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1136 THE LEADEB [ No. 498 Oct. 8, 1859.
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SERIALS.
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Westminster Review (No. XXXII.) contains...
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Ecstatics Of Genius. By J. W. Jackson. -...
fulfilled the inferior demands of profane vaticination . " Apollonius Tyanseus , Mahomet , Joan of Arc , Ignatius Loyola , George Fox , Sir Isaac Newton and Swedenborg have each a separate essay ^ tending to illustrate the same ideas , and possessing merit as literary , compositions . Three others then follow under the title of " Modern Ecstatics . " These are Mrs . Buchan , Joseph Smith , and Schaxnyl . That on the Mormon leader is well worth perusal . The conclusion to which it arrives lies very close to a philosophic estimate . These modern instances prove , in the writer ' s opinipn , that the spiritual atmosphere is electrically charged , and that a theological storm is impending . The following passage , which will be found in the essay on Joan of Arc , is the summing up of the whole matter : —
the tripos to give confidence to kings and courage to generals ; as a prophetess , in short , whose words of mighty import were converted as by a celestial thaumaturgy into unhoped-for facts which have influenced events through all succeeding centuries , the Maid of Orleans must descend to coming time as a magnificent and indubitable example of spontaneous clairvoyance , grandly demonstrating its presence on the great theatre of the world , and affording a verification of its reality by the lasting modifications Avhich it has induced on the destiny of Europe and , through it , of mankinds " Af ter this extract , the competent reader may perceive for himself that this little work will probably repay perusal .
" That such beings are common it would be too much to say ; but that they are far less rare than is usually supposed we are fully justified in asserting . Unsuited , however , to ages of routine , these marvellously-endowed beings generally remain in a state of latent passivity ; their peculiar powers , in most cases , continuing , from want of duly evocative influences ., in a merely gerrnal state . Of old , such were usually devoted to the service of the altar , and , as Py thia at Delphi , Druidic priestesses and Scandinavian alrunes , held a recognised position of trust and honour , in which their peculiar gifts were duly cultivated and then provided , with fitting opportunity for manifestation . At a period still more re-r
mote * the prophetic faculty of these ecstatic females gave them both authority and renown as sibyls ; while , in more recent times , they have in the Roman communion frequently attained to the distinction of canonization , and often shown forth among the most eminent saints . In all periods except the present , by which we mean the era of inductive science , these wondrously-gifted individuals were permitted ; and even encouraged , to follow the proclivities of their nature ; and , in virtue Of this , their free development not only attained to a more vigorous expansion , but often became motor forces of considerable importance in the general working of society . We , however , in the full enlightenment of
a utilitarian age , consider them as of value principally for the purpose of supplying recruits to our lunatic asylums . Occasionally escaping this , they become important adjuncts to a revivalist campmeeting ; or still more rarely attain to . the doubtful pre-eminence of quasi-religious founders , followed only by a few rampant fanatics , while thoroughly despised by the many , and at best pitied as devout but misled maniacs by the benevolent and enlightened few . From this degradation , however , true science is now beginning to rescue them with as yet but an imperfect appreciation , we fear , of their true position in the scale of moral being . A mesmeric clairvoyant is but an indifferent
succedaneum for an ancient sibyl , to whom indeed even a veritable Seeress of Prevorst , though portrayed in the affectionate pages of Kerner , seems rather like a scientific curiosity than a legitimate successor . Fear not , however , O ye mysteriously-gifted daughters of this sacred sisterhood ! Ages of hard unbelief , of unfeeling scepticism , of ignorant doubt , and of shallow philosophy , are but the necessary reaction after periods in which dogmatic credulity has run riot and reverent devotion has sunk into grovelling superstition . The sunshine and the cloud , the calm and the tempest , are alike of nature ' s production . " The eclipse of faith " has passed its maximum , and , though still involved in its penumbra , the rapidly
retreating and diminishing shadows proclaim that the returning light of cloudless day is at hand . Ecstacy will yet be recognised as a condition of being to which genius is an approximation , and the Beer and the seeress will then , like the poet and the artist , have their rightful place assigned them in the great hierarchy of human intelligences . . Among such the fair dreamer of Domremy , the heroic Joan of Arc , will hold no undistinguished position . Her high-toned patriotism , her lofty devotion , her unwavering faith , her fearless courage , and her indomitable energy , placed as they are in the foreground of a picture so historically important , cannot
fail to secure her the favourable notice of an enlightened posterity to the remotest ages of civilisation . She is a heroine , without the notice of whose glorious deeds the annals of France can never be written . As the champion of her country , she is an Instance of lucidity , too important to be overlooked , too authentic to be doubted . As a divining nun , or a village prophetess , she might and would havo been treated with contempt by the pretentious concolt of a philosophy which , while lauding the Novum Or * ganum , yet decides every important question by an a priori doctrine of probability . But as u scoross , verifying her own predictions by leading armies to victory j ae a elbyl , whoso magic words converted defeat into triumph $ as a pythoness , bounding from
1136 The Leadeb [ No. 498 Oct. 8, 1859.
1136 THE LEADEB [ No . 498 Oct . 8 , 1859 .
Serials.
