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of any thing not subject to the observation of the senses, instead of a mere arbitrary sound, a metaphor was used; that is, something known was employed to explain something unknown, as the best approximation that could be made to it. Nothing can be more simple and natural than all this; but this matter of fact (though admitting of so easy an explanation) is considered by the materialists as a prodigious argument in favour of their theory. Language certainly carries us back, in the history of its etymology, to sensible objects; and it is thence inferred, quite " de bonne foi," and with all the tranquillity of a demonstrative truth, that every thing expressed by language must of course be a sensible object also. Mr. Tooke has not always taken the trouble to draw this conclusion; but it is pretty plainly intimated in his disquisitions, as well as evidently implied in the principle on which he reasons; and on one very important occasion it is distinctly expressed. Of the word right, he observes, that it may be shewn to mean nothing but what is ordered: and of the words expressing the soul, in the Latin and Greek languages, he proves that they mean only wind or breath leaving, in both these instances, the corollary to his readers. But on the word truth, he has the following remarkable paragraphs. "True, as we now write it, or trew, as it was formerly written, means simply and merely, that which is trowed. And instead of being a rare commodity upon earth, except only in words, there is nothing but truth in the world.

"That every man, in his communication with others, should speak that which he troweth, is of so great importance to mankind, that it ought not to surprise us, if we find the most extravagant praises bestowed upon truth. But truth supposes mankind; for whom, and by whom alone, the word is formed, and to whom alone it is applicable. If no man, no truth. There is, CHRIST. OBSERV, No. 129.

therefore, no such thing as eternal, immutable, everlasting truth; unless mankind, such as they be at present, be also eternal, immutable, and everlasting."

We cannot enter upon a formal refutation of this puerile theory. Mr. Stewart has examined and sifted it with great ability in the chapters which he has devoted to the consideration of Mr. Tooke's philological speculations; and nothing can be more masterly than his attack, or more complete than his triumph.Two things surely are most obvious;— that there is such a thing as speaking metaphorically; and, that the sense which belonged to a word five hundred years ago, may not be the sense which belongs to it at present. If Mr. Tooke's theory is correct, when we say that a lion is a humane animal, we mean that he is a man; a private gentleman is an idiot; an instant is a standing thing; a result is a jumping thing; to attend to a person is to walk up to him; to impress ideas upon the mind is to squeeze them in, and to express them is to squeeze them out again; when two men converse, they turn round together; when Mr. Tooke advanced his theory, he overthrew it; when he supported it, he carried it on his shoulders; and when he inculcated it, he trod it under his feet.

After having so long detained our readers with our own comments, it would be unpardonable not to present them with the following just, striking, and very eloquent observations, from the pen of Mr. Stewart :

"The philological speculations to which the foregoing criticisms refer, have been prosecuted by various ingenious writers, who have not ventured (perhaps who have not meant) to draw from them any inferences in favour of materialism. But the obscure hints frequently thrown out, of the momen

tous conclusions to which Mr. Tooke's discoveries are to lead, and gratulations with which

they were hailed by the author of Zoonomia, and by other physiologists of the same school, leave no doubt with respect to the ultimate

Diversions of Purley, ap. Stewart, 167. 4 I

purpose to which they have been supposed to be subservient. In some instances, these writers express themselves, as if they conceived the philosophy of the human mind to be inaccessible to all who have not been in itiated in their cabalistical mysteries, and sneer at the easy credulity of those who imagine that the substantive spirit means any thing else than breath; or the adjective right, any thing essentially different from a line forming the shortest distance between two points. The language of those metaphysicians who have recommended an abstraction from things external as a necessary preparation for studying our intellectual frame, has been censured as bordering upon enthusiasm, and as calculated to inspire a childish wonder at a department of knowledge, which, to the few who are let into the secret, presents nothing above the compre hension of the grammarian and the anatomist. For my own part, I have no scruple to avow, that the obvious tendency of these doctrines to degrade the nature and faculties of man in his own estimation, seems to me to afford, of itself, a very strong presumption against their truth, Cicero considered it as an objection of some weight to the sound. ness of an ethical system, that it savoured of nothing grand or generous,' (nihil magnificum, nihil generosum sapit): nor was the objection so trifling as it may at first appear; for how is it possible to believe that the tonceptions of the multitude, concerning the duties of life, are elevated by ignorance, or prejudice, to a pitch which it is the business of reason and philosophy to adjust to an humbler aim? From a feeling somewhat imilar, I frankly acknowledge the partiality

