these existed before, and had been written of repeatedly, and yet it was not till Prescott wrote that we really had the Conquest of Mexico; it was not till he took up the pencil that the magnificent panorama moved before us in all the splendor of Romance, and all the truth of History. But in all this there is no over-coloring, no sacrifice of the integrity of the history. On the contrary there is a searching examination of authorities, and an accuracy of statement, worthy of Niebuhr. At the same time there runs through the entire composition a vein of manly and Christian philosophy which adds one of the highest qualities of history to the work, and is honorable alike to the character and the fame of the author.

I have said more than I designed, and more than is needed; for Mr. Prescott's works are universally known; and Europe and America have joined in witnessing to their literary excellence, sagacity of criticism, and historical value.

2. Conquest of Peru. Prescott. 2 vols. $4.00. Harpers. The same careful study of authorities and clear-sighted criticism, and the same beauty and finish of style, are seen in this work. I add only that the student should give special attention to two points in the perusal of Mexico and Peru. 1. A diligent comparison of the Civilization of the Aztecs with that of the Incas, as set out in the Introductions to these works; and that with special reference to their respective religions, and the influence of these in the formation of their national and individual character. He will do well to consult Robertson on this point. 2. A careful inquiry into the political, moral and social effect on Spain, of the discovery of America and the sudden influx of gold and silver, and the wild spirit of speculation. and adventure consequent upon it.3

3. United States. Bancroft. 3 vols. $6.00. Little & Brown; Grahame. 2 vols. $5.00. Lea & Blanchard; Hildreth. 3 vols. $6.00. Monette's History of the Valley of the Mississippi. 2 vols. $5.00. Harpers.

I look upon Bancroft's as the most perfect historical

3 Those who are hindered by the cost of Irving and Prescott, will find a tolerable substitute in Robertson's America, which gives also the early history of Virginia and New England. 1 vol. 8vo. $1.75.

work our country has produced. It is not surpassed, or equalled, by any composition but Macaulay's; and even this, it seems to me, falls below it in some respects. In his examination of authorities and documents, the author is clear-sighted, critical, but calm and just. His philosophy is profound, reverent toward God, and true to the dignity and destiny of Man. He sees a unity and a purpose in all history; an end evidently aimed at, and the means appointed. He sees God in history, as well as Man. In a way unlike any other, he seems to get behind both the fact and the cause, and gives us a glimpse of the Causa causa, of the Infinite Will and Wisdom which underlie them all, and bear them up, as the depths of the sea bear up the currents and gulph streams of the surface. The philosophy of the book is very well illustrated by a single sentence somewhere in it-"God rules in the affairs of men, and so orders events that the selfishness of evil defeats itself."

There are passages in these volumes seldom equalled for their depth of thought, richness of suggestion, and exquisite finish. Sometimes whole pages partake of this character. For example, in the chapter on the Quakers, in the second volume: Here the splendor of a great truth, shining through a style at once transparent and beautiful, irradiates and warms the processes of a severe, cold logic, like the rosy radiance of the morning sun streaming in upon fields of everlasting ice. Sometimes, however, we think the writer follows his model (Gibbon) too closely, and might well sacrifice a little of the stateliness of his sentences to the picturesque sketching and dramatic effect of Macaulay or Prescott.

Grahame's work is an exact and conscientious statement of the facts of the history, drawn up with much labor and care, after long, laborious and successful research. Its entire truthfulness and minute accuracy are abundantly shown in the fact, that Bancroft makes but one charge of mis-statement against it, and afterward greatly softens that; and even then without seeming to understand how the high sense of honor, and stern morality of Mr. Grahame, make it no great "misapprehension" even. The author, who was a Scotchman, deserves the admiration and esteem of every American; and those

who read his Memoir, and appreciate his unbending moral principle, and the Christian temper which pervades his history, will freely give him what is so justly due.

Of Hildreth's work I say nothing, because I know nothing; not having had time to examine it. Judges pronounce it a plain, unambitious and faithful narrative of

events.

Monette's work is a useful collection of facts, personal narrations, traditions and documentary proofs; but it is bad in its style and arrangement, and is marred by some gross and unpardonable errors. Still here are the materials, when the right man comes, for writing a remarkable and instructive chapter in the history of a region destined to be one of the most important portions of our earth.

