THE CATHOLIC SERIES-continued. department of Literature, we gladly accept another contribution to critical biography....... The American writers keep more closely to their text than our own reviewers, and are less solicitous to construct a theory of their own, and thereby run the risk of discolouring the facts of history, than to take a calm and dispassionate survey of events and opinions."-Morning Chronicle. "Essays well worthy of an European Life."-Christian Reformer. "The collection before us is able and readable, with a good deal of interest in its subjects. They exhibit force, justness of remark, an acquantance with their subject, beyond the mere book reviewed; much clear-headed painstaking in the paper itself, where the treatment requires pains, a larger and more liberal spirit than is often found in Transatlantic literature, and some times a marked and forcible style."Spectator. "A work that will be right welcome to all lovers of literature, and which ought to be ordered by every bookclub."-Critic. "There is hardly one of these papers that has not great merit."-Inquirer. "This is truly a delightful book. We heartily welcome it as worthy to take its stand by the side of the Contributions' of our own great reviewers. Each essay, having for its object the development of the characteristics of one mind, is complete in itself, and almost perfect in the elegance and beauty of its execution."-Nonconform. "The value, both intrinsic and extrinsic, of these essays justly claims for them a favourable reception and attentive perusal in England."-Manchester Examiner. Works already Published. The Worship of Genius ; Being an Examination of the Doctrine announced by D. F. Strauss, viz. "That to our Age of Religious Disorganization nothing is left but a Worship of Genius; that is, a Reverence for those great Spirits who create Epochs in the Progress of the Human Race, and in whom, taken collectively, the Godlike manifests itself to us most fully," and thus having reference to the views unfolded in the work entitled, " Heroes and Hero-worship," by Thomas Carlyle. AND The Distinctive Character or Essence of Christianity: An Essay relative to Modern Speculations and the present State of Opinion. Translated, from the German of Prof. C. Ullmann, by LUCY SANFORD. 1 vol. post 8vo. 3s. 6d. CONTENTS. 6. The peculiar significance and influence of Christ's individual character. 7. The views of Hegel and his school. 8. Christ as the exemplification of the union of the Divine and Human in one character. 9. Importance of this truth for the definition of the distinctive Character of Christianity. 10. Christianity as the Perfect Religion. 11. Inferences from the pr ceding. 12. Retrospect and epitcme of the argument. 13. Application of the preceding to the idea of Faith. 14. Application to the Church. in one volume, post 8vo. 3s. 6d. cloth. "There is in it much important and original thought. Intelligent British Christians, who are inclined to take philosophical views of the Christian faith, will find much to delight and instruct them."-Baptist Magazine. Post 8vo. 1s. 4d. By Prof. G. G. GERVINUS, Author of the "Geschichte der Poetischen National-Literatur der Deutschen." "This work well deserves an introduction to an English public. It contains the reflections of a German philosopher on the extraordinary religious movement which is now agitating his countrymen; his anticipations, and his wishes respecting its results."-Inquirer. In an article upon the Author's "History of the Poetical Literature of the Germans," the North American The Destination of Man. By JOHANN GOTTLIEB FICHTE. PERCY SINNETT. 3s. 6d. cloth. "This is the most popular exposition of Fichte's philosophy which exists."Memoir of Fichte, by W. Smith. "The Destination of Man' is, as Fichte truly says, intelligible to all readers who are really able to understand a book at all; and as the history of the mind in its various phases of doubt, knowledge, and faith, it is of interest to all. Agree with Fichte, or disagree with him, you cannot help being carried along by his earnestness; you cannot help being struck with his subtlety and depth. Argument, in such a matter, we take to be wholly indifferent. A book of this stamp is sure to teach you much, because it excites thought. If it rouses you to combat his conclusions, it has done a good work; for in that very effort you are stirred to a consideration of points which have hitherto escaped your indolent acquisescence. Of the translation, we must, on the whole, speak very Review says:-" He exhibits the extensive and profound erudition, the historical faculty of bringing past and remote states of society near, and projecting the present into the distance; and the philosophical insight into the distinguishing features of individuals, communities, and epochs, which so favourably characterize the recent historiography of the Germans." Translated from the German, by Mrs. highly. It is accurate in the best sense."