Rnnk ■ 11 7 O 5" THE CULTIVATION ARTS AND SCIENCES, MAINTAINED TO BE FAVOURABLE TO VIRTUE AND HAPPINESS: TO WHICH IS ADDED. A TRANSLATION OF THE CELEBRATED PRIZE ESSAY OF JEaxn JACQUES ROUSSEAU, WHEREIN HE ADVANCES AN OPPOSITE SENTIM! By HE^ItY SMITHERS. j Author of , after leading their troops to victory, returned to theu ternal homes, and guided the plough. Let it be reTifJfc bered also, in favour of this argument, that Rome waV]#k conquered until given up to indolence and vice, she dfP- ItQi a>— tivated. her lands by means of the slaves whom her vi lies had made captives. It would be an interesting investigation to as^riilFh how much of the preponderating influence which \_ Britain holds in the scale of nations, is traceable 16 il& 'industry excited by the highly improved state of her , :r culture. It may be asked, whether the savage who prowls *fifb forest to obtain a precarious existence, experiences °iR& half of the enjoyments or iatisfactions that the -hush alfc- man partakes of on beholding the happy effects of his { fc hour, in the springing and the ripening corn. OLveT^ how large a portion of the world lies still uueiillmtfetL% repel the indolence, awaken the 'activity , and *fh'£fi@£& r feb of Generations ret unborh. This subject might, by its illustrations, extend itself into volumes; enough, it is presumed, has been advanced to prove that the art of agriculture has in all periods been fa- vourable to industry. The necessity of shelter from the inclemency of the changiug seasons, and the chilliness or cold of night, gave rise to architecture. Rude in its first essays, it consisted probably of huts, formed from branches of trees, or caves in the rocks, or mud cottages, if the principles of cement were thus early understood. Population increasing, cities were built, and what was at first merely necessary became studied as an art; orna- ments were added to conveniences, and elegant structures were erected; building became a distinct occupation, and the powers of the human mind were directed to the im- provement of the science. We early read of the tower of Babel, of the cities of Babylon and Nineveh, to these suc- ceeded the massy structures of Egypt, the temples of Pal- myra and of Balbec, and the polished structures of Greece and Rome. Here I may be permitted to repeat a remark, which I made on another occasion, that the general style of the architecture of a country, partakes greatly of the character of its inhabitants, except where foreign taste or temporary fantasies have been introduced : in the moveable tents cf the Arabs, may be traced their erratic lives, in the ligbt ness of the Chinese and Eastern buildings is perceptible, the characters which the people exhibitand which their laws and governments Lave so greatly contributed to form. Greece, in a peculiar manner, illustrates this remark. Out of the five orders of architecture, which are in universal use to this day — three, namely, the Doric, the Ionic, and the Corinthian were of Grecian origin. Could a correct estimate be made of the vast amount of human industry, which has been employed in the eon-*- struction of the churches, the temples, the obelisks, the pyramids, the walls, and the cities of the world from the creation, how immense would be the result, human powers are unequal to the calculation. Manufactures and commerce come next under conside- ration. Although these have been excluded from what are usually denominated the liberal arts, they are so ne- cessary to human comfort, that in the very earliest periods of the world, they must have received attention. Next to food and shelter, covering becomes necessary. On quit- ting paradise clothing was adopted. As Cain tilled the* ground and Abel fed his flocks, an interchange of produce took place, for barter constituted the only basis of early commerce. Although it is not noticed, there cannot exist a doubt, but that previous to the destruction of mankind by a flood, some considerable progress both in commerce and ";o;iires must Lave been attained, tlie construction of \J# ark - iiself involves this conclusion. \ am fully aware, that although botli manufactures and commerce will he admitted to have promoted industry, yr\ it will be asserted that they are unfriendly to virtue, aerating a contractedness of mind, and a narrowness a£ spirit; the late lady Craven and others of our best rs, deny this: in her voyage to the Crimea, she ad- es an opinion that she had ever found in the mcr- ^mlle interest, men of the best understanding and the ?r\\ c t enlarged minds; a further proof in corroboration of sentiment may be observed in the very liberal sub- .^ct lotions which that class of men have from time to time $, for almost every ill to which suffering humanity b liable. Permit me, In some ^enr.ure, to digress from my sub- to rescue commerce from undeserved obloquy. Pro^j ice, with that wisdom and benevolence which charac- < v^sfs all its designs, has assigned to every one his station icjfjtj, and though the desire of gain is the ruling prin-j jjijplg, as well of the manufacturer as of the commerciant; yj ; . if they make or vend articles which supply the neces- or the conveniences of others, excellent in their , and at a fair price , benefit is reciprocally received, >'4 such men are entitled to respect according to their ancl character. Benjamin Franklin was not more 9 truly honourable when a legislator, than, when as an au- thor he -devoted his talents to his country's welfare. By Commerce the natural productions of one country are diffused into all others ; But it would be a mere waste of time to point out the numerous advantages which result therefrom, or to insist upon the amount of human industry generated thereby. Tyre, Sidon, Carthage, Alexandria, the Venetian Stater, Belgium, Flanders, Hambourgh, Hol- land, and Great Britain, have successively exhibited the advantages of commerce. Intimately connected with commerce is the art of Navi- gation j if we except the ark of Noah, which was con- structed by divine direction, we know little of its origin. The discovery of the compass is ascribed to the Greeks, but it is well ascertained that the Phoenecians bad pre- viously traded to ancient Britain ; bold must have been that adventurer who sailed, first, out of sight of land with- out a compass. In this branch of art and its dependencies*, was opened another fruitful source of human industry. Geometry was found requisite a§ population increased, and property became divisable; it acquired a perfection in Egypt; after the waters of the Nile had subsided; it was deeded to ascertain for each proprietor Jiis proper land- marks previously to the inundation 3 its value as the basis of numerous other sciences was soon discovered, and it was C JO f&pidly brought 'to perfection; il is the $erai of many of ourmest useful arts and sciences, and both in its specula- tive and practical operations, highly contributes to human industry. Jt becomes of great importance also in its ef- fects on the human mind, by forming it to habits of mathe- matical precision. Divine Science of Astronomy, who shall dare to pro- fane thee by asserting that the contemplation of thy sub- lime mysteries are unfavourable to human welfare. 