May 18. 1833
German — Goethe — God’s Providence — Man’s Freedom
German is inferior to English in modifications of expression of the affections, but superior to it in modifications of expression of all objects of the senses.
Goethe’s small lyrics are delightful. He showed good taste in not attempting to imitate Shakspeare’s Witches, which are threefold,—Fates, Furies, and earthly Hags o’ the caldron.
Man does not move in cycles, though nature does. Man’s course is like that of an arrow; for the portion of the great cometary ellipse which he occupies is no more than a needle’s length to a mile.
In natural history, God’s freedom is shown in the law of necessity. In moral history, God’s necessity or providence is shown in man’s freedom.