There are many histories of the Revolution, of which I have only to remark, before reading any of them, read the last six Lectures of Smyth. It is the best Introduction to the war to be had in so small space, equally just to both parties. Marshall's and especially Spark's Washington, should be consulted, whatever history is read; and much valuable information of the right sort, will be found in the volumes of American Biography, by Sparks. The leading facts in the history of the origin and adoption of the Constitution should be made a subject of study. On the Constitution itself, wanting his more copious work, there is an excellent little volume by Judge Story, explanatory of the nature, powers and bearings of this instrument, which I would earnestly commend to the reader. (12mo. 75 cts. Harpers.)

Of Mexico and South America I can say nothing, for the want of books. There are some volumes professing to be histories, and some books of travels in the different districts, but nothing which answers the purpose. There are some tolerable sketches in the Narrative of the Exploring Expedition, political, and descriptive of customs and

manners.

Here I must bring this article to a close. I am conscious enough of its imperfections, but the exceedingly narrow limits to which I have been confined, and the necessity of

4 Indian History will be found entire in Drake's Book of the Indians, a truly valuable work.

omission, must plead excuse in part. Beside, it must not be overlooked that my plan-furnishing the greatest amount of information possible for the least amount of money-has continually restricted me, and obliged me. even to pass by many American works entirely, or with a word or reference only. And I have been, in like manner, hindered in reference to works treating of particular departments of history; as religion, philosophy, laws, science, inventions, the fine arts, literature, &c., so important to a just knowledge of the actual condition of society, and the daily life of the people. 5 Books on these interesting subjects have been passed without notice, as increasing the expense beyond the means of those for whom this Course is more particularly prepared. My object has been to be useful, and not to display the extent of my own reading; and if in any degree I have attained to this, I

am content.

T. B. T.

5 For example, in Literature, how much may sometimes be learned of the manners, institutions and life of a particular period, from a drama, a poem or a novel. Shakspeare's plays, Chaucer's poems, and Scott's novels, are a good illustration. In Religion, how important the history of the rise, growth and influence on society and Biblical interpretation, of certain sects; as the Methodists, Quakers, Universalists, &c. In Science, we have, for example, Astronomy in its relations to navigation, to a loftier theology, liberal opinions, &c. The history of Inventions would show us the influence of Printing on the progress of knowledge, the elevation of the people, and on the Reformation. What could Luther have done without it? So how much may be learned of the condition of society, from the state of the fine arts, the estimate put upon sculpture, painting, architecture; and the position occupied by men of letters. But allusion even to these is shut out from the text, both in the way of books and comment, for want of space, which has been a perpetual hindrance to me.

6 There is, however, one work on philosophy which I cannot pass without commending it to the perusal and study of the theological student especially. I refer to Morell's "Historical and Critical View of the Speculative Philosophy of Europe in the Nineteenth Century." It is more, historically, than the title indicates, as its inquiry into the sources of the philosophy of this century will show. But the features of this work which make it particularly valuable are, a clear transparent language, a singularly happy analysis and distribution of the elements composing the various speculative systems, a calm and satisfactory exposition of their errors and assumptions, and lastly, one of its greatest merits, a plain statement of their several tendencies in religion, legislation and science. It is the only work I have examined on this and kindred subjects, which has afforded me pleasure; and one of the very few from which I have derived much real profit. I think no one will regret its purchase. 1. vol. 8vo. pp. 752, beautifully printed. $3. Carters.

ART. IX.

The New Testament Usage of the several terms translated Spirit, Soul, and Life.

OUR main object is to illustrate the New Testament use of the term translated Soul. But to do this in the most satisfactory manner, it seems requisite to bring into view the other terms alluded to, since they appear to be so related to this as to help mark out its distinctive sense. They stand around it, as it were, partly circumscribing the extent it occupies; they indicate the limits of its meaning in certain directions, while in other respects their several significations seem to run into each other, and to cover part of the same ground. In order to avoid, as far as practicable, the repetition of Greek type, we shall first set down, once for all, the original words, both in their proper character, and in our common Italic letters; intending to use only the latter in the subsequent pages of this article, except in cases where special reasons may demand a departure from the rule.

In the New Testament, then, the original word for Spirit is vεua (pneuma;) for Soul, and often for Life, vx (psuche;1) though the term more properly used for Life is (wn (zōē,) or ßíos, (bios.)

We must be careful to observe, however, that, in none of these cases, does the English word exactly represent the Greek. The meaning of the one corresponds to that of the other only in certain points. In some directions it overreaches, thus taking in additional ideas; in some respects it falls short. The consequence is, that although the English term will answer as a translation, well enough for practical purposes, in particular connections, yet in other positions, involving different relations, it would mis

1 We follow the manner in which this word has often been written, of late, in exegetical essays. According to the older and more classical form, it should be psyche. It is the Psyche of the ancient mythology; and from it has recently been coined the adjective psychical.