The passages subjoined will furnish our readers with specimens of the author's manner; and also, we believe, with the outlines of his system and views :

The scheme of which I have here endeavoured to trace the general outline differs from the common method of accounting for the origin of our affections in this, that it supposes what is personal or selfish in our affections to be the growth of time and habit, and the principle of a disinterested love of good as such, or for it's own sake without any regard to personal distinctions to be the foundation of all the rest In this sense self-love is in it's origin a perfectly disinterested, or if I may so say impersonal feeling. The reason why a child first distinctly wills or pursues his own good is not because it is his, but because it is good. For the same reason he prefers his own gratification to that of others not because he likes himself better than others, but because he has a more distinct idea of his own wants and pleasures than of theirs Independently of habit and associa tion, the strength of the affection excited is in proportion to the strength of the idea, and does not at all depend on the person to whom it relates except indirectly and by implication. A child is insensible to the good of others not from any want of good will towards them, or an exclusive attachment to self, but for want of knowing better. Indeed he can neither be attached to his own in. terest nor that of others but in consequence of knowing in what it consists. It is not on that account the less natural for him to seck to obtain personal pleasure, or to avoid personal pain after he has felt what these are. We are not born benevolent, that is we are not born with a desire of we know not what, and good wishes for we know not whom : neither in this sense are we born with a principle of self love, for the idea of self is also acquired. When I say therefore that the human mind is naturally benevolent, this does not refer to any innate abstract idea of good in general, or to an instinctive desire of general indefinite unknown good, but to the natural connection between the idea of happiness and the desire of it, independently' of any particular attachment to the person who is to feel it '

I do not originally love my own particular positive good as a portion of general good, or with a distinct reference in my mind to the good of the whole; for I have as yet no idea of, nor any concern about the whole. But I love my own particular good as consisting in the first conception I have of some one desirable object for the same reason, for which I afterwards love any other known good whether my own, or another's, whether conceived of as consisting in one or more things, that is because it possesses that essential property common to all good, without which it would cease to be good at all, and which has a general tendency to excite certain given affections in my mind. I conceive that the knowledge of many different sorts of good must lead to the love or desire of all these, and that this knowledge of various good must be accompanied with an intermediate, composite, or indefinite idea of good, itself the object of desire, because retaining the same general nature: now this is an abstract idea. This idea will no doubt admit of endless degrees of indefiniteness according to the number of things, from which it is taken, or

to

to which it is applied, and will be refined at last into a mere word, or logical definition. In this case it will owe all it's power as a motive to action to habit, or association; for it is so immediately or in itself no longer than while it implies a sentiment, or real feeling representative of good, and only in proportion to the degree of force and depth which this feeling has.'

LAW.

Art. 14. A Practical Treatise of the Law of Vendors and Purchasers of Estates. By Edward Burtenshaw Sugden, of Lincoln's Inn. 2d Edition. 8vo. 16s. Boards. Butterworth. 18c6.

This publication displays not only diligence but considerable acumen; it indicates a mind that feels principle, and is able to follow it through a series of decisions, till it discerns where it has prevailed and where it has been discarded.-Its subject being of the practical kind, the work embraces various heads of the law, most of which are satisfactorily treated; and though, as is usual in law treatises, the composition is without pretensions, strength and clearness mark the conceptions of the writer. If, as we think, he sometimes controverts authorities and sometimes submits to them without reason, we readily own that wherever he appears in propriâ personâ, his observations are pertinent and forcible.

The practitioner will find this work a very convenient assistant; while the student will meet in it with numerous doctrines of the law correctly stated, and judiciously applied. It is said that legere multum, non multa, makes a man learned; and we are of opinion that scribere multum, non multa, is a maxim highly deserving of attention.

In order to give the reader an idea of the contents of this volume, we shall lay before him an analysis of those of one chapter; which treats of the title which a purchaser may require.'

