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peace, before the very door where I would have given Heaven knows what, so shortly before, in order to get in.

I certainly tried immediately, and while the bolt was again being fastened, to convince myself of the identity of the number; but the last lantern had gone out in the mean while, the street was deserted, and the snow fell in great icy flakes. I trembled with cold in every limb, and apprehended, not without reason, a dangerous illness, if I remained a moment longer, thinly dressed as I was, in the open street. Under these circumstances, nothing was left me but to give up all attempts to find the right house in such darkness and cold, and I hurried down the street to take advantage of the first hotel or inn which might offer itself.

Fortunately, I did not require to search long; a few hundred paces lower down I recognized the gigantic gold letters of a sign. The house-bell was at the right place, and I found--in truth, scarcely able to stand on my feet--an ice cold room, but a warm bed, in which I could recover from the misery and sufferings of this night. Exhausted to death, I naturally fell asleep directly, and only awoke when the bright daylight shone into my room, and the waiter came in with the coffee I had ordered for eight o'clock.

The recollection of the past night lay upon my nerves like a gloomy nightmare, but the

coffee exerted its beneficial effects upon me; I shook off all my unhappy thoughts, and with the firm determination to leave Emilie for ever (I have not, up to the present moment, quite made up my mind whether the false locks, or the opinion about my poetry, decided me on this), I put on my cloak, donned my hat, which the events of the night had bestowed upon me, and, after paying my little account, opened my door, which led out into a narrow passage.

I took my hat off, and saw, for the first time, that there was a little silver cockade on the side of it. I had, in my hurry on the previous evening, seized some servant's.

Soon after I recognized the door at which I had stood the previous night, the bell-handle I had not yet forgotten-the thick round knob I had pulled so furiously--and, plague take it, a 13 grinned horribly at me, which I had certainly taken in the darkness for 15. The measure of my anger was filled up.

The same evening I wrote to Emilie a few lines, in which I confessed my unworthiness, and begged for her friendship. Meier I also acquainted with all the details, and three days later received my carpet-bag, as well as all the letters I had written her. Only one thing was missing-my poems. I had insulted a woman, and she revenged herself. A fortnight later they appeared in the Frankfurt Didaskalia, with my own name.

THE BENEVOLENCE OF WASHINGTON.

SEE PLATE.

DURING the period that Washington re-sided in Philadelphia, the incident occurred which furnished the artist with the subject of the picture, and illustrates the considerate and benevolent character of that great man. The President was one day accosted in the street by a small boy of interesting appearance, soliciting alms for a sick mother. Washington made a few inquiries, and then offered to call and see her. This he accordingly did straightway. It needed but a brief conversation to find that the poor woman had been unused to so lowly a condition-that, in the common phrase, she had seen better days, and that she suffered more from the depressing influence of poverty, than from any physical ailment.

Washington sat down by an old table that formed part of the very scanty furniture

of the apartment, and after being a few moments engaged in writing, requested that her son, on his return, should take the paper to the place indicated upon it; and, after a few words of consolation and encouragement, took his departure. In a little while, the lad came home with the scanty pittance he had collected, and delightedly told his mother that a kind gentleman he had spoken with in the street, and who was doubtless a physician, had promised to call and see what he could do for her. "He has already been here," replied the gratified mother; "and there on the table is the prescription he has left; you will see where to take it when you read." The boy hastened to examine it, and to the joy and astonishment of both, found a check for quite a liberal amount, signed with the name of George Washington.

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A WELL-KNOWN and attractive work has been reproduced in very handsome style, by the Messrs. APPLETON, of this city-the celebrated Memoirs of the Duchess D'Abrantes. It was one of the earliest of those disclosures of the private life and personal habits and traits of Napoleon, that have since been so plentifully supplied. Written with wonderful vivacity and tact, and taking a candid though favorable view of the Emperor's character, and abounding in those personal sketches and anecdotes which are entertaining when told of any body, but become fascinating when relating to such a character, it forms one of the best portraitures and most readable books to be found. The lively author brings within the scope of her observation and criticism a great variety of the lesser lights that revolved around the imperial sun; so that a very fair reflex of the court and society of that most pregnant and interesting era can be obtained from these pages. The authenticity of her disclosures has never been questioned, as certainly the skill with which they are made will not be. The style in which the work has been got up is highly creditable to the publishers.

