of superstition, and rejecting the usurped authority of pontiffs and councils, it argues the existence of a degree of intelligence which must be equally fatal to the claims of absolute kingship, and of passive civil obedience. It is not, therefore, without reason that the advocates of ultra-principles on the Continent have been busily employed in discouraging the doctrines of Protestantism, and that the Jesuits have been spread over France to preach the infallible principles of the Catholic faith. The reformed religion, say these philosophers, is favorable to revolutions; and it behoves us therefore to establish, on the firmest foundations, that antient belief which is compatible with the principles of social order. In order to prove that Protestantism furnishes no support to anarchy and rebellion, and that the doctrines which it inculcates are not in any degree subversive of civil order, Professor TZSCHIRNER of Leipsic has published the pamphlet, a translation of which into French is now before us. Throughout a full and able argument, he has succeeded in shewing the falsehood of the supposition that the system of Protestantism is conducive to political disorders; but he has failed to prove, we think, that liberal opinions in religion are not attended by a proportionate degree of enlightened feelings on matters of politics. Until he has accomplished this, he has furnished no answer to the advocates of despotism. To tell them that the Reformation was followed by a diffusion of just notions on the subject of government, and that the Protestant states are those which enjoy the largest portion of rational liberty, is but to afford them more decided reasons against an innovation which has proved so fatal to their dearest maxims. The only argument, which can be addressed to the understandings of such men with any chance of effect, and which is indeed urged by M. TZSCHIRNER with considerable force, is the impossibility, at the present day, of stemming the tide of intelligence which is gradually spreading itself over the face of Europe, and must in the end wash away the abuses both of religion and government; and it may perhaps be well for the supporters of the jus divinum of kings and priests to consider whether, by attempting to impose opinions altogether unsuited to the age in which they live, they may not be hastening the moment which they are so anxious to defer and avoid. The sovereigns of Europe, indeed, seem determined to make a stand, and to bring the question between liberal and servile opinions to an issue; and the inculcation of the Catholic faith will properly form a part of this system: but how far success can be rationally expected to attend such efforts is very problematical. We should augur well of the event, could we be be assured that the people of the Continent were animated by principles as philosophical as those that are contained in the pamphlet before us. In the following extract, the author has given a sensible and correct view of the fluctuation of public sentiment in Europe, during the last 50 years: There is no doubt that, at the commencement of the French Revolution, republicanism was the favorite wish and notion of all who favored or approved the establishment of the new order of things. Monarchy was confounded with despotism, and in the eyes of the Jacobins every king was a tyrant. Soon, however, nations were able to judge more correctly on political subjects. The despotic sway, which the French republicans exercised both over their own fellow-citizens and over the neighbouring states, speedily destroyed the charm of their republican government; and, when they began to examine more coolly the boasted democracies of antiquity, they were convinced that the spirit of republicanism was unable to prevent at Athens such arbitrary acts as the banishment of Aristides and the poisoning of Socrates. Those, too, who were acquainted with the writers of antiquity, could not forget that there were republicans who preferred monarchy to democracy. In short, republicanism has passed away; and there only exists a general desire for a representative system, which may protect the people against the abuses of power: a system which may be introduced with equal facility into monarchical and into democratical states. Monarchy has no longer to struggle against the spirit of republicanism; she depends on her own resources; and, by conforming to public opinion, she may consolidate her reign for ages, should kings not disdain to unite themselves intimately with the people. In Prussia, in the kingdoms of the North, in England, and in the greater part of the German states, monarchy has maintained herself for three centuries without the aid of Catholicism: why, then, may not that which has existed in these countries be introduced into others; and why, if it has subsisted to the present day, may it not continue for the future? Is monarchy so weak, or so little adapted to the nature of man, that it cannot rely on its own strength; and has royalty fallen so low in public estimation, that it must be supported and upheld by the aid of papacy?" We hope that the circulation of this pamphlet on the Continent will not be unproductive of good effects on the public mind. To the REMARKABLE PASSAGES in this Volume. N. B. To find any particular Book, or Pamphlet, see the Afflicted Father, a tragedy, by Aikin, Dr., memoirs of, 30. Alexander, Mr. Henry, high character of, 303. Allies, troops of, compared with of, in the frozen seas, 137. APP. REV. VOL. CIII. Arts and Sciences, their con- 478. 480. Atmosphere, on the height and B Baillie, Miss, her verses to Mrs. Bankers, modern, their political power humorously stated, Banyan-tree, its extraordinary Barbauld, Mrs., her verses on a Barlow, Mr., on the variation of Berne, the government of, its conduct towards M. Haller Black Friar, ballad on, 435. 45. Brunsvigia Josephine, account Brussels, horticultural account C Caledonian Canal, vèrses on, Campbell, Mr., his verses on the Canal, a new one suggested, in 221. Christie, Mr., on the variation Clara Chester, poetic portrait Climate, on the moral influence Colman, Mr., his open conduct Cowper, the poet, origin of Crocodile, fossil-bones of, at Curiosity, poetically described, 325. D Dalton, Reginald, his interview of electro-magnetism, 417. marks on English couples go- Driving, great skill of the boers at the Cape of Good Hope, 302. E Echelles, extraordinary gallery cero, 351. Epilepsy, obs. on the causes and F Falcam, the Portuguese poet, Fire, its agency shewn in the rocks of Auvergne, 284. Fossils, observations on, 27, 28. Garrick, Mr., his conduct to- Gibbon, Mr., fanciful likeness Glaciers, obs. on the diminution Gottres, observations on, 278. Government, principles of, incul- Grapes medicinally prescribed |