Mr. S. first considers title as it arises from length of possession: he next examines what securities the vendee of an estate may insist on having produced: he then treats of the right of a lessee to see the title of his lessor, and that of the assignee of a term to see that of the original grantor: he next investigates the circumstances of insecurity in the property assigned to a wife for her jointure, which give a right to a vendee of other lands of the husband to have a fine levied on them; and finally he states the incidents which may occasion sixty years' possession not to furnish a good title. It is obvious that, in order to effect this, it must be adverse: but it is even possible, he observes, for an estate to be enjoyed adversely for hundreds of years, and be at last recovered; as in the case of an estate limited to one in tail, with remainder over to another in fee, and the tenant in tail to be barred of his remedy by the statute of limitations, it is evident, as his estate subsists, the remainder man in fee's right of entry cannot take place until the failure of issue of the tenant in tail; which may not happen for an immense number of years, but, whenever it does happen, the remainder man in fee may enter at any time within twenty years afterward. This is exemplified in the famous case of Taylor and Horde.

Art.

Art. 15. An Abridgment of the Law of Nisi Prius. Part I. Containing twelve Chapters under the following Titles: 1. Account. 2. Adultery. 3. Assault and Battery. 4. Assumpsit. 5. Attorney. 6. Auction. 7. Bankrupt. 8. Baron and Feme. 9. Bills of Exchange. 10. Carriers. 11. Common. 12. Consequential Damages. 8vo. 9s. Boards. Brooke. 1806.

The learning and accuracy which distinguish the Treatise on Nisi Prius Law designated as the work of Mr. Justice Buller, but which originated with Mr. Justice Clive, and the better arrangement of a later publication, do not render unnecessary an attempt like the present. As a part only of the undertaking now lies before us, we shall content ourselves with observing that the chapters which have been executed do credit to the judgment, industry, and information of its learned compiler. Of the particulars of the p'an, and the merits of its - accomplishment, we shall forbear speaking till we possess the entire performance.

Art. 16. A Treatise on Conveyancing, with a View to its Application to Practice; being a Series of Practical Observations, written in a plain familiar Style, which have for their Object to assist in preparing Drafts, and in judging of the Operation of Deeds, by distinguishing between the formal and essential Parts of those Deeds, &c. in general Use, being a Course of Lectures, with an Appendix of select and appropriate Precedents. By Richard Preston of the Inner Temple, Esq. Author of the Elementary Treatise on the Quantity of Estates, &c. &c. 8vo. Ibs. Boards. Clarke. 1806. &

When

Though the practitioner may find nothing in these pages but sound law, and may feel grateful for the forms which constitute the Appendix, he will still be of opinion that his obligations would have been considerably enhanced, if Mr. Preston had bestowed some pains on digesting and arranging the matter which is here accumulated with. out any regard being shewn to method or language. Gentlemen appear before the public, even as authors and compilers of Law Books, we see no reason which releases them from the observance of rules that are binding on writers in other lines. We conceive it to be incumbent on them to give to their compositions all the excellence of which the didactic style is susceptible. Blackstone has set the example, and is himself a model in this respect; and in no works can method and perspicuity be more important than in law treatises. It is true that every practising lawyer must have recourse to all the authorities on which text books are founded, and that to him it is not important how they are drawn up, since they can serve him for little else than as Indices of reference: but we still maintain it to be the duty of an author to approach as near as he can to perfection in the kind of composition which he attempts.

Art. 17. An Elementary Treatise on Pleading in Civil Actions. By Edward Lawes of the Inner Temple. 8vo. 7s. 6d. Boards. Brooke. 1806.

RET. APRIL, 1807.

Ff

In

In this treatise, we meet with that succesful arrangement, and that perspicuity of statement, which constitute the chief merit of performances of this kind; while many observations and hints are here given, which will excite the curiosity and stimulate the researches of the attentive and diligent student. The addition of the specimens of the different style of pleading at different periods was a happy idea, and will much assist the attainment of liberal and enlarged views of what is here termed a science, but which we think is more an art, we mean, Pleading.

Mr. L. gives us reason to expect from him a larger book on this subject. The present specimen makes us strongly wish that he may fulfil his engagement; since we have no doubt of his proving equal to this nice and intricate undertaking, and such a work is a great desideratum This Gentleman is not, we understand, the worthy and very deserving counsel of the same name, who is so well known and esteemed in the King's Bench.

POLITICS.

