dren go down to a premature grave rather than want a shell or a stone of "good old age." Talk to this inan of the folly of his conduct. He will smile in proud contempt at your want of "reverence for antiquity;" and while he is shewing at the wintry wind, that bleak whistle "through the chinks, which time has made" in the walls of his habitation, he will tell you, that from taste for Grecian architecture he values more that broken cornice, which was found among the ruins of Herculaneum, than any well finished building, that might afford warm shelter for himself and family, but which should come from the hands of a modern bungler. The Antiquarian is mad. He likes things because they are old, yet despises the world, though older than ever. Although immersed mid shells and fossils, ores and minerals, he cannot quite "forget himself to stone" and the horrors of freezing will soon bring him to his senses. But if to "let him alone.” these will not, nothing can. Tell him of wife and children: the sounds pass him, as the winds he regards not. "Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone.”

Truth sometimes presents her, self in the person of Paradox. How. ever it may seem a contradiction in terms, it is still fact, that we often find pride in humility. There are men that boast their modesty, and there are men that "glory in their humility." "Why am I not meeker than the meekest man, for I nev er slew an Egyptian?" is the proud soliloquy of the haughty humble. Instances could be produced among christians, but they are moderns, and we cannot call names. the old world DIOGENES of humility memory is in point. At the meeting of the Cynic with the King of Macedon, it requires little philosophy to induce doubt, which was the prouder of the two. The idol o DIOGENES was humility and his temple of worship a tub. He avowed his idolatry; and when he desired ALEXANDER to move from between him and the sun, the utmost that he asked of the hero, was D.

Many sincere pretenders to the true religion are yet guilty of idolatry. The monk, that weeps all day, and wakes to pray by night,as if born only to wake and weep; that believes in salvation by works, and that he is one of the saved, is a man of faith worse than an infidel. He is the vilest of idolaters, an idolater of self-righteousness. The true christian does all he can, but distrusts all he can do. Yet try not to convince the 'former of his error.

For the Emerald.
THE

BABBLER.

But in

"De te fabula narratur.” PATIENCE undergoes no severer trial than by impertinent loquacity. To be under the necessity of listening to tales without pleasure or arguments without force, to be perplexed with the unmeaning repetitions of empty garrulity, disgusted with the pride which conceives folly and the zeal that enforces it, is a situation that might excusably ruffle the meekness of Moses. The The bigot author who is dull may be laid aside would revive, if possible, the bond-at pleasure, and the preacher who age of conscience, and deem it a is heavy kindly invites you to sleep, good work to get you burnt for but from the conversation of the heresy. "Ephraim is joined to idols; Babbler there is no possibility of let him alone." escaping, and the incessant repeti

tion of his clamorous harangues where wise men are uncertain, our 1 admits no opportunity for repose: Babbler has always some private If attention was repaid by any how-channel of communication which ever common information, it would leaves him no room for uncertainty. be some recompence for listening; The plan he adopts is never conbut he who has vanity enough to jecture, because he will strengthen engross all the conversation, has it with so many arguments that no rarely sense enough to make it use- reasonable man will doubt its existful, and his manners are not more ence. But when his garrulity has in opposition to the principles of convinced all, who had rather aspoliteness than the tenor of his dis- sent to any thing than be teazed to course to the refinement of a scholar. death, of the certainty of his conIt is difficult to determine from what jectures, he generally receives some cause this continued insult on com- advice from a private correspondent mon understanding proceeds, except or hint from a high confidential it be from that affectation of superi- friend, that entirely changes the or knowledge which most common-complection of the business and ly distracts and disgusts with igno- leaves again for his eloquence the rance and pedantry. task of convincing his friends against

The tribe of Babblers may be sep-their former opinions, and the still arated into classes. There is a uni- more difficult duty of defeating his formity of disgusting and trouble-own former incontrovertible sentisome affectation which marks the ments.

common origin of all, yet particular- There are beings whom we may ities of folly which discriminate in-designate as argumentative Babblers; dividuals.

The political Babbler is to be met with at the corner of every street and the in bar room of every tavern in the country. With something like the Sybil's frenzy he can out run the operations of time, and settle by irrevocable edicts the conduct of a ministry, the designs of an ambassador or the consequences of a campaign. To an unlimited knowledge of secret causes and a piercing penetration of principles, or rather (we should say without irony) an absolate ignorance of every thing but the means of "murdering the King's English," he will chatter by the bour with dogmatic impertinence, and tire the most patient auditor with incessant streams of loquacity. The newspapers are his bible, and if the sectaries of other religions would pursue theirs with equal assiduity, there would probably be fewer of his profession in the world.

seasons of conjecture and doubt

whose greatest delight is contradic-
tion; to whom wrangling is pleasure
and disputation the greatest treat.
For the purpose of contention they
will deny the most obvious principles
or defend the most palpable sole-
cisms, and enter with all the formal-
ities of forensic discussion into the
consideration of subjects that might
be decided by simple inspection, or
almost by instinct. Too zealous
however in the investigation of truth
to listen to the arguments of their
opponents, they give no one but
themselves an opportunity of speak.
ing, except perhaps a word or two
when they stop to take breath, but
rattle along with the rapidity of a
stage horse,-answer objections that
were never made.-refute positions
that were never laid down, take for
granted what was never allowed,-
and conclude triumphantly with a
proud demonstration of what re-
quired no understanding
vestigate, and very little logic

to in

to bring to a different conclu- BIOGRAPICAL AND LITERARY NOTIsion.

