34 Coincidence between Thomas Paîne and Dr. Conway Middleton. [JULY Mr. BURDON to the EDITOR. BE kind enough to notice an him for calling the creation a revela- error I have committed in to be scandalized by the title of revemy last paper. I said there is tation, which I have given to that dis no evidence of any Gothic nation covery which God made of himself being converted to Christianity, which in the visible works of his creation. on a moment's reflection I found Yet it is no other than what the wise to be a mistake-My meaning was, in all ages have given to it: who conthat there is no building in the stile sider as the most authentic and incalled Gothic, which was built during disputable revelation which God has the existence of a Gothic nation. ever given of himself, from the beI remain, &c. ginning of the world to this day. It W. BURDON. was this by which the first notice of him was revealed to the inhabitants of the earth, and by which alone it has been kept up ever since among the several nations of it. Hartford, near Morpeth, COINCIDENCE BETWEEN THOMAS • From this the reason of man was enabled to trace out bis nature and attributes, and by a gradual deduction WHEN Mr. Paine first said, the of consequences, to learn his own na creation was the true revelation of God, the idea was new to me, and I have heard him say that it was so to him; but I have lately met, in the writings of Dr. Conway Middleton, (published in the beginning of the last century) with the same sentiments with respect to the creation, as those of Mr. Paine, and which, for the gratification of your readers, I will transcribe. Middleton was principal librarian of the University of Cambridge, in England, which furnished him with extensive opportunities of reading, and necessarily required he should be well acquainted with the dead as well as the living languages. He was a man of a strong original mind; had the courage to think for himself, and the honesty to speak his thoughts. ture also, with all the duties belonging to it which relate either to God or to his fellow creatures. "This constitution of things was ordained by God, as an universal law or rule of conduct to man; the source of all his knowledge, the test of all truth, by which all subsequent revelations which are supposed to havẹ been given by God in any other manner, must be tried, and cannot be received as divine any further than as they are found to tally and coincide with this original standard. "It was this divine law which I referred to in the passage above recited, (meaning the passage on which they had attacked him) being desirous to excite the reader's attention to it, as it would enable him to judge more freely of the argument I was handling. For by contemplating this law, He made a journey to Rome, from he would discover the genuine way whence he wrote letters to shew that which God himself has marked out the forms and ceremonies of the to us for the acquisition of true knowRomish Christian Church, were taken ledge; not from the authority or refrom the degenerate state of the hea- ports of our fellow-creatures, but then mythology, as it stood in the from the information of the facts and latter times of the Greeks and Ro- material objects, which in his provimans. He attacked, without cere- dential distribution of worldly things, mony, the miracles which the church he hath presented to the perpetual pretended to perform, and in one of observation of our senses. For as it his treatises he calls the creation a revelation. was from these that his existence and nature, the most important articles of The priests of England of that day, all knowledge, were first discovered in order to defend their citadel, by to man, so that grand discovery furfirst defending its out-works, attacked nished new light towards tracing out him for attacking the Romish cere- the rest, and made all the inferior submonies; and one of them censures jects of human knowledge more 1808.] Coincidence between Thomas Paine and Dr. Conway Middleton. 35 easily discoverable to us by the same at the very time by men of sense, to method. whom they were proposed. "I had another view likewise in "That this universal law (contithe same passages, and applicable to nues Middleton, meaning the law rethe same end, of giving the reader vealed in the works of the creation) a more enlarged notion of the ques- was actually revealed to the heathen tion in dispute, who, by turning his world long before the gospel was thoughts to reflect on the works of known, we learn from all the princithe creator, as they are manifested to pal sages of antiquity, who made it us in this fabric of the world, could the capital subject of their studies and not fail to observe that they are all of writings. them great, noble, and suitable to "The true law (it is Cicero who speaks) is right reason, conformable to the nature of