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not what is. In reading, if we cannot, “after a charge or two," master the author's meaning-provided we be capable of so doing-we may rest assured it is not worth our while. The purest writers are the most perspicuous, and when a "great man declares himself obscurely we may take it for granted that he is in a fog himself. What Montaigne styles his " impatient understanding," is a keenness of perception and quickness of judgment which can master the most intricate subject with little trouble.

The great advantage of miscellaneous and desultory reading is, that it prevents the mind from becoming cramped by any particular set of notions, or chained down to one topic. It evinces the same influence as the wisest philosophy, and breathes a similar spirit.

This is a total freedom from dogmatism which may run into scepticism, but which is more likely to produce that equable state of mind and of opinion which is the heaven of the scholar. Let us not forget that this state of mind must not be applied to matters of business or of determinate action, but for the man of letters and the author, it presents a picture on which he could gaze for ever with delight, dreaming away his existence like the elegant and luxurious Gray, who thought it the height of happiness "to lie on a sofa and read new novels." We agree most heartily with him in all this, save the last, and for which we would substitute old poets.

XXXIX.

ON THE VALUE OF METAPHYSICAL STUDIES.

THE true estimate of metaphysics, considered apart from its applications to ethics, logic, or criticism, has scarcely, we think, been rightly considered. Mere speculatists have on the one hand elevated this science to an undue height; while on the other, men of business and of the world have been too apt to regard it as a pursuit of little or no utility. The latter have been disgusted by subtleties to which their intellects may not have been always equal, and by refinements

of the understanding, in unravelling which they could discern no real profit. The bare generalities thrown out indiscriminately by mere metaphysicians in every company (and most frequently in companies where they could never be appreciated) have tended towards creating a general dislike to them, and in this way, the study which of all others deserves the highest attention of the true philosopher, has been cast into contempt by the unadvised conduct of its professors.

The philosophy of mind lies at the base of all knowledge. It has for its object the ascertaining the faculties of the mind, their nature and force, in what degree and to what extent they may be cultivated, how error may be eradicated and truth instilled, in what the first principles of all truth consist, and what the functions of the soul may be. Besides these, it investigates the traits of character and motives to action, the feeling of beauty and the perception of every species of excellence. It affords some of the best arguments in defence of the Christian religion, and furnishes a clue to the noblest sentiments of virtue.

The greatest benefit, however, accruing to the metaphysician is the insight into his own mind and feelings, whereby he obtains the greatest of all treasures self-knowledge. It is this will guide him in the fit direction of his powers, expose his deficiencies, exhibit his individuality and manifest the bent of his disposition and character.

Another, is the acuteness and perspicuity imparted to the perceptive faculty by frequent exercise. And this prevails not only in metaphysical subjects, but also in all the affairs of life, and in reasonings on all other questions.

It further begets a love of philosophizing on all subjects, enlarges the liberality of our views, and widens our comprehension.

It colors every topic, and throws a new light upon what was before dark and confused.

The logical faculty-that great index of the soul-is also vastly improved by these studies; it is rendered subtler, and sharper, and readier. The employment of analysis developes powers of which we were hardly conscious, and compresses scattered facts and opinions into eternal and immutable truths. And here is seen the superiority of metaphysical over mathematical studies, as an exercise

of the reason. The objects of the former are of far greater impo.. tance, and this alone is sufficient to prove our position; the latter having reference to lines, and figures, and numbers, while the former is employed in investigating the furniture of the noblest production GOD ever made-that of the human mind. The effect of mathematics is to make the mind hard, rigid and stubborn, pliable to no demonstration but that which is purely scientific and exact. The effect of metaphysics, on the contrary, is to open and expand all our powers of speculation and argument. In regard to many topics it admits of testimony less fallible than that of the senses or of mathematical demonstratton. It recognises ideas hanging sometimes on a mere thread of conjecture, and is cautious not to break it, since they may reveal truths the exactest science could never discover.

The pursuit of metaphysics exclusively for a long time must needs be hurtful to the understanding: but, in connection with language, criticism, or ethics, its practical bearing is of the highest value.

