The Gentleman's Magazine, and Historical Chronicle, for the Year ...

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REVIEW.-Calendarium Inquisitionum.

structible is, therefore, in our judgment, an unphilosophical absurdity, as absurd as to say that a thing no longer exists because it is no longer to be seen. Annihilation seems to us accordingly to be an error, induced from a view of the subject through the senses. Motion, say philosophers, is the first law of all nature; and the microscopical experiments of Mr. Robert Brown, show that there is nothing quiescent, that even in silex and unorganized matter, there is motion in constant activity; and where there is motion, how can there be death? It can only at furthest be said, when animal action ceases, chemical action continues. The incapacity of the soul to remain in a dormant state between decomposition of the body and judgment, because, if admitted, it implies the practicability of annihilation, is held to be by capital theologians unphilosophical. Under this view of the subject, distinctly, Dr. Wheeler says*,

"It does not seem consistent with sound reason, in a philosophical view, that an active, intelligent, immortal principle, should continue for thousands of years in an inactive, unintelligent, inert state; as if partaking of many of the qualities of matter, yet of a substance totally opposite to matter. Indeed the idea of a substance having from its definition qualities opposite to matter, and yet represented as vested with its qualities, seems a palpable contradiction."

As to Scripture, the active state of the soul after death is not positively asserted, but fairly inferred, from Christ's saying to the penitent thief, " to day thou shalt be with me in paradise," the parable of Lazarus, and other texts. The place, Divines do not attempt to particularize, because (says Dr. Wheeler) the notion of any place, as having a connexion with spirit, is unphilosophical; spirit being, as an unembodied substance, incapable of being conceived by us as occupying any space. That the state of happiness there enjoyed by the soul, is not so complete as to be incapable of addition, is admissible, because "if complete, it must be final, and that position is inconsistent with the distant day of judgment †."

But this doctrine of the intermediate state having been controverted even by eminent persons, Mr. Huntingford, in

* Theological Lectures, i. 335. † Wheeler, p. 339.

[May,

this judicious, well-digested, and elaborate work, has collected all the authorities on the subject, and in so doing, has not only made out his case most ably, but given a mass of ingenious and curious information. His motives for publishing the book were such as confer honour upon him, in respect to principle as a Divine, for well does he say,

"The idea that the souls of men sink at death into a state inconsistent with what

the Scriptures teach us to be their nature;

an idea almost subversive of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, since it would affirm, that the souls of many human beings have been, to all intents and purposes, DEAD for thousands of years, and may continue so still for an indefinite period. Surely this must tend to confirm any hesitating mind in the entire disbelief of any future life."

"The two conflicting opinions may thus be stated: the one affirms, that MAN never dies; for that, though his grosser part may be dissolved preparatory to a glorious change of nature, yet his living principle always continues to live. The other insinuates, that death is virtually the death both of body and soul; for that both are equally to remain unconscious of existence for thousands of years. It may fairly be asked, which of these two opinions carries with it most easily the belief of a future life; that which supposes the living principle never to be suspended, or that which supposes it for thousands of years to be lost?'

"We may observe, that in speaking of the resurrection, the sacred writers never allude to the rising again of any thing but the body. Unless, then, we are to suppose the soul to be annihilated, we must suppose them to mean that the body, when raised, will be joined by the soul, which in the mean time has been placed in some separate abode. But the soul is purely spiritual; life is the very essence of spirit; if spirit ceases to live, it ceases to BE; neither can spirit live without self-consciousness. Therefore, we may fairly come to this conclusion, that the soul of man, whilst separated from the body by death, will be alive, and in full possession of self consciousness of its own

existence."

Calendarium Inquisitionum post Mortem, sive Escaetarum, Vol. IV. temporibus Regum Hen. V. Hen. VI. Edw. IV. et Ric. III. cum Appendice de quamplurimis aliis Inquisitionibus a regno Hen. III. usque Jac. I. nuper repertis. Fol. pp. 746.

