Mr. Chalmers, will undoubtedly make SINGULAR LETTER. THE following very singular letter was lately sent to the matron of a lying-in Hospital in the Metropolis. Whether the intentions of the writer were such as the letter pretends, it is impossible to determine, and nothing but a compliance with the request could lead to further information on the subject; and even this could never be sufficient fully to ascertain the fact. "A Lady, desirous of having a male child with dark eyes, and of adopting it as her own, would be glad to have one from a healthy young female, who could part with it on the 26th of March next. If a boy cannot be procured, a fine female child will do, provided it has dark eyes. A present will be given to the mother, and to yourself. The mother is not to know who the lady is. The child will be handsomely provided for during life. If a fortnight old on the 26th of March, it will make no difference. A coach will be ready at the hospital door, to take the child away. 66 Direct, W. M. Walton CoffeeHouse, Soho." On the Meaning of the Word IDEA. TO THE EDITOR OF THE IMPERIAL portance, to fix the signification of terms that frequently occur in treating of intellectual subjects; and perhaps there is no word which presents itself oftener than the word Idea-it is therefore a very proper subject for philological remarks. According to the popular use of this word, it stands for whatever is the object of perception, judgment, or thought; and thus every thing that relates to matter and mind, to earth and heaven, are blended together under one general term. Some of our best writers, however, do not allow it so great a latitude of meaning. Attentive to precision, they use it in a circumscribed and determinate sense: namely, for the relics of our sensations only; for those images and impressions which objects, once present, have left upon the mind. The Editors of the Encyc. Britannica, under the article on Metaphysics, after noticing the propriety of metaphysicians explaining the terms they use, proceed thus: "There are indeed two words which have given rise to much useless disputation, which yet cannot be banished from speculative philosophy, and which it will therefore be proper here to define. The two words to which we allude are Idea and Notion. These are very generally considered as synonymous; but we think that much logomachy might have been avoided, by assigning to each a determinate signification. We know not any philosopher who made use of the word Idea before Plato; but with his mysterious doctrine concerning ideas we have nothing to do our present business is to ascertain the precise meaning of vague and various senses in which the word; which is evidently derived the term Idea has been used by differ- from dw, to see, as the word notion is ent writers, have created no small de- from "nosco, novi, notum," and that gree of confusion in mental philosophy. from yvwonw, to know, or to underIt is not my intention to enumerate stand. In the original sense of the the different meanings that have been two words, therefore, Notion is more assigned to that word; but simply to comprehensive than Idea, because we vindicate the sense which I consider know many things which cannot be the most proper, and the most conve- seen. We have not a doubt, that nient for a distinct classification of our at first, the word Idea was employed different perceptions. Between the to denote only those forms of external civil and the philosophical use of lan- objects which men contemplate in their guage there is a wide difference: when imagination, and which are originally exactness is not necessary, a word may received through the sight. Its signibe used with considerable latitude of fication was afterwards extended to meaning; but when precision is re- the relics of every sensation, of touch, quired, it should be used for those ob- taste, sound, and smell, as well as jeets only of which it stands the legi- sight; and at last it was confounded timate and acknowledged sign. It is with Notion, which denotes the mental certainly a point of considerable im-apprehension of whatever may be SIR, THE known." The use the Editors make of the word Idea, is, to denote that appearance which absent objects of sense make in the memory, or imagination; and the word Notion, to denote the mental apprehension or knowledge of spirits, or whatever cannot be perceived by the external senses. In a marginal note, they congratulate themselves in coinciding in opinion with Dr. Johnson, the great English Lexicographer, and quote a passage to their purpose from Boswell's Life of that literary giant. "He was," says Boswell, "particularly indignant against the almost universal use of the word Idea instead of Notion or Opinion, when it is clear that Idea can only signify something of which an image can be formed in the mind. We may have an idea or image of a mountain, a tree, or a building; but we cannot surely have an idea or image of an argument or proposition. Yet we hear the sages of the law delivering their ideas upon the question under consideration; and the first speakers in parliament entirely coinciding in the idea which has been so ably stated by an honourable member; or representing an idea as unconstitutional, and fraught with the most dangerous consequences to a great and free country. This, Johnson called modern cant." 66 ters, are melted down into one undis- Should it be said, that as the term Idea is used in various senses, every writer is at liberty to use the word in the sense he judges best. If this be admitted, it cannot be said, that any sense is equally proper; nor will this liberty extend to the person who first perverted the term from its accustomed use, because he had not the plea of prescription. By understanding the term in the sense for which I contend, Volney's victorious principle is completely neutralized. That man receives no ideas but through the me In their chapter on the existence of matter, the Editors charge Mr. Locke, with having introduced the equivocal use of the word Idea into the language of