Transcendentalism in Political Ethics [pp. 283-305]

1859.] Transcendentalism in Political Ethics.
the joint action of any commission that could now be constituted
by authority. But what is to become of the Bible Societies,
with their numberless editions "without note or comment?"
We will not alarm our readers by suggesting as a possible
contingency, that these institutions may confine themselves
hereafter to the collection of the necessary funds, and leave
the printing of the Scriptures to the trade, and its distribution
to be regulated by the churches. We make no such practical
proposal, and express no wish upon the subject. But if the
improvement of the authorized version should be found incom patible with actual arrangements, and the clamor for the former
should grow louder, it may some day overbear the latter. But
if this should not be so, we are prepared to see the authorized
version circulated as it is, believing that with all its imperfec tions, it will do as little harm in future as it has in time past,
and that while any tampering with its text would be like the
letting out of water, fraught with error and confusion, truth
contained in the existing version will to countless generations
be found able (or sufficient) to make wise unto salvation.
ART. V.-Morality and the State. By SIIEON NASH. Co lumbus, Ohio: Follett, Foster & Co. Boston: Phillips,
Sampson & Co. 1859.
MIORALITY and the State! How noble the theme in itself,
and how urgently requiring treatment at the hands of a master,
with special reference to our own time and our own country!
Amid the shameless venality and profligacy which scarcely try
to veil themselves under the mask of a decent hypocrisy in our
American politics, and which taint our national, state, and
municipal legislation, the voice of a judge and civilian expounding and enforcing the obligations of morality in the state,
seems like a living spring bubbling up in a stagnant pool.
The purpose of this book, therefore, commands our warmest
sympathy. And we are happy to add, that the execution of
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