-Foreign Quarterly. "The Destination of Man 'is Fichte's most popular work, and is every way remarkable. Aware that the great public was fully competent to grapple with the most arduous problems of philosophy, when lucidly stated, however it might shrink from the jargon of the schools, Fichte undertook to present his opinions in a popular form. Mrs. Percy Sinnett has thoroughly mastered the meaning of her author, presents it clearly before the reader, and that without perpetually murdering our language by the introduction of barbarous neologisms."— Atlas. "It appears to us the boldest and most emphatic attempt that has yet been made to explain to man his restless and unconquerable desire to win the true and the eternal."-Sentinel. The Mental History of an Inquiring Spirit. A Biography of Charles Elwood. By O. A. BROWNSON. Post 8vo. 4s. cloth; 3s. 6d. paper cover. "This work is an attempt to present Christianity so that it shall satisfy the philosophic element of our nature. In this consists its peculiar merit and its distinctive characteristic. Such a book was certainly very much needed. We have no doubt that it will add many a doubter to a cheerful faith, and confirm many a feeble mind in the faith it has already professed. Mr. Brownson addresses the philosophic element, and the men in whom this element is predominant; and, of course, he presents the arguments that would be the most striking and satisfactory to this class of men. In so far as he has succeeded, he must be considered to have done a meritorious work. We think Mr. Brownson eminently qualified for this task, and that his success is complete. The work will, doubtless, be the means of giving composure and serenity to the faith of many who are as yet weak in the faith, or halting between two opinions."Christian Examiner. "In a series of chapters, Mr. Morton explains the nature of the Christian faith, and replies to the objections raised by Elwood as the discussion proceeds, and the argument we take to be conclusive, though of course every one may differ as to details. The mighty theme is handled in a most masterly style, and the reasoning may fairly be called mathematical.' There is neither rant nor cant, hypothesis or dog matism. Christianity is proved to be a 'rational religious system,' and the priest is exhibited in his true character. We can cordially recommend the volume, after a very careful perusal, to the layman who desires to think for himself, and to the clergy, as eminently calculated to enlarge their views and increase their usefulness, by showing them the difference between sectarianism and Christianity."-Sentinel. "The purposes, in this stage of his progress, which Mr. Brownson has in view are, the vindication of the reality of the religious principle in the nature of man; the existence of an order of sentiments higher than the calculations of the understanding and the deductions of logic; the foundation of morals on the absolute idea of right in opposition to the popular doctrine of expediency; wwww the exposition of a spiritual philosophy; and the connexion of Christianity with the progress of society. "The work presents the most profound ideas in a simple and attractive form. The discussion of these principles, which in their primitive abstraction are so repulsive to most minds, is carried on, through the medium of a slight fiction, with considerable dramatic effect. We become interested in the final opinions of the subjects of the tale, as we do in the catastrophe of a romance. A slender thread of narrative is made to sustain the most weighty arguments on the philosophy of religion; but the conduct both of the story and of the discussion is managed with so much skill, that they serve to relieve and forward each other."-Dial. On the Nature of the Scholar, and its Manifestations. By JOHANN GOTTLIEB FICHTE. Translated from the German; with a Memoir of the Author, by WILLIAM SMITH. Post 8vo. 6s. cloth. "This work consists of two parts; a Life of Fichte full of nobleness and instruction, of grand purpose, tender feeling, and brave effort; and a series of ten lectures on the Vocation and Functions of the Scholar. "The memoir, the compilation of which is executed with great judgment and fidelity, is the best preparation or prelection for a full and profitable comprehension of the somewhat vague loftiness of these eloquent addresses." -Prospective Review. "The material trials that Fichte encountered in the body are lost sight of in the spiritual contest which he maintained with his own mind. The page that keeps the record of incidents is dignified throughout by the strong moral light that falls everywhere upon it, like a glory, and sweetened by a living episode that flows through its dark and bright places like a stream of music."-Athenæum. "With great satisfaction we welcome this first English translation of an author who occupies the most exalted position as a profound and original thinker; as an irresistible orator in the cause of what he believed to be truth; as a thoroughly honest and heroic man. The appearance of any of his works in our language is, we believe, a perfect novelty. These orations are admirably fitted for their purpose; so grand is the position taken by the lecturer, and so irresistible their eloquence. To his excellent translation Mr. Smith has prefixed a biography of Fichte, abridged, though still copious, from the one written by Fichte, junior." -Examiner. "A pure and exalted morality and deep religious feeling breathes throughout the whole. The memoir prefixed to this volume, of which it fills about half, contains a concise and interesting account of Fichte's life and philosophical system."