guardian of religious truth, we can not see how they part, either openly or tacitly, with one iota of that allegiance which they owe their own country for its protection of their civil rights. A careful discrimination between spiritual and political obligations would soon satisfy the intelligent editor of the Berks and Schuylkill Journal that he has been wrong in his views on this subject, and unkind in charging Catholicity with being “not favora ble to true patriotism."

Chaplains in the army.-The New Orleans Weekly Bulletin of June 13th contains some very just remarks in regard to the recent appointment of Catholic chaplains for the army. That the request for chaplains, however, emanated from Gen. Taylor is not correct, it having originated with some Catholic officers in the army. The Bulletin, in its remarks upon Mexican affairs, alludes to an "ecclesiastical mission made to Mexico in 1839 or 1840, by Dr. Rosati, then bishop of St. Louis." We are confident that Bishop Rosati never visited Mexico, either in a public or private capacity.

He was entrusted by the Holy See with a mission to Hayti, and visited that country in the discharge of the duties confided to him. The writer has very probably mistaken this circumstance for the mission to Mexico.

REV. MR. HEWITT.-This recent convert from the Protestant Episcopal church to Catholic truth, has published a pamphlet at Charleston, S. C., which contains "thoughts concerning the theories of High Churchmen and Tractarians, with reasons for submitting to the authority of the Holy See." We hope soon to be favored with its perusal, and to see it widely circulated among his former friends and present adversaries.

THE METHODIST PROTESTANT.-We perceive from this paper of the 20th June that it has fallen under the editorial care of the Rev. E. Y. Reese. They who prefer dispassionate argument and Christian courtesy to intemperate abuse and coarse vulgarity in the discussion of controversial topics, will not regret the change that has been made in the editorial department.

The Bible against Protestantism, and in strict accordance with the Catholic faith, &c. By the Rt. Rev. Dr. Sheil, with an Appendix, proving that the reformed churches are destitute of a lawful ministry. First American stereotype edition. Boston: Thomas Sweeney. 12mo. pp. 296.

The publication of this work is a valuable service to our controversial literature. It discusses the disputed points of religion on Scriptural grounds, and is thus calculated, if not fully to inform the inquirer upon the subject of Catholic truth, to remove at least from his mind that fruitful source of prejudice which lies in the impression that the doctrines and practices of Catholicity are at variance with the teachings of the inspired Word. But while it may usefully serve this particular purpose, the treatise which is appended is better adapted for the radical instruction of those whose minds have been imbued with Protestant ideas, by demonstrating the necessity of a lawful ministry, its existence in the Catholic church, and the absence of it from the reformed sects. The dedication of the volume to the "Christian Alliance" is, we think, far from being in good taste.

The Boys and Girls' Weekly Catholic Magazine. 8vo. Philadelphia. W. J. Cunningham. We are pleased to see this new periodical for the special benefit of the youthful portion of the community. We have received three numbers of it which promise well for its use

fulness in the cause which it has undertaken to serve. Each number embraces eight octavo pages, at two cents, and contains a variety of entertaining and instructive matter. We hope that this penny magazine for children will receive an extensive patronage.

Tract for the times, addressed to both Catholics and Protestants. By Spectator.

The author of this pamphlet has exposed the injustice of those itinerant no-popery lecturers who are so assiduously engaged nowa-days in endeavoring to humbug the American people in reference to Catholicity. He alludes, in a forcible manner, to the degrading system pursued by these imposters, and to the unprincipled favor which the reverend opponents of the church frequently extend to them. In an address of this kind, however, we deem it of the utmost importance to defend the cause of truth by the argumentum ad hominem, as well as to direct attention to its own positive evidences. The most striking proof of injus tice to the Catholic church, under the circumstances alluded to by the tract, may and ought to be drawn from the reflection that, as Protestants would consider it an outrage upon every principle of honor and justice to consult their declared enemies in reference to their views of religion, so the Catholic church has a right to demand that her principles and prac tice be learned from her own recognised exponents, and not from the declarations of her avowed adversaries.

Lives of the Saints. By Alban Butler. Baltimore: Metropolitan press.

