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Article REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. Page 1 of 8 →
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Review Of New Publications.
REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS .
The History of tie Reigns of Peter 111 . and Catharine II . of Russia , Translated from tbe French , and enlaryed ivith- explanatory Notes and brief Memoirs of illustrious Persons . Volume the first . 6 s . Cawthorn . NOT having seen the original , v .-e cannot form an accurate opinion of the merit of the translation ; but we see it is the work of a man well acquainted with the English language , ancl able to give thoughts and sentiments the best effect . The notes display an extensive knowledge of Russian affairs ,
and a profound view of human nature , especially as affected by different stages of civilization and different kinds of political government . A preface , by the Translator , is a chain of sound observation , strong reasoning , and salutary princip les . ' J'he sentiments of the original author somewhat verge towards democracy ; at least to an approbation of the French revolution . The editor shews the constitutional opinions of an Englishman , in the preface and notes , which are his own : but is not restrained by his own
opinions from expressing those , which he undertakes to translate , with clearness , force , and elegance . The following remarks on the connection between private virtue and public utility contain , we think , very sound doctrine , exhibited by a discriminating and energetic mind : 'An opinion has been spread abroad , with no small degree of industry , that private and public character are two distinct things j and that a man may be a good statesman , although a victim to immorality . . This is a principle in ethics , among others , that appears novel to me ; and must certainly be
confined to a narrow sphere of action . It is not to the comprehension of vast political schemes , involving the mere financial existence of an empire , it is not to the bold enterprises bf genius , and uncommon anticipations of national advantage , that a country is wholly indebted for its happiness ; from these we undoubtedly derive a consequence in the political world : but no people can be accounted bappv until moral principles establish virtuous practice . A great statesman may benefit the council by his wisdom ; but if his vicious babies are
so glaring as to appear uncalled , the hitter will etfeft about ten times as much more harm among the community at large , and that part of it in particular who are accustomed to estimate talents by the line of virtue , and who think him the wisest man whose abilities direct his morals , than he can do good by the former , in promoting a partial welfare of his country . It is this'kind of policy that is big with ruin . Those who govern an empire should recollectthat the most efficient restraint that can be laid upon a people is purity
, of morals . ' The reader will find in the notes much of able and useful , moral , reli gious , and political disquisition . The following dissertation on the clerical charafter , and the means of its respcflability , is on the whole just ; and at this time , when there is a propensity to degrade the clerical state , ; -ni consequently , in the usual course of things , its character and influence , very seasonable ..
' The poorness of the ecclesiastical livings seems to be the chief cause of the degradation of the clerical character in Russia . Most of the benefices afford nothing more than a scanty subsistence , and that of the poorest kind , ^ o qualif y men for such ' appointments , literary accomplishments , indeed VOL . , \\ j i
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Review Of New Publications.
REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS .
The History of tie Reigns of Peter 111 . and Catharine II . of Russia , Translated from tbe French , and enlaryed ivith- explanatory Notes and brief Memoirs of illustrious Persons . Volume the first . 6 s . Cawthorn . NOT having seen the original , v .-e cannot form an accurate opinion of the merit of the translation ; but we see it is the work of a man well acquainted with the English language , ancl able to give thoughts and sentiments the best effect . The notes display an extensive knowledge of Russian affairs ,
and a profound view of human nature , especially as affected by different stages of civilization and different kinds of political government . A preface , by the Translator , is a chain of sound observation , strong reasoning , and salutary princip les . ' J'he sentiments of the original author somewhat verge towards democracy ; at least to an approbation of the French revolution . The editor shews the constitutional opinions of an Englishman , in the preface and notes , which are his own : but is not restrained by his own
opinions from expressing those , which he undertakes to translate , with clearness , force , and elegance . The following remarks on the connection between private virtue and public utility contain , we think , very sound doctrine , exhibited by a discriminating and energetic mind : 'An opinion has been spread abroad , with no small degree of industry , that private and public character are two distinct things j and that a man may be a good statesman , although a victim to immorality . . This is a principle in ethics , among others , that appears novel to me ; and must certainly be
confined to a narrow sphere of action . It is not to the comprehension of vast political schemes , involving the mere financial existence of an empire , it is not to the bold enterprises bf genius , and uncommon anticipations of national advantage , that a country is wholly indebted for its happiness ; from these we undoubtedly derive a consequence in the political world : but no people can be accounted bappv until moral principles establish virtuous practice . A great statesman may benefit the council by his wisdom ; but if his vicious babies are
so glaring as to appear uncalled , the hitter will etfeft about ten times as much more harm among the community at large , and that part of it in particular who are accustomed to estimate talents by the line of virtue , and who think him the wisest man whose abilities direct his morals , than he can do good by the former , in promoting a partial welfare of his country . It is this'kind of policy that is big with ruin . Those who govern an empire should recollectthat the most efficient restraint that can be laid upon a people is purity
, of morals . ' The reader will find in the notes much of able and useful , moral , reli gious , and political disquisition . The following dissertation on the clerical charafter , and the means of its respcflability , is on the whole just ; and at this time , when there is a propensity to degrade the clerical state , ; -ni consequently , in the usual course of things , its character and influence , very seasonable ..
' The poorness of the ecclesiastical livings seems to be the chief cause of the degradation of the clerical character in Russia . Most of the benefices afford nothing more than a scanty subsistence , and that of the poorest kind , ^ o qualif y men for such ' appointments , literary accomplishments , indeed VOL . , \\ j i