pendence. The conclusions arrived at are those of one who thinks lor himself, — not created by early prepossessions, nor restricted within the narrow limits of opinions peculiar to any school or sect. The originality and good sense of Mr. Norton's general remarks impress the reader quite as strongly as the accu racy of his scholarship, and the wide ran,L;'e of learning with which the subject is illustrated. His mind is neither cumbered nor confused by the rich store of its acquisitions, but works with the greatest clearness and etfect when en gaged in the most discursive and far- reaching investigations.
" A groat portion of the work, indeed, belongs to ecclesiastical history; but it does not deal with the men and the events of that history, it relates almost exclusively to thoughts and theories. It analyzes systems of philosophy; it examines creeds; it traces the changes and the influences of opinions. Nearly the whole of the work, as the German would say, belongs to the history of 'pure reason.' The originality of Mr 20 Works published by Norton's views is one of their most striking characteristics. He does not deem it necessary, as too many theo logians have done, to defend the records of his faith by stratagem. The conse quence is, that his work is one of the most unanswerable books' that ever was written. It comes as near to demon stration as the nature of moral reason ing will admit.
" As an almost unrivalled monument of patience and industry, of ripe scho larship, thorough research, eminent ability, and conscientious devotion to the cause of truth, the work may well claim respectful consideration. The reasoning is eminently clear, simple, and direct; and abounds with the re sults of the most profound learning." — North American Review.
" The first volume of this work was published so long ago as the year 1837. At the close of it the author announces his intention to pursue the argument, by inquiring into the evidence to be derived from the testimony of the different heretical Sects. It is to this part of the subject that the second and third volumes, now before us, are directed,— which are evidently the fruit of much labour, research, and extensive reading; and contain a variety of very curious incidental mat ter, highly interesting to the student of ecclesiastical history, and of the human mind.
" There are many interesting and cu rious discussions of an incidental nature. Among these we may particularly spe cify the remarks on the character of the ancient philosophy in the third volume, and a very curious note in the appendix to the same volume, on the distinctions made by the ancients between things Intelligible and things Sensible, and on the nature of Matter.— Prospective He- view.
John CJiapman, 142, Strand. 21 Cf)e Catftoltr THE Publisher of " The Catholic Series" intends it to consist of Works of a liberal and comprehensive character, judiciously selected, embracing various departments of literature.
An attempt has -been made by the Church of Rome to realize the idea of Catholicism — at least in form — and with but a partial success; an attempt will now be made to restore the word Catholic to its primitive significance, in its appli cation to this Series, and to realize the idea of Catholicism in SPIRIT.
It cannot be hoped that each volume of the Series will be essentially Catholic, and not partial, in its nature, for nearly all men are partial; — the many-sided and impartial, or truly Catholic man, has ever been the rare exception to his race. Catholicity may be expected in the Series, not in every volume composing it.
An endeavour will be made to present to the Public a class of books of an interesting and thoughtful nature, and the authors of those of the Series which may be of a philosophical character will probably possess little in com mon, except a love of intellectual freedom and a faith in human progress; they will be united rather by sympathy of SPIRIT than by agreement in speculation.
* For List of Works already published in the series, see pages 23 to 31.
22 Works published by CHAEACTERIZATION OF THE CATHOLIC SERIES BY THE PRESS.
" The various works composing the " Catholic Series," should be known to all lovers of literature, and may be recommended as calculated to instruct and elevate by the proposition of noble aims and the inculcation of noble truths, furnishing reflective and cultivated minds with more wholesome food than the nauseous trash which the popular tale-writers of the day set before their readers." — Morning Chronicle.
" Too much encouragement cannot be given to enterprising publications like the present. They are directly in the teeth of popular prejudice and popular trash. They are addressed to the higher class of readers — those who think as well as read. They are works at which ordinary publishers shudder as ' unsaleable,' but which are really capable of finding a very large public." — foreign Quarterly.