'Long ere the science had a name, the regular recurrence of the natural phcenomena must have forced mankind to wonder and to adore. In the mild nights and cloudless skies of Eastern climes, the revolutions of the planets, the rising and the sitting of the stars, early excited the observations of the Chaldean shepherds, who tended their flocks by night. The moon in rayless majesty, and the sun as it rose above the Eastern horizon in inexpressible grandeur, eould not fail to attract attention. The uniform return of day and night, and of the alternate seasons, excited the conjecture of the Magi, and astronomy became a science. From Chaldea it passed into Egypt, thence to Phoenicia, and from Phoenicia to Greece j but oh ! what an incalcula- ble amount of observation, of conjecture, of industry, what an employment of human intellect and of human la- bour, must have been exerted before the solar year was ac- ourately ascertained, eclipses were calculated with precision or ere Sir Isaac Newton was enabled to discover that law of 1 i , gravitation by which the planeis are aiaintaincd in their courses, sphere round sphere, and system round system re- volves, projected by infinite wisdom, maintained by unli- mited power, and destined to accomplish the designs* of unbounded benevolence. The laws winch direct the Comets in their erratic courses, and permit those illustrious strangers to become occasionally within the observation of the inhabitants of the globe wherein we dwell, have hitherto eluded human research ; those laws will serve to awaken new investiga- tions. But when human intellect shall have done its ut- most, it will be compelled to exclaim in the contemplation of the Great Architect of the universe, Who can by search- ing find out thee? Who can find out the Almighty to per- fection ? Who then shall dare assert, that this noble science, which enables us to discover and unfold those wonders and marks of wisdom, and design which appear around us, tends to corrupt the manners and to lead to vice. Does it not rather elevate the mind and teach it to adore the Great Creator in these, his wondrous works! The art of Poetry has,, through all ages, received due ho- nours ; in the East, and particularly amongst the Persians and Arabians it is held in the highest veneration. It con- tributes not, indeed^ to the necessities of man; but, liow docs it serve to brighten and to clieer his gloomy ami rugged road through the wilderness of life. The song of Moses and the children of Israel, is one of the first and finest specimens of this divine art upon record. Thus pure in its erigin, and employed in its Creator's praise, happy would it have been for mankind if it never had been polluted to baser purposes. It has ever had a power- ful influence on public manners. The ode and the epic poem were calculated to honour the deity, or in their in- ferior destination to hand down to posterity a record of praiseworthy deeds, thereby to excite to an imitation thereof. Tragedy was calculated to inspire with horror for trime or reverence for virtue. Comedy and satyr to wage war against folly and vice, and by exposing it to view to laugh it out of countenance; and elegy to express our sorrows over departed excellence; all operating in the way of excitation to activity of mind. Each has contributed to engage the active mind of man in sweet employ, to ele- vate his soul, to enlarge his ideas, to promote his welfare. In how many instances have the moral, virtues hem planted deeply in the human mind by the dulcet sounds of poetry, and become active principles for the regula- tion of the future conduct. Sometimes indeed its flowers, by some destructive genius, may have been interwoven into 8ii ornamenjal chaplet, and presented to loveliness to and innocence to ensnare and to destroy. Accursed be that genius which pollutes an art destined to re-echo the of heaven, to repeat the language of hell. Music, the sister art of poetry, is another of the dowers scattered in the path of life; in the infancy of the world it served like poetry to elevate devotion. We soon find Tubal, a descendant of Cain, named as the father of all such as handle the harp and the organ. When David seized the lyre and united poetry with music, what enrap- tured tones are heard resounding, they have been and will continue to he *• the songs of the pilgrims in the days of their pilgrimage." This art becomes pernicious only, when pursued with an avidity that engrosses time, which ought to be devoted to more beneficial purposes, or when by the perpetual strains of soft and lascivious airs, the mind becomes un- fitted for the discharge of those relative duties which ap- pertain to life j its natural tendency is to give employment and innocent amusement to thousands; but whilst this may be considered as its secondary object, its primary ob- ject should be to aid the notes of praise and adoration. Assembled men to the deep organ join The loud resounding voice oft breaking clear,. At solemn pauses, through the swelling base ; A-nd, as each mingling flame increases eac& •i>» one united ardour rise to heaven,* 1Th6m ?<>"*•. 1* It irs remarkable that the earliest mention thai we have of the art of Sculpture, is the account of the molten calf which the children of Israel demanded of Aaron, when Moses was gone up into the Mount of God to receive in- structions for the government of that rebellious people. Some writers have argued indeed, that, the clause in the second commandment, which forbids, "To. make unto thyself any graven image," is absolute against sculpture and painting. But had the Almighty Governor of the World intended this, would he have commanded, in the construction of the Ark and of the Mercy Seat, to make two Cheruhims of gold of beaten work, and the Cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the Mercy Seat with their wings, and their faces looking to one an- other, towards the Mercy Seat shall the faces of the Che- ruhims be ? The idolatry which is forbidden, is the bowing down or worshipping the work of man's, hands, rather than the one God, the only proper object of religious worship, who alone is entitled to the homage of the heart. It was reserved for the Greeks to bring Sculpture to a perfection which has never been exceeded. Attica abounded in fine quarries of marble and most excellent artists, Phi- dias, Polyclet.es, Myron, Lysippus, Praxiteles, and others, 2 left works to immortalize their names. These flou- rished antecedent to the introduction of Christianity, their -'forks nny>t have been visible in the different cities of tTtoe, when Christ and his disciples laid the foundations 10 ©/ our divine religion, and must ha?e received reprobation , if contrary to divine command. May we not safely thea infer that they are in themselves innocent, nay valuable as industrious employment*, and criminal only when they be- come objects of worship, or withdraw the affections from the supreme object of love and regard. Several of these observations, as applied to Sculpture, are equally applicable to painting, an art not in use until a subsequent period, and said to have been accidentally discovered. It is claimed indeed by the Egyptians, but most commonly awarded to the city of Corinth in Gree«e* Homer, who often speaks of sculpture, mentions neirbiv picture or painter. Poetry, music, sculpture and painting, have each, af- forded valuable and useful employments, promoted in- dustry and banished indolence. It must be admitted indeed, that the arts of sculpture and of painting, have from the earliest periods of their in- vention been prostituted to the basest and most ignoble purposes ; Greece and Rome exhibited specimen* of the art, which cannot be too severely reprobated; and in mo- dern times, a neighbouring nation has employed these arts to corrupt the pure springs of virtue too fatally, the xuiwds of youth are polluted e'er passion has begun to hud. Vice is engendered in hot beds, aad females, wlik a most, hardened and unblushing eflVontry, offer for public saley exhibitions of scenes which would disgrace a common brothel j; the industry which produced these, is the in- dustry of devils who rejoice at the misery of mankind; these are cases that call aloud for the interference of the arm of power, and the unabated severity of most exem- plary punishment. But is it fair to argue from the abuse of a benefit, and the tardiness of legislative authority against the benefit it- self, We abuse the blessing and arraign the divine bene- factor. These arts, under judicious