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Leader (1850-1860), 18th January 1851, Edition Town of 2, Page 65, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      jralities , superstitions , and absurdities * that flow from oui . systematic theology derived from obscure and conflicting traditions , based on the doubtful ** words of a book , " expounded by a wrangling priesthood . He haa shown us that the soul of man cannot be satisfied with , a creed that insults his intellect and degrades bis nature without satisfying his religious instincts ; and , without undervaluing the Jewish or Christian records , as monuments of the early piety of the world , he hag asserted the spiritual privileges of all time and . the ever-present Deity in the human soul : —

      " We " he reminds us , " , the , present generation , though wayward triflers , still playing fantastic tricks before high Heaven , are in posse 8 Bion of all the gatherings of the past—we are ae yet the oldest , the strongest ^ the best instructed of , our kind . We vindicate our last-born eldership against every claimant by now aspiring , a * never hitherto , to put away from our worship of the eternal and changeless Godhead the childish , thoughts and childish speech of eaxlier days . " And again he says : —

      " None of us need doubt the law of generic progression who looks back upon the communities of the earth , gradually emerging from the sloughs * of cannibalism , fetichism , heathenism , polygamy , slavery , sorcery , and such like . Our laws are laws of movement ; the genus homo goes on and must go on improving , till its Divine consummation justify the wisdom , and goodness of the Power that made it what it is to be , Perfect , even , a $ He is perfect . ' "

      Mr . Wilson clearly demonstrates the paramount importance given to the moral law in the teaching of Christ , and his uniform depreciation of Rabbi nism in all its forms ; and applies this great central truth of Christianity to the modern dogmatism of the Churches and the overweening pretensions of priesthood . He exposes , also , the actual insincerity of those Christians who glorj ' , as they professedly do , in their own degradation , and , renouncing all other merit , make a merit of their infirmities : —

      " The same men , " he says , " that are willing in public worship to heap upon themselves certain conventional terms of scriptural opprobrium , would be deeply aggrieved by a translation of this language into a colloquial idiom , or by any lack of respect in a neighbour ' s estimate of their actions and principles . They are willing and even anxious to be distinguished amongst their fellows by appellations of the highest esteem and reaped . If they are one hour wretched , miserable , and unwholesome sinners—the next they are ' reverend , ' ' very reverend , ' and ' right reverend ' pastors — ' honourable , ' ' right honourable , ' and ' most honourable' nobles . "

      It is , indeed , quite evident that the popular religion has become essentially ceremonial , and that the creed of the Churches is not the creed of our daily life . The rounded periods of our pulpits 3 and the tawdry eloquence of the platform , abound in expressions of spiritual heroism and social equality absolutely unknown in our common intercourse with each other . Our " prince-bishops" and clergy are almost uniformly found in the ranks of those who oppose the enfranchisement of the people on the principles of even Christian equality . We are perfectly sure that , were the " Sermon on the

      Mount" now preached for the first time in bt . James's-square , by a houseless and poverty-stricken man ( whatever halo of divine love and inspired wisdom might hover round him ) , 'he would-be immediately consigned by the Bishop of London to the custody of the police ! Imagine the terrible significance of such sentences as these to episcopal ears , " Woe unto you , Scribes and IMiarisoea , hypocrites ! for \ e pay lithe of mint , anise , and cummin , and have omitted the wei ^ hter matters of the law , judgment , mercy , and faith . " " Woe unto you , Scribun and Pharisees , hypocrites ! for ye are like unto

      whited . sepulchres , " &c . &c . Imagine our " princebishop " hearing- from the ragged orator such sentences as these : " lie that is greatest amongst you shall be your servant . " " Be not ye called ( labbi , for one is your Master , even Christ ; and yc are all brethren . " These things are listened to in our Churches with pious reverence and devout attention ; but spoken in our streets , they would bo r « - tfarded jih the ravings of funaticiHui , or the declanmlion of an incendiary . And yet the protest of Christ against the corruptions of his national Church was not a whit uioio just than the modern indignation of Milton or Carlyle .

      In a subsequent part of his diHCOurse , Mr . Wilson t'xpofu'H with eloquent earnestness the detestable doctrine ' of the eternity of punishment , Knowing at once its unscriptural foundation and its utter iihclossncss . A " reign of terror , " is assuredly , as little suited to the spiritual nature of man , an to bin political and social development . The " faith that worketh b y love " is chilled by fear , and the reli-K'ouh serf is an much degraded and demoralized as the political vassal . We have only apace for this

      br ief notice of these very remarkable discourses , which we strongly recommend to our readers . Mr . Wilson deserves the cordial thanks of all sincere and religious men for thus standing forward to protest against the corruptions of our systematic theology , and we hope again to meet him in the front rank of the spiritual Reformers of the nineteenth century . We have reason to believe , that he left behind him . at Norwich the affectionate regret of his congregation , to whom his various accomplishments and pulpit eloquence had greatly

      endeared him . Had the warm recommendation of his bishop , who took great interest both in his ministerial work and secular lectures , been sufficient to overcome some scruples of conscience , for which we honour him , he would , probably , at this moment , have been preacher at the Foundling . It is by recruits such as these , who are almost weekly coming to us from the ranks of the establishment , that we hope to officer the army , of the " New Reformation , "—men at once distinguished by their , talents and a pproved by their sincerity .

