speak of what others may regard as an excessive estimate of my own work,
but I will venture to mention the keen perception shown in the note on
page 29, as something that gave me peculiar satisfaction."

Once more. In an article in the 'Contemporary Review' of last month, on
"The Moral Influence of George Eliot," by "One who knew her," the writer
says: "It happens that the only criticism which we have heard mentioned
as giving her pleasure, was a little posthumous volume published by
Messrs Blackwood."

With such testimony in its favour, it is hoped a third edition will not
be thought uncalled for.

_March_ 1881.




THE ETHICS OF GEORGE ELIOT'S WORKS.


"There is in man a higher than love of happiness: he can do without
happiness, and instead thereof find blessedness."

Such may be regarded as the fundamental lesson which one of the great
teachers of our time has been labouring to impress upon the age. The
truth, and the practical corollary from it, are not now first enunciated.
Representing, as we believe it to do, the practical aspect of the noblest
reality in man--that which most directly represents Him in whose image he
is made--it has found doctrinal expression more or less perfect from the