Art. 18. Remarks upon "A Bill [as amended by the Committee] for promoting and encouraging of Industry amongst the labouring Classes of the Community, and for the Relief and Regulation of the necessi tous and criminal Poor. Ordered to be printed 24th Feb. 1807." By One of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace. 8vo. Lackington and Co.

Is. 6d. It is strange that this Magistrate should hesitate in admitting so obvious a fact that "the Foor's Rates have been for many years in a state of increase." The complaint is not that the number of poor is greater than it was a century ago, which may occur on the ground of an increased population, and yet no evil be felt, but that the proportion of the poor's rate to the rental is much higher than it was for merly; and no doubt can be entertained of the truth of this statement. Persons who have given much attention to the subject are thoroughly convinced of the existence of material defects in our poor laws, and particularly as they do not provide against the evils of an immoral education. Here, however, the Justice of Peace is at issue with the framers of the New Bill; for he is fearful of the sad con. sequences of teaching the poor to read and write: but if he com. pares that part of the empire which has a free school in every parish, with that which leaves the poor in total ignorance, and if he be open to the instruction which experience dictates, he will find that less immorality, less licentiousness, and less idleness prevail among the educated Scotch than among the illiterate Irish. The Tory Dr. Johuson had different ideas on this subject from the remarker before us: he observed that writing and reading is nothing when it ceases to be a distinction: that a laced waistcoat is a distinction when worn only by a few; but when all wear laced waistcoats it ceases to be so. The clauses respecting settlements, for equalizing county rates, and for reducing the poor-rate in trading and manufacturing towns, at the expence of the respective counties, require much deliberation; and we trust that the hints which the Magistrate has suggested will meet with due at

tention.

tention. We most cordially agree with him that the number of Alehouses is a serious evil, and that they are the sources of disorder and crime among the lower classes.

Art. 19. The State of the Case, addressed to Lord Grenville and Lord Howick. 8vo. 28. Hatchard.

Whether the causes assigned for the late change in administration were merely ostensible or otherwise, it led to a very singular discussion in Parliament, which called forth all the energy, not to say the acrimony of party. Some were animated by interest, others by fear, and others by a conviction of the importance of the subject to the welfare of the Empire. Of the last we believe the number to be considerable but we apprehend that, in the present corrupt state of society, that number is surpassed by the multitude of alarmists and court sycophants. We have been concerned to read the intemperate expressions which were employed in the late debates, and still more hurt at the unwarranted insinuations conveyed in some late addresses. Can any man say that the case of Ireland does not require the assistance of some able political physician; or can he honestly assert that the relief, which the late Ministers meditated to extend towards her, was calculated to endanger the Protestant religion? As Protestants, we ought to be more liberal, and as Britons more just.-The writer of the present pamphlet does not enter into the merits of the Catholic claims, nor examine the advantages which were likely to accrue from the system projected by the late Ministers: but he accuses them of a dereliction of principle; of betraying the confidence of the King; and of entering a Manifesto against him on the minute-book of the Privy Council; in consequence of which, the most marked reprobation of their conduct is here expressed, and the necessity of the pledge required of them, and even of their being driven from office, is maintained. As an expedient for removing them from office, the pledge, whoever advised it, was a dextrous measure :- by the mere proposition of it the late Ministers were thrown on the horns of a dilemma; and whether they consented or not, they were sure of being thrown out, since by consenting they must lose the confidence of the country, and by refusing must forfeit that of the King. By this project, however, it cannot be said that the King was a gainer. His late Ministers had consented to withdraw the Catholic bill altogether; and had they on any future occasion proposed a similar measure, His Majesty was at full liberty again to express his displeasure. The more, therefore, we survey the grounds on which the Outs and the Ins stand, the more we are persuaded that the Catholic bill is not the sole bone of contention.

This writer carries his enmity against Lord Grenville so far as to accuse him of contriving the prosecution and impeachment of Lord Melville, in order to remove his dangerous rival for the office of prime minister:-but, if we recollect accurately, the proceedings against Lord Melville originated in the Reports of certain Commissioners, to the appointment of whom Lord G. was not in any way accessory. In perfect unison with his condemnation of the late ministers, and dislike of their parliament, this writer speaks of a dissolution as a popular measure.

Ff2

Art.