a

tion of the essayist from "Blackfriars' Road."

When "T. W-m" enumerates the qualifications of a Christian minister, I know not by what fatality he has been impelled to omit the one which is of greatest importance, and that is absolutely essential,―an experimental acquaintance with the truths and pro

faculty of the mind. If the assumed hypothesis of " T. W-m," be founded on truth and reason, we need not look for an ambassador of Christ more than once in a century. He must possess the zeal of the apostolic Wesley the erudition of Adam Clarke-and the eloquence of Thomas Chalmers. I have passed my time in the moun-mises of righteousness. Without this, tainous district of the West Riding of he may possess that "eloquence which Yorkshire, and have had favourable is nature's proudest jewel," a treaopportunities for observing the effect sury of argument," and "biblical unproduced on my contemporary rustics, derstanding, with the ordinary talent by the preaching of men, possessed of to expound it," but he will never be neither "profound erudition,”—“ a truly useful shepherd of souls ;knowledge of the original tongues," whereas, were he in possession of a nor “a critical acquaintance with the sound understanding, and religious sacred writings." And from several experience, (the only essential requiyears of observation and experience, sites for the fulfilment of his calling,) I am perfectly satisfied that these un- he might expect the work of the Lord lettered preachers have been agents in to prosper in his hands. "Profound the hands of the infinitely wise dispo- erudition," and critical acumen, are ser of events, for the effecting of his serviceable to an apostle of righteousgracious purposes. I have seen the ness, but the privation of them will ignorant blasphemer become a well- not destroy his usefulness. informed member of society, and an exemplary Christian, without ever listening to the teachings of a man of "profound erudition."-I have seen the profligate libertine forget his vicious practices, and become a useful member of a Christian community, without attendance on any other ministry than one which possessed not any acquaintance with the " original tongues."-I have known the liar, the sabbath-breaker, and the drunkard, brought to a knowledge of the doctrines and practice of piety, through the instructions of one, who never addressed him with that "force of argument, bold and energetic language, historical and descriptive illustration, and eloquence of arrangement," which "T. W-m" thinks necessary for the gaining of admission to the hearts of an audience.

"T. W-m," if he thinks proper, may denominate such a teacher of righteousness "the presumptuous scribe of ignorance," or "the ardent devotee of fanaticism;" and he may, with his wonted ardour and temerity, denounce his disciples, as the dupes of pious quackery; but, Mr. Editor, though I am not yet "seated on the snow-white throne" of Truth, "the unsullied goddess of the intellectual world," I am induced to place more reliance on the evidence of apposite facts, than on the elaborate declama

Gargrave, June 8th, 1822.

E. TATHAM.

THE BEAR AND THE CHILD.

MR. EDITOR.

SIR,-If you think the following curious anecdote worthy a place in the Imperial Magazine, it is at your service. I have taken it from a book, bearing the date of 1710, which contains some very interesting accounts.

L. I. C. E. C.

"LEOPOLD, Duke of Lorrain, had a bear, called Marco, of the sagacity and sensibility of which, we have the following example:-During the winter of 1709, a poor Savoyard boy, nearly perishing with cold, in a barn, into which he had been put by a good woman with some more of his companions, thought proper to enter Marco's hut, without reflecting on the danger he ran, in exposing himself to the mercy of the animal which occupied it. Marco, however, instead of doing any injury to the child, took him between his paws and warmed him, by pressing him to his breast, until the next morning, when he suffered him to depart, to ramble about the city. The poor Savoyard, on returning at night to the hut, was received with the same affection, and for some follow

ing days he had no other retreat. But what added much to his joy was, to perceive that the bear had reserved part of his food for him. Several days passed in this manner, without the servants noticing any thing of the circumstance. One evening, however, when one of them came to bring Marco his supper rather later than ordinary, he was astonished to see the animal roll his eyes in a furious manner, and appear as if he wished him to make as little noise as possible,-for fear of waking the child, whom he clasped to his breast. In addition to this, the animal, though naturally ravenous, did not seem in the least moved with the food which was placed before him.

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positions we commit to writing: and it
perhaps the human faculties cas gro
scarcely partake of a higher treat, à
than that of being present at the
exertions of great abilities, meeting for
together in opposition on some imper- of
tant question; and observing the pl
strength and agility of the combatants,
the arts and subterfuges of the van-
quished, the skill and dexterity of
him that pursues his conquest, the re
sudden reverse occasioned by a single
new idea, or a happy illustration:
insomuch, that the unconscious audi-P
tor, lost and absorbed in the subject a
before him, frequently bursts out in
involuntary exclamations of sympathy
or applause.

ed by an opposition of opinion, the ideas of the speaker are impressed upon his hearers by every auxiliary advantage of cadence, countenance, and action; the powers of which are sometimes so happily combined, that they give importance to mediocrity of sentiment, and when employed in the service of truth and good sense, carry with them irresistible conviction.

