously made by her
son, who is a resident of Honolulu, that only
matter of general interest is admitted: and it
forms the most compact history of the gradual
growth OF this youngest of the kingdoms that
we have anywhere seen.
The royal Hawaiian family so soon came
under the influence of the American missionaries.
that DIR. Judds signal abilities as organiser.
translator, and general director;were so much in
demand, that he found it impossible to aid in
the formation of the new government and con
tinue his work as missionary physician: so in
1872, he severed his connection with the Amer
lean Board, and thereafter devoted himself tn
the matter of helping to settle the little sove.
relgnty on a stable basis
The work performed by DR.. Judd, as inciden.
tally brought out in his wife's current history
was Of the utmost Importance, and everything
IS due to those missionaries for the formative
hand they had in making the Hawaiian king
dom the Christian one it is. The attemnts of
the French government to force its Ronisb
priests and its brandy upon the simple natives
the mistakes Of Lord George Paulet-the com.
pulsatory cession Of the Islands 10 Great Britain
the Restoration-theg good offices of the Amer.
can government-Dr. Judd's successful embassv
to the court Of st. James Commodore Wilkes,
great kindness-the final recognition of Hawaii
as one OF the family Of nations-these and manv
more most interesting matters fill up these stir.
ring pages. The life in the Islands manners
and customs of the people and MANY vivid nor.
sonal details, ought to commend the book for q.
inherent instructiveness. AS testimony ~ ,bo
value Of Missions, it is triumphant. Those who
OF late years have begun to sheer at what bo.
been done In these Islands of the Poc;6o -,