philosophy; nor are they at all singular in this opinion. And, indeed, Mr. Locke appears fully aware that he was converting the term to a new purpose; and nothing can be more modest or candid than his apology for the liberty he took. He begs pardon of his readers for so doing, and even assigns his reason for it. But still it was an unwarrantable liberty; the established meaning of terms ought never to be changed without it is really necessary; and there certainly was no necessity in this case. It was this circumstance, in part, that induced the pious and learned author of, Divine Analogy, to call Mr. Locke's Essay on Human Understanding, "Adium of his senses, is a position which Modern Essay, towards perplexing and confounding human understanding, wherein the various kinds of knowledge, which before were well enough distinguished, and current by their several respective stamps and charac has been maintained, not only by some learned Trinitarian writers who are dead, but is still maintained by some who are yet living. This probably may form the subject of another communication. AMONG the various objects of idolatrous worship that have been discovered in the East, there is one named Parisnath-Gowricha. This deity is supposed to be an inhabitant of the desert, in the sands of which he frequently conceals himself; and he has also the power of shifting his quarters whenever he becomes displeased with his situation. One remarkable circumstance is, that this divinity always obeys the chief of a tribe of Rajepoots; and, as he alone possesses the power of rendering him visible, the devotees pay him a considerable sum for the sacred exhibition. The price that is demanded, is generally advanced by some wealthy merchant, who brings with him a great number of pilgrims in his train. fortunately, of late the people have made a discovery, that this species of worship is very expensive; in consequence of which, the homage that he formerly exacted is much on the decline. AN ANECDOTE. Un Ir is well known, that when the Pretender attempted to regain the throne of his ancestors, all England was in commotion. Whether Protestantism or Popery should be established in these realms, was the important question then every where agitated, and its decision was submitted to the sword. The priests, in favour of Popery, were never inactive; and all their authority was exerted to promote the interest of that system, upon which their dominion in this country depended. A similar crisis has not yet reached us. But, from the claims now making by the Catholics, and the vehemence with which they are urged, we perceive an effort to obtain political influence, which may hereafter be matured into a political ascendency, of which require any animadversion. The events the consequences are too obvious to which are daily passing before us, cannot but render the sentiments expressed in the following anecdote particularly interesting. A Baronet in the South of Scotland had married a Roman Catholic lady in the year 1741, at which time the seeds of rebellion were secretly germinating in that country. In the gathering commotion the Baronet had taken no part. Of this the lady's father-confessor was fully sensible; and therefore lost no opportunity of securing her influence with her husband, to engage in the coming conflict. These solicitations, however, the lady had fortitude enough to resist, even against the authority of her confessor; well knowing, that the measure proposed would at once endanger her husband's property and his life. The priest continued his importunities for a considerable time, notwithstanding her refusal, hoping that he should finally subdue her resolution, and render her subservient to his designs. Finding, however, after a series of ineffectual efforts, that he could gain nothing by his seductive artifices, he one day assumed a bolder tone, threatening her with excommunication in case of non-compliance. The lady still remaining inflexible, he proceeded to execute his threats; and actually denounced upon her the portentous interdiction, accompanied with all the dreadful concomitants of ecclesiastical vengeance. On receiving her doom, without betraying the least sign of intimidation, the heroine addressed him, with all the dignity of insulted reason, in the following language. "Your threats, Sir, have confirmed my purpose. I see, I feel, that while the Protestant House of Hanover reigns over us, I may treat with contempt your unmanly virulence, and order you to leave my presence no more to return. If a Stuart held the sovereign authority, I must tremble at the least sign of priestly rancour. Henceforth I renounce the fetters of reason 4 and of personal liberty, in which edu-ers; and much benefit has visibly recation enchained me. I abjure your church and its errors for ever." The priest, on hearing this, attempted to retrace his steps, by making the most abject concessions. The lady, however, retained her inflexibility, and he was dismissed, never more to have an opportunity of insulting her with imaginary power. BALLAD SINGING. sulted from their exertions. As many other places are, no doubt, exposed to similar nuisances, this hint may direct the peaceable and insulted inhabitants how to proceed, in ridding their streets of these pests of society. 