Somewhat akin to self-magnifying notions on the ground of birth and descent, is that overwhelming veneration for the dignity of superior rank. A notable devotee of the order was the naval captain who, when referring to the captain of a Spanish privateer in the sea-faring days of William IV., observed that "the Spaniards had the honor to be taken by the vessel on board of which his royal highness served." A chemist once performing an experiment in the presence of Louis XIV., was still more reverential: "Sire," said he, with a profound bow, "graciously deign to permit these substances to coalesce in your august presence."

During the exile of Charles II., his mimic court was kept in a constant ferment by the rivalry of Lord Herbert, and Clarendon,, the well known historian, for the possession of the great seal, which had lain for years at the bottom of an old trunk, and was long superseded by one of the parliament's fabrication in England. Perhaps some scent, or hope of the chancery, "hung round it still;" but, at length, when all Europe had either openly or tacitly recognized the authority of Crommell, and the whole court, according to Clarendon's own letters, owed at least three months' board and lodging, which he piously hoped some of their descendants might pay, the historian of the Rebellion was victorious, for the king suspended the seal by a black ribbon round his neck, and Lord Herbert is said to have died of grief at his disappointment. Clarendon lived to carry that seal before the restored king on his march to Whitehall, with the chancellorship and all its substantialities in full possession-lived to gain much outward greatness, do some shabby things, and fall out of royal favor, carrying with him only the hatred of the multitude and a broken reputation, over which partisans have ever since disputed. The story of Clarendon's fall affords an example of the doings of dignity quite

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as curious ast hose contemplated in his elevation, though of a different kind. The chancellor's enemies at court could never make the king forget his long and faithful services, till they hit upon the expedient of saying to Charles whenever he appeared, "Old Rowley, there comes your schoolmaster." The monarch, whose habits and character sanctioned such a form of address, immediately took alarm that his dignity should be surpected of stooping to instruction, and Clarendon's dismissal was determined.

How deplorably frequent are the corresponding cases of private life! Wise and loving counsel has been despised, the bond of mutual interest forgotten, and the friendship of years set at naught by the dignity of both peer and peasant in fear of presumed dictatorship. Are there any who have never heard worthless associates mention a man's best friend, or it may be his help-mate, in the style of "Old Rowley, there comes your schoolmaster?" The pranks which dignity is apt to play with people's manners are but too generally known. Perhaps a seat in either church or dining-room, beside a lady impressed with the necessity of supporting it, would furnish the most familiar if not the pleasantest illustration, Some philosophers have remarked than an overstraining after dignity is the liability of the masculine rather than the feminine character, and its absence is certainly an advantage to the latter. In all stations, the desire of respect is not only natural but praiseworthy, nor is it less so that men should avail themselves of fortune's aids for the purpose; but the respect of even ordinary minds, whatever machinery of airs or circumstances may be brought to bear upon them, can only be secured by conduct which is really respectable. Socrates once being asked what were the most honorable among men and things, answered, "Those that are wisest and best;" and his reply embodied the truest notions of dignity.

HAPPINESS is that bright particular star whose genial rays are ever pleasing to the human eye and exhilarating to the human spirit What the law of attraction is to the physical world, happi ness is to the moral world; it attracts and centres in itself the feelings and emotions of the heart, and the thoughts and aspirations of the mind. Every human being is in pursuit of bliss, however much he may be mistaken in his conception of it, and the means which he uses to obtain its possession. The essence of it is divine and pure, and it is the result of a due appreciation of, and due conformity to, the will of God, as it is revealed in creation and the Bible. By this we mean that God is the author of all happiness, and that man can only secure it by shaping his conduct according to those lines of duty that are written in light and love in his works and word. When we speak of happiness, we do not allude to that illusory and chameleon-like thing called pleasure, by which so many of our fellow-creatures are deluded. Not that we object to rational and lawful pleasureswe rather commend them; but we consider them as subordinate means of happiness. They are only tributary streams, emptying themselves into that deep and unfathomable sea of happiness which was designed to fertilize and bless the world of humanity. The elements of bliss are around, above, and within us; we read of them in the past, we see them in the present, and we dream of thein in the future.

