New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-04-23
NEW PUBLICATIONS
REMAINS STUDIES.

IT. materials of which this volume is composed
are derived, for the most part, frc7 the oo"~ ipu-
lions Of NJ. Eensn to different literary pcT'0dlcalS
~ his own country. They had been already col
,.eted in a separate work by the author, ana the
ion now riveu 10 tbs American public Is
,,,ued with his eypNss sencuon ara approval
Iuone other interesting end valuable essays they
,o,nrrise articles Oh the "Rcgions Of Antiquity
.'His,ory OF the People ct Israel, Inc faI' "a
the Sem;sc PeU5o in tho History ot ClVlh%a'on'
s.The Critical Historians OF CEiSt, "John Cal
vim " "Chapnins,' "The Future Of Religion IN
atoder, Society" P0fxed &c the volume is an
account of tic life and labors Of NJ. Renan by Air.
usprv IIarisse of Ncw-Yorb, presenting lucid
and instrpctive sketch of the literary career in
which the author of the "Life of jesus has won
"a eminent a position in the field Of biblical and
oriental literature
The biography of n. Renan presents few Incl
sents except those of az intellectual characters but
they possess marked significance as Illustrative OF
,he development of his mind and the progress Of his
opinions. He was born in what was the ancient
province of Brittany in the year 1873. His parents
were Of humble condition in life, and his boyhood
was not free from the hardships which usually fol-
low in the train Of poverty After passing through
ssuccessful academic course in his native town, he
was sent 10 Paris, and became a foundation scholar
In one Of the primary theological schools OF the
capital Ofretirng and modest habits and singular
~ sedate temperament, he took no part IN the re-
creations of his felow-students but soon gained an
excellent reputation for diligence aouteness, and
good conduct From the first, he manifested a re-
of
artificial authority and pas.oncte love Of inquiry
and free thought. For a time, be devoted himself
70 the study of the philosophers, pursuing the
speculations which have interviewer the names Of
Abelard and Descartes with the mental progress Of
France, and thus forming the habit of profound
reflection and delicate and subtle analysis.
The development of lis mind was greatly aided
by the influence of his sister, 10 whose memory the
work on the Life of Jesus is inscribed in the ten
der and touching dedication which opens that vol
ame. This lady resided in Germany. She was
person of superior powers Of mind Of an affection
ste and genial disposition, and with warm attach
nent 10 her younger brother. With her rare and
admirable culture, she was able TO surround him
with wise counscls, 10 direct his attention to tho
achievements of German scholars and theologians
whom she freely met in society, and To furnish him
sith the latest, and often the startling, results Of
the boldest speculation. In this way he early be-
same acquainted with the works Of Ewald, the
learned Professor Of G6ttingcn, whose mastery
productions on the language and history Of the
Hebrews have always exercised spowerful influence
On the opinions Of Renan himself.
After completing the regular course of science
and metaphysics, NJ. Renan entered the seminary
of st. Sulpice theological student 1t was here
that he irst showed his remarkable aptitude for the
study of Hebrew, Syriae, and Arabic. AT the same
time. he devoted himself TO ecclesiastical history
and the early Fathers; but grave inquiries and
doubts were soon suggested which his researches
into the origin of the church were by ne means
adapted to appease. lie could not resist the force
Of his convictions; his conscience repealed every
attempt at concealmentOr concession; and at length
he was prompted 70 reveal the state of his mind 70
the supcriors OF the institution. This led to his
dismissal from st. Sulpce which could not tolerate
ihe faintest scrupe, although he LEFT the seminary
with the esteem of his teachers. Through the in
duence Of the president, he obtained the appoint
nent of tutor in the College Stanislas; but the
drudgey ofthe situation only dampened the ardor Of
his mind, and soon became intolerabe; he deter
mined to out course for himself; he left the
college and after terrible struggle with poverty
and privaton, passed with the highest honors his
examination for university professor Of philosophy.
he then sought by giving private lessons the means
Of pursuing his fayorite studies in freedom and
tranquility. His. lsbors were at length rewarded
by an Academy prize FOR treatise on the Semitic
languages, which at once established his reputation
ss an oriental scholar not surpassed since the age
of De Sacy and Burnouf. This was succeeded by
various literary performances of similar character;
his fame constantly advanced he attracted the
notice Of the Government; ard in 1913 was IN
trusted by the Secretary of State with literary
mission TO Italy, from which he brought back the
materials for remarkable work on the Moorish
philosopher AycTOes, which al the instance Of NJ.
Cousin, was published in book form in 1852. On
ais return he was appointed assistant librarian in
charge of the Oriental manuscripts in the National
library. lie was nov free from the "carking
cares Of pecunisry want his position in life was
90 certain extent established; he married adangh
Ger of AIRY ScbofFer, the celebrated French painter
mad applied himself with fresh enthusiasm 10 the
studies which had formed the soace Of his exist
ance. The questions relating TO the origins Of re-
hgions attracted him with peculiar force. III was
drawn towards them," he says "by an inyincibe
tendency, for religion is certainly the highest of all
the manifestations of human nature, and that which
among all poetry approaches nearer the essential
aim Of art, in cleyating man above common life, |
and awakening the consciousness OF his celestial
iv;v