Transcriber’s Note: Obvious printer’s errors have been repaired,
but period and inconsistent spelling have not. The printer’s use of
italics was somewhat haphazard. Normal text within italic passages is
indicated ~like this~.
THE
_Gentleman_’s _Magazine_:
OR, TRADER’s
Monthly Intelligencer.
NUMBER I. _for_ JANUARY.
CONTAINING,
I. A view of the Weekly _Essays_ and _Controversies_, viz. Of
Q. _Elizabeth_; Ministers; Treaties; Liberty of the Press; Riot
act; Armies; Traytors; Patriots; Reason; Criticism; Versifying;
Ridicule; Humours; Love; Prostitutes; Music; Pawn-Brokers;
Surgery; Law.
II. POETRY, _viz._ The _Ode_ for the new Year, by _Colly Cibber_,
Esq; Remarks upon it; Imitiations of it, by way of _Burlesque_;
Verses on the same Subject; ingenious Epitaphs and Epigrams.
III. _Domestick_ Occurrences, _viz._ Births, Deaths, Marriages,
Preferments, Casualties, Burials and Christenings in _London_.
IV. Melancholy Effects of Credulity in _Witchcraft_.
V. Prices of Goods and Stocks, and a List of Bankrupts.
VI. A correct List of the Sheriffs for the current Year.
VII. Remarkable _Advertisements_.
VIII. _Foreign_ Affairs, with an Introduction to this Year’s
History.
IX. Books and Pamphlets publish’d.
X. Observations in _Gardening_, and the Fairs in _Feb_.
XI. A Table of Contents.
By _SYLVANUS URBAN_ of _Aldermanbury_, Gent.
_Prodesse & Delectare._
The THIRD EDITION.
_LONDON:_
Printed for _R. Newton_, at St _John’s Gate_, and Sold by the
Booksellers, MDCCXXXI. (_Price_ SIX-PENCE.)
CONTENTS of No. I. _for_ JANUARY.
Remarks on the Reign of Q. _Elizabeth_, _p._ 3, 5, 7
Reflections on the Conduct of a certain great Man, 4
Political Observations from the _Craftsman_, _ibid._
Liberty of the Press asserted, 5
---- Reply’d to, 17
Of the standing Army and Riot Act, 5
---- Reply’d to, 16
Remarks on the _Craftsman_’s Hague Letter, 6
On the present State of Affairs, 7, 10
Conduct of the Ministry, 7
Of Mr. _Chubb_’s Discourse of Reason, 8
The Writers in behalf of the Government, ridiculed and
censur’d, _ibid._
Mr. _Cheselden_’s intended Operation on the Drum of the Ear,
ridicul’d, 10
---- Defended, 19
Criticisms on the New Years Ode, 10, 11
The Contagion of Poetry, 11
Of political Controversies, 12
Of Gardners; Vermin, and Ridicule, 16
Of Quackery, Authors and Criticism, 13
Of Humours and Behaviour, 13, 14
Laws of Courtship, 14, 15
Of Prostitutes, Chastity, and Fondness, 15
Poetry and Musick, _ibid._
The _Craftsman_ corrected, 16
Answer’d as to the Ministry, _ib._
---- reply’d to, about a pamphlet call’d _Sedition and
Defamation Display’d_, _ib._
Of Pawn-brokers, 18
Of the Law, Remedies for it’s Evils, 19
Poetry, _The New Year’s Ode_, 20
_An Ode to the Laureat_, _ib._
_Ode on the Twelfth-Day_, 21
_A Hymn to the Laureat_, _ib._
_Verses on the Laureat_, 22
_An Ode to Sir Rob. Walpole_, _ib._
_Epitaphs on Mrs. Oldfield_, 23
On a Lady stung by a Bee, _ib._
_Verses by a Lady_, _ib._
Domestick Occurrences, 24
A List of the Governors, _&c._ of the _African_ Company, 27
The King’s Answer to the Lds Address, _ib._
Credulity in Witchcraft, 29
Extraordinary Accidents and Casualties, 30
Narrative of an Apparition, 31
Ships lost, and Casualties, 32
Deaths of Eminent Persons, 33
Marriages and Promotions, 35
Ecclesiastical Preferments and Bankrupts, 36
Exact List of Sheriffs, 37
Course of Exchange, _ib._
Stocks, Prices of Goods, 39
Monthly Bill of Mortality, 40
Foreign Affairs, 41
Fairs in February, _&c._ 43
Observations in Gardening, 44
Books published, 45, 46
THE
_Gentleman_’s _Magazine_:
JANUARY, 1731.
