New-York tribune., 1879-03-28
ENGLISH MAGAZINES. March.
CONTEMPORARY REVIEW.


An article in this number ON The New Re-
ilgous Movement in France" by Josephine Z. Butler,
contains good deal of novel information, and will be
read with interest exposition of q remarkable
phase in the present religious condition OF France
It is stated by the writer that there is at this
moment a greater degree Of dogmatlc material
Ism and Of Indifference to religious questions in
England than there is among the same class
IN France. We have been accustomed to look upon
that country the stronghold Of sceptCsm aud evty
IN regard TO religion, which are the natural reaction
against superstition and ecclesiastical authority Yet
there has recently been awakened IN France an earnest
spirit inquiry. and there appears ardent desire
among some of her thoughtful men TO shake on on
the hand the old incubus OF priesty rule, and To
escape on the other the deadly influence Of atheism.
The extent OF this movement is yet but little known
IN England. The truth begins to dawn upon the minds
certain French patriots that there Is no security for
the Republic unless the newfound liberties are based
upon moral convictions and religious faith Some OF the
literary men OF France who but few years ago styled
themselves reethnkers, and were without any positive
faith whatever sincerely inquirng concerning
God and the future state searching for anchor by
which to hold the vessel Of freedom in calm and safe
waters Besides the inquiry, moreover for religion
which shall give stability their political institutions
there strong yearnng for religious truth for its own
cake "Man does 1--we by bread alone" says q con-
tributOr to the contemporary literature of France
"he lives also by ideas, by justice, by charity by
which go forth out of the mouth Of God" Victor
Hugo who his best moments gives utterance to the
higher impulses OF the mass of the people, writes =
"what is IL which alleviates and which sanctifes toll
which renders strong wise, patient, just, at once
humble aspiring but the perpetual vision OF better
world light shines through the darkness OF the
present life For myself believe profoundly in that
better world and after many struggles muchstudy, and
numberess trials this is the supreme conviction OF nv
reason it is the supreme consolation of my soul"
Among the foremost names in the present movement
religious reform those OF NJ Reveilaud
pnd NJ Pion the editors of La Cfidge phlOSophtque,
political scientific. and literary review Of great merit
in which the religious movement in France s dealt with
in an earnest and phiosOphc spirit with these, NJ.
Leon PLATTE the editor Of FEgfse H6re, ranks as a
fellow-worker. The name Of Eugene RcvelEaud has
acquired some prominence by the publication Of his
book La Question rsgieuSe in 1873 In this work the
writer born and educated Roman Catholic declares
himself free-thinker aud attacks the influence Of the
clergy fatal 20 the Of free institutions The
book obtained rapid sale, and was warmly welcomed
by thousands of readers. Revelaud evnces no anag-
Onsm toward Christianity. On the contrary he main
tains that religion necessary for the life OF nation.
The liberties France only n securely built up on
basis Of re gious and moral convictions rooted in the
hearts Of The people aud infused into pop
ular educst But Catholicism. he asserts,
cannot suffice for this. Identified with
Je.uitsn and the central rule OF Rome, it
He finds idea sublime the central idea of Chris
tanty great change has recently come over Reveil-
laui quickenng his devotion 20 positive religion. One
day in the Autumn Of last year. he ascended Protest
ant pulpit the south OF France and account
10 the crowded audience % what had occurred TO him
the previous nght. He spoke Of vision, a sudden
Hgnt baptism OF grace which vOuchsafed TO him.
He had before him sympathetic aud awestruck audi
enee The OF this public declaration few rapidly
throughout the Evangelical community, not only in
France but IN England. lie has entirely Withdrawn
from politlcs is engaged in missionary tours and Is
studying theology with view to the regular exercise Of
the Evangelical ministry. As preacher be has great
power and il said that At a single meeting which he
addressed, one hundred and fifty Roman Catholics
were brought over 10 the Protestant Church. Another
parsonage in the Protestant movement is
Paul Bouchard He is the proprietor OF great vineyards
in Burgundy and has passed the greater part OF his life
IN his native town OF Beaune where he has children and
grandchildren. He is now advanced IN years, but re-
tains a bright and cheerful temperament, is hopeful in
spirit and genial in manner. He had been deeply i'm
pressed with the influence Of the clergy on domestic life
producing estrang ngenents between the men and the
women Of the same household, and often on the most
vital matters Of faith After years OF conflict he
at last sent TO the bishop OF the diocese bis sbura
ton OF Catholicism and his adoption OF the Protestant
faith Since then be has been going from town TO
town in France holding popular conferences HIS dis
courses are partly political aud partly religious: he
addresses bis appeals TO the masses Of the people, work