I entertain towards every theory relating to the human mind, which aspires to ennoble its rank in the creation. I am partial to it, because, in the more sublime views which it opens of the universe, I recognize one of the most infallible characteristics by which the conclusions of inductive science are distinguished from the presumptuous fictions of human folly.

"When I study the intellectual powers of man in the writings of Hartley, of Priestley, of Darwin, or of Tooke, I feel as if I were examining the sorry mechanism that gives motion to a puppet. If, for a moment, I am carried along by their theories of huHan knowledge and of human life, I seem to myself to be admitted behind the curtain of what I had once conceived to be a magnificent theatre; and while I survey the tinsel frippery of the wardrobe, and the paltry decorations of the scenery, am mortified to discover the trick which had cheated my eye at a distance. This surely is not the characteristic of truth or of nature, the beau ties of which invite our closest inspection; deriving new lustre from those microscopical researches which deform the most finished productions of art. If, in our physical inquiries concerning the material world, every step that has been hitherto gained, has at once exalted our conceptions of its immensity, and of its order, can we reasonably suppose that the genuine philosophy of the mind is to disclose to us a spectacle less pleasing, or less elevating, than fancy or vanity had disposed us to anticipate?"pp. 185, 186, 187.

(To be continued.)

LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTELLIGENCE,

GREAT BRITAIN.

&c. &c.

In the press-A Collection of curions and interesting Letters, translated from the Originals in the Bodleian Library, with illustra tions;-A Reformed Communion Office for the Administration of the Lord's Supper, by the Rev. Mr.Anstis of Bridport ;-The Travels of Professor Lichtenstein in Southern Africa, translated by Miss A. Plumptre;-—and A volume of Sermons, by Dr. Watts, never before published, edited by Dr. Pye Smith.

Preparing for publication:-A Second VoJume of Mr. Ivimey's History of English Baptists;-A Metrical History of England, by the Rev. T. B. Dibdin;- First Part of

Studies of History, being an abridged History of Greece, by the Rev. T. Morell;-A Guide to the Reading of the Holy Scriptures, translated from the Latin of Professor Franck, with a Life of the Author; by Mr. W. Jaques of Chelsen.

Dr. Thomas Clark, of Denmark Street, has represented an injection of a decoction of ipecacuanha as a certain cure for dysentery, and he cites so many proofs that it clearly deserves a fair trial in every case of this disease.

At the York assizes, a cause came on to recover of the defendant, the Hon, and Rev.

Mr. Cathcart, sundry penalties for non-resi. dence. The jury found a verdict against him for 6611. 14s.

VACCINATION.

The following is the substance of the Report of the National Vaccine Establishment, which was laid on the table of the House of Commons at the close of the last session.

During the year 1811, the surgeons appointed by their authority to the nine stations in London, vaccinated 3,148 persons, and distributed 23,794 charges of vaccine lymph to the public. Since the commencement of this establishment, not a single instance of small pox, after vaccination, has occurred to any of their surgeons. In consequence of an order from the Admiralty, vaccination has been practised in the navy to a great extent; and though not universally adopted, the mortality from the small pox, among seamen, is already greatly diminished. In the army, the practice of vaccination has been long established, and its effects have been decidedly beneficial. A disorder formerly so fatal to the troops, is now considered as nearly extinguished in the army. Vaccination is almost every where gaining ground, throughout the Britisk dominions; and it is found that the number of deaths from the small pox is uniformly decreasing, in proportion as vaccination becomes more general, and the inoculation of the small pox declines. The disappearance of the small pox from the island of Ceylon, was noticed in the Report of last year; and in consequence of vaccination, this disease has in no instance lately occurred in the island of Anglesey, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the town of Petworth, or in the adjoining district. Previous to the discovery of vaccination, the average number of deaths by small pox, within the bills of mortality, was 2000 annually; whereas in the last year only 751 persons have died of that disease, although the increase of population within the last ten years has been 133,139. The reports from Dublin and from Scotland furnish evidence of the general and rapid in crease of vaccination, and give the most satisfactory proofs of the success and efficacy of the practice.

