passions want not accelerating, but retarding machinery. This fatal and foolish sophistry has power enough over every heart, not to need the aid of fine composition, and well-contrived incidentauxiliaries which Madame de Staël intended to bring forward in the cause, though she has fortunately not succeeded. defence to its influence. The most old man whom she detested, by an dangerous effect that any fictitious avaricious and unfeeling father. The character can produce, is when two or three of its popular vices are varnished over with everything that is captivating and gracious in the exterior, and ennobled by association with splendid virtues this apology will be more sure of its effect, if the faults are not against nature, but against society. The aversion to murder and cruelty could not perhaps be so overcome; but a regard M. de Serbellone is received as a to the sanctity of marriage vows, to the guest into the house of M. d'Ervins, sacred and sensitive delicacy of the whose wife he debauches as a recomfemale character, and to numberless pense for his hospitality. Is it possible restrictions important to the well-being to be disgusted with ingratitude and of our species, may easily be relaxed by injustice, when united to such an asthis subtle and voluptuous confusion of semblage of talents and virtues as this good and evil. It is in vain to say the man of paper possesses? Was there fable evinces, in the last act, that vice ever a more delightful fascinating adulis productive of misery. We may de- teress than Madame d'Ervins is intended corate a villain with graces and felicities to be? or a povero cornuto less capable for nine volumes, and hang him in the of exciting compassion than her huslast page. This is not teaching virtue, band? The morality of all this is the old but gilding the gallows, and raising up morality of Farquhar, Vanbrugh, and splendid associations in favour of being Congreve-that every witty man may hanged. In such an union of the transgress the seventh commandment, andable and the vicious (especially if which was never meant for the protecthe vices are such to the commission tion of husbands who labour under the of which there is no want of natural incapacity of making repartees. In disposition), the vice will not degrade Matilda, religion is always as unamiable the man, but the man will ennoble the as dissimulation is graceful in Madame vice. We shall wish to be him we ad- de Vernon, and imprudence generous in mire, in spite of his vices, and, if the Delphine. This said Delphine, with novel be well written, even in conse- her fine auburn hair, and her beautiful quence of his vice. There exists, blue or green eyes (we forget which), through the whole of this novel, a show cheats her cousin Matilda out of her of exquisite sensibility to the evils which lover, alienates the affections of her individuals suffer by the inflexible rules husband, and keeps a sort of assignation of virtue prescribed by society, and an house for Serbellone and his chère amie, eager disposition to apologise for par- justifying herself by the most touching ticular transgressions. Such doctrine complaints against the rigour of the is not confined to Madame de Staël; world, and using the customary phrases, an Arcadian cant is gaining fast upon union of souls, married in the eye of Spartan gravity; and the happiness heaven, &c. &c. &c., and such like dicdiffused, and the beautiful order estab- tion, the types of which Mr. Lane of lished in society, by this unbending the Minerva Press very prudently keeps discipline, is wholly swallowed up in ready composed, in order to facilitate compassion for the unfortunate and in- the printing of the Adventures of Capteresting individual. Either the ex-tain C and Miss F-, and other ceptions or the rule must be given up: every highwayman who thrusts his pistol into a chaise window has met with unforeseen misfortunes; and every loose matron who flies into the arms of her Greville was compelled to marry an interesting stories, of which he, the said inimitable Mr. Lane of the Minerva Press, well knows these sentiments must make a part. Another perilous absurdity which this useful production tends to cherish is the common notion, that contempt of rule and order is a little, nor too much; is alive to its interests, without being insensible to those of the community at large; and treats of those points where his previous habits might render a little intemperance venial, as well as probable, with the most perfect good humour and moderation. proof of greatness of mind. Delphine is everywhere a great spirit, struggling with the shackles imposed upon her in common with the little world around her; and it is managed so, that her contempt of restrictions shall always appear to flow from the extent, variety, and splendour of her talents. The vulgarity of this heroism ought in some degree to diminish its value. Mr. Colquhoun, in his Police of the Metropolis, reckons up about 40,000 heroines of this