Germany: the spirit of her History, Literature, Social Condition, and National Economy; illustrated by reference to her Physical, Moral, and Political Statistics, and by comparison with other Countries. By Bisset Hawkins, M.D. Oxon. F.R.S.

IN these days of steam and railroads, when a journey to Constantinople is spoken of with even more indifference than our respected fore. fathers were wont to contemplate a journey to the Metropolis, when the same process of steam and locomotion is applied to the writing of books, which contain the full and true account of all that the experience of three long months may well be supposed to furnish, it is somewhat refreshing, after being worn out with the fizzing and rumbling of a "Three Months Ramble" in this region, "a Summer" in that, and, credite posteri, a whole "Winter," perchance, in Vienna,-to travel along the road with Dr. Hawkins for our guide, with the satisfactory conviction, that, in the patient research and amiable candour which characterises this volume, we have ample security against the crude theories of summer-flitting barristers, or the one-sided views of political partizans. Dr. Hawkins does not profess to present either a geography or a topography of Germany; his endeavour is rather to point out all that is most remarkable and characteristic in that country; all which distinguishes it from its neighbours; all which connects it with the political, literary, and social state of mankind; and all which marks its actual condition and prospects. In the furtherance of this plan, he does not depend upon his own impressions merely, nor take for granted the conclusions of others; but by a careful appeal to statistical facts endeavours, at least, to approximate to an honest and impartial view of Ger

straightforward volume will appear heavy and prolix; but to all who value facts, who look on Germany as the country of all others most united to us by kindred descent and social affections, to all who may find it convenient to quit (as they always call it)

"

poor old England," in order that they may educate their children, this book will be invaluable; supplying, as it does, a mass of information not elsewhere to be met with in so collected a form, and in which, we are perfectly sure, the uniform intention of the author has been to state the truth, without any voluntary admission of party bias. And here, perhaps, we may be permitted to add a few words of kind advice to those whom, but too often, the "res augusta domi" tempts to seek abroad the means of obtaining accomplishments for their children which they have it not in their power to obtain for them at home. Alas! these accomplishments are often bought at too dear a price, at the risk of sacrificing those fire-side virtues and holier affections, which, growing with our growth, and daily becoming part and parcel of ourselves, should knit our hearts to that land, which still, by God's blessing, is the pride of every Englishman, and the envy of all nations.

No where can we ever find an equivalent for that holiest of all affections, the love of our own home; and vainly shall we hope that this will ever flourish, when the child is brought up a stranger in other lands to that which gave it birth. Now-a-days we can ill afford to lose the affection of even one of our countrymen; but when, for the sake of accomplishments merely, the old squirearchal house is left, and the children are taken from the spot where they are imbibing feelings, (prejudices, if you like,) worth a thousand fold more than all that foreign lands can teach, when, in place of the old and loved domestics, they are surrounded by those with whom they have no bond of union, what can we augur, but that in after years the pride of country, and all the "virtues

never known beyond the hallowed limit of home, will scarcely if at all exist:

"Household deities!

Then only shall be happiness on earth
When Man shall feel your sacred power,
Your tranquil joys."
[and love

But if the change must be made, then we would say, Go to Germany; they are a people who harmonise more with us in character, and you will there incur the least risk of corrupting the morals of your children, at the same time that you can secure for them accomplishments which, if they must be sought elsewhere, can no where be so easily acquired as in Germany.

Dr. Hawkins commences his work with a short but able sketch of the History of Germany to the present day. In speaking of the promises made by some of the sovereigns to present their subjects with a constitutional form of government, in the room of an arbitrary one, he has the following just remarks:

"If the sanguine have not obtained all that they expected, and if the immediate results have not been satisfactory to all, something must be allowed to the suddenness of the measure, to the imperfections inseparable to a first experiment, and to the want of training and apprenticeship; for a nation does not accustom itself in a

few years to constitutional forms; they must grow even through centuries to maturity before the fruit can be abundant, wholesome, and grateful. One of the most fatal political errors of our age, is the belief that every people are ripe for a constitution; and that all, in the first moments of fruition, are capable of converting possession into happiness. The soil must first undergo a slow preparatory cultivation, and many a harvest must be reaped without present profit—but still, not all in vain."

