always maintained a high reputation, among German universities, for plain manly sense, slow to adopt unproved theories, and anxious to promote the knowledge of truth and the best interests of science. "Since its foundation," says a German author, "it has been the enemy of every arbitrary hypothese, of all learned pedantry and useless innovation. The attention of its pupils has been chiefly directed to history, and to the fountainheads of science and literature. Those numerous absurd theories, which are a reproach to us amongst other nations, never took root in its soil. The charlatanism of learning-the idolatry of momentary prodigies-the worship of wild and wasting genius, found no harbour in any of its gates or temples, and against its rocks the waves of false science have foamed in vain." This high reputation was neither acquired nor merited when Moser studied; and he could scarcely acquire, at a German university, that plain manly wisdom which, at a subsequent period, flowed so richly through the greater part of his writings. He never was distinguished by any extensive knowledge of what was then taught, and probably employed the time he was at the university more in appreciating what he heard, than in committing it to memory. His was not one of those common minds which greedily imbibe, without distinction, every thing classed as learning. There is, on the contrary, evidence in his works that he despised and ridiculed some of the useless pursuits of learned bodies. He weighed what was taught in the balance of reason-held fast only by that which he deemed useful-and necessarily contemned all the minute verbal distinctions which were then called science. He wanted, as he himself said, patience to serve out his apprenticeship, so that he might be admitted a member of any learned corporation.

Moser's mother was one of the most notable of Westphalian women, who are distinguished above other German women for attention to their household, And Moeser was the favourite of his mother, delighting much more to help her in gathering apples, than to sit poring over books. She instructed all her children in the principles of household economy, and was Moser's guide in his study of

French. It was most probably from her, therefore, that he acquired much of that wisdom which afterwards improved the houses and manners of the peasants of Westphalia. We believe that more than one celebrated modern poet have been sung into inspiration by the enthusiastic voice of a mother. And we willingly add this example of Moser, as a proof that the most humble amongst us may have a considerable influence on the destiny of all. The heart of many a mother may expand to the delightful hope, that, in educating her children to virtue, she may be enabling them to reform, enlighten, or delight mankind.

On Moser's return from the university, he inscribed his name in the list of advocates, and married, in 1746, a lady of the name of Brouning, worthy of him both in knowledge and kindly affections. In 1747, he was appointed to the honourable and importart post of Advocatus Patria, which imposed on him the task of conducting every process in which the state was concerned. Soon after he was appointed secretary and syndicus to the noble branch of the estates of the Bishoprick, (Ritterschaft.) In these situations he distinguished himself by a steady opposition to every thing arbitrary and unjust. He was the advocate of the poor and the helpless, and the strongest support of the Protestant party against the superior power, which the Catholics then possessed in Osnabrück. The usual object of an advocate's ambition is to become a judge, but to this Moser had a great aversion. In our country, where public pleading leads to the highest honours of the state, and where a noble ambition may, perhaps, be better gratified by displaying, as an advocate, the talents of a popular orator, than delivering, as a judge, the sentences of the laws, we can readily conceive why a man should prefer the bar to the bench,-why Erskine should regret that he accepted the office of Chancellor, and Curran repine at being made Master of the Rolls;-why they should both have felt their powers benumbed by changing the sun-beams of public admiration for the chilling honours of office, and the freezing respect which artificial dignities inspire. But it is more difficult to account for this disposition in Moser, because pleadings

are not public and verbal in Germany, and an advocate there is never an object of public interest. His biographer attributes it to a love of inquiry, and a desire of examining every side of a question, and an aversion to come to a decision. But the two former reasons apply more to a judge than an advocate. And we should rather be disposed to ascribe this dislike to that modesty which ever accompanies genius, and which might render Moser, in such weighty matters as life and property, fearful of deciding wrong, though he only delivered the sentence of the laws. Perhaps, also, his impassioned mind required constantly to express its feelings, and he found a suitable means of doing this in defending other people. His clients were to him what fictitious beings are to the poet; whom he creates, that he may invest them with all the cheerfulness, melancholy, or horror, which reigns in each fitful mood of his own checquered mind.

Moser was appointed in 1757 to the very delicate situation of commissioner, to regulate with the allied army, which had entered Osnabrück, the manner in which supplies were to be obtained, and contributions levied. The inhabitants, suffering from the presence of the troops, and their exactions, were ready enough to complain; but the conduct of Moser so obviously saved them from many vexations, that he was universally praised and esteemed. He gained the friendship of Prince Ferdinand and the rest of the generals of the allied army; and won still more than before the confidence of his own government and the love of his fellow-citizens.