_A View of the WEEKLY ESSAYS in this Month._
_The Craftsman_, _by_ Caleb D’anvers _Esq;_ and Mr _Oldcastle_. Jan. 2.
No. 235.
Mr. _Oldcastle_ having begun his remarks on the conduct of the Kings
of _England_, to shew how the spirit of _Faction_, and the spirit of
_Liberty_ had exerted themselves at different times and occasions,
had brought his Observations down to the reign of Q. _Elizabeth_. He
begins No. 234, with an Eulogium upon her prudent conduct in the most
arduous difficulties that attended her accession to the Throne. These
difficulties he explains at large, and goes on No. 235, to speak more
largely of the means whereby she establish’d her glory and confirm’d
herself in the affections of her People. Her first principle was to be
neither _fear’d nor despis’d_ by those she govern’d. He mentions some
instances wherein she discover’d her wisdom in both these respects,
particularly in maintaining her _Prerogative_, which altho’ she was
fond of, yet took care it never should be grievous, or if it should
happen so to particular persons, that it should appear specious to the
publick. The effects, he says, of a bare-fac’d _Prerogative_ are not
so dangerous to _Liberty_ as the attempts which are made to surprize
and undermine it. Wherefore Q. _Eliz._ never kept up a _Standing
Army_, but placed her security in the affection of her People. With
respect to _parties_ he extols her moderation and equity, by which
conduct she stood on firmer ground, and had less to fear from the
spirit of _Faction_. She neither hastily espoused the party which she
favour’d, nor inflam’d the spirits of the adverse party. The _Papists_
and _Puritans_ she used with lenity, ’till their evil practices made
it necessary to execute rigours, and even then she distinguished
_Papists in conscience from Papists in Faction, nor condemn’d the Zeal
of the Puritans, but sometimes censured their Violence. He says from
~Cambden~, she bestowed her favours with so much caution, and so little
distinction, as to prevent either party from gaining the ascendant over
her, whereby she remained Mistress of her own self, and preserved both
their affections and her own power and authority entire._
He proceeds to justify Q. _Eliz._ from the imputation of avarice, by
observing that she neither hoarded up, nor was lavish of the publick
money. Quotes a saying of the famous _Burleigh_, that, _He never cared
to see the treasury swell like a disorder’d spleen, when the other
parts of the common-wealth were in a Consumption_; and his mistress
thought that _money in the pockets of her subjects was better than in
her own_.
It was her maxim to save for the publick not for herself, and to
measure her riches by the riches of the nation; refused supplies
offered, and remitted payment of supplies granted, when the publick
service did not require it. The two great principles of her Œconomy
were _1st._ Not suffering her Officers to enrich themselves by fraud
or clandestine management. _2d._ Never attempting to do any thing with
money that could be done with wisdom or courage. (_See p. 319._) For
which cites several instances; and observes how greatly she promoted
commerce, and increased the fleet of _England_, which before was
inconsiderable.
_Jan. 9._ Craftsman, No. 236.
