Emerson's Diaries

The Heart of Emerson's Journals. Edited by Bliss i'essy (Constable. is. (Id. net.) The Heart of Emerson's Journals. Edited by Bliss i'essy (Constable. is. (Id. net.)

As I AM sure that the sun will rise to-morrow so I am t before long there will be a strong revival of religious f though the word will not be employed. It will, I expect, known as an anti-materialistic movement, and shun definit' and dogma. I also think it highly probable that this spirit revival will be heralded by a revival of Emerson's writ' His is exactly the right spirit for such a lead. Eme though in temperament deeply religious, possessed an ent emancipated mind. But such emancipation, coupled with religious mood and also with that anti-materialism of soul w we are apt to call Mysticism, is what the new world of to- consciously or unconsciously pants for and prays for. It I as tired and distrustful of dogma, ritual, and Jesuit are Calvinistic logic as it is of the pure negations of Atheism auf Agnosticism. The cry of the younger generation is for lid and the authentic teaching of Christ, not that dreadful are often blasphemous caricature which has too often pas- for Christianity.

In many ways of thought Emerson was in advance of generation. They thought him vague and dreamy because le was a mystic—a capital but very common error. Also, ths did not think his aphoristic manner was serious enough Is high subjects. The Heart of Emerson's Diaries shows ha potent as well as how delicate an instrument of spirit exegesis was this aphoristic power.' By its use he was able show that his view of God was much more of a reality than conventional ritualistic view of the Churches—Roman Protestant. By refusing to define the Deity he mainta' inviolable for himself, and for any who Might in his own or in the future comprehend him, the omniscience, the on' presence, and the illimitable. beneficence of the Almigh A defined God was as of necessity a limited Cod—a God w Mercies were covenanted, and who, if He was properly d with, would be unable to make his beneficence _universal.

The name which Emerson' gave tei the ten volumes of mixed Diary and Commonplace Book" is a good lay examre of his aphoristic method. He called them his " Savingl Bank." When these savings were banked, he could at as, time draw out the currency he needed to spread his id and his teachings. His own words are worth recording this point

"This Beek is my Savings Bank. I grow richer because I la somewhere to deposit my earnings ; and fractions are worth to me because corresponding fractions are waiting here that s be made integers by their addition."

The book before me is so rich in things stimulating for times and all minds, and also so well filled to the mood the present time, that the work of selection is most diffie One of the best of these specially appropriate aphorisms is:

"I confess I am a little cynical on some topics, and wheel whole nation is roaring Patriotism at the top of its voice, I fain to explore the cleanness of its hands and purity of its hest, I have generally found the gravest and most useful citizens are the easiest provoked to swell the noise; though they may be punct at their polls."

Could anything be more poignant and more useful to American people it the present moment than this warn against the slisimefess paradox so much hated by Emerson "My country right Or wrong" ?

Emerson in his memorable visit to Europe and England ' 1847 noted down many things of great _significance, and she'' now great was-his devotion to his own country, in spite of fact that he did not spare her faults. Here is a piece critical felicity concerning both nations. which is still f Alive :-- "The Englishman talks of polities and institutions, but the thing which he values is his home, and that which belongs to it, that general culture and high polish 'whiCh iii his .expenenco man but the Englishman possesses, and which he naturally belie to have some essential connection with his throne and laws. is what he does not believe resides in America, and therefore contempt Of ArneriCa is'onlY half concealed. This Engliih tenet is in strong- contrast with our facility. The facile American 8 4is Puritanism when he leaves Cape Cod, runs into all E and French vices with great zest, and is neither Unitarian, (ialvmnist, nor . Catholic, nor stands for any known thought or dug

which is vet; distasteful to 'English honour,,' It is a bed

that I have met with many Americans who flattered themselves that they pass for English. Levity, levity. I do not wish to be mistaken for an Englislunan, more than I wish Monadnock or Salient or Nantucket to be mistaken for Wales or the Isle of Wight:"

We are clearly wrong in thinking the "slogan" a modern development. Emerson was excellent at aphorisms so short as really to be slogans. -Take the following piece of self (Tit Why has my motley diary no jokes ? Because it is a soliloquy and every man is grave alone."

It has, however, several very notable pieces of humour.

For example :-- • - • Egypt. Mm. Helen Ball, it seems, was asked,' What do you think the Sphinx said to Mr. Emerson?' Why,' replied Mrs. Bell, ' the Sphinx probably said to him, "You're another."'" This entry was made during the visit to Egypt in 1874.

With one more' example of Emerson's humour I will close this notice of an admirable book—one to which Its editor, Mr. Bliss Perry, has proved a most skilful introducer.

"Macaulay. No person ever knew so. much that was so little to the purpose."

J. ST. LOE STRACHEY.