SERIALS .
Westminster Review (No. Xxxii.) Contains...
Westminster Review ( No . XXXII . ) contains a variety of excellent articles , commencing with one on "Militia Forces * " in which the subject is treated at great length . It is the writer ' s opinion that , having studied the question fully , this country is in danger . We are not left , however , without an alternative . Either the Papacy , or Protestant Britain must advance . " Whilst with us , " says the reviewer " the Liberals in politics , and the Protestants in religion , are becoming more and more disunited , there are signs in the Catholic Church of an intensity and unity of efforts , to regain supremacy over the minds of men which'may lead to desperate measures in those rulers who rely on this Church
for support . Before long either England ' s progress in liberal institutions and political reform will diminish , or military and bureaucratic absolutism in its alliance with priestcraft must lose its hold of the populations of the Continent . The more science extends the intercourse of nations , the more difficult it becomes for incompatible political principles to coexist . " A capital paper on Rousseau follows ; and one still more important on " Spiritual . Freedom , " in which Mr . John Stuart Mill and the Chevalier Bunsen are criticised , in relation to the signs of the times . The paper is , in fact , of such supreme excellence that it deserves to be printed in letters of gold . The entire question of Infallibility is thoroughly sifted , both in it's Catholic and Protestant
aspects . Another article on Italian poetry gives a biographical account of the modern poets , who have illustrated the religious and political aspects of that new-born country : — -Alanzoui , JLeopardi , Silvio Pellico , Ugo Foscolo , Marchetti , Mammiani , Berchet , Giusti , Grossi , Aleardi , Tomaseo , Carrel , Perticari , Carcano , Cantu , and others ; many of whom are new to the English reader . In another article the merits of Garibaldi are set forth with due emphasis . There are also intelligent essays on the physical geography of the Atlantic ocean ; on Bonapartism in Italy , and on Tennyson ' s Idylls . Equally good are the theological and philosophical portions of the general literary notices ; and altogether this is a first-rate number .
National Review ( No . XVIII . ) contains articlea on Canning- ^ a fair , but rather too partial , appreciation of that statesman ; on the Teneriffe Astronomical Expedition , which from the heroic exertions used and the discoveries recorded , is of groat interest i on Lennox ' s Journal in Turkey and Greece , which selects some of the best passages of the book : on Royer Collard , who was weir known thirty years ago as a leading philosopher and statesman of France , and of whom a knowledge is now judiciously revived ) on Tennyson ' s Idylls ; and on the Navy—its want of Men ; on Tudor Legislation , in which both sides of the character of Henry VIII . are displayed ; on the Poetry of the Old Testament ; and on John Stuart Mill , whose style and logic are wisely praised , but whose merits as an influential and deep thinker are immoderately overrated .
Nww Quarterly Review ( No . XXXI ) . —The number , among other things , contains a severe reprimand to Mr . Cole , the biographer of Mr . Charles Kcun , which ought to convince both that thoy havo disgraced themselves by the publication that has been so generally condemned . This periodical always has ( an article on the drama ; a rcsumd of its quarterly doings . It is not very smart , far from full , and sometimes incorrect . The number is not remarkable for brilliancy . Blaokwood ( No . DXXVIII . ) commonces with
the second part or Cuptaln Spoke ' s Journal , containing his discovery of the Victoria Nyansja , the uupposecl source of the Nile ? a continuation of " Horse-dealing in Syria -, " and Part VJII . of the " Luck of Ladysmede . " The Alpino . Club flourish in an article on " Mountaineering ; " and Sir William Hamilton ' s theories nro analysed in a long metaphysical article , which is not without merit . Fraskr ( No . LX . ) also commences metaphysically , " Bacon ' s Doctrine of Forms " being the argument . Mr . Kolghtley contributes a paper on " The Life of Edmund Sponsor , " and Mr . Ohorloy another on " The National Drama of Spain . " ?• Holmby
House , " and " Sword and Gown , " are continued Of the political article we say enough when we state that the writer holds that " the Italians are masters of the position . " Dublin University Magazine ( No . CCCXXII" ) has , like all other journals now-a-days , its fair proportion of metaphysics . John Stuart Mill and Christian Ethics leads off the number . The Italian question is also treated ; but there is a general want of interest in the articles of the month . Universal Review ( No . VIII . ) contains eight articles of various interest and contrasted in subject "Rifled Arms" and " Idealistic Novelists " lie side by side ; " Shelley , " and " Growing our own Silk . " The critic defends the poet with much ability . The merits of the number are of the average kind .