species, most of whom, we dare to say, have at one time or another reasoned like the sentimental Delphine about the judgments of the world. To conclude-Our general opinion of this book is, that it is calculated to shed a mild lustre over adultery; by gentle and convenient gradation, to destroy the modesty and the caution of women; to facilitate the acquisition of easy vices, and encumber the difficulty of virtue. What a wretched qualification of this censure to add, that the badness of the principles is alone corrected by the badness of the style, and that this celebrated lady would have been very guilty, if she had not been very dull! THOUGHTS ON THE RESI- (E. REVIEW, 1803.) By John Sturges, LL.D. As exceptions to the general and indisputable principle of residence, Dr. Sturges urges the smallness of some livings; the probability that their incumbents be engaged in the task of education, or in ecclesiastical duty, in situations where their talents may be more appropriately and importantly employed. Dr. Sturges is also of opinion, that the power of enforcing residence, under certain limits, should be invested in the bishops; and that the acts prohibiting the clergy to hold or cultivate land should be in a great measure repealed. We sincerely hope that the two cases suggested by Dr. Sturges, of the clergyman who may keep a school, or be engaged in the duty of some parish not his own, will be attended to in the construction of the approaching bill, and admitted as pleas for non-residence. It certainly is better that a clergyman should do the duty of his own benefice, rather than of any other. But the injury done to the community is not commensurate with the vexation imposed upon the individual. Such a measure is either too harsh, not to become obsolete; or, by harassing the clergy with a very severe restriction, to gain a very disproportionate good THIS pamphlet is the production of a to the community, would bring the progentleman who has acquired a right to fession into disrepute, and have a tenteach the duties of the clerical cha-dency to introduce a class of men into racter by fulfilling them; and who has the Church, of less liberal manners, exercised that right, in the present in-education, and connection; points of stance, with honour to himself, and the utmost importance, in our present benefit to the public. From the par-state of religion and wealth. Nothing ticular character of understanding has enabled men to do wrong with imevinced in this work we should conceive Dr. Sturges to possess a very powerful claim to be heard on all questions referrible to the decision of practical good sense. He has availed himself of his experience to observe; and of his observation to judge well he neither loves his profession too punity, so much, as the extreme severity of the penalties with which the law has threatened them. The only method to insure success to the bill for enforcing ecclesiastical residence, is to consult the convenience of the clergy in its construction, as far as is possibly consistent with the object desired, and even to sacrifice something that ought | lax, and corrupt administration of its to be done, in order that much may be laws. It is certainly inconvenient, in done. Upon this principle, the clergy- many cases, to have no other guide to man should not be confined to his par- resort to but the unaccommodating Sonage-house, but to the precincts of mandates of an act of Parliament; his parish. Some advantage would yet, of the two inconveniences, it is certainly attend the residence of the the least. It is some palliation of the clergy in their official mansions; but, evils of discretionary power, that it as we have before observed, the good should be exercised (as by the Court one party would obtain bears no sort of Chancery) in the face of day, and of proportion to the evil the other that the moderator of law should himwould suffer. self be moderated by the force of preUpon the propriety of investing the cedent and opinion. A bishop will exBench of Bishops with a power of en-ercise his discretionary power in the forcing residence, we confess ourselves dark; he is at full liberty to depart toto entertain very serious doubts. A morrow from the precedent he has esbishop has frequently a very tempo-tablished to-day; and to apply the same rary interest in his diocese: he has fa- decisions to different, or different decivours to ask; and he must grant them. sions to the same circumstances, as his Leave of absence will be granted humour or interest may dictate. Such to powerful intercession; and refused, power may be exercised well under one upon stronger pleas, to men with- judge of extraordinary integrity; but out friends. Bishops are frequently it is not very probable he will find a men advanced in years, or immersed in study. A single person who compels many others to do their duty, has much odium to bear, and much activity to exert. A bishop is subject to caprice, and enmity, and passion, in common with other