" The works already published embrace a great variety of subjects, and display a great variety of tident. They are not exclusively nor even chiefly religious; and they are from the pens of German, French, American, as well as English authors. Without reference to the opinion which they contain, we may safely say that they are generally such as all men of free and philoso phical minds would do well to know and ponder." — Nonconformist.
" This series deserves attention, both for what it has already given, and for what it promises."— Tait's Magazine.
" A series not intended to represent or maintain a form of opinion, but to bring together some of the works which do honour to our common nature, by the genius they display, or by their ennobling tendency and lofty aspira tions."— -Inquirer.
" Tt is highly creditable to Mr. Chapman to find his name in connexion with so much well-directed enterprise in the cause of German literature and philosophy. lie is the first publisher who seems to have proposed to himself the worthy object of introducing the English reader to the philosophic mind of Germany, uninfluenced by the tradesman's distrust of the marketable nature of the article. It is a very praiseworthy ambition; and we trust the public will justify his confidence. Nothing could be more unworthy than the at tempt to discourage, and indeed punish, such unselfish enterprise, by attaching a bad reputation for orthodoxy to every thing connected with German philo sophy and theology. This is especially unworthy m the 'student,' or the ' scholar,' to borrow Fichte's names, who should disdain to set themselves the task of exciting, by their friction, a popular prejudice and clamour on matters on which the populace are no competent judges, and have, indeed, no judgment of their own, — and who should feel, as men themselves devoted to thought, that what makes a good book is not that it should gain its reader's acquiescence, but that it shoidd multiply his mental experience; that it should acquaint him with the ideas which philosophers and scholars, reared by a training different from their own, have laboriously reached and devoutly entertain; that, in a word, it should enlarge his materials and his sympathies as a man and a thinker." — Prospective Review.
" A series of serious and manly publications." — Economist.
John Chapman, 142, Strand.
The Voratinn of Ian.
By JOHANN GOTTLIEB FICIITE.
LIAM SMITH. Post Svo, clotli. " ' The Destination or Vocation of Man' is, as Fichtc truly says, intelligible to all readers who arc really able to un derstand a book at all; and as the his tory 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 sublety and depth. Argument, in such a matter, we take to be wholly in different. 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 Translated from the German, by WIL- [In the Prest.
' which have hitherto escaped your in- dolent acquiescence." — Foreign tiuar- i terly.
"'The Vocation 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, how ever it might shrink from the jargon of the schools, Fichte undertook to present his opinions in a popuUir form.'' — Atlas.
" It appears to us the boldest and most emphatic attempt that has yet been made to explain to man his rest less and unconquerable desire to win the true and the eternal."— Sentinel.
On (he Nature of the Scholar^ and its Manifestations.
By JOHANN GOTTLIEB FICIITE. Translated from the German by WIL LIAM SMITH. Second Edition. Post 8vo. cloth. [In the Press.
kno\yn 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 immove- able, has not mingled in philosohpical discussion since the time of Luther...Fichte's opinions may be true or false; but his character 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, lie ranks with a class of men who were common only in better ages than ours." — State of German Litera ture, by Thomas Carlyle.
" 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 elo quence." — Examiner.
" We state Fichte's character as it is Just Published. The Characteristics of the Present Age.
By JOHANN GOTTLIEB FICHTE. Translated from the German, by William Smith. Post 8vo. cloth, 7s.
"A noble and most notable acquisi tion to the literature of England."— Douglas Jerruld's Weekly Paper.
" We accept these lectures as a true and most admirable delineation of the present age; and on this ground alone we should bestow on them our heartiest recommendation; but it is because they teach us how we may rise above the age that we bestow on them our most emphatic praise.
" fie makes us think, and perhaps more sublimely than we have ever for merly thought, but it is only in order that we may the more nobly act.
" As a majestic and most stirring utterance from the lips of the greatest German prophet, we trust that the book will find a response in many an 1 English soul, and potently help to re- i generate English Society." — The Critir. " These lectures show the largeness j of Fichte's views, how completely he is : the reverse of an egotist in any received sense of the word, and how thoroughly he is devoted to the race of mankind a's distinguished from the individual man. Fichte is not only a speculator, but:i character: in everything that proceeds from him there is the mark of noble ness." — Allan.