-Irish Monthly Magazine. "We state Fichte's character as it is known and admitted by men of all parties among the Germans, when we say that so robust an intellect, a soul so calm, so lofty, massive, and immoveable, has not mingled in philosophical discussion since the time of Luther. Fichte's opinions may be true or false; but his cliaracter as a thinker can be slightly valued only by such as know it ill; and as a man, approved by action and suffering, in his life and in his death, he ranks with a class of men who were common only in better ages than ours."-State of German Literature, by Thomas Carlyle. 26 Works published by THE CATHOLIC SERIES- -(continued.) The Philosophical and Esthetic Letters and Essays of Schiller. Translated, with an Introduction, by J. WEISS. Post 8vo. 7s. 6d. cloth. "These Letters stand unequalled in the department of Esthetics, and are so esteemed even in Germany, which is so fruitful upon that topic. Schiller is Germany's best Esthetician, and these letters contain the highest moments of Schiller. Whether we desire rigorous logical investigation or noble poetic expression, whether we wish to stimulate the intellect or inflame the heart, we need seek no further than these. They are trophies won from an unpopular, metaphysical form, by a lofty, inspiring, and absorbing subject."-Introduction. "It is not possible, in a brief notice like the present, to do more than intimate the kind of excellence of a book of this nature. It is a profound and beautiful dissertation, and must be diligently studied to be comprehended. After all the innumerable efforts that the present age has been some time making to cut a Royal road to everything, it is beginning to find that what sometimes seems the longest way round is the shortest way home; and if there be a desire to have truth, the only way is to work at the windlass one's self, and bring up the buckets by the labour of one's own good arm. Whoever works at the present well, will find ample reward for the labour they may bestow on it; the truths he will draw up are universal, and from that pure elementary fountain 'that maketh wise he that drinketh thereat."-Douglas Jerrold's Magazine. "It is difficult, if not impossible, to give a brief, and at the same time faithful, summary of the ideas affirmed by Schiller in this volume. Its aim is to develop the ideal of humanity, and to define the successive steps which must be trodden to attain it. Its spirit aspires after human improvment, and seeks to indicate the means of realization. Schiller insists upon the necessity of æsthetic culture as preliminary to moral culture, and in order to make the latter possible. According to the doctrine here set forth, until man is The Philosophy of Art. æsthetically developed, he cannot be morally free, hence not responsible, as there is no sphere for the operation of the will. "The style in which the whole volume is written is particularly beautiful, there is a consciousness of music in every page we read; it it remarkable for the condensation of thought and firm consistency which prevails throughout; and. so far as we are able to judge, the translation is admirably and faithfully rendered. The twenty-seven letters upon the Esthetic Culture of Man,' form the most prominent, and by far the most valuable, portion of the work; they will be found full of interest and the choicest riches, which will abundantly repay any amount of labour bestowed upon them."-Inquirer. "This is a book which demands and deserves study. Either to translate or to appreciate it requires a somewhat peculiar turn of mind. Not that any body could read it without profit, but to gain from it all that it is capable of yielding, there must be some aptitude for such studies, and some training in them too. To be appreciated it must be studied, and the study will be well repaid."-Christian Examiner. "Here we must close, unwillingly, this volume, so abounding in food for thought, so fruitful of fine passages, heartily commending it to all of our readers who desire to make acquaintance with the philosophy of art. The extracts we have taken will prove what a treasure is here, for they are but a fraction of the gems that are to be gathered in every page. We make no apology for having so long lingered over this book; for, albeit, philosophy is somewhat out of fashion in our age of materialism, it yet will find its votaries, fit though few; and even they who care not for the higher regions of reflection, cannot fail to reap infinite pleasure from the eloquent and truthful passages we have sought to cull for their mingled delight and edification."