All his oratory here is pointed at the person of a _certain great man_
whom he represents as affecting all the qualities and requisites of the
most consummate statesman, without any qualifications in him necessary
for so high a post. He ridicules him for a ready habit of _lying_,
because it is sometimes proper for a politician to conceal the truth:
Charges him with a dark mysterious proceeding on all Occasions, because
_secrecy_ is requir’d in a statesman, and adds, that ’tis a proof that
his secret services are great by the large sums requir’d for carrying
them on. Says, _good Intelligence_ is another excellent property in
an able statesman, and therefore our _mock-minister_ apes him in this
particular; gives a long detail of instances to illustrate what he
advances.
Confesses, indeed, that the fluctuation of affairs hath oblig’d the
ministry to go from _court to court_; to make treaties, which (as
obsrv’d by the author of the _London Journal_) _it is by no means
proper to execute_----and adds, _They found us engag’d in a treaty
with the Emperor; but they have very wisely vary’d from it----They
made a Treaty with ~France~; and have hitherto very wisely observ’d
it----they sent a large squadron of ships, with an hostile appearance,
and without any declaration of war, into the ~West-Indies~; but they
wisely gave the Admiral instructions not to make use of any other force
than perswasion----They sent another squadron into the ~Baltick~;
and a third into the ~Mediterranean~; but they very wisely gave the
Commanders of them the same pacifick instructions; even tho’ ~Spain~
was actually at war with us, and attacking one of our most valuable
possessions----They afterwards enter’d into a treaty with ~Spain~; but
they have hitherto very wisely declin’d to put it in execution; and if
they are now negotiating another treaty at ~Vienna~, as we have been
told, I doubt not that the same wisdom will appear in it, whether it
is design’d to be put in execution or not._
He concludes by reducing his harangue into a kind of problematical
order, and makes a great many bold interrogatories, and answering
of which, he imagines, would lay his opponents under the dilemma,
of disapproving their own conduct, or allowing the justness of his
arguments; such as these; _Will our M----r execute the treaty of
~Seville~, or will he not? would a Reconciliation at ~Vienna~, tho’
justifiable in other persons, be so in him? hath not the ~Emperor~
shewn that he does not fear us? will he not affect to show that he doth
not want us?_ and many other queries to the like purpose. See _London
Journal_ of the 16th. p. 6, 7. and _Free Briton_ of the 14th, p. 16, 17.
Craftsman, _Jan. 16._ No. 237.
Complains of the hardship that the authors of the _Craftsman_ lye
under; that a certain gentleman makes use of his authority to restrain
their pens, while he employs others to throw about scandal at random;
and others are suffer’d to call the authors of the _Craftsman_,
traytors and villains!
Makes some reflections on the _London Journal Jan. 9._ which had took
to pieces his _Hague_ Letter, concerning the report of a negotiation at
_Vienna_.
Mr _Osborne_ in the _London Journal_ having exposed a paradox from
the _Craftsman_, that the ministry are never right; when they do what
the _Craftsmen_ count wrong: and yet wrong, when they do what the
_Craftsmen_ count right; the _Craftsman_ observes, that ’tis allow’d
that an accommodation with the Emperor is a right measure, but attended
with fatal consequences, and almost insuperable difficulties; because
such measures might be resented by other courts as an infraction of
treaties, which Mr. _Osborne_ says, were only occasional and temporal.
The _Craftsman_ supposes these alliances to be such, but then asks,
Will our allies understand ’em in the same sense! If not, what may be
the consequences?
As to what the _Craftsman_ had granted, that the fulness of time
was come to desert one ally, and to Mr. _Osborne_’s reasons for
such desertion, he replies by demanding, Whether it was not equally
reasonable long ago?
_Osborne_ had ask’d----if upon the non-execution of this treaty,
occasion’d by the different views of the allies, another court should
grow stubborn, what must we do? This the _Craftsman_ answers by another
question, that is, Whether the different views of the allies do not
proceed from their different interests?
Craftsman, _Jan. 23._ No. 238.
From the Minutes of Mr. _Oldcastle_.
