vii The following remarks had, on further consideration, been suggested to the author, since the poem, (to a passage of which it refers,) was printed; the author therefore had no other alternative, except to introduce them here, or to omit them altogether. He is most satisfied with the former decision. Kensington, Dec. 10th, 1820. "How can thy creatures be tormented so?- Is it for sins that trees, grass, blossoms, rot?" Though the author can himself see no fallacy in the chain of argument by which the doctrine of necessity is defended, yet as so many excellent persons are scandalized at the consequences of that doctrine, and as the author is disposed to think the argumentum ad absurdum, with which in some measure, as respects the phenomena of conscience, this doctrine may be impugned, is one of considerable weight; he wishes that he had not so expressed himself as he has done in the passage alluded to. Besides, the author feels that he is wrong. Remorse, as distinct from regret, is a passion inalienable from human nature; and this passion tells us, by its awful voice, that it is for sin that we are tormented; and though the reasoning of necessity may make us anticipate that we never should feel remorse, yet if we do feel remorse, hypothesis there is contradicted by fact, and the whole falls to the ground. The fact is, that when we try actions by an à priori process, we are almost obliged to admit the doctrine of necessity—when we try actions by à posteriori judgments, we are obliged, practically at least, to admit the doctrine of free-will. Should not this make us hesitate to give judgment? Is there not, in the two avenues which lead to the consideration of human action, somewhat between that of necessity and free-will, which like two parallel lines can never unite? There is a gordian knot between the two questions. Let us not presumptuously imagine that we can untie it. DESULTORY THOUGHTS IN LONDON. A Poem. FIRST BOOK. "Heaven me such usage send, Not to pick bad from bad; but, by bad, mend. Othello, Act 4, Scene 3. "Si je veux peindre le printemps, il faut que je sois en hyver; si je veux decrire un beau paysage, il faut que je sois dans les murs; et j'ai dit, cent fois, que, si jamais j'etois mis à la Bastille, j'y ferois le tableau de la liberté." Les Confessions de Rousseau, tome première, p. 322. Come raccende il gusto il mutare esca, Così mi par, che la mia istoria, quanto Or quà, or la più variata sia, Meno a chi l'udirà nojosa fia. Ariosto. Canto 13, Stanza 80. DESULTORY THOUGHTS IN LONDON. A walk in the Park, under the circumstance of a hoar frost; and description of a couple who are there. 1. THE night has frosty been; say, shall I wander Struggled successfully; while their boughs are bleach'd |