It is truly lamentable that so few, compara. tively, should understand the real nature and characteristics of happiness. Some seek it in am. bition, power, and pomp; others in the trifles and gewgaws of life; and a third class wear the manacles of passion, appetite, and lust; and yet they think that they are bound by the golden chain of happiness. Their mental vision is obscured, and their moral nature perverted, so that they cannot perceive and value so heavenly a thing. They mistake the instruments of happiness for the thing

itself, and too often, alas! misuse them, so as to convert them into positive curses. We do not agree with Scotia's plowman-bard,

That man was made to mourn:

the germs of happiness are implanted in our nature, and we are accountable for their development and perfection. We can fully sympathize with Byron when he says,

Our nature's false-'tis not in the harmony of things,

because he felt the truth and power of what he wrote. His heart was out of tune with all surrounding objects, and consequently there was discord instead of harmony. If we allowed ourselves to be influenced by appearances, we should be led to infer that misery (or the opposite of happiness) was necessity of man's nature. The empire of this million-phased monster is extensive, and he rules with a rod of iron. But however much we may deplore the existence of misery, it is a consolatory and well-ascertained fact, that it is not a necessary evil, but that it is to a great extent self-inflicted, and therefore may be remedied by personal and social reformation. Man was made for happiness. It is an inheritance given to him by his Maker, but it has been lost through sin and folly. But there is a possibility of regaining it again; and that which is now a dream, a wish, a prayer, may become a great fact, a splendid reality. The sources of happiness are laid deep in man's moral and intellectual nature. Men must be taught to look for them there, and not in the pleasures of sense. The former are of paramount importance, the latter are fleeting and transitory. No happiness is so holy as that of purifying and exalting our moral feelings, and developing and enlarging our mental faculties. By this means we shall fit ourselves for the enjoyment of everything that can bless and elevate humanity.

Hildreth's History.-As it advances, the claim of this elaborate work to the reader's confidence, arising from its impartiality, comprehensiveness, and literary ability, is well kept up. It affects to be but little more than an honest and lucid narrative, aiming to do justice to all the personages and events of history, and presenting a succinct and clear outline of our early annals. The author has some of the best qualities of the annalist. His style is perspicuous, methodical, and correct; his views accurate, though not enlarged; his spirit impartial, though not catholic. He is erudite in the facts out of which he weaves his narrative, and sees them usually in just proportions. We were not pleased with the first volume, which portrayed the Puritan era of our history: the cold narrator showed so little sympathy with the spirit and aims of those noble gentium conditores, that the reader could not escape a suspicion of a narrow and partial estimate. And such it is: but as the work advances, and deals with events less exclusively composed of the religious element, his stern impartiality and indifference become securities for an authentic picture. The second volume of the second series has now been issued by the Messrs. HARPER, and condenses the history of the stormy period of Adams and Jefferson-a period full, not only of important historical events, but of angry partisanship and excited feeling, the contagion of which it is exceedingly difficult for the historian to escape. Yet Mr. Hildreth holds a firm hand upon his helm, in passing through these narrows. He evidently deals with intended fairness, and to adjust the prejudices of both sides. The spirit of the narrative keeps tune with the importance of the events; and in many respects, the present proves the most exciting and readable volume of the whole. We commend again the work to the attention of families desiring a complete and useful history of our country.

History of the Reformation in France, by Mrs. Marsh, the eloquent and accomplished authoress, has been issued from the press of Messrs. BLANCHARD & LEA of Philadelphia, in 2 vols. It is entitled, we perceive, the Romantic History of the Hugonots-and very justly deserves the epithet. The subject and the manner of treatment will both tend to make it an exceedingly interesting work. The Reformation put on its most heroic and gallant aspect in France. The peculiarly susceptible and energetic character of the French people was well adapted to the exciting influence of a new and glorious faith, professed in defiance of power, and assuming the sublimest aspects of truth. For a time, the Reformed religion won more rapid and splendid conquests in France than in any European country. It numbered among its adherents the noblest and best of the nation, and reached even the throne itself. Its stern and remorseless suppression; its gallant struggles for freedom and life; the heroism it brought into play, and the martyrs it won, form some of the most thrilling events of all modern history. These events are seized upon by Mrs. Marsh, not as a connected history, but as single instances of interest, and treated with a poet's fervor and power. It is a series of brilliant and touching narratives, of extraordinary instances of piety, heroism, and suffering, told with great power, and a kindling sympathy. It will not only add to the minuteness of the reader's knowledge of this interesting period, but convey some of the noblest lessons to the heart.