In the cases which have come to the knowledge of the Board, the small pox after vaccination, with a very few exceptions, has been a mild disease; and out of the many hundred thousand persons vaccinated, not a single well-authenticated instance has been communicated of the occurrence of a fatal small pox after vaccination. The Report adverts to the mischiefs which are daily arising

from the diffusion of the fatal contagion of small pox in the community, in consequence of variolous inoculation, among the lower classes of the people, which constantly keeps up the contagion, and where it saves a single life, exposes numbers to a most dangerous disease. It is greatly to be wished that this evil could be checked, by such measures as Government in its wisdom might judge proper to frame, in order to prevent the spreading of the small pox, and thus keeping up a continual source of infection in the heart of the metropolis. The constant renewal of the contagion of small pox in this capital, is strikingly contrasted with the advantages en. joyed by several of the other capitals of Europe, in consequence of the universal adoption of vaccination by medical practitioners, seconded by the authority of government. The cities of Vienna and Milan, in which the mortality from small pox was formerly more considerable in proportion to their population than in London, have been for some time freed altogether from this destructive pest; the first for five, and the latter for eight years, according to the statement of Drs. De Carrio and Sacco; and in the city of Geneva, the small pox has been nearly extirpated. In Switzerland in general, but more particularly in Geneva, the extension of the blessings connected with vaccination, has in a great degree depended on the warm and active co-operation of the clergy, who were assiduous in recommending the practice to their parishioners from the pulpit, as well as promoting it by every other exertion in their power.

MENDICITY.

We have already informed our readers that the valuable labours of Matthew Martin, Esq. in inquiring into the state of mendicity in the metropolis, with a view to its suppression, were some time since resumed. He bas opened an office for this purpose, under the sanction and at the expense of Government, situated at No. 23, Artillery Place, Brewer's Green, Westminster. At this office, and also at Mr. Hatchard's, No. 190, Piccadilly, tickets may be had at the price of threepence each, one of which given to a beggar will ensure to him, when presented at the office, at least its value. The great advantage, however, arising from this plan, is not the small temporary relief thus afforded, but the opportunity that is gained of inquiring fully into the case of the beggar, with a view to ascertain its real nature, and to afford, if possible, permanent relief. For this last purpose there is a separate fund, raised by

private subscription, and administered by a most respectable committee, by means of which much severe distress has been alleviated or removed. This has been done in the case of parochial poor, by procuring the aid of their parishes; and in the case of the nonparochial poor, by means of tickets for hospitals, and other public charities, medical assistance, occasional articles of clothing, employment, and sometimes pecuniary donations. The proportion of parochial and nonparochial applicants appear to be, in five hundred, three hundred and twenty of the former, and one hundred and eighty of the latter. It is impossible for any one to walk through the streets of this metropolis without meeting many objects to whom he would be glad to administer relief, if he could ascertain that his bounty would not be mischievous rather than useful. How is he to distinguish those who are proper objects of charity? The present plan frees him from this difficulty. A beggar cannot be in great want who will not, for the value of the ticket, take the trou ble of calling at the office, and submitting to an investigation of his case with a view to further relief. But when a ticket is given,