regulations, are con- ducive to the most valuable purposes. How many useful lessons of virtue are taught to youth from delineations of the praiseworthy actions of the times that are past. How beautifully and how beneficially has B. West, in our own country, directed all his eminent talents to de- lineate the great events handed down to us in the Scrip- ture history, and to the honour of our country be it known, his genius has been duly rewarded, Housseau beheld in the French school much lo call forth just indignation, and every virtuous heart will unite with him in reprobating its licentiousness. Had the art been confided to such delineations only, it had been better to have banished from the world. The state of demorali- zation which prevails so extensively in the continent, ma l 7 be traced In great measure to this cause. Aristotle thought, and he thought correctly, that painters had more in- flueDce on public manners, than even philosophers. St. Gregory relates, That a courtesan on contemplating the portrait of one who had become a convert to Christianity, became herself converted. However the artist may, in such representations, display his talent, lie does so at the expense of his character, be- neath those brilliant colours which allure and charm the eye, lurks a poison, more deadly than that which is said to dislil from the leaves of the uppas tree. In similar manner might we trace numerous other arls and sciences, and the benefits which have been derived from them as rhetoric, history, philosophy, chronology., and others. The art of writing, and that of priming, re- quire a more particular consideration. The art of writing or of giving durability to ideas, seems peculiarly honoured above all other arts, for the first in- stances we have recorded of it are the tables of stone which contained the commandments, and are said expressly to have been written by God himself, Exod. 02 — 16. The value of the blessing exhibits the attributes of its Divine Author. To estimate its worth, compare the mind of the untaught barbarian, the Hottentot, the CafFre, the D l'8 savage Indian, or the wilder Scythian, with the well-regli* lated mind of David, Paul, Fenelon, Bacon, Addison, Johnson and others. Like the lamp in ihe labernacle of old it never goes out; it is light illuminating the dark hemisphere of mind, it is comfort in sorrow, it is hope in despair. By its recording power it unites distant ages, the memorials of the past hecome lessons for the future ; it secures the wisdom of one generation for the benefit of another, and elevates an enduring beacon for the use of distant ages. Unaided by the volume of Inspiration, we should have been at a loss to trace this noble art to its true source, that volume exhibits some of the most sublime examples of eloquence and of fine writing, independently of the mo- mentous truths which it contains. Its advantages exceed the power of description, it is the handmaid to all the other arts and sciences, it is the basif of laws and legislation, it is the chain which connects dis- tant countries, it is the medium through which the will of God is communicated to maB, it is the guide to immor- tality. Surely enough has been advanced to demonstrate that the discovery and cultivation of the arts and sciences na- turally tend to promote industry, which was our first po- sition to be proved. *9 * II. Habits of Industry are highly favourable to Viriut -%nd to Piety, Indolence is the nurse of vice— Nay — in many instances it may be considered as the parent thereof. Slander, drunkenness theft, incontinence, lust, adultery, are some amongst many of the crimes which indolence tends to produce and to foster. Happy the man whom occupation preserves from temptation, who has no time to stray from the path, of duty. It has almost become a proverb, That * working neighbourhood is an honest neighbourhood. The alarming increase of crimes, within the last seven years, has very properly excited attention, and sn inquiry into the causes, when duly investigated, will doubtless be found to have been occasioned principally by the stagna- tion of commerce and the difficulty of obtaining employ- ment. Melancholy as is the fact, it would be better to trace it to such a cause than, to an increasing depravity of natural character.. Ther British character has been long renowned for activity and industry, as commerce revives, crimes will be found ; ta decrease/* If the vices, like overgrown- weeds, are found to attain the greatest heights in society, in society also the virtues axe known to put forth the fairest blossoms^. ami produce the: rich^i fruits*. 20 Can it be necessary, at the present period of the world, to argue in favour of virtue and piety, as essential to hap- piness. Alas ! a view of that world, even in the most en- lightened countries, proves the necessity of the argument. Again and again must it be urged to each successive gene- ration, ere ancient prophecy shall receive its accomplish* men'. There is within us a monitor whose warnings we should do well at all times to attend to, it sometimes speaks in a small still voice, sometimes iis echoes are more loud than thunder 5 oftentimes has it urged the guilty to confession, and compelled the murderer to become a self-accuser. Nor are its monitions confined to murder alone— the drunkard — the thief — the seducer — the adulterer — in vain strive to stifle its alarms ; a book, a house, an observation, unno- ticed by others, darts forth the arrows of conviction, and pierces the heart. This voice may be stifled, it may be quenched, but it will again burst forth, and if finally neg- lected will one day appear in terrible array against the hardened culprit. There is only one safe road to happiness, namely, the strait path of duty. Many seek by different ways to ar- rive at the same end. But the attempt is vain, they may have amusement, they may enjoy gratification ; they may whirl in the giddy circles of pleasure. But happiness,; 21 prising from the consciousness of duty done, and the brigjit anticipations of its promised rewards, will never be found out of that path which Almighty Wisdom has pointed out for " wisdoms ways/' are " ways of plea- santness, and all her paths are peace." But, whilst steadily pursuing this path, it is not for- bidden occasionally to strew it with flowers. The arts and sciences present themselves on every side, and should be more or less encouraged by all, according to their rank and station in society. Let those who are called to shine in the upper ranks of life, be decorated in the costly at- tire, and exhibit the sparkling diamond, the. emerald, the ruby or the chaste pearl. Virtue is not absolutely ba- lanced from palaces, although It may be a rare visitant there. Humility and other Christian virtues may inhabit the heart amidst the splendour of a court, and the gaudy trappings of fashion, whilst pride and avarice are often found beneath the thread bare coat, and the abodes of poverty. He who created man in his own image, still maintains with the mind of man intimate communication. He taught the artificer to work in iron, he instructed Newton to unfold the great laws of nature, and those sparks of genius which have from time to time originated all the inventions which contribute so essentially, to the comfort of mankind, are but emanation* of Almighty Wisdom, im- 23 % ■ parted at such periods as to omniscience seemed best, and? to crown the blessings he promised eternal life. Be it remembered, therefore, that although the cultiva- tion of the arts and sciences are not only lawful but praise- worthy, nevertheless if made the primary end and aim of Hfe^ they are diverted from their original destination, the glory of God and the welfare of man ! Although what has been already advanced might be deemed sufficient to establish our original position, never- theless some .further remarks may be thought necessary upon the various arguments which J. J. Rousseau inge- niously makes use of. His great mistake is, that he has not distinguished between the natural tendency of the Arts and Sciences , and that abuse of them which the depravity of the human heart has occasioned. Cultivated as the great end and aim of life, they do indeed produce all the evils he deplores; thus pursued, (hey enervate the body, debase- the mind, generate luxury, and an artificial state of society,, and bring nations to destruction. With him I lament, that (c the exterior of the counte- nance is not the true image of the 'heart — that sincere friendships are rare — that the Creator of the Universe is blasphemed ;" but charge not these on literature and the: arts, ; they rather spring from human depravity, defective education, and bad laws and government. 