Scenery of the Nile.-The Messrs. HARPER have reproduced, in an elegant volume, an interesting and valuable work on Egypt, from the pen of the celebrated artist, Mr. W. H. Bartlett, whose graceful pencil has done so much, not only to ornament the centre-table, but to familiarize us with the picturesque and the grand in scenery, in almost all parts of the world. Mr. Bartlett's principal purpose was to sketch the monuments and wonders that crowd the banks of the Nile; though he has added to this an unambitious

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and perspicuous narrative, which imparts interest to his drawings, and gives a clear view of Egyptian manners and life. The drawings are upwards of fifty in number, embracing almost every renowned scene or relic, and taken, most of them, by the camera obscura. They are, therefore, accurate, gracefully composed, and elegantly engraved in wood. Such a collection has a high antiquarian and archrological value, which far surpasses that of the narrative. The publishers have issued it in a beautiful form, fitted for the holidays.

Memoir of Hewitson.-A brief and touching biography of a Scottish clergyman, who seems to have possessed the fervor and excellence of Martyn, or McCheyne, has been published by the Messrs. CARTER. His was a mild, trustful, lovely spirit, purified by much suffering, and heroic in enterprise for Christ's sake; and the history of his labors and touching records of his religious experience are valuable and impressive quite beyond the usual portraiture of religious character. His public relations brought him into connection with Chalmers, whose great heart and zealous piety are often finely exemplified in this book. Mr. H. was also an eye-witness and participant of Dr. Kalley's labors and persecutions in Madeira; and accompanied the Portuguese exiles to Trinidad. We hardly remember to have read so good and connected an account of that memorable period, as this biography furnishes. Its deeply spiritual character, and its valuable, suggestive relics of a pious mind, give it great value as a devotional work.

Lives of the Chief Justices.-Lord Campbell, the present Chief Justice of the English Queen's Bench, whose learned and interesting biography of the Chancellors of Great Britain has given him as high a position in literature as he held before in jurisprudence, has added a kind of supplement to that work, in a biography of the Chief Justices of England. It has been republished in 2 vols., by BLANCHARD & LEA. It has the same qualities of style, research, and ability, which have made its predecessor one of the most popular books of the day. It sketches boldly, narrates clearly and with energy and point, and mingles anecdote, gossip, law, and learning, in a lively thread of narrative. Some great characters have graced this high office, to whose greatness Lord Campbell does impartial and ungrudging justice. The work has enjoyed unusual favor at the hands of foreign critics, and occupies a prominent place in the historical literature of England.

The Insects of Autumn.—Mr. REDFIELD has completed, by the issue of a third volume, the original and beautiful series entitled, Espiodes of Insect Life. The third volume sketches, in the same lively way, the insects of autumnthe beetles, the crickets, the longlegs, the moths, &c., &c.; all of whom come up for description, eulogy, and favor, at the hands of this benevolent author. The facts of science are made the themes of pleasant discussion and illustration, extending to almost everything in morals, religion, and literature; with a vein of poesy enlivening the whole. The illustrations of the present volume, though not so plentiful as in the preceding, are of the same elegant and tasteful sort. The work, as now completed, is one of rare and beautiful qualities, which cannot fail to commend it to those who love the works of God, or follow with delight the researches of science.

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Under his treatment, the stately and elaborate ritual of the Mosaic economy becomes instinct with life and impressiveness. Every utensil is a preacher, and every rite a lesson. The truths needful for salvation are all beaufully proclaimed--all that met the eye of the thoughtful Jew. Mr. Bonar shows great ingenuity in identifying these hidden truths, and discretion and judgment in applying them. The devotional tone of the work is delightfulexcellently contrasting with the usual character of commentaries. And whether the reader is satisfied with his explanation or not, he cannot fail to derive much instruction and spiritual benefit from the religious application which

he makes.

Family Devotion -A collection of original prayers, for the use of Christian families, has been published by the Messrs. CARTER, which possesses some unusual excellences. It is very copious-having a separate petition for every morning and evening of the whole year, adapting the form to the changes of circumstance which time effects, yet preserving conspicuously those ever-present spiritual wants which are the same at all times. There is great variety of religious experience expressed in them, which will adapt them to the wants of different individuals, and different times. They were composed and contributed by one hundred and fifty clergymen of the Church of Scotland, embracing some of the best cultured minds and hearts in that country. They are exceedingly well composed-chaste in language, earnest in feeling, comprehensive in scope, and devoutly evangelical in character. We know of no collection of prayers so comprehensive and voluminous, and so well adapted to the wants of families, in all the moods of their religious experience; and we commend it to our readers, who may desire the aid of a safe and well-adapted form of prayer.