66 SELECTIONS FROM TABLE TALK," BY Ir is a notorious fact, that in many THE nine-and-thirty Articles are much towns throughout this kingdom, the another thing in Latin, (in which tongue streets are frequently infested with ballad singers, who exhibit their pro-lated into English: they were made at they were made) than they are, transfane and indecent compositions, to the three several convocations, and congreat moral injury of the thoughtless firmed by Act of Parliament six or and inconsiderate, and to the equally seven times after. There is a secret great annoyance of the virtuous and concerning them: Of late, ministers well-disposed. The magistrates in all have subscribed to all of them; but by places, no doubt, have it in their power Act of Parliament that confirmed them, to remove this fertile source of demothey ought only to subscribe to those articles which contain matters of faith, and the doctrine of the sacraments, as appears by the first subscriptions. But held in king James's days) began it, Bishop Bancroft (in the convocation that ministers should subscribe to three things; to the king's supremacy, to the articles: many of them do not contain common prayer, and to the thirty-nine ralization; but in most cases, from their retired habits of life, they rarely visit the haunts in which these impuri ties solicit attention; and, conse matter of faith. quently, unless they are informed by some friend of public morals, it may fairly be inferred, that they are not acquainted with these shameful productions. The streets of Manchester were not long since in the condition we have described; and so grossly were the ears of delicacy insulted, that on the 12th of April last the following Petition, containing the signatures of from twenty to thirty respectable inhabitants of Oldham-street, was presented to the Magistrates by Mr. Hol-lation, the Bishop's bible, as well as land Hoole. "To the Worshipful the Sitting Scripture. The English translation of the Bible is the best translation in the world, and renders the sense of the original best; taking in for the English trans king James's. The translation in king James's time took an excellent way. That part of the Bible was given to him who was most excellent in such a tongue, (as the Apocrypha to Andrew re-Downs,) and then they met together, and one read the translation, the rest holding in their hands some Bible, either of the learned tongues, or French, Spanish, Italian, &c.: if they found any fault, they spoke; if not, he read on. Magistrate. "We the undersigned Inhabitants of Oldham-street, Manchester, spectfully present this Memorial to your Worship; That we are every day (except Sundays) troubled with the pestilent and grievous nuisance of profane and debauched ballad-singing, by men and women, to the corrupting of the minds and morals of the public in general, and our own children and servants in particular. We therefore most humbly request, that you will use the power committed to you, in removing this evil immediately; and we will ever acknowledge the benefit." Henry the Eighth made a law, that all men might read the Scripture, except servants; but no woman, except ladies and gentlewomen, who had lei sure, and might ask somebody the meaning. The law was repealed in Edward the Sixth's days. Since the above Petition was pre- In interpreting the Scripture, many sented, the police officers have been do as if a man should see one have ten particularly active in detecting offend-] pounds, which he reckoned by one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten: meaning four was but four units, and five, five units, &c. and that he had in all but ten pounds; the other that sees him, takes not the figures together as he doth, but picks here and there, and thereupon reports, that he hath five pounds in one bag, and six pounds in another bag, and nine pounds in another bag, &c. when as in truth he hath but ten pounds in all. So we pick out a text here and there, to make it serve our turn; whereas if we take it all together, and consider what went before, and what followed after, we should find it meant no such thing. The Scripture may have more senses besides the literal, because God understands all things at once; but a man's writing has but one true sense, which is that which the author meant when he writ it. Books. In answering a book, it is best to be short, otherwise he that I write against will suspect I intend to weary him, not to satisfy him. Besides, in being long, I shall give my adversary a huge advantage: somewhere or other he will pick a hole. It is good to have translations, because they serve as a comment, so far as the judgment of the man goes. In quoting of books, quote such authors as are usually read: others you may read for your own satisfaction, but not name them. To quote a modern Dutchman when I may use a classic author, is as if I were to justify my reputation, and neglect all persons of note and quality that know me, and bring the testimonial of the scullion in the kitchen. Changing sides. It is the trial of a man, to see if he will change his side; and if he be so weak as to change once, he will change again. You country fellows have a way to try if a man be weak in the hams, by coming behind him, and giving him a blow unawares: if he bend once, he will bend again. Christmas. Our meats and our sports (much of them) have relation to church-works. The coffin of our Christmas pies, in shape long, is in imitation of the cratch our choosing kings and queens on Twelfth-night, hath reference to the three kings. So likewise our eating of fritters, whipping of tops, roasting of herrings, Jack of Lent, &c. they were No. 3.-VOL. I. | all in imitation of church-works, emblems of martyrdom. Our tansies at Easter have reference to the bitter herbs; though at the same time it was always the fashion for a man to have a gammon of bacon, to shew himself to be no Jew. Churches. The way coming into our great churches was anciently at the west door, that men might see the altar and all the church before them. The other doors were but posterns. House of Commons. There be but two erroneous opinions in the House of Commons; that the Lords sit only for themselves, when the truth is, they sit as well for the Commonwealth. The Knights and Burgesses sit for themselves and others; some for more, some for fewer: and what is the reason? Because the room will not hold all: the Lords being few, they all come: Now imagine the room able to hold all the Commons of England; then the Lords and Burgesses would sit no otherwise than the Lords do. The second error is, that the House of Commons are to begin to give subsidies, yet if the Lords dissent they can give no money. The form of a charge runs thus,-I accuse in the name of all the Commons of England: how then can any man be as a witness, when every man is made the accuser? |