That the intercourse between mind "The report of this extraordinary and mind is much more intimate, and circumstance being spread at court, consequently more interesting, when soon reached the ears of Leopold, it takes place by this immediate comwho, with part of his courtiers, was munication, than when it is derived desirous of being satisfied of the truth through the more indirect channel of Marco's generosity. Several of of writing, cannot be doubted; even them, accordingly, passed the night independent of the strength and vivanear the hut, and beheld, with asto-city of expression generally occasionnishment, that the bear never stirred, so long as the child shewed any inclination to sleep. At break of day the lad awoke, and was very much ashamed to find himself discovered; and fearing some punishment for his rashness, begged for pardon. The bear, however, caressed him, and endeavoured to prevail on him to eat part of what had been brought for him on the preceding evening; which he did at the request of the spectators, who conducted him to the Prince.-Having learned the whole history of this singular alliance, and the time it had continued, the Prince ordered the little Savoyard to be taken care of; and he, without doubt, would soon have made his fortune, had he not died a short time after.

HINTS FOR TALKING AND TALKERS.

AMONG the variety of innocent and rational gratifications that an improved state of society affords, there are none perhaps of a higher relish, than those we derive from a free and reciprocal communication of our sentiments and opinions. There is a warmth, an energy, an originality, in the freedom and familiarity of conversation, which is sought after in vain in the more correct and studied com

I have heard of a gentleman, who possessed to such a degree the power of rendering things in themselves indifferent, very interesting to his hearers, that by pronouncing repeatedly two or three words, though without meaning, in a serious and affecting tone, he could melt them into tears. What then must be the effect of such talents, exerted upon a subject previously calculated to draw forth the strongest impulses of feeling, and operate upon the affections and passions of an audience? If the viva voce communication of sentiment be more interesting than that by writing, it has also superior advantages in attaining the great end of all rational investigation-the discovery and development of truth. The solitary reasoner, pursuing his own train of ideas, can only impress upon his reader certain preconceived opinions; but in conversation, those opinions are generally put to the test as they are advanced, and

happens not unfrequently, that the | improving himself by the observations roundwork on which it was intended and reflections of others, but merely weighty superstructure should be to inculcate, at all times and on all rected, is found weak and insufficient occasions, his own peculiar opinions. or the purpose, and the illustration of a few minutes prevents the misemloyment of many months. The shock of argument is almost always necesary to the production of truth, which not unfrequently starts out, as apparent as the spark from the collision of lint and steel.

My intention, however, in the paper now before me, is not so much to dwell on the pleasures or advantages to be derived from conversation; informing mankind that they are already in possession of these benefits would be rather a useless labour; but to consider how they may be turned to the readiest and most pleasant account. I mean, therefore, in the short space I have allotted myself, not only to point out how these social benefits may be improved, but to trace the causes whence originate the general excellencies or defects in conversation, of which indeed our intercourse with mankind affords us so many instances.

Now, though it be possible these opinions may be well founded, a pertinacious adherence to them is no additional recommendation, and no proof of their rectitude. But, however incorrect, it is not improbable that by a free and fair discussion some of them might be changed, and others modified or improved, were it not for this spirit of dogmatizing, which is perhaps of all others the most fatal to conversation. If, indeed, facts be ascertained, and the judgment formed respecting them, all further inquiry becomes useless; while, on the contrary, scepticism, however culpable it may be thought on some points, is here an indispensable ingredient; and where it exists not in fact, may sometimes be reasonably assumed, in order the better to try the validity of an opinion already formed-an experiment frequently not without its use.

It is amusing to observe the opposite defect to this peremptory and assuming temper, in that compliable servility which prevents a man from asserting an opinion of his own, and

Of the usual defects observable in common discourse, I think some may be assigned to particular ble-leads him perpetually to assent to mishes of character and disposition, and others, of a more obvious kind, to mere impropriety of manner. I shall at present endeavour to point out the ill consequences that result from the first of these causes, leaving the second to some future opportunity.