25 We are not instructed that the arts had male great pro- gress when the flood destroyed the race of men, we are only told, " That eery imagination of the thoughts of man's heart was evil, and that continually* And to the same fruitful source may all subsequent ills be traced. To these causes may it be ascribed that the Chaldean philosophers perverted the sublime science of astronomy, to the base purposes of astrology and soothsaying. That the idolatrous Egyptians carved out gigantic gods of stone and worshipped them. That polished and enlightened Greece, although eminently distinguished by fine taste, c xhibiled monuments of indecency and depravity, that would have disgraced barbarians, nor is imperial Rome also free from similar censure. And in more modern times, Italy and France, have by licentious pictures and books demoralised their population, and called down the wrath of heaven — would that I could wholly exempt my native country from a similar imputation. I rejoice,, however, to state, that within these last twenty years, the public mind and taste in Britain, have undergone a very considerable change and improvement on this point. The richest gifts of heaven may be converted into curses, the natural appetites may he pampered and in- dulged until they destroy life, the golden grain may be eaten to excess, and wine, which was destined to cheer the heart of man, is often taken in such qualities, as to 2'± CYem -o travel on horseback. There will be urged against liie the renowned valour of all those modern warriors, who are scientifically disciplined. They will boast their bravery in the day of battle, but they say not how they support the excess of fatigue, or how they resist the ri- gour of the seasons, and the intemperance of the air. A little more sun or a little more snow, the privation of a few accustomed indulgences would melt down and destroy in a few days the best of our armies. Intrepid warriors listen for once to the truth which you so rarely hear. — You are brave, I acknowledge it — you would have triumphed with Hannibal, at Cannse, and at Trasimenes. Caesar with you would have passed the Paibicon and sub- jected his country, but it would not have been with you that the first would have crossed the Alps, or that the other would have vanquished your ancestors. Battles do not always constitute the success of war, and there is for generals an art superior to that of gaining vic- tories. Some rush into action with intrepidity, who are nevertheless bad officers. In the same soldier a little more strength and vigour may be perhaps more necessary, than so much bravery, which does not guarantee against death, and what signifies it to the state whether their troop* perish by fever, by cold, or by the fire of the enemy. If the culture of the sciences is prejudicial to the quali- fication of warriors, it is still more so to morality. It is ia our earliest years that education insensibly adorns our minds and corrupts our judgment. / see on all sides immense establishments where ihej bring up youth at great cost, and teach them all things except their duties. Your chil- dren are ignorant of their mother tongue, but they speak others which are not in use any where ; they can com- pose verses, which with difficulty they comprehend, with- out being able to distinguish error from truth. They pos- sess the art of rendering themselves unintelligible to others by specious arguments. But magnanimity, equity, tempe- rance, humanity, courage, they know not what they mean. The blandishments of patriotism now meet their ears, and if they hear God spoken of, it is rather to fear him, than to have him in reverence. I should prefer, said a sage, that my scholar should pass his time in a game of tennis — his body would at least be well formed. I know that it is ne- cessary to employ children, and that idleness is for ihem of all things most dangerous. What then ought they to learn? This is the grand question. Let ihem learn that which they ought to do when men } and not that which they ought to forget. Our gardens are ornamented with statues, and our ga- laries with pictures. What subjects think you do these chef d'oeuvres of art exhibit to public admiration. The defenders of their country or the men still more great, who have enriched it with their virtues. No, they are the images of all the wanderings of the heart, and of the mind, carefully drawn from the ancient mythology, and presented at an early age to the curiosity of our children, doubtless that they may have before their eyes at an early age the examples of evil actions, before they know even how to read. Whence arises all these abuses, if not from the fatal inequality introduced amongst men by the distinction of talents, and by the disparaging of the virtues. Behold here the most striking effect of all our studies, and the most dangerous of ail their consequences. It is no longer enquired of man if he has probity, but if he has talents j nor D nate introduction of them into our public ceremonies with- out comment, has been productive of incalculable mis- chiefs and makes the severest reprobation. Ovid is an in- structor in licentiousness; Homer and Lucian have kindled and fomented the flames of war through successive ages. It will he granted that in Greece the arts and the sciences attained their loftiest elevation. But oh, how did the cor- rupt hearts of its inhabitants turn them from their true end to the most degrading of purposes. Architecture and sculpture were employed in erecting temples in honour of heathen deities, whose crimes ought to have handed clown their names to universal execration, rather than to have been held up as objects of adoration ; thus they invoked the wrath of heaven against them, the extent of that wrath let the present state of modern Greece declare. The eloquent panegyric upon all-conquering Rome equally deserves reprobation. Let us no longer be de- ceived by high sounding names and honours unjustly be- stowed. The insatiable thirst of conquest and dominion, which appeared hereditary in the Roman Emperors, enti- tles the majority of them to the title of the butchers of mankind 5 these are the sentiments with which I would instruct youth to read the blood stained pages of their hisjories, and these are the causes which called down upon the several antient kingdoms, and upon Imperial Rome, those severe judgments from heaven which has destined that country to become an imperishable memo- rial for mankind. If the history of the human rase has recorded one maxim more indelibly than another, it is this, u That moral evil is the cause of natural evil; if there had not been sin, there would not have been suf fering.