The same house has favored the reading public with rather more and better books for the pleasant uses of the holidays, than ordinary. Some of their issues are magnificent, equalling the costly preparations of the transatlantic houses who cater for aristocratic buyers. The Republican Court, edited by Dr. GRISWOLD, is a very sumptuous affair, yet its elegance of adornment and illustration is the least of its claims. It is a gallery of the portraits of a number of the ladies who adorned the social circles of the revolutionary era-Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Jay, Mrs. Madison, and others, who were distinguished for their beauty and talent in their day, and whose memory is still cherished. These portraits are engraved in the highest style of art, and certainly form a beautiful gallery. The accompanying letter-press is composed of very spirited sketches of the principal social events of the era, in which all that remains of biographical details respecting these ladies and others, is inwrought. It is an interesting contribution to this important period of our national history, and a beautiful work of art, worthy of cherish

ing for either or both respects.

Ornaments of Memory is another fine work for holiday purposes, published by the APPLETONS; and to these may be added their editions of juvenile gift-books, prepared by the renowned PETER PARLEY, and embellished with elegant French engravings.

The busy and useful press of the Messrs. CARTER has recently furnished some valuable works. The Autobiography of William Jay, of Bath, is a very pleasant work, revealing with great simplicity and grace the life and character of a good man. There is a kind of Vicar of Wakefield frankness in the disclosures, which carry the reader's sympathy at

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once.

His life, as one of the most popular of the evangelical ministers of his day in England, and as a man of culture, genius, and most gentle personal traits, has many points of decided interest. He was brought into close relations to many of the most eminent personages, upon whom and whose doings he ingenuously comments, often with shrewdness, and always with interest. Appended to his autobiography is a series of sketches of several of his clerical contemporaries, which, though meager, are, nevertheless, valuable as the reliable testimony of an eye-witness. Some literary remains are also added, all of which discover the grace and finish of style, and the sobriety of thought which have been understood to distinguish his pulpit prelections. A very engaging and profitable book.

Remains of the late Rev. W. H. Hewitson, in two volumes, is a collection of the literary productions of a young clergyman of the Church of England, who died early, but not until he had left a perma nent record of exalted worth and admirable genius. These Remains are epistolary and general. His letters strike us as very fine specimens of a style of literature in which few excel. They are flowing, yet elegant and expressive, and breathe a very devout and pure spirit. R. CARTER & BRO.

A fine edition of the Complete Works of the Rev. Edward Bickersteth, has been also published, comprising all that this energetic and excellent writer had ever issued. It forms a body of religious reading of rare value, combining at once sound religious views, clear thought, and a most excellent purpose. R. CARTER & BRO.

A neat edition of a unique and valuable work by the late Rev. Dr. DUNCAN, a Scottish clergyman, entitled the Social Philosophy of the Seasons, has been issued by the CARTERS. It is a description of the various phenomena of the seasons, replete with learning and accurate knowledge, and followed to their moral and religious suggestions. The abundant facts and truths of the work, the excellent feeling it displays, and the elegant style in which it is composed, make it a work of great scientific and moral value.

A Prize Essay on the Modern and Current Phases of Infidelity, from the pen of the Rev. THOMAS PEARSON, has been republished by the Messrs. CarIt is an elaborate treatise, dealing with those aspects of the controversy which have the most interest at the present day.

TER.

A Life of Horace Greeley has been prepared by some admiring Boswell of the celebrated editor, which, like all gossip, has its interest. Whatever may be thought of Mr. Greeley's principles, the sturdy independence of his character, and the successful industry of his life, are points that will attract and deserve admiration. The incidents of this sketch are quite varied and striking, and the personal anecdotes with which it is adorned will detain the reader to its pages till the close. MASON BROTHERS,

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THE two main divisions of the history of philosophy are ancient and modern. All that does not strictly belong to either of these may be regarded as forming transition steps. Modern civilization, though it may not have excelled antiquity in the fine arts, poetry, rhetoric, statuary-and is indebted to it for the foundation of pure mathematics-has far surpassed it in those branches of knowledge which are based on observation and experi

ment.

In order rightly to estimate the scientific reformation which was mainly brought about by Bacon, let us glance at the chief charac

Bacon's Essays, Apophthegms, Wisdom of the Ancients, New Atlantis, and Henry VII. With Introductory Dissertation and Notes by J. Devey,

M.A. (Bohn's Standard Library, 1852.)
Bacon's Novum Organum, and Advancement of
Learning. With Notes by J. Devey, M.A. (Bohn's
Scientific Library, 1853.)