That much more depends on the temper and disposition we bring with us into society, than on the mode in which we advance our opinions, is, I believe, sufficiently evident ;-an irritable, imperious, or sullen turn of mind, is far more destructive to the pleasures of social converse, and strong intellectual argument, than any peculiarity of manner, however unpleasant or inconvenient. Amongst every variety of character which an acquaintance with the world exhibits, there is perhaps none more unfavourable to all free and candid disquisition, than that of a man attached and riveted to certain opinions, which he allows not to be called in question. A person of this turn enters into company, not for the purpose of contributing his part towards the general amusement, or of No. 48.-VOL. IV.

those of others, whether he conceives them to be well founded or not. This, it may be said, may sometimes arise from an indolence of disposition, that shrinks from the labour of examining the truth of a proposition; at other times from a mistaken notion of politeness, and a paltry unwillingness to dissent from that which another person has advanced. Were I called upon to exemplify these defects in the instances of individuals, I should. in the first place, point out a friend of mine, W, who, with abilities to comprehend and judge of the most important subjects, will frequently sit by whilst they are discussed, with the utmost placidity of indifference, excepting at due intervals, when he testifies, by a significant nod, his alternate concurrence with each of the disputants.

An example of the second character may be found in S———, who, though lively and communicative, scarcely ever ventures to oppose an opinion adverse to his own; and, with a little art, he may be led to give himself the lie in the most amusing manner, politely 4 H

th

assenting to the assertion of his neigh-able companions; to constitute which bour, however doubtful or contradic- characters, candour and sincerity are tory it may be. This conduct has, indispensable ingredients. But, to however, led him into difficulties and the man who has been so unfortunate embarrassments, which, I must own, as to contract a reserved and silent I have enjoyed:-when some opi- habit, a word of advice may perhaps nion big with absurdity has been ad- be useful. Let him run into dissipavanced, S has immediately given tion as fast as ever he can, and get a it his sanction; but a direct and unmo- little army of duns and bailiffs about dified attack from another part of the him, and I promise him he will soon table, has as suddenly placed it in its learn the art of talking, both long true, or rather false light; and poor and loud enough for his guests. Let S, with ten times the understand him associate with the merry and the ing of the person who advanced it, has young, and with persons of his own been obliged to share with him in the age and humour, where he may at ridicule attending the confutation of times feel his own importance, and an opinion grossly erroneous and un- try his own strength. He will there founded. find no difficulty in breaking through There is another character often met the magic chains of silence, which sit with, which I am doubtful whether so awkwardly upon him,—and after a I should refer to the present class, little training in this way, let him or should merely ascribe to manner or boldly mingle in the conversation of to an ill habit; I mean the silent those, whom he will soon be too vain man, who sits patiently by whilst the to conceive his superiors. Thus let discourse is carried on, without con- him gradually accustom himself to tributing any thing towards it. Were give his opinion only on such occaI to suppose that this conduct arises sions as he thinks calculated to disfrom sullenness, pride, or an affecta- play, while he feels satisfied that the tion of superior knowledge, I should subject is within the grasp and scope then certainly regard it as a proof of of his talents. But, above all, let him that most incurable of all blemishes, strive to reach a firm and manly tone the offspring of an ill formed charac- of mind; to know the value of his own ter; and the mind, not the manner, abilities, and scorn to sit a silent should here be submitted to correc-hearer, whilst ignorance and presumption. But I am inclined to thinktion are gratifying themselves, and this taciturn behaviour is more fre- lording it over the sacred but silent quently to be attributed to habit, and cause of sense, of reason, and of that it often originates with our being truth. much accustomed, when young, to the company of our superiors in knowledge and learning. Such a person acts as a dead weight upon conversation; and whenever the subject begins to lose its interest, the example of the silent man makes the scale preponderate, and the whole company suddenly relaxes into listlessness and insipidity, until the great mother of dulness herself seems to take her seat amongst them.

To those who enter society with the moral dispositions I have been describing, arguing and dogmatizing for the sake of triumph, I shall only observe, that they ought to be put upon a low diet, to drink no spirituous liquors, and to apply for further remedy from another quarter than the pen of an idler like myself. Till some reformation commence within, there is little probability of their becoming either kind friends or agrce

R. T.

CHANGES OF THE SEASONS.

EVERY one remarks the extraordinary changes in the seasons of the year.When we observe, as it has recently happened, that in the depth of winter, trees bear a second crop of fruit, and nosegays are gathered of summer flowers, we cannot but think “this is wondrous strange." Laplace, in his Syteme du Monde, and others, have said something on this subject, which at this moment may be worth repeating. "We find from the testimony of ancient writers, that Britain, Germany, and France, were much colder than at present, and that their great rivers were annually frozen over. Astronomy teaches us, that since this period, the obliquity of the earth's position has been considerably diminished. Astronomy teaches us also,