WERE it not for the Inquisitions post Mortem, very little would be known

1829.]

REVIEW. Conway's Narrative.

of the ancient families of this kingdom; but it is to be remembered, that there have been inquests where the representation of heir-ship, &c. has been subsequently discovered to be false. Specimens of such misrepresentations have been published in Mr. Stacey Grimaldi's valuable work, intituled, "Origines Genealogica," p. 150. They should, therefore, in questions of doubt, be collated with other records. It is also to be observed, that, for the sake of necessary conciseness, manors within manors, and sometimes mere estates, are placed under the denomination of the principal place. In those too, relating to fees, we have found also the name of a former subinfeudist retained in subsequent records as the existing possessor, though he may have been dead for many years. Topographical works, therefore, derived only from the Calendars, may be, and often are, full of mistake. Sir Robert Atkins's Gloucestershire is an instance of these errors, through the accounts of the descent of property being derived only from the Calendars. Manors are confounded with estates, and fees with manors, and vice versâ ; and we could mention a lawsuit about a claim of a manor in chief, by the owner of a subordinate manor, founded upon the loose returns of the Inquisition itself. Moreover we believe, that the quantities of land specified, are often merely forms of law to cover claims, not actual amounts of the property. We could also mention misnomers and mistakes concerning the relationship of the parties named in the returns themselves. Such are the imperfections which, according to our experience, we have found in them in more than one instance, sometimes from intimidation or influence used with the Jury, at other times apparently from ignorance. As to manners and customs, the probationes ætatis are often very curious, and occasionally also the tenures. With these cautions they may be safely consulted, and with all their faults they are the best genealogical documents in the realm, and the chains with the most links as to the descent of estates.

We are happy to see this long expected volume; and need not compliment the learned and able Sub-commissioners, under whose superintendence it has been edited. We pre

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sume that those in the Rolls Chapel are to follow; and how far it would infringe upon the plan to substitute Cole's Abstracts in the British Museum, instead of the mere Calendar, where they do apply, we know not; only that such abstracts do abbreviate the body of the Inquisition, and would be more satisfactory to the public. At all events, these abstracts, and others on the same plan of the Liberationes in the Chapter House, would of themselves form a valuable auxiliary volume.

A Personal Narrative of a Journey through Norway, part of Sweden, and Islands and Stales of Denmark. By Derwent Conway. 12mo, pp. 315. Hurst and Co.

NORWAY is a country with which we are very little acquainted. It has been but seldom visited on other grounds than commercial traffic, or ruinous warfare. To be engaged in either of these occupations is sufficient to prevent the visitor from ascertaining much of the character of the inland scenery and inhabitants.

Mr. Conway started with the only purpose of penetrating into its forest wilds, and of becoming for a time a denizen of its woods and mountains. Having no other object in his journey than the acquisition of an insight into the localities of the country, his observations may demand a certain degree of credit.

The romantic feelings which seem to dwell in his breast, point him out as very well qualified to explore, alone and on foot, regions whose inhabitants have not yet been able to shake off their attachment or fear of the "Wood Demon;" Nipen; and that class of demigods which have rule and dominion over one particular portion of creation; although they profess a belief in the doctrines of Christianity. Hesitating not to associate with the pea santry, and partake of their homely cheer, and listen to their legends of other days; and mixing frequently with the more enlightened and aristo cratic part of the community, as well in the cities as the villages; he is enabled to furnish us with an interesting portraiture of their manners and customs. And this picture of society and scenery, of manners and habits, and the productions of nature, is painted with such ease and simplicity, that we can

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REVIEW.-Conway's Narrative.

not but be pleased with it. This is a sort of tour which never tires, from its numerous anecdotes, and the lively way in which they are related. His observations rise upon the impulses of his feelings, and display a warmth of heart that always interests and attracts, and which gives them the impress of authenticity.

