Classic Literature. 35 



be selected from different parts of Europe, are en- 

 titled to respectful distinction/ Indeed, the con- 

 nection is so close between the philosophy of mind 

 and moral science, that every systematic writer on 

 the latter subject has, in a greater or less degree, 

 treated of the former. This will more fully appear, 

 when we come, in a future division of the present 

 work, to take a view of the various moral systems 

 which have obtained currency, or excited atten- 

 tion in the last age. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



CLASSIC LITERATURE. 



AT the revival of learning in the fifteenth cen- 

 tury, Classic Literature, or the study of the best 

 ancient writers of Greece and Rome, was an ob- 

 ject of primary and enthusiastic attention among 

 the literati of Europe. The remains of those 

 writers were sought with avidity, and studied 

 with persevering diligence. Criticisms and com- 

 mentaries upon them abounded. To gain posses- 

 sion of a classic manuscript; to remove an ob- 

 scurity in an ancient text; or to propose a new 

 reading, was then considered among the most 

 honourable and useful of all literary achievements. 

 At that time he who could lay ciaim to the cha- 

 racter of an adept in the Greek and Latin tongues 

 was, of course, a great and learned man; while, 



/ With the writings of the greater part of the metaphysicians above 

 mentioned, which belong to the continent of Europe, especially those ef 

 Germany, the author knows little but by report ; it will not, therefore, bo 

 expected that he should deliver any formal statements or opinions concern^ 

 ing their doctrines. 