This paper continues remarks on Q. _Elizabeth_’s reign; and is a long
_Encomium_ on her management of treaties with foreign powers, which she
always conducted in such a manner as was best suited to the good of her
people and the honour and dignity of the nation. Her _Ministry_ went
wisely and steadily on to their own great purposes _of preserving the
peace of ~Europe~, and the trade and prosperity of the Kingdom._ (_See_
_Free Brit._ p. 8, 326.)
Craftsman, _Jan. 30._ No. 239.
Maintains the liberty of the _Press_, in opposition to those who argue
for the necessity of _some_ restraint, which, if granted, he says,
might be made use of to destroy all newspapers whatsoever, except the
_Gazette_.
After repeating most of the points in debate, he defends his _Hague_
letter (for which the government thought fit to call him to an account)
in as much as there was nothing in it asserted, but only supposed;
and adds, he has as much right to reason upon suppositions as Mr.
_Osborne_; and to censure the conduct of ministers, as he hath to
approve it; for unless the right is reciprocal, the liberty of the
press is no liberty at all.
As to what Mr. _Walsingham_ had allow’d, that we have a right to reason
upon political affairs, tho’ not to lay down false facts; he replies,
that he has asserted no falsehoods, and only exercised the natural
right of every _Free Briton_, to offer his opinion on affairs.
Concludes with saying, that if he should be call’d upon to defend
himself in a court of justice he must submit to the law; and abide the
judgment of his country. _See_ p. 298.
London Journal. _Jan. 2._ No. 596. against the _Craftsman_, No. 233.
The _Craftsman_ having in his said _Journal_ advanced several arguments
for the disbanding the _Army_ and repealing the _Riot Act_, the Author
of the _London Journal_ undertakes here to confute them. He admits that
a Government ought to have no more power than is necessary for the
safety and protection, the preservation and happiness of the people,
but adds that the laws alone, without a power to execute, and provide
against all sudden emergencies, and possible dangers, will not answer
these ends. Asserts that the possibility of powers being abused is not
a sufficient reason to strip the Government of such a security, or to
lodge the safety of the King in the affections of the people, which
are variable and easily seduced, and (as the _Craftsman_ allows) very
precarious, when he makes a doubt whether his present Majesty enjoys
them. Not only _Armies_ and _Riot Acts_, but even the very law itself,
by ill designing men may be used for our destruction, which were made
for our safety. But must we part with the law, because we may suffer by
the law? Every nation round us is arm’d, and must we alone stand naked
and defenceless? If the liberties of many nations have been destroy’d
by _standing armies_, the liberties of many have been preserv’d by
them. Mentions the _Revolution_ as an instance, and believes the Pr.
of _Orange_ would not have so easily succeeded, had the army been as
true to the King as they were to their country. That the disbanding
the army after the peace of _Riswick_ embolden’d the _French King_ to
set his Grandson on the Throne of _Spain_, and declare the Pretender,
which involv’d us in a ten years war: That nothing more intimidated the
Ministry in the last four years of Q. _Anne_’s reign, than the honesty
and bravery of the gentlemen of the army.
As to the riot act, he says that power is necessary to prevent riots
and tumults, and to disperse the people when so assembled. To this
purpose a law is made which tells them the consequences of it; a proper
officer gives them warning; and if after this they will stay and be
hang’d, ’tis their own fault.
He allows, that shou’d a Justice of the peace assume the liberty of
reading the proclamation where a member of parliament is chusing, he
ought to be hang’d. He don’t see how this act can injure us any other
way; for while the constitution is preserv’d, and our liberties taken
care of by the government, the people can’t be unjustly hurt by it.
The remaining part of his discourse is spent in setting forth the
unreasonableness of repealing this act, from the behaviour of the
authors of the _Craftsman_ and their abettors, who by their conduct in
exciting uneasiness in the people, have made it necessary to continue
it in force.
_London Journal_, _Jan. 9_, No. 597.
Contains remarks upon a paper in the _Craftsman_, called, _An extract
of a letter from the ~Hague~_.