things, constant, eternal, diffused through all; which calls us to duty by commanding; deters us from sin by forbidding; which never loses its influence with the good, nor ever preserves it with 'the wicked. "Cicero," says Middleton, "has the majesty of his nature; carrying given us a short abstract of it in a fragwith them the proofs of their origin, ment still remaining, from one of and shewing themselves to be the his books on government, which I productions of an all-wise and all shall here transcribe in his own words, mighty being and by accustoming as they will illustrate my sense also, his mind to these sublime reflections, in the passages that appear so dark he will be prepared to determine whe- and dangerous to my antagonists." ther those miraculous interpositions so confidently affirmed to us by the primitive fathers, can reasonably be thought to make a part in the grand scheme of divine administration: or whether it be agreeable, that God, who created all things by his will, and can give what turn to them he pleases by the same will, should, for the particular purposes of his government and the services of the church, descend to the low expedient of visions and revelations, granted sometimes to boys for the instructions of the elders, and sometimes to women to settle the length and fashion of their veils, and Sometimes to the pastors of the church, to enjoin them to ordain one man a lecturer, another a priest: or that he should scatter a profusion of miracles around, the stake of a martyr, yet all of them vain and insignificant, and without any sensible effect either of preserving the life or easing the sufferings of the saint, or even of mortifying his persecutors, who were always left to enjoy the full triumph of their cruelty, and the poor martyr to expire in a miserable death. "This law cannot be overruled by any other, nor abrogated in whole, or in part; nor can we be absolved from it either by the senate or by the people; nor are we to seek any other comment or interpreter of it but itself: nor can there be one law at Rome, and another at Athens; one now, and another hereafter; but the same eternal immutable law comprehends all na、 tions, at all times, under one common master and governor of allGod. He is the inventor, propounder, enactor of this law; and whoever will not obey it must first renounce himself and throw off the nature of man; by doing which, he will suffer 'the greatest punishments, though he "When these things, I say, are should escape all the other torments brought to the original test, and com- which are commonly believed to be pared with the genuine and indisputa-prepared for the wicked." ble works of the creator, how minute, "Our doctors (continues Middlehow trifling, how contemptible must ton) perhaps, will look on all this as they be! And how incredible must rank deism; but let them call it what it be thought, that for the instruction they will, I shall ever avow and deof his church, God should employ fend it, as the fundamental, essential, ministers so precarious, unsatisfactory, and vital part of all true religion." and inadequate, as the extacies of women and boys, and the visions of interested priests, which were derided I am Sir, CLIO RICKMAN. The LITERARY PROGRESS of PAUL pretty articles for the newspapers, PLAINTIVE: shewing his WARS but always incog; till at length a with AUTHORS and BOOKSELLERS. friend of mine, Mr. METAPHOR, Sir, ΤΟ meeting me one day in Fleet-street, To complain, however ineffectual or nugatory complaint may be, has ever been the privilege of the un fortunate: nor have they often neglected to indulge themselves in clamorous regrets and vain repentances, for that which no human prescience could foresee, or prudence remedy. As I therefore unfortunately belong dear Mr. Metaphor," I replied, tell to the numerous tribe of the Queri- me what it is you mean.' "Ab, monists, I intend to exert the privi- my boy! now for your essays, and lege I possess, and to yell out my your criticisms, and your poetry, dolorous declamations, in the form of and-" "But," I again interan epistle. rupted, "to what does all this allude?" "Allude! look here," said he, pulling a paper from his pocket, "here it is-there, read." " You must know, Sir, I am by profession an author, and have written many admired pieces; at least so my friends tell me. When I left the I snatched the paper eagerly from forming hand of my schoolmaster, I his hand, and, with a palpitating heart, ted to compose sonnets, elegies, and perused it. It was the prospectus of odes, all of which were exceedingly a new work; a new Magazine: and admired-by my friends. These oc- it professed the most liberal senticasionally adorned the Parnassian cor- ments. I folded it up again, returned ner of some periodical publication, it to my friend METAPHOR, and and my heart was elate, when I be- squeezing him by the hand, bade him