The Volume is divided into three parts, which are again divided into chapters. The first part consists of an inland journey from the Naze to Christiana, through Tellemarken. The race of farmers inhabiting Tellemarken are of an extremely rude character, retaining the grotesque costume of their ancestors, but exercising the virtue of hospitality in proportion as they have had but little acquaintance with the world and its civilized vices. Our Anglo-Norwegian gives an interesting detail of his reception at the house of a substantial Tellemarken farmer, and the character of his entertainment and life whilst associating with this patriarchal family.

"Dinner was served on a large fir table, round which we sat upon square stools. The dishes, plates, and spoons were all of wood; but I neglected to inquire of what species. The handles of the knives and forks were also of wood; and in short, every article was of wood, where wood could either answer its usual purpose, or supply the place of other materials. All these articles were manufactured by the different members of the family; and, upon inquiry, I found that only one single article in the room, a clock, was not produced from the wright's shop or smithy in the farm-yard. The table-cloth was grown and spun upon the farm; and even the jacket of the old man was made of cloth (such as it was), the work of his own hands. The spirit too, which we drank, was distilled in the house; and during the time I spent there, I neither ate nor drank of any thing which was not produced upon the farm, with the single exception of coffee, and the sugar which sweetened it."

The second part of the journey consists of a progress to Osterdalen and residence there with a native family. This is a most peculiarly interesting portion of this amusing narrative, particularly to our fair readers, from its minute and curious picture of the singular state of female society among the upper classes of Norway.

"The more I saw of Norwegian Society,

[May,

the less I found to admire in the mental attractions of the females. I speak of their acquired, not of their natural endowments; but, so long as the indulgence of the palate is looked upon as the summum bonum, those female accomplishments which tend to secure this will be esteemed the highest. A woman who attends to her household duties and these begin when she is taught the first rudiments of education - has no longer time to devote to acquirements of a higher order. There is also another cause that contributes in no small degree to blunt those refinements in thought and feeling which, in England, form the great charm of female society-the necessity for being so much in the society of servants, occasioned

by the nature of female duties. It is scarcely possible to conceive that a lady who passes the greater part of every day in the kitchen, should not carry away from it some taint of coarseness, if not of vulgarity. There is one accomplishment, however, in which I willingly admit the proficiency of the Norwegian ladies-they all dance, and dance well. A mixed party is never assembled in Norway without dancing, which is joined not by the young only, but by persons of all ages. Every visit that I paid whilst in Osterdalen, concluded with a dance, which was generally kept up till after midnight. In Norwegian parties there is little intercourse between the ladies and gentlemen ; they dance together, but converse little, and separate immediately after the dance is concluded; and I remarked at a party, that, although the only handsome girl in the room sat the greater part of night at the pianoforte playing a waltz, not one gentleman had the gallantry to relieve the tedium of her occupation, by any of those little attentions that in England would have been eagerly proffered her.”

In the remote parts of Norway, a peasant who has committed an act of delinquency, is tried by a jury of his peers, and their decision is final. And their decisions and judgments possess that grand principle of punishment, the precise apportionment of punishment to crime. Should their decree be disputed, the offender would be an outcast; no one would eat with him. Mr. Conway considers that the important institution of Trial by Jury was known among the Northern nations long before the wisdom of Alfred could

have made us his debtors for it.

Chap. IV. of part ii. relates some curious anecdotes of their popular superstitions; and Chap. V. gives specimens of their legendary songs and ballads, which possesses a deal of enthu

1829.]

REVIEW.-Police Reports.

siasm and beauty. The effect which they have upon the natives is the best criterion of their excellence :-having the powers of stimulating, soothing, and of exciting sympathy in the breasts of the hearers.

The third portion of the narrative consists of a Journey from Christiana through part of Sweden, and the Islands and States of Denmark. It embraces visits to Elsinore, Cronborg Castle, &c.-places intimately connected with English associations.

This Norwegian tour forms one of the new works published in that valuable collection of beauties, "Constable's Miscellany," of which it forms the XXXVIIIth volume. The author is already known by his "Tales of Ardenne," and "Solitary Walks in many Lands," which have been noticed in our pages.