Titan ( No . CLXXV . ) generally contains a good article or two , and the rests consists of compiled matter . " Pathological Love " is the leading subr ject , treated " in its English aspect . " Fragments of ' the Table-Round " possess interest ; and the number will prove generally amusing . Eclectic , has an article illustrative of Tennyson , on King Arthur and his table ; but Abelard and Heloise have the premier pas in the October number and are appropriated followed by " Protestantism in Austria . " Mrs . Howitt contributes a second series of " Sun Pictures , " which continue to be interesting . The opinions of the editor are liberal on the question of a new translation of the Scriptures . Reasonably enough , he desires that our version should be corrected where inaccurate .
London Review ( No . XXV . ) contains ten articles , one , of course , on Tennyson ; others on Architecture , Miracles , Social Science , Life Assurance Institutions , Romish Theory of Development , Small Farming , and Parliament . There is also a good review of Milhum ' s " Ten Years of a Preacher ' s Life . " The literary notices are discriminating . Englishwoman ' s Journal ( No . XX . ) abounds in topics , some of them of evident ultility . Cottage habitations , and some points of social science are ably treated . The life of Margaret Fuller Ossoli is continued . The cause of the needle-women is warmly advocated .
Constitutional Press ( No . VIL ) continues its tale of * ' Hopes arid Fears , " and indulges in some remarks on Mr . Gladstone ' s Homer , which are well expi'essed , though not well timed—the argument being rather overdue . An article on " Actors off the Stage" is . also a sensible piece of gossip , principally concerning Charles Mathews and Madame Vestris . The political articles are , as usual , onesided and impracticable . Journal of Psychological Medicine . Edited by Forbes Winslov , M . D ., D . C . L . ( No . XVI . )—As usual , this number contains some most instructive articles ; one , "On the Psychology of Kant , " is an elaborate essay ; and that on the " - ^ Esthetics of Suicide " is curious . The subject of hysteria and the Belfast revivals is also properly treated .
Lb Follbt presents the usual four engravings and amount of letter-press . We have found more than one amusing article . Once a Week ( Parfc III . ) deserves the highest commendation . Its articles and engravings are excellent . . Recreative Science ( III . ) abounds in useful suggestions . . Ladies' Treasury ( No . XXXII . ) has many good essays and pleasing pictures . Cassbll ' s Poihjlau Natural History ( Part VII . ) Illustrated Family Paper ( Part V . ) and Illustrated Family Bible ( Part V . ) maintain severally their character for careful selection , printing and
en-Routledqe ' s Shakespeare ( Part XLIII . )—^ } part contains the conclusion of " Macbeth , ami tue title-pago of " Antony and Cleopatra . " Some of the illustrations to " Macbeth" are very clever as artistic productions , but have little originality of conception as illustratingtho two chief characters . l \\ o death of Cleopatra is a very elaborate and one wood-cut . Routi . edge ' s Illustrated Natural History , ( Part VII . ) likewise very meritoriously maintains
ts reputation . Charles Knight ' s English Cyclooivkdia ( I arc IV . ) progresses admirably , and furnishes a fund , 01 knowledge concerning the Arts and Sciences . i . "o alphabetical arrangements conduct the roador to the consideration of Cotton . Kingston ' s Magazine irou Boys ( No . VllU contains its usual complement of topics , treated witu the usual tact . , _ , . Mooris ' s National Ains ( No . V . ) nnd Moore a Poetfoal Works ( Part VII . ) . These copyright editions of beautiful productions do cronlit alike to tno editors and the publishers . , , Tub VxuorNiANS ( No . XXIV . ) is concluded , « nu will sustain Mr . Tluvokoray ' s reputation . Parent ' s Cauinist ojf Amusemmnts ( No . XI . ; «
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Citation
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Leader (1850-1860), Oct. 8, 1859, page 20, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_08101859/page/20/
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