*' Constantinople may be adduced in further proof of kb-se observations; there, a dark and idolatrous system of theology, not content with the encouragement which it offers to vice in its terrestrial dwellings, attempts with awful impiety to make it an inhabitant of heaven, sullying the purity of the celestial abodes with sensual delights. If literature, art aud science, are encouraged in Asia, it is but in a limited degree ; a barrier is there placed against general improvement, which seems to say, Hitherto thou shall go and no further. The customs, the laws, the in- stitutions, the religious code of the Asiatics, however ad- mirable in part, present a whole, which so far from being Worthy of imitation, they are deserving of severe execration. Weak must be that cause which finds it necessary to call in the examples of the barbarous Scythians, the an- ient Germans, or Rome in the time of her poverty, to its support. Ignorance, and the gratification of the sensual appetites, constituted their enjoyments. Science had not then unfolded her ample stores, rewarding her disciples as they 53 en their way; the arts and literature were in great measure unknown ; to ear, to drink, to sleep, and to con- quer, constituted the bliss of nations. The bliss of the sow that wallows in her mire, or of the ferocious and blood- thirsty tiger, that gluts its appetite by the blood "of its victim. Of Sparla, be it remembered that it owed its pre-emi- nence to the wise institutions of Lyenrges, which repelled luxury, enforced temperance, and by introducing a system of public education, becomes an evidence in favour of all that I am pleading for. Socrates lived under a dark economy and in an iron age, his penetrating mind darted beyond the period in which he flourished, he foresaw the necessity of a divine revelation to illuminate the world, to elevate knowledge above the jargon of the schools, and to his arguments and his advocacy I appeal to substantiate my position. He saw, indeed, the limited nature of all human knowledge ; had he been instructed in our divine theology, he would have been the first to admit, that all science is vain that ' r does not ultimately tend to the knowledge and obeissance fo 4g£ the Great Supreme, and that the noblest object cf the contemplation of the immortal soul, is the immortal God. The very constitution of society, as consisting of various ranks and talents, would require a system of jurisprudence, even if mankind had attained a higher degree of moral pe** n than lias hitherto fallen to their lot, and 'history would not cease to be interesting, although its pages should no longer be marked by relations of the ravages of war. That the sciences have their birth in indolence, is an assertion so 'absurd, that it requires no contradiction. That they have often been prostituted to encourage hu- man vanity, and to engender luxury, is much to be lamented; but these are by no means necessarily con- nected with knowledge; many instances may be produced of those whose minds have been highly cultivated by science and by taste to adorn secular society, who at the same time have been disciplining to become pillars in the temple of God above. That the luxuries and vices of mankind should have attained such a height as to authorize the traffic in hu flesh, is so degrading to our common humanity, that we cannot but wonder that the forbearance of Omnipotence endured it so long. With ardent feelings of patriotism, I exult to say, that those laws which authorized the pur- chase of slaves, more sanguinary than those of Draco, are blotted from the British code; they have left a stain, in- deed, which all our feasts of charity cannot obliterate* If dexterity in the deslriielivc. arts of war was as praise- yami-hy as Rousseau rcprest. ih Scythians, the Franks and the Saxons, deserve his praise. We might instruct ova- children from the untameable tyger, or send them to the American Indians, to learn the art of scalping, where ifeey might partake of the luxury of drinking copious draughts of an enemy's blood from the skulls taken in battle. Piousseau lived encircled by frivolity, and surrounded by a voluptuous court, dazzled by iis splendour, he mea- sured mankind a! large by what he saw around him, the arts and the sciences were appropriated solely to engender luxury and promote vice, and he condemned them: he beheld Christianity, shrouded in the mists of delusion and superstition, and he become sceptic. The fascinating representation which his fancy pour- trays of the pure manners of former times, the golden age of poets, can no longer be brought forward to deceive. Since the angel received his commission to close the gates of Paradise, the human heart has been uniformly found %o be *' desperately wicked-," witness that proaeness to idolatry, which from the earliest ages has led mankind to worship stocks and stones, rather than the only living and True God ! The reflecting part of mankind an? ready to admit that great defects ore still to .1 in the various systems of education now in use. The moral faculties are not suffi- ciently attended to ; but although many of the blossoms of the tree of knowledge are thus blighted, some are found to yield precious fruit* If brilliant talents are preferred to the virtues, an inor- dinate love of gain is one cause ; abilities often lead to riches and power, when virtue languishes in obscurity, Wealth is worshipped as a deity, poverty is regarded as a demon; thus we often see integrity in rags and vice, rearing its brazen front in senates, in courts, and in palaces :-— " Well dresse^ ei Well equipaged, is ticket good enough " To pass us readily through every door." That the u powers of eloquence and the typographi- cal art/' have been occasionally perverted to base and ig- noble purposes will also be granted. If Hobbes and Spinoza do not sufficiently evince it, let an appeal be made to the writings of Rousseau, Voltaire, Condorcet and others of the French misnamed Philosophers. Have they not scattered licentiousness, doubt and scepticism with li- beral hand, and demoralized the world. Examine the learned universities on the continent, those hot beds of infidelity, from whence, as from Pandoras' bo*, Las issued a large proportion of the evils which afflict our raee. Is 52 rjol ibis the pestilence that stalkeili by noon day, whi( h urgeth . to despair and destruction. These are but ihe dark parts of the picture; there is a light which shine th like the sun at noon dny. The volume of inspiration h s by means of the art of printing, been circulated thro; out the world; millions of our fellow-creatures have Sailed the blessing; the many great and precious promises which it imparts from the source of all goodness, have cheered the comfortless abodes of poverty, dissipated the over- hanging storms of sorrow, and illumined the fading eye of death with bright hopes of immortality. From this sempiternal fountain, -this inexhaustible spring of felicity, Bacon, Newton, and other true philosophers, have poured forth precious streams, and from the same pure source future ages are destined to partake of an ocean of blessedness, already the full tides are pouring in on every side. Quid to heaven itbat Ron night be ranked among the Lei : the powers of his lence, and the fire of his genius had been enkindled at the divine altars, than had the sensibilities of his heart glowed with a pure and holy ilame, successive generations would have regarded him as a bright star in the hemis- phere of mind, a beacon to the world. Happy would it be if on all occasions, c( Kings did not 35 disdain to admit into their councils persons most capable to advise them ;" dawnings of ibis cherished hope appears; the hid confederation at Aix-la-Chapelle presents a new era in legislation. The mild and benevolent maxims of Christianity are admitted as the basis on which,the magni- ficent structure of peace has been elevated 3 the stately pillars which support it have their capitals adorned with the laurels and the bays, and the top stone is crowned by the rejoicings of Europe's millions. Mistaken reasoner ! that although under an idolatrous mythology, and a relaxed state of morals, the arts and sciences have been perverted from their original destination, and have produced no inconsiderable degree of vice, immorality and misery $ yet, even in these cases, their advantages have preponderated; but when d'rected and regulated by the pure maxims of Christian theology they scatter blessings with a liberal hand. Hail! divine Christianity, all hail! you shed a glory around unseen before; the blaze of light indeed may be too strong for sceptic view, but to the faithful your benign rays diffuse tranquillity, peace and happiness here, and the full assurance of an enduring bliss hereafter. THE JENS). ESSAY JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU, which obtained THE PRIZE OF THE ACADEMY OF DIJON, f5o. IN THE QUESTION, W HET HER THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THK ARTS AND SCIENCE!