New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1842-12-24
THE TRIBUNE.
Iiterarp Notifies.


is upon the Importance of a Correct Mental Phi
losophy to the Minister Of the Gospel by Prof
FssKs of Amherst College. 1t is ambitious
essay written with good degree of ability, but
setting FORTH TO our minds, no clear and definite
conception of the true nature and method Of met
sphysc inquiry. 1t is vague and indefinite and
essentially superficial. Itopens by procIainlng an
adhesion to the Baconian method of induction, as
the only S.rue path of intellectual inquiry; and
then insists upon the necessity of closely observing
the phenomena of consciousness and Of being par
tcuarly careful to distinguish that of which we
really are conscious from what we only imagine
very good advice, but not now fer the first time
given. The writer sneers at what he styles mere
Platonic meditation" though how this differs
from true inspection Of consciousness he does
not state. The discipline afforded by metaphysi-
cal study is insisted upon and the necessity of u
correct mental philosophy to the proper under
Standing of theological doctrines is urged. The
article is long and well worth reading though full
1t embraces several very interesting sketches of
well.known theologians. The second article is
review OF the " orks Of the late Nathaniel Emmons,
D. D., presenting sketch of his characteristics
as eloquent preacher and an eminent and able
divine. We observe that the reviewer, quoting
from The recent article on Loyoa and the Jcsuits in
Edinburgh, enormously attributes it to Macaulay.
The article is able and well written, though only
the first portion of it is presented in this number.
Miles Coverdale, the first translator of the Bible
into English, is the subject Of the third article
which is mainly clear and vigorous history Of the
various TRANSACTIONS Of the Bible that have been
made in England.
The next paper, and the best in the number is
translation of q letter from the great German,
NiEDvHR, to young hilologian--writlcn for his
guidance in study, and presenting the manner
in which classical studies should BIO conducted
and the object at which they should aim. He
recommends his young friend TO turn away from
satire and triiling poetry. Homer, Eschylus,
Sophocles, Pindar, says he these arc the poets
for the young--thcse the writers on whom the
great men of antiquity noulished themselves, and
who, SO long as literature enlig CITIZENS the world,
will ennoble the soul early filed with this spirit
and strengthen it for the conflicts of life Read
them, he adds, not for the purpose of making
reflections upon them as works of taste, but in
der TO read yourself into them, and to Fill your soul
with their thoughts, that you may profit by the
perusal as you would by listening with reverence
to the discourse of great men, 1t is q most ad-
mirsble and valuable letter. The Editor presents
brief reyiew-which we wish had been fuller and
more complete-of De Welte's Practical Ethics,
and the Review contains two articles besde-one
~. & IF Eac IN and
other upon the Systematic Theology OF the Early
Church. 1t has also very coPio $ and satisiac-
tory collection of Literary Notices and of General
Intelligence especially of literary doings on the
Continent of Europe. Frem notice of q volume
Of German Lyric Poetry recently published in Bos
ton we copy the following passage:
GERMAN HABITS OF IHouGHT.--The Germans,
like true poets, have the faculty of discovering re-
semblances, with quckness OF vision truly aston
ishins und Of working up minute incidents, as Inc
theme Of the most charming melodies. his tao
u,y, indeed, seems to be the peculiar gilt, not OF
poets only but of most of tue nations OF continental
Europe. We find, in their books, events OF so trl-
vial character, that an American or al Engllsh-
man would never think OF speaking oil them, made
the basis of thrilling article lhls atiention 10
little occurrences of which they make such use,
may be attributed 10 any one, OF several Causes
either freshness of mind an ansophislicated nat
uyaness, perpetuity of youthful ardor, fer which,
even their old men are distinguished; or, the habit
Of noticing whatever takes place or, the absence
of gcsat events and subjects of thought leaving the
mud at liberty TO dwell upon those which are OF
minor Importance. 1t IS pleasant 10 observe the
high interest with which foreigner often relates
affairs Of little consequence. The habit may, how
ever, contribute to the advantage OF true rhiloso-
ply, whose office it is to collect facts, ard make
deductions from them. Persons who live under
the governments of continental Europe, have less
&c concern them in the affairs of The adminis.ra-
tion the inhabitants, especially, OF America
Here we ore all lords. The government resides
ia every mans bosom. The liberty TO discuss Its
weish,y proceedings, and to regulate them, is our
bir,hrisht as f,eemen; and every man feels SO
deeply his personal responsibility, that there IS TOO
much business for our coordinate sovereigns, 10
allow them 10 descend to things of little moment.
Tho great question is, will II be cunsislent with our
dignity, TO continue these, our servants In ONCE!
But The ability to make much OF little clrcun-
stances, il just what the poet needs IL Is the To-
ken OF that prolfpness of mind, which is required
to enable him TO find materials every where lor
his art
SKETCHES OF MopERS Philosophy, especially among the
Seraans. by JAMES MuSpocS, D. D. Hartford: J..
This is rather an ambitious title for u very small
lGmo, and The purpose of the author can, of course,
be but imperfecsly wrought out. Sill, the design
seems u good one, and We wish it might DO more
completely and successfully accomplished Tie
seyelaiy chapters of this work were originally
written, lit seems, for the columns of newspaper,
and seem 10 have been we'll ADAPTED TO that form