In no country of Europe is the distinction of classes more marked than in Germany; and till of late years the line of demarcation between those of noble and burgher families has been most striking. We live, however, in times when it is impossible that such a state of things could go on in all its galling restrictions. In Prussia, especially, the ruin which in the year 1806 overwhelmed that country, brought, of necessity, a complete change in the policy of its Government. The ap

peal was made to the people, and in order to gain their support, the old system of servitude was abandoned, the plebeian was allowed to purchase the estates of a nobleman, the nobility was declared liable to conscription, and a system of army promotion was introduced, which excluded the pretensions of birth in the choice of a candidate. Nor was this the case in Prussia alone, but in the majority of the German states the old feudal privileges have been gradually lessened. Is it, then, to be wondered at if, having lost their seignorial privileges in a great extent, they still cling to purity of family descent, and point with pride to the many-quartered shield? What may be the end of this state of change, which more or less is pervading all Europe, it is, indeed, impossible to say; a change which is being brought on by the rapid increase of knowledge (so called) in the lower classes, in the diffusion and misrepresentations of newspapers, in the augmentation of the middle ranks in number and wealth, and in the losses and confusion which the higher families have suffered through the ravages of war, the plunder of foreign invasion, the changes of territory, and the whirlwind of revolutions.

"In Germany, this new motion comdegree softened and eased by the friendly municated to society is in a certain tone which, more or less, prevails among the different classes of the community; an extreme affability, beginning at the highest point, and gradually descending to the base, seems likely to prevent violent collisions, and to diminish the friction. A truth of inexpressible value in all the relations of life is there acknow

ledged and practised as a fundamental usage of intercourse; namely, that all are to be treated with respect; that no superiority of rank or fortune can warrant arrogance of demeanour or pride of speech. Mankind will far more readily forgive even great vices than a breach of courtesy ; and we have ample experience in all biography and history, that kindness and affability of manner form the real secret of conciliating golden opinions."

This is certainly true of Germany; and it would be well for us at home, if we would abate somewhat of the pride of deportment, which produces great bitterness of feeling in the class immediately beneath our own. In

England we have successive stages of aristocracies, and none are more offensive than those which assume superiority without any just claim to it; it is your little great folks, as they are termed, who are ever the proudest and most overbearing.

In the History of German Literature Dr. Hawkins has been assisted by a friend, who has furnished him with copious notes taken at the lectures of Wilhelm von Schlegel, of well-known fame; this of course adds very much to the interest of these chapters. These notes, however, only extend to the time of Schiller, and the more modern writers are analysed by the same friend, Mr. Joynbee. We can, however, cordially commend this portion of the work all that comes from Schlegel, on matters of taste and rigorous criticism, cannot fail of being most interesting; he has been entitled, and not unjustly, the first critic of modern times. In a field so wide as that of Modern German Literature, it is impossible to expatiate upon each writer: that semiChristian and would-be-Grecian school, of which Goethe and Schiller were the accredited heads, has in these later days been succeeded by the Romantic school, the founders and most active members of which are the Schlegels, Sieck, and Noralis, which was the assumed name of the Baron von Hardenberg. This school may be looked upon as a re-action against the preceding extreme, and it is the deep feelings of enthusiasm which the followers entertain for the romantic spirit of the Middle Ages which gives them their name. They left Greece and Rome for the Christian middle ages, and to them are we indebted for the deep and devout admiration with which Shakspeare is reverenced in Germany. In speaking of the later works of Sieck, his "Novellen," Dr. H. or rather Mr. Joynbee,

says,

"They unbare too cruelly our inevitable weaknesses, and repeat too plainly that folly is the heirloom of our race. A vein of irony pervades them, of an effect sometimes too harsh. It would seem, now and then, as if the author wished to disown his kind, so completely does he despise it."