The author begins with observing, that tho’ the pretence of the
_Craftsman_ is liberty and patriotism, yet his real design is
opposition to the court.
He then reflects on the _Craftsman_’s incoherent way of arguing, just
as it serves to vent his spleen; for according to him the ministry are
never right when they do what he counts wrong, and always wrong when
they do what the _Craftsman_ counts right.
When we were broken with the Emperor we were quite wrong, and now we
are going to unite with the Emperor we are equally wrong.
This paper, or letter, the _Journalist_ says, is made up of mere
conjectures, and suppositions; or else insinuations, unsupported by
facts or reason: justifies our ministry from the aspersion that we are
undoing what we have been doing these five years; and insists that
we have been continuing to do the same thing, that is, pursuing the
peace and happiness of the nation by different means, as alterations
happen’d, or circumstances varied.
He then answers the _Craftsman_’s charge of deserting one ally, by
supposing that this ally may have views inconsistent with the two
other allies, and so stand disposed to act contrary to the design of
that treaty and our interest. _England_ is not obliged to execute the
treaty, unless the other allies will act their part.
The _Craftsman_ charges the ministry with obstinate perseverance in
bad measures, and now with a precipitate alteration of councils. This
the author of this _Journal_ denies, and says, it should be more
justly called, a wise and prudent accommodating themselves to the late
unfortunate juncture of affairs. Changing hands is not an alteration of
councils, but a conduct which wise and honest men ought to observe.
_London Journal_, _Jan. 16._ No. 598.
_Reflections on the present State of Affairs, occasion’d by the
~Craftsman~, Jan. 9._
He takes notice of the _Craftsman_’s method of drawing of characters,
in which he offends all the laws of honesty, propriety and decorum;
charges without evidence or reason, and without common sense; makes
his _Mock-minister_ a composition of insolence, malice, and a small
talent for ridicule, yet is not half so odious as the _Mock-patriot_
who drest him; who, while he counterfeits publick virtue, is infamously
abusing the publick: clothes himself with the love of his country,
while he is making a jest of it; and injures the community, while he
pretends the highest regard for it; and who, because we have tried all
possible ways to preserve the peace, calls our ministers _Dupes_ of all
the powers of _Europe_, _political Mendicants_, strolling about from
court to court.
The _Craftsman_ having advanc’d, that we are inexcuseable for not
having foreseen and prevented these conjunctures in which nothing can
be done which is not a fault to do; our author asks, what conjunctures
those are, in which a man is not at liberty to act reasonably and
honestly? or can it be a fault so to act?
By the treaty of _Seville_ we only yielded to _Spain_ a point, which,
in real interest, concerned some of the contending powers. It could
hardly be imagin’d that the Emperor would have put himself to the
expence, or hazard of a war, for the small deviation of the _Quadruple
Alliance_, had he not been informed, that the allies could not agree
about the war; or that they disagreed about the scene of action; or,
for the sake of peace, the allies might all concur to wait _one Year_
to see what the Emperor would do. Any of these suppositions affords a
reason why the treaty of _Seville_ is not yet executed.
As to the queries put by the _Craftsman_, (p. 4.) they are all ask’d
for the sake of the two last, which demand, Will not this measure of
making up with the Emperor be attended with worse consequences than
turning out the minister? and----Will the objections against it, be so
strong, if manag’d by another hand?----he answers no; for persons don’t
alter the relation of things, or change the nature of actions. If it
is reasonable, ’tis equally so whoever does it.
_London Journal_, _Jan. 23._ No. 599.
By the behaviour of the ministry for some years past, it evidently
appears, that the preserving the peace of _Europe_, and securing the
trade and prosperity of the kingdom, has been their greatest concern;
but whether means taken to that end have been always right, is not so
easily determin’d.