All great poets are of necessity metaphysicians, for they feel acutely and reflect deeply on their own nature and the natures of their fellow-men-on the springs of action as evinced in the characters of those around them-on their own ideas of supreme goodness and perfect purity, and on the forms and shape of intellectual as well as physical beauty.

After a regular course, then, of purely methaphysical writers, it is both delightful and useful to read the great poets, as their true masters and best expounders.

XL.

MALE SCOLDS.

THE species of eloquence most cultivated and general, is the objurgatory. When everything else fails, this is ever ready and in good favour. It is common to confine this talent to the softer sex; but such a view is too restricted, and by no means fair: yet, the Com

mon Law supposed it to be their peculiar property-the common scold, “communis rixatrix,” was in every instance of the feminine gender-so much the more disagreeable and unfitting does it appear in man. It is as if he should borrow the woman's dress as well as the woman's prerogative.

course.

A male scold is one of the most hateful creatures in social interHe undertakes to lecture every person he come across, without respect to age, talents, or station. He speaks in threats and censures. Having conceived the idea that carping is acute criticism, he expresses dissatisfaction at everything. He fumes all day long like a little household shrew. He is continually the Œolus of some doniestic tempest. When he does not speak out, he endeavors to put one down by a frown or a sneer. He is the cur of conversation, ever snarling. He laughs at no jests, and calls pathos drivelling. He is without any sentiment whatever. He is (if of a literary turn) a critic of the severe order, and delights in controversy; indeed, he has no idea of composition except as a medium of attack and defence. This kind of writing alone, he thinks, brings a man out. He is consequently a vast admirer of Cobbett, and places Junius at the head of English prose. He thinks to be regarded only by being bearish, and piques himself on the intractability of his humours. He loves to hear it said of him, "Mr. is a very particular man, and you must study his whims if you would get into his good graces." His spleen is his better genius. He is quite in his element in finding faults, but inadequate to any sincere eulogy. He cannot for the very life of him turn a compliment pleasantly. If he can gain attention by his rudeness he is content. He wishes to be esteemed very nice and fastidious, and prides himself on an exquisite taste. Wisdom and the habit of unvarying censure are the same in his vocabulary. He reproves a gay countenance with becoming severity. The humorous man he calls "a good fellow, but rather weak." He forgets the fine-old stave

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or cannot appreciate the truth of it. Relaxation he esteems highly

unbecoming and undignified. He lays vast stress on that hollow mask of wisdom (so imposing in the eyes of the vulgar) animal dignity. As the world stands, perhaps, one must occasionally give in to this system of behavior. A wise man among fools must sometimes assume their deportment.

He act s the part of Bruin* to his wife, and is the perpetual torment of her existence. He comes in to his dinner, tastes and pishes at everything. He turns up his nose at the best prepared dishes, and exclaims, "his partialities are never consulted." He is a very tyrant over his whole household. His children, from dreading, get to hating, and end by despising him. He lectures them all round for the slightest breach of the laws of etiquette. Thsee are more sacred in his eyes than the Ten Commandments or the Laws of the Twelve Tables. He is a Sir Anthony Absolute to his sons, and always speaks to them in the imperative mood. He takes his servants to task before company, to impress them with an idea of his authority. He will never hear an answer or an excuse. He is the highest tribunal, from which there is no appeal. In criticising an author, he is sure to fasten on the minutest defects, and is blind to true excellence. He lights on the most impure parts, like the carrion crow, He admires Gifford hugely, who was a man after his own heart. When not employed in reproof, he is then a dumb dog that can only snap and show his teeth.

It is a boast of his, that he always speaks out his mind plainly on every occasion-he means in the way of dispraise—and arrogates it to himself as a great merit. This is a most silly device, and the sure mark of a coward. He fears such an imputation, and thinks an exhibition of spleen will exonerate him from it. He is skilful in a warfare of words, but sinks with dread under the fear of blows. acts on the principle of frightening people by face-making and calling hard names. But this method won't work with every one. Thersites is his favorite Homeric character, and his great aim is to rival him in foul-mouthed eloquence,

He

To take pleasure in giving pain-to court opportunities for censure, and hunt for occasions of giving unasked advice, are certain evidences of a contemptible spirit. To perform these offices in the proper manner, is, of itself, a matter of rare tact and considerable * Mayor of Garratt.

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