We have received Nos. X, XI and XII of this excellent work, which is now completed, to the great satisfaction of its numerous list of subscribers.

An Abridgment of Murray's English Grammar and Exercises, with Questions; adapted to the use of schools and academies; also an Appendix containing rules and observations for writing with perspicuity and accuracy. By M. J. Kerney. Baltimore: J. Murphy, 18mo. We take particular pleasure in recommending this abridgment to the public. The notes and observations taken from the original are copious and well selected. In point of arrangement, it is superior to any other abridg ment of Murray's Grammar. It has exercises prefixed to each chapter and section throughout the work, also to the rules and notes of syntax. Thus, by combining the grammar and exercise, a very desirable improvement has been effected; the pupil, at every step of his progress, has a practical illustration of the principles inculcated. The questions at the bottom of each page, and at the end of each exercise, will give an increased value to the work, and will be found convenient to the teacher and useful to the pupil. By their arrangement and that of the exercises much of that dryness which scholars usually experience, while committing to memory the rules and notes of grammar, will be removed; the study will become pleasing and interesting.

Besides embracing in a narrow compass all that is important or essential in the original grammar and exercise, this abridgment contains in its appendix several additional matters which will be found highly interesting and useful to the learner: such as the Art of Reasoning, Oratory, Elliptical Phrases, Popular Latin Phrases, with a literal English translation.

Tears on the Diadem: or the Crown and the Cloister: a Tale of the White and Red Roses. By Mrs. Anna H. Dorsey. N. York: E. Dunigan. 18mo. pp. 223.

An interesting story, and to the lovers of fiction an acceptable publication. It forms a number of the Home Library.

Constitutional Reform, in a series of articles

contributed to the Democratic Review, upon Constitutional Guarantees in political governments, &c. To which are added two Letters of the Hon. Michael Hoffman, of New York, on the reorganization of the Judiciary of New York; also the Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson on Constitutional Reform. Edited by Thomas Prentice Kettell. New York, 142 Fulton street.

We are indebted to the politeness of the editor for a copy of the above pamphlet. The articles contained in it seem more particularly designed to enlighten the convention now assembled for the revisal and reform of the Constitution of the state of New York. They therefore in some instances

point out defects peculiar to that instrument, though there is at the same time a great deal of useful information contained in them for all who would understand thoroughly the imperfections that exist in the old state constitutions generally. We can not, however, in a passing notice of this pamphlet, attempt to point out its merits, or such of its principles as we consider unwise. We can say, in all truth, that, in reading it attentively, we have found much to approve, and but little to condemn. We thought we discovered, in some places, traits of a partisan character, which circumstance, had we the time and space, would make us distrustful of the propriety of discussing them in this journal. We do not think that times of high party excitement are the proper ones for amending state constitutions, because there is always danger that parties, according to their preponderance, will seek to engraft upon them their empheral doctrines, and to give them a partisan character, and will strive to imbody in the fundamental law what might properly be entrusted to the statutory.

There are some additions recommended by the writer, to the Constitution of the state of New York, which have already been adopted by some of the states, and should certainly become a part of the organic law of every member of our confederacy. Is there, for instance, any consummation to be more devoutly wished for, than that which the writer recommends, of securing the people in all future time against the improvident use of public money and public credit? or that a state should be accountable in a suit at law for contracts with and obligations to individuals? The protection of the property of married women recommended by the writer, and already secured to them by several states, is worthy of all imitation, and creditable to the wisdom of its authors and supporters. Such a provision is only a novelty among those people who have the English law as the basis of their legisla tion. The civil law, which our Anglo-Saxon fathers affected to contemn so religiously, has always recognised a separate ownership of the wife, of such property as was hers in her own right, either before or after marriage. In our own country the enlarged philosophy of such men as Kent and Story has thrown down the barriers which the English common law writers had built up between their own and the civil law, and has taught us to embrace what is wise and just wherever we find it. The article on "Political Patronage," so far as it sets out its evils, is full of sound and just reflections, and will receive a response of universal approbation; but whether the remedy proposed for these evils will be received with equal unanimity is rather problematical. In conclusion, we would advise all who wish to have a just conception of what are considered defects in our old constitutions, to peruse this pamphlet attentively, and we hazard nothing in saying that they will be much enlightened by its contents.