Now surely this is not exactly a fair critique upon these latter works. Has

Mr. J. read "Der Professor," the most inimitable picture of a kindhearted bookworm, who is cured of his hypochondria by marriage? We would recommend the reading of this to all Fellows of Colleges who go off upon livings, and find themselves very much out of sorts. Again, there is the "Wechnacht-abend," a tale of great pathos, which does not at all come under the view which Mr. J. gives of "Sieck's Novellen." The favourite theory among the present school of dramatists in Germany is the modern adaptation of the fatalism of the ancients, which Schiller has attempted in the "Bride of Messina." We may instance here the writings of Werner, Müllner, and Grillparner. "One of Werner's most remarkable works is The Twenty-fourth of February.'" This is a mistake, Müllner is the writer of this extraordinary play. Mr. J. mentions Raupach as one of the latest writers of popular tragedies, but he does not speak of him as a writer of farces; and it is these to which he owes most of his fame. The character of Jile, a foolish, busy intriguant, who generally forms the prominent character, is highly amusing.

In the chapter upon Education, (c. 12,) Dr. Hawkins gives us some curious statistics, which prove that England is not the only country in which the learned professions are overstocked. He observes that

education may be obtained in Germany, "The facility with which the highest naturally introduces into the arena of life an immense proportion of candidates for its higher prizes, too many of whom finally obtain disappointment, if not entire destitution, while not a few bury their obscure heartburnings in the chance pittance afforded by foreign countries, already overstocked with aspirants of indigenous origin. Thus in the course of ten recent years, the number of Protestant Clergy

men has doubled in Prussia, and the Roman Catholic Priesthood has tripled; the lawyers have increased one fourth, but the doctors in medicine only one seventh. At the beginning of this period, (i.e.1823,) there was one lawyer in 12,600 inhabitants, at the end there was one in 8,562; there was one doctor of medicine, at the beginning, to 27,000 souls, and at last, one in 25,205. In consequence of the increase of students in the late years there was recently in Prussia, so many as

One doctor of medicine for 3516.

[These figures are evidently incorrect, but they are so printed in Dr. Hawkins's book.]

"How many of those now employed must accordingly die or retreat, in order to make room for the forthcoming! In the smaller states of Germany the prospect is still more disheartening. In the duchy of Baden, only eight vacancies annually occur of offices in the law, enjoying a fixed salary, while so many as forty-six candidates present themselves annually for examination; and there are already so many as two hundred and fifty-one candidates examined and approved, and awaiting the long-deferred turn."

Dr. H. gives an account, sufficiently accurate, of the system of universities in Germany, but he does not pronounce an opinion upon their merits. Now it is evident that with them lectures constitute everything, and but too often these lectures are no more than harangues upon some given subject.

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Young men," said Goethe, are driven in flocks into the lecture-rooms, and are crammed, for want of any real nutriment, with quotations and words. The insight which is wanting to the teacher, the learner is to get for himself as he may. No great wisdom or acuteness is necessary to perceive that this is an entirely mistaken path."

This was then, and still is, perfectly true; in our own universities we go to the opposite extreme, and instead of accustoming the student to trust to his own resources, the system of private tutors is carried to such a length as completely to accustom the pupil in any difficulty to refer it to his tutor, and not try and work it out for himself. Lectures, therefore, with us, are too much secondary things; and besides the cost of private tutors increases to an alarming extent the necessary expenses of each student.

It is now

very much the fashion to send boys to be educated in Germany, perhaps at one of the universities. Now for a young man after he has completed his

studies at home, to attend a course of lectures at one of the German Universities, is doubtless very desirable, but not so for boys. Our own experience would not advise the risk of their encountering, at so early an age, the coarse and low habits of the German student; though without doubt many among them are gentlemanly and quiet lads, but they are the exception. We cordially agree with Dr. H. in the following remarks:

"It appears to me that one essential defect in the system of German University education, is the absence of a good pervading instruction in religion; it is true that there are numerous theological courses delivered for the benefit of students, destined for the Church, but these do not reach the mass of other pupils; they do not necessarily participate in this first and last requisite of an elevated education."