      Untitled Article

      BOOKS ON OUR TABLE . Die Romantische Schule in ihrem iuneren Zusammenhange mit Goethe und Schiller ( The Romantic School in its relation to Goethe and Schiller ) , Von H . Hellner . Franz Thimm Every one who has dabbled at all in German literature haa h « ard of its " Romantic school , " with a band : of critics and . poets in it * rear ; and , although after great beatipg . of drums and clashing of cymbals , that valorous young regiment has disappeared into obscurity once more , and the men whose ears were startled by the sound made in the streets ( causing them to rush to the window to see what . was . going on ) are now for the most part satisfied that much of this noise is owing to the emptiness of the drum beaten , yet , as a matter of literary history , the romantic school will long remain fertile in interest . It arose out of the anarchical condition of German culture . The gulf between Poetry and Life was ,, as Herder said , too distinctly apparent . While the provinoialism . of Kotzebue and the lachrymose activity of ISland were equally incompetent to satisfy the nation . A standard of Poetry was sought ; and Germany being the land of critics and philosophers , it was of course for them to discover the standard . Goetz von Berlichingen —and the study of Shakspeare . ( thea becoming general ) , gave the cue . To reconcile Idealism with Realism

      nothing was wanted but a . complete reint < 'gration of Religion in Art , and , as a corollary , a full development of the Spirit of the Middle Ages—so that Romantic Art wa . s , par excellence , Christian Art . Wackenroder , Novalis , Tieck , the Schlegels , Br «> ntano , and Arniru are the great chiefs of this school ; and in spi ' . e of much detestable affectation and hollow rhetoric—in spite of considerable misdirection given to youthful earnest minds—one cannot survey German literature without acknowledging the benefits conferred by this school .

      In what was available and healthy in this movement Goethe and S : hiller had a large share ; they acted upon it—it reacted upon them , llerr Hellner ' s book undertakes to exhibit the relation iu which these Titans stood to the mortals of the Romantic fc ' chool . It is purely iKSthetieal , and may be accepted as a history of the Romantic theory in Literature . In Germany , as in Prance , Romanticism has produced Home good collateral resul s while failing in its main object . It has directed attention to the Middle Ages ; thrown off the yoke of pedantic prejudice and narrow rules ; and has given European An a certain solidarity which was befoie unsuspected .

      A Manual nj' tho ( , ' eoyraphy and History of Europe , Past and Present ., By Francis 11 . UiifrewiUer , IA . A ) . Thomas Ui .-ll ' . Dr . Ungewitter is a German who has published several geographical works in his native country , and now presents the public witli one comprehensive in its plan and careful iu execution . It begina with a mineral survoy of Europe , its mountain ranges , inland seas , bays , straits , K'c , its lakes , its rivers , and its independent states . Then follow Portugal , Spain , Italy , Switzerland ., France , Great Britain , the Neihorluudti , Germany , Denmark , Sweden , and Norway , Russia in Hiir > j > e , Ionian Islands , Greece , and Euiopean Turkey . History and geography go hand in hand , while a very copious index facilitates the use of this valuable book of reference .

      Elementary Jlnatomy and Phy-iology , . /'" " -S / 7 / . rw / . v < nul Private Instruction . II tin Lmion . * on Diet , Intoxicating IJiiii / ci , Toluuco and Disease . Uy William i . ovtiit . IllusU . iied with t . cn coloured pluteti . Pa . U . n mill Co . Mr . Jjovctt is a toucher , and has < lrawu up th « n « lessons for his own private- convenience . ; finding them to he Hucwssful he has given them publicity . Tln-y are clear , biief , and untechnical compiled from the next nuthoiities , but . arranged in a new and intelligible ) form . The plutes ure very useful illustrations , li is n hook every one concerned in tuition should possess ; Mir . importance of uoiiKt elementary knowledge ol the . subject , being

      indisputable . An Introductory Lecture , on llappineix in tin relations to Work and Knowledge . By John 1 ' oiI > uh , M . l > . ttmiili « iwl Klilur . Dr . J '' orl »< -s delivered this exorllont lecture before the Chichoster Literary Society and Mechanics' Institute , find is now published ut the request ol" the members , for th « benefit of a wider public . Peter Little and the , Lucky Sixpence ; t / i « I'Vog ' . i Lecture ; ami other Stories . A voiho liook lor my children and tiii-ir pluymut < : t ) . lt »« l ( fwny . Pretty little Htorics in verHC , having an easily appreciated morul . It in designed for young children , and some of that public pronounoe it amusing .