individuals; there is some danger also that his power Sir William Scott has made it very over the clergy may be converted to a clear, by his excellent speech, that it political purpose. From innumerable is not possible, in the present state of causes, which might be reasoned upon the revenues of the English Church, to great length, we are apprehensive to apply a radical cure to the evil of the object of the Legislature will be nonresidence. It is there stated, that entirely frustrated in a few years, if it out of 11,700 livings, there are 6000 be committed to episcopal superintend- under 80l. per annum; many of those ence and care; though, upon the first 20l., 30l., and some as low as 2l, or 31. view of the subject, no other scheme per annum. In such a state of endowcan appear so natural and so wise. ment, all idea of rigid residence is out of the question. Emoluments which a footman would spurn, can hardly recompense a scholar and a gentleman. A mere palliation is all that can be applied; and these are the ingredients of which we wish such a palliation should be composed : Dr. Sturges observes, that after all the conceivable justifications of nonresidence are enumerated in the Act, many others must from time to time occur, and indicate the propriety of vesting somewhere a discretionary power. If this be true of the penalties by which the clergy are governed, it is equally true of all other penal laws; and the law should extend to every offence the contingency of discretionary omission. The objection to this system is, that it trusts too much to the sagacity and the probity of the judge, and exposes a country to the partial, VOL. L proper successor. To suppose a series of men so much superior to temptation, and to construct a system of church government upon such a supposition, is to build upon sand, with materials not more durable than the foundation. 1. Let the clergyman have full liberty of farming, and be put in this respect exactly upon a footing with laymen. 2. Power to reside in any other house in the parish, as well as the parsonage house, and to be absent five months in the year. E 3. Schoolmasters, and ministers bonâ | ecuted with great diligence and good fide discharging ministerial functions sense. Some subjects of importance in another parish, exempt from residence. 4. Penalties in proportion to the value of livings, and number of times the offence has been committed. 5. Common informers to sue as at present; though probably it might be right to make the name of one parish. ioner a necessary addition; and a proof of non-residence might be made to operate as a nonsuit in an action for tithes. 6. No action for non-residence to lie where the benefice was less then 80%. per annum; and the powers of bishops to remain precisely as they are. These indulgences would leave the clergy without excuse, would reduce the informations to a salutary number, and diminish the odium consequent upon them, by directing their effects against men who regard church preferment merely as a source of revenue, not as an obligation to the discharge of important duties. We venture to prognosticate, that a bill of greater severity either will not pass the House of Commons, or will fail of its object. Considering the times and circumstances, we are convinced we have stated the greatest quantum of attainable good; which of course will not be attained, by the customary error, of attending to what is desirable to be done, rather than to what it is practicable to do. CATTEAU, TABLEAU DES ETATS DANOIS. (E. REVIEW, 1803.) Tableaux des Etats Danois. Par Jean Pierre Catteau. 3 tomes. 1802. à Paris. THE object of this book is to exhibit a picture of the kingdom of Denmark, under all its social relations, of politics, statistics, science, morals, manners, and everything which can influence its character and importance, as a free and independent collection of human beings. This book is, upon the whole, ex are passed over, indeed, with too much haste; but if the publication had exceeded its present magnitude, it would soon have degenerated into a mere book of reference, impossible to be read, and fit only, like a dictionary, for the purposes of occasional appeal : it would not have been a picture presenting us with an interesting epitome of the whole; but a typographical plan, detailing, with minute and fatiguing precision, every trifling circumstance, and every subordinate feature. We should be far from objecting to a much more extended and elaborate performance than the present; because those who read, and those who write, are now so numerous, that there is room enough for varieties and modifications of the same subject; but information of this nature, conveyed in a form and in a size adapted to continuous reading, gains in surface what it loses in depth, and gives general notions to many, though it cannot afford all the knowledge which a few have it in their power to acquire, from the habits of more patient labour, and more profound research. This