CES CONCERNING THE LATE AR.
JAMES BEATTIE, PROFESSOR or
MORAL PHILOSOPHY AND LOGIC
IN THE MARESCHAL COLLECE OF

NEWABERDEEN'

CONTINUED.

The sentimental Babbler is of a different kind: he is all softness and humility; full of tender thoughts and philanthropic affection, and forever sighing in your ear some sleepAfter publishing "The Minstrel,” ing sentiment of pity for the mis- Beattie's reputation was greatly infortune of others' lives, or some kind Essay on the Nature and Immutabilcreased. Concerning the merits of his warnings to secure the happiness of ity of Truth," considered as a philosoyour own. Drawing from the cir-phical investigation, there were differculating library, and mostly from that part of it which the German novelists have occupied, all his principles of conduct and ideas of life, he will so continually sing to you of terrors and troubles, that his company, like an east wind, would fret one into a consumption. Although to fashion himself to the softness of the fair, he can endure nothing harsh, nor rude, nor boisterous; altho' he deals in civility as an Apothecary in civet, and can endure neither the manners nor the habit of the world, but is so all over sensibility that the dew drowns him and the moon beam scorches, yet he is continually whining in notes of dolorous pity, and his tongue, tho' not equally fast with his brethzen, is yet equally busy in the common vocation.

ent opinions. This diversity was occasioned by the various sentiments of thinking and intelligent men upon the metaphysical subjects which that treatise embraced in discussion. Those who held the same opinions which Beattie defended, considered his work as having claims to unqualified approbation; while others, who entertained speculative notions of an opposite denomination, estimated this attack måde upon them, rather as an effort of popular declamation, than a masterly de. fence of his own, or a successful confutation of the doctrine of his opponents. It was otherwise with "The Minstrel,” which contains no sentiments but such as all must approve of; whatever be their difference of speculative belief. therefore, not so liable to be veiled by Its beauties and excellencies were, prejudice, and precluded from their portion of due admiration.

By many, Beattie was now considered to be both an eminent philosopher and a genuine poet; a twofold character, which is seldom to be found, and thereThere are others of the Babbling fore seems to indicate a mind of the fraternity, whose incessant gabble tinguished excellence was likely to be highest order. A Scottish poet of disruns over an hundred things in a prized the more, since, from the pubminute and whose noise, like a wa-lishing of "The Seasons" until this time, ter-fall, diminishes the sound of all other disturbance; and there are others, who like the hero of the new French Melo-drama, take the words out of every body's mouth, and choose to do all the talking themselves. All these however are the mere eccentricities of mankind: THEIR folly amuses us, and We have follies in plenty to amuse

them,

EMILIUS.

few poems of great length, and possess ing extraordinary merit had appeared in Scotland. Beattie became, therehe was looked to as the ornament of the fore, the object of general admiration: university in which he was a Professor, and was judged worthy of being honored with a diploma, as Doctor of Laws, by his colleagues of the Marischal College.

For some years subsequent to this period, Dr. Beattie was chiefly engaged in professional studies, in composing prelections for the instruction of his pupils, and in discharging the various

duties which his station in the univer- Memory; Imagination; Dreams; the sity imposed upon him. Many of these Theory of Language; Fable and Roprelections were written for, and pre-mance; Attachment to Kindred; and viously read in a private society in the Sublimity of Composition. university of Aberdeen, composed of the several Professors. This society is mentioned in the following terms, in the excellent account lately published, of the life and writings of its original founder and greatest boast :

"The Evidences of the Christian Religion, in two small volumes, appeared three years after the Dissertations. Dr. Beattie was induced to publish this work, by the advice of his friend, Dr. Porteous, the present Bishop of London; and though it displays the warmth of his piety, and the greatness of his zeal for the Christian religion, yet it is not distinguished by originality of views, or strength of argument. The author appeals chiefly to the affections of the reader; he tries to engage the heart, rather than inform and convince the understanding': and though his work may be of use in confirming the young and susceptible, who are already predisposed in favour of Christianity, it will have little influence in converting the infidel who seeks for argument. Christianity can boast of defences much more vigorous and convincing than that of Dr. Beattie.