}: HAVE TENDED TO PURIFY THE XANNEMS? TJUM81ATBB FROM THE FRENCH GENEVA EDITION- BRUSSELS: PRINTED AT THE BRITISH PRESI, Sect. 7. gSo, Rue Ferte. 1818. -3" HAS THE" RE ESTABLISHMENT OF TH • ARTS AND SCIENCES' C0NTR1BUED TO PURIFY THE MANNERS.. It lias been doubted whether the re- establishment of the Arts and Sciences, have operated most to purify or to cor- rupt the manners. Which part shall I take in this ques- tion ? That which becomes an honest man, -who is of no party, and who does not value himself the less for that. I feel it difficult to adapt what I have to observe to the tiibunal which I address. How shall 1 dare to contemn the sciences before one of the most learned- societies of Europe; to praise ignorance in a celebrated academy, and reconcile a contempt of study wiilra respect for the truly s wise. I have foreseen these contrarieties, but they have not* deterred me. It is noL-seience that I arraign — it is virtue which I defend before virtuous men. Truth is more dear to such men, than learning to the learned. What have I then to dread? The judgment of the as- sembly which heais me — I acknowledge it, hut it is for the discourse itself — cot for the sentiments of the speaker.. Equitable sovereigns never hesitate to blame themselves iii doubtful points, and the most advantageous position for the display of just ree, is to have to defend ourselves against au incorruptible and enlightened party, judge in its own Cause. To this motive, which encourages me, is aoMed '"another, which detennmes me. it is this^ after having sustained, according to the light of nature, the cause of (ruth, wha ever he my success ; there is one prize which I am sure obtain, the approbation of ray own heart. to PART L It is a noble object of contemplation to view man, rising as it were from nothing by his own efforts ; dissipating, by the light of reason, the darkness in which nature had cn- velopped him— -elevating himself above himsdf — darting forth his mind into the heavenly regions — marching like the sun, with gigantic steps, through the boundless uni- verse; and what is yet more sublime and more difficult, turning bis thoughts inwards to the study of himself — his nature—his duties — and the great purposes for which he was created. Miracles are renewed in the few last ge- nerations. Europe had stink Into the barbarism of the earliest ages. The inhabitants of this part of the world, now so enlightened, lived for several centuries in a stale worse than that of ignorance. I know not how to describe the scientific jargon more contemptible, even, than ignorance, that had usurped the name of knowledge, and opposed an almost invincible obstacle to its advancement. A revolu- tion became necessary to awaken mankind to the exercise of common sense. It appeared, at length, where it was least expected. It was the stupid Mussulman, the eternal enemy of science, who gave it new birth. The fall of Constantine from the throne, transported into Italy the ruins of ancient Greece. France, in her turn, enriched herself with the precious spoils. The sciences *oon fol- 'owed the introduction of letters — the art of writing cpri^ nected itself with the art of printing — an union which, however it may appear strange, -is nevertheless natural ; and men began to experience that the principal advantage of an intercourse with the muses, was to render them more sociable, and to inspire theni with the desire to please each oilier by Avorks worthy of approbation. The mind has it wants as well as the body, the one be- comes the foundation of society, the other constitutes its charms. Whilst laws and government, afford safety and happiness to men when associated together— letters, arts and sciences, less despotic, but perhaps more powerful, entwine garlands of flowers amongst the iron chains with which they are loaded, stifling in them that original senti- ment of freedom to which they appear to have been des- tined, teaching them to hug their chains, and forcing them into what is denominated a well regulated people. Neces- sity raised thrones, the arts and the sciences have strengih- ened them, (1) and a well governed population cultivate them. Happy slaves, you are indebted to them for that delicate taste and ingenuity on which you pique yourselves, that docility and that urbanity of manners which makes the intercourses between you so binding and so easy, in a word, the semblance of the virtues, without the posses- sion of any of them. It was this sort of politeness, so much the more amiable as it affects the least to exhibit itself, that formerly distin- guished Athens and Rome, in the boasted days of their magnificence and glory. By it also our own nation excels all other people, and all other times. A philosophic cha- racter 'without pedantry, natural' manners equally distant from the rusticity of the Teutonic, and from Italian pan- ■teWnc. Tliese are tie fruits of a taslc acquired by excels lent siudy aud perfected by intercourse with mankind. How delightful would it be to live among you, if the exterior countenance was ever the true image of the heart, if decency was virtue, if our maxims became the rules of our conduct, if true philosophy was inseparable from pre- tensions. But these things are seldom found united, and virtue does not long march forward in such triumph. The fichnesss of his attire may announce an opulent man, and elegance of dress a man of taste. Man, healthy and ro- bust^ acknowledges no other token of honour, it is under the rustic garb of a labourer, and not under that of a cour- tier, that we find strength and vigour of body. Finery is not less foreign to virtue than to strength and vigour of soul. A vigorous man, in strong health, is a champion *who can fight naked if he please. He despises all the false ornaments which restrains the use of his strength, and of which the greater part have been invented, only to conceal some deformity. Before art had regulated our intercourses, and taught our passions to speak a language prepared for them, our manners were rustic, but they were natural, and the diffe- rence in behaviour announced at the first sight the diver- sity of character. Human nature, indeed, was not really |>etter, but men founded their safety in a facility to pene- trate each others intentions, and this advantage, of whick ive no longer know the value, spared them many vices. Now, indeed, researches more subtle, and a more re- fined taste, has reduced the art of pleasing to principles, there is found amongst us a shameful and deceitful uni- formity, apd all m&ds seem to have been cast m the same I mould. Politeness incessantly rules*-— convenience orders — we follow custom, but never our own inclinations. We dare not appear what we really are, and in this perpetual constraint mankind compose what we denominate society, placed in the same situations, doing the same things, if more powerful motives do not forbid. We can never know those with whom we have to do; it is neces- sary, therefore, to know a friend— to wait for great occa- sions — that is to say, to wait until there is no longer time so to do ; since, for