work, though written at a period when enthusiasm or disgust had thrown most men's minds off their balance, is remarkable, upon the whole, for sobriety and moderation. The observations, though seldom either strikingly ingenious or profound, are just, temperate, and always benevolent. We are so far from perceiving anything like extravagance in Mr. Catteau, that we are inclined to think he is occasionally too cautious for the interests of truth; that he manages the court of Denmark with too much delicacy; and exposes, by distant and scarcely perceptible touches, that which it was his duty to have brought out boldly and strongly. The most disagreeable circumstance in the style of the book is the author's compliance with that irresistible avidity of his country to declaim upon commonplace subjects. He goes on, mingling bucolic details and sentimental effusions, melting and measuring, crying and calculating, in a manner which is very bad, if it is poetry, and worse, if it is prose. In speaking of the mode of cultivating potatoes, he cannot avoid calling the potato a modest vegetable; and when he comes to the exportation of horses from the duchy of Holstein, we learn that "these animals are dragged from the bosom of their peaceable and modest country, to hear, in foreign regions, the sound of the warlike trumpet; to carry the combatant amid the hostile ranks; to increase the éclat of some pompous procession; or drag, in gilded car, some favourite of fortune." prises, with an heroic valour, which merited wiser objects, and greater ultimate success. The spirit of the Danish nation has, for the last two or three centuries, been as little carried to literature or to science, as to war. They have written as little as they have done. With the exception of Tycho Brahé, and a volume of shells, there is hardly a Danish book, or a Danish writer known five miles from the Great Belt. It is not sufficient to say, that there are many authors read and admired in Denmark: there are none that have passed the Sound, We are sorry to be compelled to none that have had energy enough notice these untimely effusions, es- to force themselves into the cirpecially as they may lead to a suspicion culation of Europe, to extort uniof the fidelity of the work; of which versal admiration, and live, without fidelity, from actual examination of the aid of municipal praise, and local many of the authorities referred to, approbation. From the period, howwe have not the most remote doubt. Mr. Catteau is to be depended upon as securely as any writer, going over such various and extensive ground, can ever be depended upon. He is occasionally guilty of some trifling inaccuracies; but what he advances is commonly derived from the most indisputable authorities; and he has condensed together a mass of information, which will render his book the most accessible and valuable road of knowledge, to those who are desirous of making any researches respecting the kingdom of Denmark. ever, of the first of the Bernstorffs, Denmark has made a great spring, and has advanced more within this last twenty or thirty years, than for the three preceding centuries. The peasants are now emancipated; the laws of commerce, foreign and interior, are simplified and expanded; the transport of corn and cattle is made free; a considerable degree of liberty is granted to the press; and slavery is to cease this very year in their West Indian possessions. If Ernest Bernstorff was the author of some less considerable measures, they are to be atDenmark, since the days of Piracy, tributed more to the times than to the has hardly been heard of out of the defects of his understanding, or of his Baltic. Margaret, by the Union of heart. To this great minister succeeded Calmar, laid the foundation of a mon- the favourite Struensee, and to him archy, which (could it have been pre- Ove Guldberg: the first, with views of served by hands as strong as those improvements, not destitute of liberawhich created it) would have exercised lity or genius, but little guided by a powerful influence upon the destinies judgment, or marked by moderation; of Europe, and have strangled, perhaps, the latter, devoid of that energy and in the cradle, the infant force of Russia. firmness which were necessary to exDenmark, reduced to her ancient bounds ecute the good he intended. In 1788, by the patriotism and talents of Gus- when the King became incapable of tavus Vasa, has never since been able business, and the Crown-prince asto emerge into notice by her own sumed the government, Count Andrew natural resources, or the genius of her Bernstorff, nephew of Ernest, was called ministers and her monarchs. During to the ministry; and, while some nathat period, Sweden has more than tions were shrinking from the very once threatened to give laws to Europe; name of innovation, and others overand, headed by Charles and Gustavus, turning every establishment, and viohas broke out into chivalrous enter-lating every principle, Bernstorff' stea |