care should be taken to explain to the beggar the use which he is to make of it. The efficacy of this plan, in procuring relief to real objects of commiseration, must depend, however, on the extent of the subscription fund; and that, we are sorry to perceive, by a circular letter from Mr. Martin, is very low. Benevolent persons are therefore invited to contribute to it. It must be obvious, to those who are in the habit of giving casual relief, how much more good a guinea, or ten guineas, thus applied would effect, than if it were distributed at random in the streets. We cannot conceive a more unexceptionable mode of charity than this, nor one which is more likely to yield a large amount of good in proportion to the sum employed. Subscriptions are received at Drummond's, Charing Cross; Morland's, 56, Pall Mall; Bosanquett's, 73, Lombard Street; Hatchard's, 190, Piccadilly; Mortlock's, 250, Oxford Street; and at the Mendicity Office, 23, Artillery Place, Brewer's Green, Westminster; at which place, or at his house in Poet's Corner, Old Palace Yard, Westminster, information or suggestions may be addressed to M. Martin, Esq.

LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

THEOLOGY.

A Sermon, dedicated to the Memory of the Right Hon. Spencer Perceval; by John Batchelor. 8vo. 18.

The Obligations of Christians to attempt the Conversion of the Jews. 1s. 6d.

Devout Meditations from the Christian Oratory, by J. Bennett; with Memoirs of the Author, by S. Palmer. 12mo. 5s.

Prophecies of the Messiah, from the Beginning of Genesis to the End of the Psalins of David; by J. Robinson. 8vo. 12s.

Observations on a Future State, and on the Supreme Felicity. 1s. 6d.

Short Lectures for Sunday Schools; by a Lady. 1s.

A New Directory for Non-conformist Churches; containing free Remarks on their Mode of Public Worship, and a Plan for the Improvement of it. 8vo. 5s.

The Book of Job, literally translated from the Original Hebrew, and restored to its natural Arrangement: with Notes, critical and illustrative; by John Mason Good, F. R. S. 8vo. 16s.

Sermons, attributed to Samuel Johnson, LL. D. and left for publication by John Tayfor, LL. D. late Prebendary of Westminster, &c. 9s.

Liturgy; or a full Developement and Explanation of the Faith, Moral Doctrine, and

Sacred Rites of the Catholic Church; by the Rev. Peter Gandolphy. 5s. 6d.

The Case of the Heathen compared with that of those who enjoy the Blessings of the Gospel; by Joseph Holden Pott, A. M.

Archdeacen of St. Albans. 2s. 6d.

The Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England, confirmed by Texts of the Holy Scriptures. 1s. 6d.

A Report of the Proceedings of the Association in Birmingham, for promoting the Bible Society. 1s. 6d.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Border Antiquities of England and Scotland delineated. Part I. 10s. 6d. ; large paper, 16s.

Select Remains of the late E. White, of Chester; with Memoirs of his Life, by J. Fletcher, A.M.; and a Preface, by the Rev. W. B. Collyer, D.D. 5s. 6d. and 8s.

Memoirs of the late Rev. T. Lindsey, M.A. including a brief Analysis of his Works; by the Rev. W. Belsham. 8vo. 14s.

Life and Administration of Cardinal Wolsey; by I. Galt. 4to. 21. 2s.; or royal 4to. 31. 3s.

Memoirs of the Margravine of Bareith, Sister of Frederic the Great. Written by herself. 2 vols. 8vo. 11. 1s.

Campbell's Lives of the Admirals; by

Henry Redhead Yorke, Esq. Vol. II. 12s. fine 18s.

Elements of Chemical Philosophy; by Sir H. Davy. Part I. Vol I. 8vo. 18s. Dialogues on the Microscope: by J. Joyce. 2 vols. 18mo. 7s. half bound.

Account of the Gold Coast of Africa, with a brief History of the African Company; by H. Meredith. 8vo. 9s.

Interesting Official Documents relating to the United Provinces of Venezuela. 8vo. 8s. A Chronological Abridgment of the History of Great Britain. In four large octavo

.

volumes, with Genealogical and Political Tables; by Ant. Fr. Bertrand de Moleville. 4 vols. 8vo. 21. 10s.

The Royal Pedigree of his Majesty George III. from Egbert, first sole Monarch of England: compiled by R. Wewitzer. 5s.