Observations in the East; chiefly in Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and Asia Minor. By John P. Durbin, D.D., late president of Dickinson college; author of "Observations in Europe," &c. In two volumes, 12mo. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1845.

VERY student in ecclesiastical history is familiar with the early prosperity and splendor of the oriental churches. Built up, many of them, by the apostles themselves, or their immediate disciples, and often watered by their blood, they continued to increase and to flourish for centuries, and diffused throughout the entire east, together with the light of the Gospel, the inestimable benefits of Christian civilization. Episcopal sees were erected in all the principal cities; and, whenever they were established, there grew up around them those admirable institutions of learning and charity which have always followed in the train of VOL. V.-No. 8.

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Christianity, and which have contributed so powerfully to change the face of society. The great patriarchal sees of Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, and subsequently that of Constantinople, became the radiating points of a new literature and a new civilization, much more useful and permanent, if not more brilliant, than had been those of the ancient classical times.

During the first four centuries, Alexandria, the capital of Egypt, was the great commercial emporium of the east, as well. as the principal seat of Christian philosophy and literature. Founded by St. Mark, the favored disciple of St. Peter, the patriarchal see of this city was the first in order and dignity after that of Rome, the see of St. Peter himself. Its Christian school, founded early in the third century, had produced a Clement, a Dionysius, and an Origen; and it had also numbered among its illustrious occupants the glorious names of a St. Alexander, a St. Athanasius, and a St. Cyril.

Next in point of rank came Antioch, the ancient capital of Syria, the second

city of the east, and the see of Peter during the first seven years of his primacy, before he removed it to Rome under the Emperor Claudius. Its Christian schools were likewise famous throughout Asia, and exercised a powerful influence over theological studies. The great St. John Chrysostom had been there trained to virtue and learning, and for many years of his early career his voice had in this church eloquently proclaimed the magnificent beauties and impressive truths of Christianity; while the sainted Flavians and other great and good men had successively discharged therein the office of patriarch. The third of the oriental sees was that of Jerusalem, founded originally by St. James, and subsequently illustrated by the virtues and learning of the St. Cyrils and the Juvenals.

It was only in the fourth century that Constantinople, till then called Byzantium, attained to the dignity of even an episcopal see; and until near the close of that century it was content to occupy the fourth place among the patriarchates of the east, and the fifth after that of Rome. It was only by a bold innovation on this ancient order of things, first admitted by the Greek bishops of the second general council, held at Constantinople in 381, and pushed still farther by those of the fourth general council, held at Chalcedon in 451, that this see was placed second after that of Rome.t The Roman pontiffs and the western church, however, never approved of this innovation, which they viewed as both unjust to the other patriarchal sees, and fraught with danger to the peace of the church. The event has, alas! but too sadly proved the wisdom of their forecast,

This influence became, subsequently, of a dangerous character, from the growing rationalistic spirit which pervaded its investigations. This remark is, to a certain extent, also true of the school of Alexandria. The school of Edessa, under the guidance of St. Ephraim, was much more unexceptionable. See Newman's "Essay on the Development," &c.

tIt must be observed that this regulation had reference only to ecclesiastical rank, and that the famous 28th canon of the latter council was not subscribed by one-half of the bishops, nor by the legates of the pope.

and the justice of their forebodings! These ambitious steps of the Constantinopolitan bishops finally led to the Greek schism with all its endless train of evils. But before it took place the see of Constantinople was rendered illustrious by such men as St. Gregory Nazianzen and St. John Chrysostom, to say nothing of many other great names.

The other distinguished episcopal sees of the east in the early ages of Christianity were those of Ephesus, Smyrna, Cæsarea, and Edessa; to say nothing of the other churches mentioned by St. John in the first chapters of the Apocalypse, and of those spoken of by St. Paul in his Epistles, and by St. Luke in the Acts of the Apostles. The great St. Basil, St. Ephraim, St. Gregory of Nyssa, Eusebius, the father of church history, and a host of other illustrious writers, shed a flood of light and splendor on the early history of the oriental churches. Their fame is confined to no country and to no age; it belongs to all generations and to all Christendom.