Reports from the Select Committee on the

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thusiasts and projectors, and the facility of writing and printing, we should otherwise see Reason brought to trial, and sentenced to transportation for life by judges and juries of wholly or half lunatics.

We shall begin our review of this Report, by matters of general application, and from thence descend to particulars. First of all, we deem it necessary to extract from Appendix (C), p. 304, the following

Comparison of commitments, convictions, and executious, in England and Wales (with the exception of London and Middlesex), with those of London and Middlesex, during the years 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, as compared with those of 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817.

In England and Wales (with the exception of London and Middlesex).

Commitments of 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, as compared with those of 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, have increased 86 per cent.

Convictions, ditto ditto ditto...........105
Executions have decreased do. do. do. 28

In London and Middlesex.

Commitments of 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, as compared with those of 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, Convictions ditto ditto ditto 55 per cent.— 1816, 1817, have increased 48 per cent.Executions ditto ditto ditto 5 per cent.

By the population return completed in 1821, it appeared that since the return of 1811, the population had increased, in England and Wales, 163 per cent. ; in London and Middlesex 19.

Police of the Metropolis. Fol. pp. 417. IT is the practice of the present day to raise an hypothesis like an idol, pedestal it upon party, and then worship it, without reflecting upon the worthlessness of the subject, or the folly of the act. In truth it is as rational to contend that a son can beget his father, as to support many modern hypotheses. For instance, when certain enthusiasts were asked to explain how it happened that, notwithstanding their imaginary golden age, Crime had rapidly increased, the answer was, "that Satan had been remarkably active* ;" and if a similar question was put to phrenologists, they would reply that there From the above data, it appears that the commitments in the country have were more organs of crime in the sculls of the present generation! If, how increased 86 per cent, or almost douever, it be the fact, as stated by Mr. ble, while those in London have only Peel, that crime in London is double half. This increase in the country increased 48 per cent., or nearly onethat of the rest of the kingdom, why should not Satan be more active in the may be attributed to the numerous country than in town? Can it too be committals for offences against the said that cranical peculiarities distin-game-laws, and other minor crimes. guish cocknies from rustics?

They who choose to judge philosophically of things will not therefore accept such silly elucidations as those offered; and fortunately there yet remain far superior modes of determining doubtful questions; and these modes are Parliamentary Reports. We deem this fortunate, because under the restless activity of en

among

* See Memoir of Legh Richmond. GENT. MAG. May, 1829.

We shall here mention a very singu

lar result of a research which we once made, concerning the proportion of crime to population. The intention was to ascertain the effect of the popular fanaticism of the day upon the morals of the vicinity. We examined the parish register of an agricultural village for ten years (in a parish where all children without exception are christened), as to the number of illegitimates baptized; i. e. of children

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REVIEW.-Police Reports.

born before the marriage of the parties. Upon striking an average, we found the number to be one in every three hundred, according to the census of 1811 and 1821, and the population having increased from nine hundred to nearly twelve hundred, we find that now the proportion has grown from three in nine hundred, to three and three-fourths of another in about eleven hundred. This was a very odd result; but it shows how much morality is indebted to matrimony, for, though such unions may be compulsory, through the bastardy laws, and may vary considerably in other places; yet every one knows that the baptisms of illegitimates in a parish register bear no numerical comparison with those of children born in wedlock.

[May,

The next item under discussion shows that the convictions in the country have increased 105 per cent. and exceeded those of London and Middlesex 50 per cent. while the executions in the country have decreased 28 per cent. and in London and Middlesex have increased 5 per cent.

It is plain, from the table in p. 286, that by the word executed we are to understand, persons hanged in consequence of having received sentence of death.

Here we must make another table, which will show the prevalence of the different sorts of capital crime, which by excess or diminution distinguish the vices of the country and metropolis. The period is from 1811 to 1827 inclusive, i. e. seventeen years.