these very occasions themselves, it i» essential to know him. What a train of vices is to he found in this uncertainty, effaced from your walls the arts and the artists, the sciences and tiie learned. The event corresponded with this difference^ Athens became the seat of politeness and of good taste,, the coun— try of orators and of philosophers* The elegance of its architecture corresponded with that of its language^ om 12 -every side were the embroidered linens, and the marble*' made animate by the hands of the most able masters. It was from Alliens that sprung those surpassing works which have served as models in the future corrupt ages. The records of Lnccdemon are less brilliant indeed ; there said the other Grecians — men are born virtuous, and the air of the country seems to inspire virtue. There has come down to us, from that people, the memoirs of their heroic action*. Lut have these memorials done less for us than the curious marbles which Athens has left behind her. Some sages, it is allowed, have resisted the general tor- rent, and have withheld themselves from vice in the abode of the muses. But let them listen to the opinion which the first and most unfortunate among them enter- tained of the learned, and of the artists of his times. u 1 have examined," says he, u the poets, and I re- " gard them as those, whose talent imposes upon themselves Ci and upon oihers, wmo give themselves out as sages, who << are taken for such, but who are any thing rather than sages. ." From the poets," says Socrates, " J pass on to the Ci artists. — No one was more ignorant of the arts than my- (i self — l\o one was more convinced that they were in " possession of very valuable secrets. I have, however, " found that their condition is not better than that of the " poets, and that both the one and the other arc equally " prejudiced. Because the most skilful among them excel u in their profession, they regard themselves as the wisest " of men. This presumption has tarnished all their at— " tainments in my eyes ; so that putting myself in the '< situation of the oracle, and asking myself which was the u most desirable -state of being. That which I possess, or i5 • c their slate, to know what they have iearnt, or to know u that I know nothing. I answer to myself and to thtf» u Gods, I am desirous to remain as I am. " We know nothing, neither the sophists, nor the poets, u nor the orators, nor the artists", nor myself, wherein It is I only who do not deceive — one pretends that there is no matter, and that every thing is ideal. Another pre- tends that there is no other substance than mailer, nor any Other God than the world. Here one advances that the/e are neither virtues or vices, and that all moral good or evil is a chimera. There another says, that men are wolves, and may devour each other with a safe conscience. Why do ye not reserve for your friends and your children these profitable lessons > you will then soon experience the ef- fects of them, and we should not then fear to find among ours any of your opinions. Behold these surprising men, whose contemporaries loaded them with esteem during their lives, and reserved an immortality for them afterwards. Observe the wise maxims which we have received from them, and which we transmit from age to age to our descendants. Paganism freed from all the wanderings of human reason, has it left to posterity any thing which can be compared to the shameful monu- ments which the art of printing has prepared under the reign of the Scriptures ? The impious writings of Leucippus and Diagoras have perished with them? The art of per- petuating the extravagancies of the human mind, had not then been invented. But thanks to the typographical art and the use which we make of it, the dangerous reveries of Hobbes and Spinoza, remain for ever. Go celebrated writings, which the ignorance and the rusticity of our Fathers could not have produced, accompany with our descendants the works yet more prejudicial, from whence shall arise the corruption of manners of your limes, and transmit together to the ages to come, a faithful history of the advantages of our sciences, and of our ails. If the} read you., you will leave them in no perplexity about the -9 question which we are now agitating, and unless the)? shall be more foolish than ourselves, they will lift their hands to heaven, and say in the bitterness of their heart — iC Oui ni potent God, thou who holdest in thine hand the s-v deliver us from the lights and from the fatal am fathers, and render us hack ignorance, innocence and pa verty, those only blessings which can constitute oar piness, and which are precious in thy sight." But if the progress of the sciences and of the arts, Live added nothing to our real felicity ; if they have com our manners, and if this corruption of manners has ail the purity of taste, what shall we think of that crowd of elementary authors, who have driven from the temple of the muses the difficulties which surrounded its entrance, and which nature had placed there as a proof of the strength of those who would be tempted to knowledge. What shall we think of our compilers, who have indis- creetly broken open the door of the sciences, and intro- duced into their sanctuaries a populace unworthy to ap- proach them ; at the same time that those would wish v\ ha could not a advance far in the career of letters, that they had been opposed at their entrance, and thrown into the arts use- ful to society. He who all his life-time would be a bad ver- sifier, an humble geometrician, might perhaps have be excellent manufacturer of stuffs; masters are not neees.ary to those whom nature appoints her disciples. The Vera-* hm$j the Descartes, and the Newtons, those preceptors of mankind, had but only themselves and what Guides could have conducted them to the eminences to which their own powerful genius led them. Ordinary masters have only power to retrace their discoveries, and treasure them up in the narrow capacities of their own. It is the first difficulty they met with, which has taught them the necessity of % those great efforts that enabled them to accomplish so nine 1 * if some men have been compelled to surrender themselves to the study of the sciences and the arts; it is those "who have felt the force, of markiug out their own footsteps, and of advancing therein. It appertains but to a few to erect splendid monuments of human genius. If nothing appear- ed beyond their powers, it was because nothing appeared beyond their hopes, the only encouragement which they required. The mind insensibly proportions itself to the objects ; which occupy it, and it is great, occasions which make great men. The prince of eloquence was consul of Rome, and perhaps the greatest of philosophers, chancellor of England. Think you, that if one had merely occupied a professorship in some university, and the other obtained simply a pension in some academy, that their works would not have been influenced bv their situation. Would that kings did not disdain to admit into their councils persons most capable to advise them $ that they renounced the ancient pride and prejudice of grandeur, that the art of governing mankind is more difficult than that of, enlightening them, as if it was easier to engage men to do good willingly, than to constrain them so to do. Would that the learned of the first order could find honourable asy- lums, that they could obtain the only recompence worthy of them, that of contributing by their influence to the wel- fare of mankind. But so long as power is to be found on one side, and wisdom on the other, the learned will rarely produce great works, princes rarely perform noble actions, and the people will continue vile, corrupted and un- happy. For us, who are of common mould, to whom heaven has $1 not Imparted eminent talents, and whom he Las not des- tined to enjoy distinguished honours, let us remain con- tented in our obscurity,* nor pursue a reputation which flies us, and which in the present state of tilings will not render us hack what it has cost us, when we shall he en- titled to obtain it. To what end shall we seek our happi-\ ness in the opinion of others, if we cannot find it in our- ' selves ? Let us leave to others the care of instructing mau^ kind in their duty, and confine ourselves to fulfil our own we want no other knowledge. O Virtue ! sublime science of the pure soul, are so much pains and preparation necessary to become acquainted with you? Are not the principles engraven on every heart? and is it not sufficient to acquire thy laws to enter within our own bosoms, and listen to the voice of con- science in the silence of the passions. This is true philo- sophy, let us seek to he contented with it, and without, envying the glory of those celebrated men who have im- mortalized themselves in the republic of letters, endeavour to place between them and us this glorious distinction, that the one shall know how to write well, and the other to act well. THE END. NOTES TO THE PRIZE ESSAY, Page 5. .. Line ig.