In 1763 he was sent to England to regulate with the English commissariat the liquidation of the debts incurred for the supplies of the allied army in Osnabrück. His residence in London raised him to still higher consideration. At that time, it was a question with his Majesty, whether he should make his son or his brother Bishop of Osnabrück. The former, as the temporalities of the see were held alternately by a prince of the houses of Hanover and Brandenburg, was considered as most advantageous for our royal family, but it was strongly opposed by the Chapter; and Moser stood forth as the defender and champion of the King's right to nominate

any one of the Princes of his house. The Duke of York, though then an infant, was accordingly made Bishop of Osnabrück. Another dispute then ensued as to the right of guardianship during the minority of the Prince, which was claimed by the Chapter, but retained by the King. The ad vice of Moser was found useful, and before he left London, he had gained the entire confidence of his Majesty and his Hanoverian minister. On his return to Osnabrück, after eight months residence in London, he was commissioned by the King to examine every measure of Government, and give his opinion concerning it before it was carried into execution. And during the whole minority of the Duke of York, Moser was in fact the chief counsellor of the crown for the bishoprick. He retained his other situation of secretary to the estates; and thus the servant both of the nobility and the bishop, and, at the same time, the friend of the people, he preserved, through a long series of years, the esteem and respect of all. He had no sinister views to answer; he neither courted popularity, nor was greedy of the honours and wealth which the Sovereign could bestow. His conduct was open and upright, never stooping to flatter either party, and his high honours were purchased by no sacrifice of principles: he kept the plain way of honesty, and yet was a favourite with the powerful.

He was appointed in 1768 Secret Referendary to the Government, and received, unasked, an addition to his pension. The letter which he wrote on this occasion to the Hanoverian Minister in London, and the answer of the latter, merit that we should here transcribe them. The former shews Moser's peculiar manner of thinking and of expression, and the latter how highly he was respected.

Yet you

Moser wrote, "I have often declared, on being sounded by the Council of Government, that I had enough of every thing, and would only bring one pudding on my table, if I were ten times as rich as I am. have given me an addition to my pension, not only without my asking it, but almost in opposition to my desire. In the same manner, as I learn from M. De Busch, you had an intention to procure me a higher rank and title. But when I wrote to the minister to

thank him, I begged he would spare me with titles, which are like horns, and I never wished to exchange for them my right of creeping through a hedge."

Mr De Behr answered, "The opinion I have always entertained of your noble manner of thinking, honourable Sir, was confirmed by your letter of this month. I beg you will look on what the King, in the name of the Bishop, has given you, not as an encouragement to greater labours for the public, but as a token of the good will borne towards you. As to the title, I agree with you, that it is a matter of great indifference to a meritorious man, but as far as regards it, you will always have liberty to please yourself. At the same time, it gave me pleasure to find my knowledge of your opinions more correct than that of Mr R. R. de B. It is well for any country, when the places of distinction in it are conferred according as individuals have promoted the public welfare."

In this respectable and dignified situation, Moser passed the remainder of his life. He resided constantly at Osnabrück, but visited Pyrmont annually, for the sake of there meeting some literary friends. His occupa tions, either as an advocate or statesman, were at all times numerous, and he was accustomed to perform all his duties without the assistance of a deputy. The small and unimportant country over which his official influence extended, could not make him known to the world as a statesman. Osnabrück is only an appendage to Hanover, which is of itself only known from its connection with England. Moser might have shared that neglect with which many of the ministers of the petty sovereigns of Germany, who, however, perform their parts ably, are suffered to pass to the grave, had not his talents as an author redeemed his name from obscurity. It was during this dignified and occupied period of his life that most of his works were written. But to them we shall hereafter refer, when all the particulars of his life have been stated. Moser had long been afflicted with cramps, which he supposed, according to a particular theory he had formed, were violent but benevolent exertions of nature to restore the equilibrium of the nervous system, When they

seized him, he resigned himself patiently, bearing the pain with as much fortitude as he could. He took no means of curing or relieving them. In the beginning of 1794 he caught a cold, which was soon followed by such cramps. He laid himself in bed, believing they would soon pass, but a death sweat came on, and he perceived his end was approaching. Then alluding to his struggles and his patience, he said, "I have lost my cause.' He gave some directions relative to his worldly affairs, thanked his only and his affectionate daughter for her tender cares, said he was tired and desired to sleep, and so sank gently, as he had lived, into the arms of death. This event took place on the 8th of January 1794. His funeral was solemn and even splendid, from the vast concourse of people of every description who followed unbidden to his grave.