held the offspring of my brain, in the adieu! I did not stop to hear his form of printed letters, and upon hot- flowery farewel, but, hastening to my pressed paper. I then aspired to the garret, composed "An Essay on dignity and elegance of prose, and Luxury," over some bread and cheese having just fallen in love, I wrote an and porter. This I dispatched to the "Essay on Marriage," which was publisher, and the next month it orhighly praised--by my friends-and namented the columns of his Magaindeed, Mr Editor, I could not my- zine. This I thought my masterself help thinking it was excellent; piece, as did also-my friends; for for, having read Godwin, and im- you must know, Sir, that I had interbibed his towering thoughts, I fear mingled a great deal of metaphysics; lessly asserted that it is an undoubted though to be sure at that time (and I fact, that that man is wise, who can act tell it you as a secret) my metaphysiConsonant to his own feelings!" But cal learning was confined solely to such is the fate of all sublunary things! Chapter I. § 1. of Locke; but n'im-while I was enjoying in crested porte; I made use of metaphysical pride, the self-complacencies of an words, and left my reader to make author, lo! a merciless brother au- sense of them. thor attacked my Essay, ridiculed my opinions, and finally declared that my arguments were like "two grains of wheat hid under two bushels of chaff, for which we may search all day before we find them, and when we do, they are not worth the search."However, Sir, this mortification I soon forgot; and never wrote for the same work any more, since the Editor was so ungrateful. But I believe he was piqued, poor man. After this, I furnished a number of Here then I triumphed without an opponent for some time; till, unluckily, I one day resolved to enter the field of controversy; and therefore opposed somebody without differing from what he had said. I thought nothing of that however, for I knew that I was not the only one who writes for bread, and not for truth; who take up one side of an argument, not because they think it right, but because it will make a pamphlet. But to proceed. As I said before, I entered the field cope with ignorance, avarice, and of controversy, and wrote a marvel- suspicion. But my wars with these lous long essay to prove that Kotzbue formidable opponents shall form the is a better dramatist than Shakspeare. subject of another letter, meanwhile But this did not please; and I was I conclude, by subscribing myself horribly attacked the next month, not most effectionately, your brother, and only by the author whom I had op- sincere friend, posed, but by another who was only a spectator of the fray; and who, truth to say, wrote most virulently considering he was not a principal in the controversy. However, I was not now to be scared by opposition, and I boldly wrote in my own defence a long Over the Water, July 9, 1808. PAUL PLAINTIVE. On the SALE of MILK. Mr. Editor, letter; but this did not please the A CORRESPONDENT having in your last number expressed a wish to Editor, and therefore was rejected. learn the cause why a privilege is alEnraged, I disdained his work, and I lowed to the venders of Milk, I shall never furnished him with any more endeavour to explain what I conceive, articles. Now, were I inclined to be to be the cause. vain, I could tell you, Mr. Editor, what my friends told me, that in consequence of my secession, the Magazine lived only two months, and then expired! The immense consumption of that article in and about the metropolis, renders it impossible for the venders to meet the increased demand which would arise from a double quantum, After the death of this younger son being required on the Saturday, as of the Monthhes, I continued to sup- the animals from whom this article port many of his elder brethren, and is obtained, not being aware of the particularly the "European" and the sacredness of the seventh day, do not "Gentleman's." But about this time produce an adequate supply on the another object called my attention, sixth to answer the anticipating deand this was no less than the redoubted mand which would thereby arise. "Porcupine." Here I wrote a flam- This, Sir, is my opinion, hastily' ing letter to a celebrated statesman, expressed; and I trust you will give which was equal to Junius-as my it admission in your miscellany. Tam, friends said-and I expected to have had a flaming reply; but I know not how it was the roarings of my pen were heard in silence. I have no doubt, however, had that paper continued, I should, from the inflammable nature of my constitution, have caught some of that political furor which animates the bosom of Mr. Cobbett, and like him I should have abused every character of eminence, from Lord Hawksbury, and H. Addington, to Sir Joseph Banks and Mr. Otto. respectfully, Sir, Your obedient humble