Of the subject of general education, sued in Prussia, Dr. H. gives a sucand more especially of the system pur

cinct and admirable account. We would particularly call attention to this topic, since it is one which, probably, before long will be brought before us, and one about which there are the grossest misstatements. We would beg leave to ask what supposable quantity of information concerning any system of National Education can by any possibility be acquired in one day. And yet we know for a fact that a certain honourable member from Ireland went specially to Brussels, not very few weeks since, to inquire into the system of education pursued there; "for," said he, "I have a motion to make against Lord John on that point.' He stayed in Brussels one whole day, of course he will not be likely to misstate anything. Oh no! "I know it from my own personal inquiry." Dr. H. gives us a most interesting account of the prison discipline in Germany, which, as might be expected from him, is full of interesting research. He seems decidedly favourable to the system of solitary confinement, provided the present buildings could be improved; for unless cells be moderately warm in winter, light and well ventilated, it would be impossible to adopt this system, because our gaols have not, like the American penitentiaries, been constructed with this express object in

view. The state of the prisons in Germany he considers upon the whole satisfactory, and very different indeed from what they were even twenty years since.

"A praiseworthy care," he says, "is taken by the respective governments of the prisoners after their liberation. At Hamburg, it not unfrequently happens, that the prisoner receives on his liberation, a sum of from two to three hundred marks, as the produce of his labour. When the conduct of the prisoner has been good, exertions are made to establish him honestly. In the Duchy of Nassau, if the prisoner's gains do not amount to a certain sum, the deficiency is supplied by the government. In all cases he receives a new dress gratis, and care is taken to replace him well in the world, and to prevent him from returning to his former career. In Rhine- Prussia, as soon as the prisoner is liberated, he is protected and assisted by the Rheno-Westphalian society. In Austria it is the authorities of the police who are bound to superintend him, and to aid in his restoration to society."

Before we take leave of Dr. Hawkins, we must again repeat our conviction of the utility of his work, and the able

manner in which he has executed it.

The Authority of Tradition in Matters of Revelation. By the Rev. George Holden, A.M. 12mo. 1838.

MR. HOLDEN has inscribed on his title-page an extract from St. Cyprian which strikes at the root of the question here debated. "Unde est ista Traditio? Utrumne de Dominica et Evangelica auctoritate descendens, an de Apostolorum Mandatis atque Epis. tolis veniens?" Then he adds,-"Ea enim facienda esse quæ scripta sunt Deus testatur." And yet, as the authority of a book cannot be greater than that of the writer, or of a work than the author, or of a decree than the law-giver; so, if it could be proved that the early traditions of the Church were apostolical, they must be received as divine, with a submission equal to that paid to the Scriptures; if they even be proved to have come from the early fathers of the Church, they should be looked on with deep reverence, and received with a willing and dutiful heart; if later than this in time, and inferior to this in authority, they must be judged of GENT. MAG. VOL. X.

like other matters of serious import which are submitted to our eason, though permitted to command that instant and reverential respect that is paid to the written word of Truth. Mr. Holden gives as the result of his researches: 1. That there is not evidence to prove the tradition of the primitive Churches to be apostolical and divine, and therefore it is not to be received as the authoritative test of the meaning of the sacred writings. 2dly. That, as it is not apostolical and divine, it is human testimony; yet, as it forms a valuable help to the right interpretation of Scripture, it is to be received with reverent attention. 3rdly. That, though no absolute judge in controversies of faith exists, (primitive tradition being only a collateral proof,) sufficient guides are provided to enable persons to acquire a saving knowledge of revealed truth. 1. The Light of Reason. 2. The Teaching of the Church. 3. The Illumination of the Holy Spirit Mr. Holden then draws his argument to the conclusion

that this is the only view of tradition compatible with the sovereign authority of Scripture, the privileges of the Catholic Church, and the right of private judgment; and that it accords with the doctrines of the Church of England. The work itself is divided into six chapters. 1. Introductory. 2. The Historical Evidence to the Authority of Tradition. 3. Presumptive Evidence to the same. 4. Scriptural Evidence to the same. 5. Legitimate Authority of Tradition. 6. Doctrine of the Church of England respecting Tradition. Mr. Holden sets out by saying it is a subject not only intricate in itself, but involved in obscurity from the different views taken of it by the controversialists; and that its true character is lost in the conflict of opposing statements respecting the authority due to it. He says four different opinions have met with zealous advocates. 1. The Romanists, whose rule of faith is both Scripture and Tradition, and that Tradition consists partly of doctrines orally delivered by Christ and his apostles, and uninterruptedly transmitted by the Church in their original purity; and they believe the Catholic Church is constituted an infallible guide for determining what traditions are genuine, and their sense. 4 L