Μᾶλλον γὰρ δεῖ τάς ἐπιθυμιας ὁμαλίζειν ἢ τὰς οὐσιας. ARISTOTLE POLIT. II. vii., 8, Congreve's Ed. [All rights reserved. PREFACE THE primary object in the publication of this volume was the desire of making English and American readers acquainted with the author of the work of which this is only, so to speak, a popularized epitome with additions and alterations to adapt it for English readers. The calm, candid and comprehensive manner in which Dr. Schäffle deals with the great social questions of the day deserves the most attentive consideration of political economists and social reformers. But the present volume is intended for others also who have an interest in the social movement of these days. On the one hand it is addressed to the great middle class, the capitalists, against whom the international and kindred affiliations are directing their open attacks and dreaded secret combinations. On the other hand, it is addressed to those "enlightened" leaders of the labouring classes who can see no other means of salvation for the working man except the destruction of the capital and influence of the hated moneyed middle and upper classes. A careful perusal of the following pages, if conducted without prejudice and unhampered by foregone conclusions, will teach both, not how they may defeat each other's plans and purposes, but rather how they may mutually advance their own interests, and so the common interests of civilization and humanity. It is also hoped that a thoughtful study of this volume will show the former that, after all, the writings of German economists are not quite so dangerous to property or revolutionary in theory as some suppose them to be. And as to the latter (the working man's friends) the present attempt will add another item, however subordinate in importance, towards the vindication of the clergy from the charge often brought against them of neglecting the material interests of the labouring classes. There are some men in the church who study diligently, and weigh carefully, those problems the solution of which must lead to the elevation of the masses and the temporal prosperity of the working classes. But their number is not as large as perhaps it ought to be. May this humble contribution aid in some measure to promote the conviction that the temporal as well as the spiritual welfare of the people deserves alike the attention and fostering care of the national church. If Christianity is the gospel of peace, and the Founder of our religion, Himself the great Mediator, has pronounced His blessing upon the peacemakers not in vain, it evidently becomes the ministers of His religion to follow in the Master's steps and to act as mediators between those whom self interest and class hatred have severed. Taking an independent standpoint, the clergyman may see the merits and demerits of modern theories for the improvement of the working classes, and also the extravagant claims of the partisans on either side. He sympathizes with rich and poor, the higher and the lower classes; and so he may calmly and kindly lend the hand of fellowship to both, and reconcile them one with another. As to the subject matter of this volume it may be properly asked how far is it merely translation, how far adaptation, and how much of original matter does it contain? It would be very difficult to give a precise answer to this question, nor would it help much in the general appreciation of the volume before the reader. The chief object has been throughout the following pages to reproduce in a readable form the arguments of the original author intact, and hence translation in a condensed form has been adopted to a great extent in this volume. The same desire has led the present author in some few instances to translate almost literally the words of the German work, even at the risk of incurring censure from the critics for using a phraseology bearing the impress of German modes of thought and expression. The intelligent reader will make allowances for this peculiarity, since what he loses in style he will gain in the value of a faithful translation, where that is most desirable. The work of adaptation at all times is one surrounded by all but insuperable difficulties. Still there are cases where it is preferable to mere translation. To some extent it has been adopted in this volume, and that for two reasons. In the first place, it was necessary to reduce the original work to one third of its size without the omission of any essential matter; and in the second place the peculiar style of the German work had to be simplified, and to some extent popularized, for English readers. This could only be done by considerably modifying the form, whilst writing entirely in the spirit of the original. In some cases it was found necessary to add original notes, illustrative passages, and other quotations from modern, especially English, authors. In some places it was necessary to recast the matter of the book entirely, so as to adapt it to the varying conditions and ideas prevalent in England and America. The more critical reader may discover from a comparison of this volume with the original work, "Kapitalismus und Socialismus," how far this plan has been successful. The general reader may rest satisfied with the assurance of the present author that he has the sum and substance of Dr. Schäffle's ideas before him in this volume, confirmed by the latter's approval after a careful perusal of the proof-sheets as the book was passing through the press. Thus much having been premised for general guidance, the work is submitted to the consideration of those whom it may concern, with the prayer for an indulgent hearing from THE VICARAGE, CHARD, THE AUTHOR. |