Works published by THE CATHOLIC SERIES — continued. ]Vcmoir of Joliann Gottlieb Fichte, By WILLIAM SMITH. Second edition, enlarged. Post 8vo, cloth 4s. 6d.
" The material trials that Fichte en- moral light that falls everywhere upon countered in the body are lost sight of it, like a glory, and sweetened by a in the spiritual contest which he main-: living episode that flows through its tained with his own mind. The page dark and bright places like a stream of that keeps the record of incidents is music." — Aiheneeum. dignified throughout by the strong Recently Published. The Vocation of the Scholar.
By JOHANN GOTTLIEB FICHTE. Translated from the German, by William Smith. Post 8vo. cloth, 2s.; paper cover, Is. 6d.
" ' The Vocation of the Scholar" is a sort of appendix to ' The Nature of the Scholar and its Manifestations,' and is distinguished by the same high moral tone, and manly, vigorous expression which characterize all Fichte's works in the German, and is nothing lost in Mr. Smith's clear, unembarrassed, and thoroughly English translation. " - Douglas Jerroltfs Newspaper.
"We are glad to see this excellent translation of one of the best of Fichte's works presented to the public in a very neat form No class needs an earnest and sincere spirit more than the literary class; and, therefore the 4 Vocation of the Scholar,' the ' Guide of the Human Kace,' written in Fichte's most earnest, most commanding tem per, will be welcomed in its English dress by public writers, and be benefi cial to the cause of truth." — Economist.
Characteristics of Men of Genius; A Series of Biographical, Historical, and Critical Essay.", selected by per mission, chiefly from the North American Review, with Preface, by JOHN CHAPMAN. 2 vols. post 8vo. cloth, 12s.; extra cloth, gilt edges, 14s.
CONTENTS.
GREGORY VII., LOYOLA, PASCAL. DANTE, PETRARCH, SHELLEY, BYRON, GOETHE, WORDSWORTH, MILTON, SCOTT, THE GERMAN POETS. MICHAEL ANGELO, CANOVA. MACHIAVELLI, Louis IX., PETER THE GREAT.
" Essays of very high order, which from their novelty, and their intrinsic value, we are sure will receive from the British public a reception commen surate with their merits They are Essays which would do honour to the literature of any country." — Westmin ster Review.
" Essays of great power and interest. In freedom of opinion, and occa sionally in catholicity of judgment, the writers are superior to our own periodi cal essayists; but we think there is less brilliancy and point in them; though on that very account there is, perhaps, greater impartiality and justice."— Douglas Jerrold's Magazine.
" Rich as we are in this delightful 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, just ness of remark, an acquantance with their subject, beyond the mere book reviewed; much clear-headed pains taking 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 book club."— 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 John Chapman, 142, Strand.
THE CATHOLIC SERIES — (continued.)
beauty of its execution." — Nonconform. "The value, both intrinsic and ex trinsic, of these essays justly claims for them a favourable reception and atten tive perusal in England." — Manchester Examiner.
its stand by the side of the • Contri butions' 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 The Worship of Genius $ Being an Examination of the Doctrine_ announced by T). F. Strauss, viz. " That to our A^e of Religious Disorganization nothing is left hut a Worship of Genius; that is, a Reverence ior those great Spirits who create Epochs in the Progress of the Human Race, and in whom, taken collectively, tne God like 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 SAXFOKD. 1 vol. post 8vo. 3s. 6d.
CONTENTS.
1. General view of the object of the work.
2. The different stages of development through which Christianity itself has passed. The same phases perceptible in the views which have been successively taken of it.
3. Christianity as Doctrine. Under this head are comprised both Supernaturalism and Natu ralism.
4. Christianity as a Moral Law. The philosophy of Kant. Ration alism.
5. Christianity as the Religion of Re demption. Schleiermacher's de finition.
6. The peculiar significance and in fluence 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 de finition of the distinctive Charac ter of Christianity.