The present article is intended to be an exposition. We have endeavored to gather the ' vintage' of the accounts given by Stewart, Playfair, Napier, Campbell, Macaulay, Hallam, Morell, Cousin, Hoppus, Lewis, Craik, &c. The editions which we have noticed above contain valuable illustrative notes. Their cheapness places the works of the illustrious philosopher within the reach of a large circle of

readers.

VOL. XXXIV.--NO. II.

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teristics of the scholastic philosophy. As early as the second century of the present era, Christianity came in contact with the philosophy of the age, and especially with New Platonism. It was not, however, till the eleventh century, that what may be called Christian philosophy sprung up, which, under its varied phases, is collectively styled scholasticism. The origin of this term is to be found in the Scholæ, or schools, which were founded by Charlemagne for philosophical studies; in which, however, scarcely any in those days had either leisure or inclination to engage, except the clergy. Hence the main characteristic of this period was constant endeavor to explain the doctrines of the church philosophically, and to work them up into the form of scientific systems. Anselm's declaration, "credo ut intelligam," was adopted as the guiding principle. The works of the scholastic writers exhibit an immense amount of subtlety and acuteness, industry and toil; but, on the other hand, a mass of barren definitions and fruitless distinctions, "grave trifling, and solemn folly;" hence, the absence of really valuable results.

The final aim of scholastic philosophy was

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a scientific development of the tenets of the Roman church. It assumed as its basis the truth of those tenets, and employed as its instrument the Aristotelian logic. The deep and extensive influence of Aristotle's writings at this period is thus graphically described by Dr. Hoppus :-"This logic was the engine by which, for ages, the minds of men were bewitched in a manner that was altogether extraordinary. phrases, summaries, arguments, and dissertations on his works were composed without Many of the inhabitants of the west learned Arabic, in order to read a translation of them in that language. The Latin tongue was made another medium of their circulation, and they were read in most parts of the known world. Aris totle's works were the great text-book of knowledge, and his logic was the only weapon of truth. Christians, Jews, and Mahometans united in professing assent to the great law-giver of human opinions; not Europe alone, but also Africa and Asia acknowledged his dominion; and while his Greek originals were studied at Paris, translations were read in Persia and at Samarcand. The rage for disputation, which now began to prevail in consequence of the spread of this philosophy, induced the council of La- The second and main cause was the Refteran, under Pope Innocent III., to proclaim ormation. The contest against the spirit of a prohibition of the use of the physics and scholasticism-the advocacy of classic culture metaphysics of Aristotle; but awful as were the struggle after national independencethen the thunders of the Vatican, they were not mighty enough to dethrone him from that the Roman hierarchy-the desire of explorthe efforts of society to liberate itself from despotism over men's minds which, by longing the facts and laws of nature-above all, custom, had now rendered itself almost omnipotent." At length, "in some of the universities of Europe, statutes were framed, which required the professors to promise on oath, that in their public lectures on philosophy, they would follow no other guide."

clesiastical authority. As the first of these, fifteenth century. During the scholastic age, we may place the revival of learning in the declined: even the Platonic and Aristotelian the study of the ancient classical authors had systems were known almost exclusively from translations and secondary sources. Italy first awoke to a juster appreciation of the beauties of the antique. The arrival of Glosses, para-Greek fugitives from Constantinople gave a great impulse to the study of ancient authors in that land. Greek and Latin works were read in the original languages, and the art of printing multiplied copies. assembled at the court of the Medici at Learned men Florence. Bessarion and Marsilius Ficinus distinguished themselves as expositors of the ancient, and especially of the Platonic philosophy. Classical refinement protested against the dry, inelegant, uncritical mode in which the sciences had hitherto been handled. "The mere substitution of the Academic for

The most important point of philosophical discussion during the scholastic age, and one which exhibits itself through the whole period, is that between Nominalism and Realism. Realism philosophized in support of the church, and was in turn protected by ecclesiastical authority; Nominalism contended against the dominion of ecclesiastical power; Realism represents the dogmatical, Nominalism the critical element; Realism fettered individual freedom with the bonds of external authority; Nominalism sought to establish the autonomy of human reason.

During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, several great events combined in bringing about the ultimate freedom of rational speculation from subordination to ec

the Peripatetic philosophy would indeed have done little good. But any thing was better than the old habit of unreasoning servility. It was something to have a choice of tyrants. A spark of freedom,' as Gibbon has justly remarked, was produced by this collision of adverse servitude.'"*

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emancipation from external authority-in the grasping of individual reason after a full short, every element of modern times finds its centre-point in the great German refor mation. Luther and many of his distinexpress their contempt of the Peripatetic guished contemporaries did not hesitate to philosophy.