The Spectator Illustrated.-Messrs. THOMAS, COWPERTHWAITE & Co., of Philadelphia, have recently issued a new edition of the immortal Spectator, in four volumes, with numerous illustrative engravings. In many respects, it is a very fine edition-portable, readable, and good looking; and sold at a cheap rate, it is one that may be commended to families. The great literary merit of this work admits of no new illustration. It stands at the head of its class in our language. The essay originated with it, and no subsequent writer has exemplified so perfectly its best qualities of style, wit, grace, and wisdom. Its easy, pleasant humor, its profound insight, its admirable delineations of character, criticisims and moral teaching, and its perpetual variety, render it as attractive to the reader of our own day as to the eager reader of Queen Anne's time. For young readers it has special utility, as furnishing the finest specimens of English to be found in the whole range of lite

rature.

Hand-books of Natural Philosophy.-One of the most lucid and philosophical digests of the leading principles of Natural Philosophy, adapted for the use of learners, is to be found in the finely printed volume of Messrs. BLANCHARD & LEA, bearing this title, and from the pen of Dr. Dionysius Lardner, whose scholarship and tact are well known. It consists of three parts-one treating of Mechanics-the properties of matter, force and motion, and machinery; the second, of hydrostatics, hydraulics, pneumatics and sound; the third, of optics. The principles of the science are enunciated with simplicity, conciseness, and perspicuity; the illustrations are very clearly told, and there are also a great many diagrams, ingeniously constructed, and of great utility. The work appears to us to be unusually full, clear and methodical, and therefore well adapted for use as an elementary treatise on this department of education.

An Exposition of the Apocalypse.-By Rev. Thomas Wickes. M. W. DODD. Mr. Wickes embraces not only the

theory of symbolization, propounded by Mr. Lord, but also his explanations of the symbols, and confines himself to an explication of the prophecy of the Apocalypse, by means of them. The results he arrives at are considerably different from those usually entertained by commentators and Christian readers of the Bible. He is led by his rigid adherence to the symbolic theory, as defined by Mr. Lord, to believe in the Second Advent and personal earthly reign of Christ; in a Millennium consisting of at least three hundred and sixty-five thousand years, and in various other particulars of the literalist creed. We cannot say that Mr. Lord's ingenious theorizing receives much support in Mr. Wickes' interpretation and application of it. The history of the interpretation of this mysterious book would form a curious chapter. It has been subjected to the torture of innumerable theories, and suffered more by the attempts of commentators to throw light upon it, than any other portion of the Divine Word. Yet no one is satisfied with what has been done, and the true theory of the book remains to be found. We learn that Mr. BARNES will soon publish an exposition, which will, at least, have the merit of sobriety, learning, and good sense.

Miss Strickland's Queens of England.-The elaborate work of Miss Agnes Strickland, portraying the lives of all the Queens of England, has been republished in this country, in six volumes, by Messrs. BLANCHARD & LEA, of Philadelphia. When composed, it was a novel attempt in a line of literature that has since been successfully prosecuted, and with useful results. It is a combination of biography with history-taking a single branch of history, and amplifying it with the details and personal interest which belong to biography. A great charm is thus, thrown about subjects, which, if seen only in the generalization of history, would have but little attraction. Miss Strickland was fortunate in the choice of her subject, and eminently skillful and happy in its management. The Queens of Great Britain have often been personages possessing great interest in themselves, and always important in their relations to the politics of their times, and the influence they often exerted. Yet but little is known of them. This work elaborately portrays them, in their private spheres as well as public relations-their characters and history, as well as their political influence. The centres of the courts of their times, and the leaders of fashionable and elegant life, their biography brings to view the inner life of the times, and involves much of the intrigue whose hidden force gives direction and impetus to outward political affairs. The work is graphically written, abounding in piquant sketches, agreeable gossip, and important disclosures, which, though they may be looked for in vain in history, are full of interest and significance, as interpreters of the morals, manners, opinions and civilization of the times. In interest to the general reader, it is hardly surpassed by anything of the kind in our whole literature; and in value to the considerate reader, it has not many superiors. It is a book, one of whose impressions will be to make the reader content with his lot, and to be thankful for the progress in religious knowledge and morals which distinguishes our own times.

Our Plate.-The speaking subject which we present with this number, needs no illustrative remarks. The early history and troubles of the great Discoverer are well known. The artist has given a characteristic expression to the features of Columbus, and made an effective group, which, in the hands of Mr. Sartain, makes a striking picture. There is a moral so closely interwoven with the web of Columbus' life, that the engraving may be, to a thoughtful mind, as forcible as a sermon.

The features of one of the most accomplished and esteemed ornaments of the American pulpit, which are presented in the other engraving, will be welcome to those who have been charmed by his graceful and engaging pen.