      Catholicism , the Religion of Fear , contrasted with Rationalism , the Theory of Reason . W ith Eight Plates . By George Jacob Holyoake . Watson . In the various contests with which the public have lately been occupied on the Catholic question , we have seen no contrast between it and what many regard as ita legitimate opponent , Rationalism . In this little work the contrast is made . The strength of the Catholic lies in his detecting and exposing the extremes of Rationalism , which are usually evaded or overlooked by the advocates of what are called Liberal principles . But here we have the

      a writer who distinguishes and admits extravagances , the caricatures to which the right of private judgment is liable , and who points out its principle of selfcorrection , and submits it as the perfectly satisfactory substitute of the effete rule of authority . This book haa eight plates , from a very remarkable Catholic work , illustrating the terrors of that religion , in a manner which no verbal description could . The tone of this exposition is revqrent both to Catholic and Christian feeling , and yet independent in its maintenance of reason and humanity .

      The English Republic . Edited by \ V . J . Linton , London : Watson . This is a new monthly , almost entirely from the pen of the Editor . It has more than the ability of earnestness , and bearing Mr . Linton ' s name , we need not say it is issued with great taste . We do not agree with the Editor that any will " grow pale with rage or fear " at the announcement of Republican proposals . Put forth with so much sincerity , and enforced with so much reason , we should think all would pause to consider ,

      although they might not accept without scruple , the views that this Magazine sets forth . What Duraont was to . Bentham , Mr . Linton aspires to be to Mazzini ; and all who wish to comprehend the idea of Republicanism held by the great political teacher last named , will find this Magazine of interest , We hope Mr . Linton ' s appeal to Young Men will find a response from them . Despite some peculiarities of language and some passionate invectives , Mr . Linton ' s pages contain sentiments of duty , aspiration , and heroism very rare in the modern Literature of English Republicanism .

      Lectures by Ernest Jones . Canterbury versus Rome . D . pple . These lectures are in course of publication in weekly numbers . The patience and research which they display contrast very advantageously with the political orations which Mr . Jone 3 is accused of delivering . The opening is both eloquent and able , and we shall further notice them when their publication is completed .

      Untitled Article

      Social Statics ; or , the Conditions Essential to Human Happiness Specified , and the First of them Developed . By Herbert Spencer . John Chapman . Historic Certainties respecting the . Early History of America , dereloped in a Critical Examination of the liook of the . Cluunicles of the Land of Ecnarf . J 5 y thu ltuverend Anstaiolun Newlight . J- W . Parker . The First Angel . A Novel in 2 vols . SaumJurs and Otley

      Untitled Article

      NOTES AND EXTRACTS . Si Yr , K . —Altogether the style of a writer is a faithful representative of his mind ; therefore , if any man w \ n \\ to write a clear style , let ; him be first clear in his thoughts ; and if any would write in a noble style , let him fpsf possess a noble soul . —Goethe ' s (' ouvcrsatioiis with /' jc / ccrmantt . Lovk . —The things that we love in a young lady arc something very difl \ rent , from the understanding . We love her beauty , youlhfuhiess , playfulness , t r ustingness , her character , her faults , her caprices , and God knows what " je ne sais quoi" benides ; but we do not love her understanding . We respect her understanding when it is brilliant , and by it the worth of a girl can be infinitely enhanced in our eyes . Understanding may also serve to fix our affections when we already love ; but the umlcr-8 tundin < r is mtt that which is capable of-firing our hearts , and awakening a passion . — Goethe ' s Conversations with Kckcrnidhii . ' The Zoist for January is a&uin rich in fact , in philosophy , and refutation of ignorance . It appears , with respect to Miss Martmeau ' s remarkable experiment on a cow , critics hold that the doctor who had been attending in vain upon it , had really effected the cure . Criticisms on mesmeric cast's are verv curious . If you call in a doctor the cure is ascribed to him . If you do not call in a doctor , it is said that nothing wus th ( j matter . Tin ; world has often desired to know who is the infnlliblo doctor who is sure to cure you . We have ; found it . out . It is the lust doctor who gives you up before- you cull in the ir . emncnju r . lie it ; i . s who always cures you . You don ' t know it you are . dying in ignorance of it . lint ha is the man . When t lie mcsmci ize . r has restored you to health , the critics find out . that , the ? doo'or did it . — Ueaso / ier .

      Study or thk Pant . We are in bondage to torinH and conceptions which , having had tlnir root in coiulitionw of thought , no longer existing , havy ceased to possess any vitality , anil arc for uh as spells which have lost . their virtue . The endeavour to spread enlightened ideas is perpetually counteracted by these , idolu t / ieatri , which have allied themselves , on the o n * ' hand with men ' s better Mentinients , and on the other with institutions in whose defence are arrayed the passions and the . interests of doiniii'int elnisses . Now , though the teaching of positive

      truth is the grand incaiiH of nx |)« lling error , the proceHH will be very much quickened il ' tlte negative urgurut nt Herve , us it « pioneer ; if , by a nurvcy of tin ; past , it . can he shown how eaoh « ge and tiacb race has had a faith and a symbolism united to it » n « M'd mid its stago of development , and that for nucce < Mling uge « to dreum of retaiuiuK thy spirit , along with tho forms of tlio punt , is us futile ut > the , embalming of the dead body in the hope that it may one day bo resumed by tho living houI . — Westminster and Foreiqn Quarterly llevieto .

      Untitled Article

      J-ami . H * 1851 . ] «»«* # «•»¦«? «» '

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Jan. 18, 1851, page 65, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1866/page/17/