original pieces of literary criticism, and other literary miscellanies, which have been so generally admired for the depth and originality of the ideas-the comprehension and grasp of thought and the singular eloquence and vigorous terseness of style which they exhibit. The Publishers beg to observe here, for the benefit of those to whom the great name of Channing is yet almost unknown, that the general characteristics of this eminent writer and divine, are, a fearless and lofty independence of character; an imagination inconceivably rich and fertile, but subdued and kept under by the powers of a vigorous and astute intellect; a comprehensive grasp of his subject-with an intense energy and copious richness of expression, devoid of turgidity, or flaccid violence—and which flash out upon the reader, from the depths of a teeming and active mind, views, equally just, original, and profound-like gleams from the inner shrine of a sacred and hitherto impervious sanctuary. His style is indeed a model of chaste and severe elegance. Its compression is intense; there is no empty verbosity-no playing with language; all is sound and vigorous muscle, braced up to the proper mark. It is a mass of lion's marrow, fit for a strong intellectual digestion, and well calculated to cure the sickly tastes so prevalent at present in regard to composition. The Publishers would only further remark, that in the present edition they have studied to gratify the eye in connexion with the improvement of the mind, and the gratification of the higher literary and intellectual tastes; whilst economy has also been consulted-two volumes containing such a quantity of letter-press, with the general getting up of so handsome a character, seldom having been offered before upon such terms. They beg to add, in conclusion, that whilst in a business point of view, they will undoubtedly feel gratified by the success of their undertaking,—that satisfaction will be heightened in character and degree, by the knowledge that they have been the means of making generally known, the talents and the virtues of Channing to their fellow-countrymen. It is proper to notice, that a small part only of the contents of these volumes is devoted to subjects purely theological and controversial. The most timid need not therefore be alarmed for their orthodoxy-the illustrious author dealing more in general and abstract views of religion and man's nature, than in discussions of a sectarian and limited character. To the general reader, and the man of refined intellectual taste, hitherto unacquainted with this elegant and powerful writer, they confidently present these volumes, as an invaluable addition to the classical library-worthy of the shelves, which sustain the works of a Massillon and a Barrow, a Johnson and a Blair. Glasgow, July, 1835. CONTENTS. Remarks on the Character and Writings of John Milton, .....9 Remarks on the Life and Character of Napoleon Bonaparte,..63 Remarks on the Character and Writings of Fenelon,........141 The Moral Argument against Calvinism, illustrated by a |