Moser was considerably above the middle stature, and his father was long afraid to send him to a University, because Frederick William, the First of Prussia, believed he had a divine right to incorporate every youth above five feet eight inches with his grenadiers. He was proportionately stout and well made, enjoying, through the greater part of his life, that free and pleasant use of all his bodily faculties which contributes so essentially to a cheerful, healthy mind. His countenance was open and dignified, inviting confidence, and strongly expressive of his unassuming merits. Seriousness was united with kindness in his whole deportment; he seldom laughed, but a cheerful smile like that which Homer has made characteristic of his gods, played for ever on his countenance. He was sincere, patriotic, hospitable, kind, and friendly, ready to promote any good work, but inflexible in his opposition to evil. In his youth he had deserted from school, and had been relieved, when at a distance from home, by the charity of a stranger. From this circumstance, he had adopted a resolution never to refuse alms when asked of him, and was frequently seen at Pyrmont surrounded with beggars, to each of whom he gave, like some ancient and benevolent Abbot, some trifle and a friendly salutation. In company he rather excited others to converse, than engrossed the whole

conversation himself, taking occasion to bring forth every body to the best advantage. Yet he was never reserved or unsocial, but always ready to take a part in whatever society he might be thrown. He was free from pride and vanity, and conversed therefore only for pleasure or instruction, and not to exult in a victory over an opponent, or to triumph in a display of pedantic knowledge. He was happy in his domestic circle, blessed with a partner adorned with every female virtue. Her death, in 1787, appeared only to give his daughter an opportunity of shewing her love; during the rest of his life she was devoted entirely to him. His only son died at Göttingen at the age of twenty. Thus beloved by relations, friends, and dependents, honoured by his su periors, respected by his immediate neighbours, and admired as an author by the greater part of his countrymen, Moser passed a quiet, dignified, and happy life. Amongst the Germans he is a singular instance of a literary man, with a strong, plain, unsophisticated understanding, directing his efforts to promote useful know ledge. He resembled his country men, however, in his kindly affections, and in his gentle accommodat ing spirit; and when they are in general accused of admiring too fondly whatever is visionary, we must here record to their honour, that they have long respected and esteemed the calm and wise Justus Maser.

We have hitherto confined our attention to Moser as a man; we now come to speak of him as an author. His works were collected and published by his friend and biographer, Nicolai, in 1798. They consist of eight parts, bound up into four thick octavo volumes, of between 700 and 800 pages each. The first volume contains what Moser modestly called an Introduction to the History of Osnabrück. It was first published in 1765, and is considered as having made an epoch in the manner of writing history in Germany. Before then, it was only a chronicle of kings and battles. Moser wrote a History of Property, of the changes it had undergone, and of the corresponding alteration in the manners of his countryHe first noticed, so as to make it useful for the purposes of history, the great political distinction between the

men.

earliest inhabitants of North and South Germany. Those of the south were united under military leaders; those of the north dwelt in isolated houses, were independent of every thing like rulers, and met as equal and free men when any thing was to be resolved on for the common good. The situation of Moser led him to consider the subject of property most frequently: the whole work was at first only written for his own use, and it is not, therefore, surprising, that it should have assumed a form more welcome to jurisconsults and statesmen, than to general readers. Moser only brought the history down to the thirteenth century, and it was then undoubtedly the best work on the early inhabitants of the North of Germany. It excited a desire amongst his countrymen to pry into the subject more narrowly, and though later and more extensive researches have thrown a clearer light on the matter, and a more agreeable manner of describing it, has given modern historians a great advantage over Mæser, yet his work is still much read, and will always be looked on and referred to as an admirable guide.

A second volume contains his miscellaneous works, in which he has treated in a happy, sometimes serious, sometimes comic manner, a great variety of subjects. Among them we shall only particularise his tale of the Poor Freeman, and his Essay on the German Language and Literature. The former was written to ridicule the indecent haste with which the French began to abolish all their ancient institutions, and appears quite equal to the novels of Voltaire, but written with a greater respect for truth. The latter was an answer to the cele brated letter of Frederick the Great, on the literature of Germany, and was considered as the best of the numerous productions to which that gave rise. We shall quote a passage or two of this, because Moser appears to have judged very correctly, both the growing literature and language of his country.

"Sublime feelings," he says, " which are the parents of every noble expression, can only be produced by great events. Danger makes heroes, and the ocean makes bold men of those who would have been cowards on land. The mind demands difficulties to conquer before it evinces its own