10. Christianity as the Perf. ct Religion.
11. Inferences from the p: ceding.
12. Retrospect and epitcme of the argument.
13. Application of the preceding to the idea of Faith.
14. Application to the Church.
*** The above two works are comprised in one volume, post 8vo. 3s. 6d. cloth.
" There are many just and beautiful conceptions expressed and developed, and the mode of utterance and illustra tion is more clear and simple than that adopted often by our German brethren in treating such topics." — Nonconformist.
"There is in it much important and original thought. Intelligent British Christians, who are inclined to take Ehilosophical views of the Christian lith, will find much to delight and in struct them."— Baptist Magazine.
The Mission of the German Catholics.
By Prof. G. G. GERVINUS, Author of the " Geschichte der Poetischen National-Literatur dor Deutschen." Post 8vo. Is. 4d.
"This work well deserves an intro duction to an English public. It con tains the reflections of a German philo sopher 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 Review says: — " He exhibits the ex tensive and profound erudition, the historical faculty of bringing past and remote states of society near, and pro jecting the present into the distance; and the philosophical insight into the distinguishing features of individuals, communities, and epochs, which so favourably characterize the recent his toriography of the Germans."
Works published by THE CATHOLIC SERIES — (continued.) The Mental History of an Inquiring Spirit.
A Biography of Charles EJwood. By O. A. BROWNSON. Post 8vo. 4s. cloth; 3s. 6d. paper cover.
We can cordially recommend the vo lume, after a very careful perusal, to the layman who desires to think for him self, and to the clergy, as eminently calculated to enlarge their views and increase their usefulness, by showing them the difference between sectarian- " This work is an attempt to pre sent 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 con firm 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 pre dominant; 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 meri torious 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."— Chrittian 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 proism and Christianity."— Sentinel.
" The purposes, in this stage of his progress, which Mr. Brownson lias in view are, the vindication of the reality of the religious principle in the nature of man; the existence of an order of senti - ments higher than the calculations of the understanding and the deductions of logic; the foundation of morals on the aosolute idea of right in opposition to the popular doctrine of expediency; the exposition of a spiritual philosophy; and the connexion of Christianity witli 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 fic tion, with considerable dramatic effect. We become interested in the final ceeds, and the argument we take to be j opinions of the subjects of the tale, as conclusive, though of course every one ', we do in the catastrophe of a romance, may differ as to details. The mighty I A slender thread of narrative is made may differ as to details. The mighty theme is handled in a most masterly I to sustain the most weighty arguments style, and the • reasoning may fairly be: on the philosophy of religion; but the called 'mathematical.' There is nei ther 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.
conduct both of the story and of the discussion is managed with so much skill, that they serve to relieve and for ward each other." — Dial.
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 ex- p'-ession, 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 inti mate the kind of excellence of a book of this nature. It is a profound and beautiful dissertation, and must be dili gently 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 d"sire 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 elemen tary fountain 'that maketli wise lie that drinketh thereat."' — Douglas Jerrold's Magazine. "It is difficult, if not impossible, to John Chapman, 142, Strand.
27 THE CATHOLIC SERIES — (continued.)
give a brief, and at the same time faith ful, 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 realiza tion. Schiller insists upon the necessi ty of aesthetic culture as preliminary to moral culture, and in order to make the latter possible. According to the doctrine here set forth, until man is aesthetically developed, lie 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 con densation of thought and firm consist ency 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 abund antly 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 ol yielding, there must be some aptitude for such studies, and some training in them too To b« appreciated it must be studied, and the study will be well repaid."— Christian Ex aminer.
" 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 acquaint ance 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 arc to be gathered in every page. "VVe 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.
The Philosophy of Art.
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. Is. paper cover; Is. 6d. cloth.
" This excellent oration is an appli cation to art of Schelling's general philosophic principles. Schellingtakes 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 pi-iina 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 re produce it in a visible form. In the surrounding world means and ends are