servant, 18th July, 1808. A. S. The Editor has omitted the first part of THE CONTEMPLATIST. Quæque ipse miserrima vidi, Some ebon tears of condolence fell from my pen at the incongrous junction, and subsequent decease of this my much-esteemed friend; and now, tired of writing only for fame, and that sometimes anonymous, 1 resolved to write a book and publish it. But though the first part of my resolve was easily performed, I found, alas! manifold obstructions in carrying the other into execution. New See vol. vi. p. 413. and vol. ix. ̧ difficulties here arose, and I had to p. 117. HE recollection of the sufferings Tenured by the lamented JULIA, whose unfortunate narrative has been given in the course of my lucubra. tions*, was still fresh in my memory, when I received the following communication through the hands of my publisher: SIR, I KNOW no person to whom I can so properly address myself on the present occasion, as yourself; for you have acquired a sort of right to be acquainted with the last moments of one whose agonies of mind you have contributed to soothe. Julia whose melancholy story you have given to the world, and whose fate will, I hope, prove a lesson to the cruelty of parental tyranny, and operate as a check upon the ardour of youthful love; Julia, whose heart was pure, and whose principles were right, even in the midst of vice and misery is now no more! She breathed her last in these arms! "Maria!-Weep for me, pray for me! Merciful God! what am I now! Tell my father, tell my unrighteous sire, his unhallowed curses fasten on me-What a gulph yawns before me!- Dear, dear friend, these lines are blotted with hot and scalding tears that fall quick from my galled eyes-My hand tremble:Maria! you once loved me-Oh, my mother! meek, unoffending parent, where is now your once comed you in the morning-whose parting adored Julia?-Julia, whose smile welkiss at night, imprinted on your honoured lips, was the blessing that charmed you into sleep-Oh, Maria! I conjure you mention nor my name to her-for I am lost to her, to you, to myself, to the world-to God!”—, You will easily conceive, Sir, that I read this letter with feelings of no common poignancy: and the first thought that occurred to my mind was, that my unhappy friend, driven to the last extremes of poverty, had I, Sir, am that " dear friend" she wrought her mind up to the horrid mentions, who, when she first trans- purpose of self murder. Full of this gressed, strove in vain to stand be- idea, I became wretched. I could tween her and her father's curses. not, in mercy, shew the letter to her I fruitlessly endeavoured to prevail mother: I beguiled her with various upon her to remain in her native accounts; and, meanwhile, wrote place, and try what repeated solici- several letters to Julia, but received tations might do, operating upon de- no answer: the last two indeed were caying parental anger. But her pride returned to me under cover from the was too great: she felt that she was general post office-for Julia was not innocent, and that the rigid severity to be found! My suspicions were of her father was beyond the measure now confirmed, and I wept over her of her offence. When she left me to memory as of one in another state of go to London, I contributed by my being. Her mother I suffered to reCounsel to fortify her resolutions of main in dubious anxiety, not having virtue; and for some time after her resolution to communicate the whole residence in this metropolis, she con- to her. Sometimes indeed I hoped tinued to correspond with me. I di- she might be living, for with trembligently urged her to a perseverance bling solicitude I sought the public in this, because her letters were a papers, but net with nothing that source of comfort both to myself and positively confirmed the circumstance to her unhappy mother; to whom I of her self-destruction. always shewed them, and whose Some months passed away in this venerable eyes never yet perused state of uncertainty, and during which them but with a flood of tears. These time her father paid the debt of naletters, for some time, were written ture. I was the witness of his last with all the evident marks of a com- moments; and I witnessed them posed and tranquil mind; but latterly with horror. He was a proud and a they became less frequent and less stubborn man: a man who would coherent; they seemed to be produced persist in error, rather than acknowby some uncommon perturbation of feeling; and, in my answers, I fervescence of his rage, he had forledge himself wrong. In the first efsought only to soothe this apparent bidden his daughter her home: and state of anxiety; but she took no from that moment he would never notice of my endeavours, and the last suffer any person to mention her name. But his inward feelings were visible by their outward effects. He letter I ever received from her was the following: |