^ Princes observe With pleasure a taste for the fine arts spreading among their subjects, which does not with draw permanent wealth from their dominions; for besides nourishing thereby a meanness of soul favourable to servitude, they know well, that all such self- qreated wants, are so many chains with which they are loaded. Alexander, desirous to keep the Ichtyophages in subjection, com- pelled them to renounce fishing and to support themselves wilh tho-. same food as others; and the American savages, who go naked,, and who live upon the produce of the chace, have never been sub- . d»ed.. Eqt. wjiat.yoke can be imposed on men who want nothing,. Page 7. Lin&.the last. iC I am pleased/' says Montaigne, u to contest and to dispute, but it is with few men and for my own benefit. But to serve as a spec- tacle to the great, and to make a parade of wit and learning, is con- temptible to a man of honor. It is the plan of all our fine wits except one. _ Page 1 1. Line 8, I da\;e not Xo* -speak of those happy nations, who know not by name even many of those vices which we take so much trouble to repress, of those American savages, whose simple and natural polity Montaigne does not hesitate to prefer to all that philosophy can find necessary for the government of mankind. He cites many striking examples among them which we cannot fail, to admire. "But, says- he, they go naked. Page 11. Line 16; In good faith. telLme what opinion the Athenians themselves had of eloquence, when they discarded with so much care from their upright tribunals, I be judgments which the Gods themselves did not call for? What did the Romans think of medicine when they ba- nished it from their republic : and when in arrears to humanity the Spaniards forbid their lawyers to enter their American territories, what idea had they of their jurisprudence. Did they not think by this single act to repair all ike evils which thev had occasioned. G •i2 Notes lo the Prize l'.\s\ 'PART THE SECOND. Page 1 6. Line ig. Tiiis evidently" alludes lo the fable of Prometheus ; il does not a.. pear that the Greeks "Who had nailed him to Caucausus though i much more favourably of him than the Egyptians of their God Teuthus. A satyr, said an ancient fable, wished to hug and lo kiss lire when he v first saw if. 'But Prtimethetis, cried out lo him, yoii ■will drop tears on the beard upon your chin':, for it will burn if you touch il. Page ij. Line 25. The less wetnow, the more we think we do know. The Peripa- tetics, doubled they any thing? Did not Descartes construct the Uni- verse with his cubes and vortexes? It is the same at this day in Europe; a presumptuous physician boldly explains the profound mysteries of electricity j which perhaps true 'philosophy will ever despair to attain. Page 2i. Lineg: I am far from thinking that this female ascend aricy is an cyi! in itself. It is a gift given them by nature for the benefit of the human race; belter directed it might produce as much good as it now does evil. It is incalculable what advantages would arise to society if a better education was given to this half of human kind) which governs the other half. Men will always endeavour to be agreable to Women, if you desire then that they may become great and virtuous', teach women thai there is a grandeur of soul, ami that there is virtue. The selections furnished by this subject merit to he better developed by a writer Worthy to write on such a sub- ject, and to defend so noble a cause. Such vVas the education of the Spartans, by the reports of their greatest kings. u It is," says Montaigne, u a thing worthy of mature consideration, that in the excellent polity of Lycurgus, the import- iaoce of which a\ as evident by its perfection, the nourishment of children was made the principal cared' and as lo the Muses he scarcely deigns to mention them, as if his noble youth, disdained all other yoke; he furnishes him, instead of our teachers ofsciencc, with lessons of valour, prudence and justice. Let us ;;ee then how this same author speaks of the ancient Per- sians: Plato says lie relates, that the eldest sons of their royal fami- lies were thus nourished: at their birth they were given not to women, but to eunuchs, who held the first authority near the king by their virtue. These took charge to render their bodies sU'ODg -No'r* to the Prize Essay. 45 and healthy, and at seven years fought them rid'ng and hunting. When arrived at fourteen, Ihcy were placed under the care of 1'oui of the wisest, most iust, most temperate, and most valiant of the nation. The first I aught them religion, the second truth, the third to subdue their desires, and the fourth to fear nothing. All, adds lie, rendered them good, none made them learned. Astyages, in Xenophon, asked of Cyrus an account of Ms la'sj lesson: it is, said he, that in our school, a great buy having a small coat, gave it to one of his companions of smaller size, and took his coat, which was larger.. Our preceptors may think differently of this, I judge that both one and the other were better accommodated. They will remonstrate that I had done wrong, thai: I should have slopped to examine the propriety, and that it was right first to sider of forcing away any thing from him to whom it belonged, and say that he ought to have been punished for it, as Ave punish those. who in our villages have forgotten Ihe first rules of grammar. My •schoolmaster would make me a long harangue, before he could per- soache mo that his school was equal to that. Page 28. Line 3Q'» To consider the dreadful disorders which printing has already caused in Europe, and to judge of the future by the daily progress of the evil, we shall easily foresee that sovereigns will make as great haste to banish this terrible art from their states, as they took to establish it there. .. The Sultan Achmet, yielding to the importu- nities of some men of pretended taste, had consented to establish a printing press at Constantinople. But presently the press was in. such a train, that he was compelled to destroy it, and to throw the .machinery and implements into the wells. It is told of the Caliph Omar, when consulted upon w bat should be done with the Alexan- drine library, that he answered in these terms: if the books contain any thing contrary to the Alcoran, they are bad and ought to be burnt; If they contain only the doctrines of the Alcoran, neverthe- less burn them, they are superfluous. Our wise men cite this rea- soning as the height of absurdity. However suppose Gregory the Great, in the place of Omar, and the Scriptures in the stead of the Alcoran, the library would still have been burnt, and this perhaps would have constituted one of the fines! traits in the life of this iilns- trtous poulifr. ■