"Soon after Dr. Reid's removal to Aberdeen, he projected (in conjunction with his friend Dr. John Gregory) a Literary society, which subsisted for many years, and which seems to have had the happiest effects, in- awakening and directing that spirit of philosophical research, which has since reflected so much lustre on the north of Scotland. The meetings were held weekly, and afforded the members, (besides the advantages to be derived from a mutual communication of their sentiments on the common objects of their pursuit) an opportunity of subjecting their intended publications to the test of friendly criticism. The number of valuable works which issued nearly about In the year 1787, his eldest son, the same time from individuals con- James Hay Beattie, was appointed his nected with this institution, more par-assistant, as Professor of Moral Philoticularly the writings of Reid, Gregory, ophy and Logic. This ingenious and Campbell, Beattie, and Gerard, furnish interesting young man was the delight the best panegyric on the enlightened of his father, who had bestowed extraviews of those under whose direction it ordinary care on his education, and was originally armed." now leaned upon him as the support of his declining years. But he was not destined long to enjoy the comfort of his society and assistance. Mr. Beattie was a highly accomplished youth; for even at his juvenile years he had made very considerable attainments, both in science and the less laborious branches of polite literature. He continued for nearly two years to assist his father in discharging the duties of a Professor, and to delight paternal affection, by the display of numerous elegant accomplishments, by the exchange of rational conversation, by filial assiduities, and exciting the most sanguine hopes of his literary celebrity, when a more mature age should have invigorated his mind. These hopes were not permit In 1783, Dr. Beattie published, in a ted to be realized. Mr. Beattie, natuquarto volume, his "Dissertations, rally of a delicate constitution, fell into Moral and Critical." These disserta- a lingering disorder, in the month of tions contained the substance of a course November, 1789, and died in the same of lectures which he had originally month of the following year. From the read in his class for moral philosophy, various fragments, both in prose and and embraced the following subjects: verse, which he left behind him, w

To these remarks, it may be added, that this literary society, limited as might be its original object, and however unassuming the dignity of its meetings, has, notwithstanding, modelled the mass of Scottish literature, and has, by its direct or less immediate influence, given rise to the greater number of those works which of late years have exalted the literary character of Scotland. In recounting these profound and valuable works, and comparing them with the productions of other societies, we are the less convinced of the efficacy of a-crown-charter, in exciting the emulation or increasing the research of the members of a Royal Society.

acuteness or vigor of intellect; they rather abound in interesting facts than ingenious deductions; he examines his subject less with the keen discrimination of a metaphysician, than the didactic plainness of a common-sensist; and his treatises are rather to be con

e justified in the conjecture, that his future years, had he lived, would have splayed a splendour proportioned to such a fair dawning; and our regret for his premature departure is enhanced by the reflection, that he who, in so short a career, was able to have done so much, should not have lived to ac-sidered as elementary introductions for complish more.*

the use of the tyro, than as throwing new light upon abstruse subjects, which may guide even the adept in exploring the bewildering labyrinth.

As a poet, he has few equals. His "Minstrel, or Progress of Genius," which, it cannot be sufficiently regret

Dr. Beattie's mind received a shock by the death of his darling son, from which it could never recover. He was now declining into years; his faculties, both of body and mind, were much exhausted by a life of continued study; and we are not to be surprised, if, sub-ted, he did not continue, is written in sequent to this event, he never dis- the genuine spirit of those strains of played that activity which had former- the heart which constitute real poetry. ly characterized his studies and intel- Such smaller pieces as he has retained lectual ambition. Deprived of the chief in the last edition of his poetical work's solace of his life, and the object on all breathe the same soul. They come which his family hopes so fondly repos-home to every bosom; they are unied, he sunk by degrees into a state of versally esteemed; and the gross and apathy and mental indifference with re- the refined relish their beauties, begard to every thing which heretofore cause they contain those sentiments had excited his warmest regard. In which can be appreciated by every hu the year 1796, by the death of his man heart. When the Philosophical younger son, Mr. Montagu Beattie, works of Beattie shall have given place and some other domestic calamities of to others, and be almost forgotten, his most distressing nature, this melan-" Minstrel," his "Odes to Retirement choly state of mind was greatly increased. His literary avocations ceased to be interesting, and even his former amusements lost all their charms. He experienced that temper of mind which he has so emphatically described in his "Ode to Retirement."

"For me no more the path invites

Ambition loves to tread ;
No more I climb those toilsome heights,
By guileful hopes misled;
Leaps my fond flutt'ring heart no more
To Mirth's enlivening strain;
For present pleasure soon is o'er,
And all the past is vain."

Dr. Beattie's amusements were of the most elegant kind. Music was his favorite recreation; and he and his son, who was also deeply skilled in the principles of the art, were accustomed to spend their leisure hours in small concerts with such of their friends as were musical adepts.

As a philosopher, Dr. Beattie cannot rank in the highest class. In none of his prose works has he evinced much

See the Posthumous Works of James Hay Beattie, with the account of his Life and Writings, by his Father.

and to Hope," and his "Hermit," will be read with tears of rapture by all those in succeeding ages who venerate the memory of Goldsmith and the poets of the heart.

Dr. Beattie died on the 18th of August, 1803.