A third cause was a number of disconnected attempts at independent thinking on the part of Peter Ramus (1515-1572) in the science of logic; of Telesius and Campanella in physics; and of Patritiu, and Giordano Bruno in metaphysics-all which, however, failed to produce any permanent results.

sciences. Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo

A fourth cause was the rise of the natural

restored to nature the honor of which scholasticism had robbed her, gave a new aspect faith in the authority of the church. The to the world of thought, and shook men's

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investigation of nature's laws, shamefully but vainly opposed by the hierarchy and papal orthodoxy, came to be viewed as an essential object of philosophy.

Thus, even before the time of Bacon, the justice of the tyrannic sway which scholasticism had exercised over the minds of men had been called in question, and in opposition to servile obedience to external authority, a revolutionary spirit had raised its head; nor had the fortresses of that dominion remained free from direct and repeated attack. But the fundamental reason of the injustice of that rule had not been clearly pointed out: the revolution needed the guidance of some master-mind, who should plan and effect an assault upon the citadel itself, and who should sketch the outline of a future government which merited the lofty name of sci

ence.

In the words of Mr. Morell, "Two such minds arose, both of gigantic powers and almost inexhaustible resources. Each of them applied his whole strength to aid the work of reformation; and their combined influence succeeded in turning the stream of | all scientific investigation into the two main directions, which it has been pursuing more or less ever since. The first of these was Lord Bacon; the next in the order, both of time and influence, was Descartes." We postpone the comparison of their merits and philosophical methods.

Francis Bacon was born at York House, in the Strand, January 22, 1561. He was the son of Sir Nicholas Bacon, who, during the first twenty years of Elizabeth's reign was lord-keeper of the great seal, and in legal ability and political wisdom was universally ranked second only to the great Burleigh. His mother, who was the second daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke, was well versed in the Greek, Latin, and Italian languages, and also eminent for her piety. He was delicate in health, and fond of sedentary pursuits. His activity of intellect, which early showed itself in attempts to explain the anomalies of legerdemain, and the curious echo in a vault in St. James' Fields, was no doubt fostered by contact with the varied minds of a Cecil, a Jewel, a Sidney, a Raleigh, and a Drake, and won the flattering acknowledgement of Queen Elizabeth, who conferred upon him the title of her young Lord-keeper.

vestigations in mathematics, astronomy, and political philosophy, gave birth to a life of disputation and contest. Bacon, however, did not avail himself of those advantages of college discipline, which, by extending his sphere of knowledge, would not only have benefited his mind at the time, but have saved him from faults which mark his subsequent writings. He left Cambridge with "a just scorn for the trifles on which the followers of Aristotle had wasted their powers, and no great reverence for Aristotle himself." As he declared to his secretary, Dr. Rawley, he fell into a dislike of the philosophy of Aristotle, "not for the worthlessness of the author, to whom he would ever ascribe high attributes, but for the unfruitfulness of the way; being a philosophy, as his lordship used to say, only strong for disputations and contentions, but barren of the production cf works for the benefit of the life of man.'

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In his seventeenth year he was sent to Paris, in the suite of Sir Amias Paulet, Queen Elizabeth's ambassador. This visit had doubtless a lasting influence on his character. The state of a country which had but recently witnessed the massacre of St. Bartholomew's day, abidingly confirmed his adherence to Protestant principles. He travelled through several French provinces, and subsequently published the results of his acute and extensive observations in a work entitled "The State of Europe."

On receiving intelligence of the sudden death of his father, Bacon returned hastily home. His father having died intestate, he found himself bereft of pecuniary resources. Hence he was compelled to seek some lucrative occupation. After having in vain endeavored to obtain a government post through the patronage of his uncle, Lord Burleigh (who wished to promote his own son, afterwards Sir Robert Cecil), he enrolled himself as a student at Gray's-inn. For some years he labored in obscurity. At length, by his profound acquaintance with the principles of law, and his admirable talents and address, he acquired such reputation, that the queen appointed him her "counsel extraordinary" (1590). Cecil also procured for him the reversion of the registrarship of the Star Chamber, which lucrative office fell in after some years.

In 1593 Bacon took his seat in parliament for the county of Middlesex, and soon beAt the age of thirteen he entered Trinity came distinguished as an orator and debater. College, Cambridge. The university was at "There happened in my time," says Ben that time the scene of much activity. The Jonson, "one noble speaker who was full of works of the great reformers, and recent in-gravity in his speaking. His language,

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