We have no means of ascertaining with precision the Christian population of the eastern church in the fourth and following centuries; or what proportion it bore to that of the west. That it was immense may be gathered from the fact, that the east then teemed with an abundant and overflowing population, the vast majority of which was Christian. By the beginning of the fifth century, paganism had so far declined as to be almost reckoned among the things that were. Another fact may serve to give us some idea of the great extension of Christianity at that early period, and may also enable us to estimate the relative Christian population of the east and of the west. Learned Christian antiquaries inform us that, towards the close of the fourth century, there were about eighteen hundred bishops in all Christendom, of whom nearly a thousand belonged to the eastern church. The episcopal sees were then, however, much more limited in extension than they are at the present day, and therefore much more

numerous in proportion to the population. This was more particularly the case in the east, and also in northern Africa. Thus we find that of the eight hundred bishopricks in the west about four hundred were in northern Africa alone! Yet no one would surely pretend to infer from this circumstance that the Christian population in that small portion of Africa was one half of that in the entire west.

Upon the whole we may, perhaps, conclude that, during the first eight centuries, the number of Christians in the east and in the west was about equal. After the final conversion of the northern nations, effected successively in the fifth and following centuries to the tenth, the western church acquired an immense preponderance in numbers; and, after the final consummation of the Greek schism in the eleventh century, this preponderance has gone on steadily increasing, until, at present, the western church has nearly four times as many in number as the eastern, including the Russian church and all the oriental sectaries. Ever since the schism, the Greek church has been steadily declining, and the Latin church has been as steadily progressing.

But the glory of the Greek church during the early ages belongs to the great body of Christians; for, during all that period, the eastern and the western churches were united into the one Catholic church, "the one sheepfold under the one Shepherd." Viewing the subject in this light, every Catholic heart must exult at the former splendor, and weep over the present fallen and forlorn condition of the oriental churches. Could the great and illustrious bishops and saints who once shed so brilliant a lustre upon that portion of Christendom now arise from their tombs, how sad a prospect would break upon their vision! Would they recognise in the present desolate and degraded condition of the oriental Christians any traces of that prosperity which they had formerly witnessed, and to which they had, under Providence, so greatly contributed?

Alas! how the face of things has changed. The glory of those time-honored and illustrious sees has faded for ever. For nearly four hundred years has that once chosen portion of God's inheritance been groaning under an oppressive and a crushing Turkish slavery; many of her once flourishing cities blotted out from the face of the earth, others lying desolate and in ruins, and even those which remain shorn of half their original splendor! Alas! for the uncertainty of human events! Alas! for those sins which brought down so terrible a chastisement of heaven!

It is, indeed, a sad thought, but one full of instruction for us, that what was once the blooming garden of Christian civilization has now become a dreary waste, a frightful wilderness; all its flowers blighted, all its fruits plucked. Asia Minor,.once the Eden of the world, and the most refreshing spot in Christendom, is now strewn only with ruins and with tombs, and has become a vast necropolis, or resting place for the ashes of the dead! Dr. Durbin draws the following graphic picture of this striking contrast:

"Our road lay directly over Mount Pagus, from the heights of which we descended by an ancient paved way, much broken up, into one of those incomparable valleys of Asia Minor, which to the eye seem to be completely shut in by high, broken gray mountains, and yet are connected with the adjacent valleys by narrow extensions between the mountains.

. . . Their wonderful fertility, when well cultivated, may be inferred from the fact that, in ancient times, the smallest of them sustained a city with its dependent towns, and each of the largest was adorned with several cities, some of which were remarkable for population and wealth. The names of most of these are preserved in history, but the sites of many are utterly unknown. Indeed, Asia Minor may be considered one vast solitude, rendered exceedingly impressive by the number of cemeteries which the traveller sees every few hours. No villages or towns are in sight of them. No groves of cypress or terebinth shade them. The former glory and power of the countless millions that sleep in them are indicated by the fragments of marbles, columns, pedestals,