-Critic. An Oration on the Relation of the Plastic Arts to Nature. Translated from the German of F. W. J. VON SCHELLING, by A. JOHNSON. Post 8vo. ls. paper cover; 1s. 6d. cloth. "This excellent oration is an application to art of Schelling's general philosophic principles. Schelling takes the bold course, and declares that what is ordinarily called nature is not the summit of perfection, but is only the | inadequate manifestation of a high idea, which it is the office of man to penetrate. The true astronomer is not he who notes down laws and causes which were never revealed to sensuous organs, and which are often opposed to THE CATHOLIC SERIES-(continued.) the prima facie influences of sensuous observers. The true artist is not he who merely imitates an isolated object in nature, but he who can penetrate into the unseen essence that lurks behind the visible crust, and afterwards reproduce it in a visible form. In the surrounding world means and ends are clashed and jarred together; in the work of art the heterogenous is excluded, and an unity is attained not to be found elsewhere. Schelling, in his oration, chiefly, not exclusively, regards the arts of painting and sculpture; but his remarks will equally apply to others, such as poetry and music. This oration of Schelling's deserves an extensive perusal. The translation, with the exception of a few trifling inaccurrcies, is admirably done by Mr. Johnson; and we know of no work in our language better suited to give a notion of the turn which German philosophy took after it abandoned the subjectivity of Kant and Fichte. The notion will, of course, be a faint one; but it is something to know the latitude and longitude of a mental position."-Examiner. The Life of Jean Paul Fr. Richter. Compiled from various sources. Together with his Autobiography. Translated from the German. 2 vols. paper cover, 7s. ; cloth, 8s. "The autobiography of Richter, which extends only to his twelfth year, is one of the most interesting studies of a true poet's childhood ever given to the world."-Lowe's Edinburgh Magazine. "Richter has an intellect vehement, rugged, irresistible, crushing in pieces the hardest problems; piercing into the most hidden combinations of things, and grasping the most distant; an imagination vague, sombre, splendid, or appalling, brooding over the abysses of being, wandering through infinitude, and summoning before us, in its dim religious light, shapes of brilliancy, solemnity, or terror; a fancy of exuberance literally unexampled, for it pours its treasures with a lavishness which knows no limit, hanging, like the sun, a jewel on every grass-blade, and sowing the earth at large with orient pearls. But deeper than all these lies humour, the ruling quality of RICHTER-as it were the central fire that pervades and vivifies his whole being. He is a humorist from his inmost soul; he thinks as a humorist; he imagines, acts, feels as a humorist: sport is the element in which his nature lives and works."-THOMAS CARLYLE. "With such a writer it is no common treat to be intimately acquainted. In the proximity of great and virtuous minds we imbibe a portion of their nature-feel, as mesmerists say, a healthful contagion, are braced with the same spirit of faith, hope, and patient endurance--are furnished with data for clearing up and working out the intricate problem of life, and are inspired, like them, with the prospect of immortality. No reader of sensibility can rise from the perusal of these volumes without becoming both wiser and better."Atlas. "We find in the present biography much that does not so much amuse and instruct, as, to adopt a phrase from the religious world, positively edify the reader. The life of Richter is indeed a moral and a religious, as much as a literary treat, to all who have a sense exercised to discern religion and morality as a thing essentially different from mere orthodoxy and asceticism. The two volumes before us cannot be seriously read without stimulating the reader, like a good sermon, to self-amelioration, and in this respect they are invaluable. "Richter is a thorough Christian, and a Christian with a large glowing human heart. The appearance of his biography in an English form cannot, therefore, but be regarded as a great boon to the best interests of the country."-Tait's Magazine. Apart from the interest of the work, as the life of Jean Paul, the reader learns something of German life and German thought, and is introduced to Weimar during its most distinguished period--when Goethe, Schiller, Herder, and Wieland, the great fixed stars of Germany, in conjunction with Jean Paul, were there, surrounded by beautiful and admiring women, of the most refined and exalted natures, and of princely rank. It is full of passages so attractive and valuable that it is difficult to make a selection as examples of its character."-Inquirer. "This book will be found very valuable as an introduction to the study of one of the most eccentric and difficult writers of Germany. Jean Paul's writings are so much the reflex of Jean Paul himself, that every light that shines upon the one inevitably illumines the other. The work is a useful exhibition of a great and amiable man, who, possessed of the kindliest feelings, and the most brilliant fantasy, turned to a high purpose that humour of which Rabelais is the great grandfather, and Sterne one |