A Catalogue Raisonné of Ancient and Modern Books, for Sale at W. Gardener's, Pall Mall. Part II.

Speeches in Parliament of the Right Hon. William Windham, with some Account of his Life; by J. Ainyot, Esq. 3 vols. 8vo.

11. 16s.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

In our last number, we inserted some extracts from the Appendix to this Society's Eight Report, which had a reference to its foreign operations. We will now add such extracts, connected with its proceedings at home, as we think will gratify those readers of our work, who may not have access to the Report itself.

The Auxiliary Societies formed in the course of the preceding year, which have escaped our notice, and of which we have not already given some account, are the following:

1. The Brechin Auxiliary Bible Society. 2. The North Buckinghamshire, of which the Marquis of Buckingham is president: and Lord Grenville; Earl Temple; Lord G. Grenville; Hon. E. Arundel; Rev. Sir G. Lee, Bart.; Sir J. Aubrey, Bart., M. P.; Sir J. Lovett, Bart.; Sir T. Sheppard, Bart.; W. Lowndes, Esq., M. P.; W. H. Hanmer, W. Praed, P. D. P. Duncombe, W. Pigott, M. D. Mansel, Esqs.; and the Rev. R. Verney, H. Quarley, and H. Crowe; vice-presidents.

S. The Chelmsford and West Essex. Lord Braybrooke, president: and Lord Henniker; General Henniker; Sir H. P. St. John Mildmay, Sir R. Wigram, and Rev. Sir Adam Gordon, Barts.; Admiral Fortescue; A. Cricket, Esq., M. P.; W. Smith, Esq., M. P.; W. Heygate, Esq.; Rev. Drs. Disney, Jowett, and Clarke; Rev. B. Bridges; J. Corrigen, C. Tower, C. H. Kirbright, J. W. Hull, and R. Tindall, Esqs.; vice-presidents.

4. The Colchester and West Essex. Horatio Cock, Esq., president: Earl of Chatham; Admiral Harvey, M. P.; J. A. Houblon, Esq., M. P.; R. Thornton, Esq., M. P.;

R. H. Davis, Esq., M. P.; the Mayor of Col'chester; Dr. Mackintosh; G. Round, P. Havens, J. Mills, jun., R. Tabor, J. Savill, and G. Savill, Esqs. ; vice-presidents.

5. The Darlington. The Bishop of Durham, patron: Viscount Barnard, president: and W. Hutchingson, G. Alcan, J. Backhouse, and G. L. Hollingsworth, Esqs.; and the Rev. C. Plumtree; vice-presidents.

With this are connected two Branch Societies, of which the Rev. F. Blackburn, and J. B. S. Morrit, Esq. are presidents.

6. The Derby. Sir Robert Wilmot, Bart., president: J. Crompton, W. Evans, J. Bellairs, and G. Smith, Esqs., treasurers.

7. The Dundee. The Provost of Dundee, president.

8. The Evesham. The Earl of Coventry, president; and Lord Northwick; Sir. C. W. R. Boughton, Bart.; W. Manning, Esq., M. P.; and H. Howorth, Esq., M.P.; vicepresidents.

9. The Hitchin and Baldock. The Hon. Thomas Braud, M. P., president: and W. Hale, W. Hale, jun, E. H. D. Radcliffe, and W. Wilshere, Esqs.; vice-presidents.

10. The Leeds. John Hardy, Esq., Recorder of Leeds, president.

11. The Maidenhead. G.Vansittart, Esq. M.P. president: and Viscount Kirkwall; Lord Boston; Lord Riversdale; Right Hon. N. Vansittart, M. P.; Admiral Sir C. M. Pole, M. P.; Sir M. Ximenes; Sir W. Herne; Colonel Vansittart; Colonel Kearney; Rev. E. Dawkins, J. Sawyer, C. Hayes, C. Fuller, T. Wilson, B. Witts, J. Langton, C. S. Murray, and J. Mangles, Esqs.; vice-presi

dents.

12. The Great Marlow. Sir W. Clayton, Bart. president.

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