Text: Anonymous, “[Review of the Southern Literary Messenger for August 1836],” United States Gazette (Philadelphia, PA), vol. XXXVI, whole no. 6228, August 27, 1836, p. 4, col. 2

[page 4, column 2, continued:]

Southern Literary Messenger.

August number of this periodical is before us, and we have read with great satisfaction a portion of its contents; two pieces of poetry, one by Mrs. Sigourney, and the other by Dr. Bird, of this city, deserves commendations, nor is that from warm of Mr. Poe to be disregarded.

Several letters written by the late John Randolph breath a spirit of affectionate piety — but when indeed was there ever piety without affection? or what is piety but affection? — the love of God exhibiting itself in obedience to his commands — to love the brethren.

An article on the study of the learned languages from the pen of Mathew Carey, Esq. The idea adopted by the distinguished writer is generally correct; but he does not do justice to the great motive of classical study — namely, mental discipline. We think also that he lays too much stress upon the value of examples, by the great of Greece and Rome. There are very few, it any, of the best examples of classical heroes, that have not their parallels in biblical history; and we really believe if the bible was not considered as the rule and guide of faith, the pride of man would more readily accept it as the guide for practice.

Mr. Garnett's lecture is good and practical — we commend it to the attention of readers.

In our opinion, the Messenger for this month lacks a proper portion of light mean reading — we mean a good story — a deficiency which its editor could most easily supply.

The critical notices of the Messenger have been marked with a freedom of censure, which has led to a belief, on the part of some, that this periodical was peculiarly independent. Without doubting the independence of the journal, we may safely say, that discriminate censure of any work is no proof of critic's independence, or of his ability to judge; our very independence of one person may arise from dependence on another — our remark is general. We like to see a writer express his own opinions, and if he thinks a work under review deserves censure, let him not withhold the rod; but he must not forget that criticism supposes judgment.

The Messenger is well sustained, and deserves port.