Revue Encyclopedique. Par M. V. Cousin [pp. 358-377]

German and French Philosophy.
ed: The state of French and German philosophy is such
as to enlist the deepest feelings of every Christian, whose bosom glows with benevolence to the whole race of his fellow
men. The science and literature of two among the most advanced nations of the world, is employed far more s,ccessfully against the religion of Christ than is any superstition of India. The latter cannot seduce an Englishman or American:
the former does this daily.
Now we ask, can the friends of the Christian religion do
nothing to resist this terrible enemy? Are we to combat the
superstitions of heathenism, and still not even ask what can
be done to resist a more dreadful foe in Christian lands? We
pretend not to say what definite steps can be taken to favour
the cause of revealed truth in either France or Germany;
but while God is tile hearer of prayer, the subject deserves consideration. A single thing may be suggested
any measure that would favour the increase of piety and knowledge of the truth, among the lower and especially middle classes of France or Germany, would at length extend the benefit to the more refined classes. The literati
of Germany would, of course, scorn any such attempts to
reach their minds; but will they not at some time return to
the religion of the Bible, and will not this be a consequence
of prayers and efforts, which a preceding generation had ridiculed? Is it not a want of faith and true Christian zeal, that
leads us to suppose the German philosopher beyond the reach
of divine mercy, when exercised through any of its common
channels? Were Christian writers in this country and in
England, always upon the alert to expose the vagaries of infidel philosophy, and place over against it the truth of God,
great results might at some time be anticipated. We are
ever to remember, that God hath chosen the foolish things
of the world to confound the wise; the weak things of the
world to confo?und the things which are mighty;-that no
flesh should A,lory in his presence."
We add a single reflection. Just before our Saviour appealed upon earth, there was prevalent a general expectation
that some extraordinary person was soon to visit mankind,
and produce a highly beneficial revolution in the world.
While the Jewish prophets uttered the oracles of God, Roman
poets, Indian philosophers, Persian magi, were the unwitting
heralds of the Prince of Peace. Like this, is one of the signs
of the present time. The Christian world looks for the se
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