The sword indeed might have cut our way to peace, and added to our
glory, but the event might have prov’d a general war.----Our ministry
thought wisdom better than power. To this end, when our enemies arm’d
we put ourselves in a posture of defence; we suffer’d little insults,
as a proof that we were willing to be _one_ with a nation with whom
it is our interest to be _one_. To this end we united those who were
disjoin’d, and separated those who were united; still avoiding a war.
But while the ministry have been industrious in preventing confusions,
and watching opportunities of accommodating differences, their
adversaries have practis’d all imaginary ways to insult and embarrass
them.
_Osborne_ clears himself from the imputation which the _Craftsman_ had
charg’d him with, _viz._ that the supposition that we are going to
unite with the Emperor, will be attended with perfidy, infraction of
treaties, and violation of faith.
_London Journal_, _Jan. 30._ No. 600.
This Journal contains observations on Mr. _Oldcastle’s_ minutes of
Q. _Elizabeth_’s reign, which he affirms is a collection of _Scraps_
without order or method, coherence or connexion, being sounds without
sense, confusedly thrown at the present administration. _See_ p. 3.
Admits that this Queen was a wise and glorious Princess, but says that
our _Constitution_, and the _exercise of Power at home_, is vastly
better than what they were in her reign, and our _Foreign Affairs_
transacted with as much wisdom.
Quotes Mr. _Oldcastle_’s own words, in which he describes the _Wisdom_
and _Address_ of Q. _Elizabeth_, to describe the _Wisdom_ and _Address_
of the present Minister in negotiating _Foreign Affairs_. (See p. 3.)
Lastly, he gives several maxims out of _Cambden_ and _Francis
Osborne_’s memoirs of this Queen, such as her preferring peace to war;
her delaying resentment of injuries till proper seasons; her judgment
of her subjects abilities, which she dextrously fitted for her favours
and their employments; her steady resolution not to ransom herself from
her enemies at the price of their preferments who lov’d her.
_Fog’s Journal_, _Saturday, January 9._ No. 120.
A Letter is inserted, containing remarks on Mr. _Chubb_’s discourse
concerning _Reason_, in which is asserted, that _it either is, or ought
to be a sufficient guide in matters of Religion_.
This Proposition the remarker explains in the words of Mr. _Chubb_, and
assents to, and then proceeds to consider it more particularly. Does
not comprehend Mr. _Chubb_’s observation, i. e. _The Question is not
whether there be absolutely such a capacity in man_: for if man has
such a capacity, as Mr. _Chubb_ insists, he may be truly said to be
the possessor of it. Nor can the remarker understand the sense of that
clause, _he ought to have_, because it has no relation to the dispute
between Mr. _Chubb_ and the Bp of _London_, i. e. what man _now_ has,
and is capable of.
The remarker goes on to shew, that the author’s argument to prove
that man _ought_ to have such a capacity, is needless, because it is
universally assented to.
Mr. _Chubb_ argues, _That as our species was no ways accessary to
~Adam’s~ transgression, ’tis unreasonable and unequal that they should
suffer by it._
To this is answer’d, that there are other difficulties in the general
scheme of providence as hard to be solved; as that, whole families
are involved in misery by the mismanagement of their ancestor; the
entailment of chronick and terrible disorders on children by the
debaucheries of a father, for that it is _wrong intolerable_, and
against reason to punish children for the crimes of their fathers. But
all these difficulties which seem to clash with the wisdom and goodness
of God, are rectify’d in a future state, for which we are manifestly
fitted and design’d.
_Fog’s Journal_, _Jan. 16._ No. 121.
This paper begins with a piece of humourous irony; observing that as
criticks never appear so disappointed as when they meet with beauties
in an author; so the present sett of disaffected political writers
conceive no small joy to see their country involv’d in difficulties;
nor can they be worse mortified than to see this nation flourish in
trade, wealth and credit.
That _Osborne_ (writer of the _London Journal_) and _Walsingham_ (of
the _Free Briton_) affirm, That the present crew of factious writers
proceeds on this principle. Descants upon the measures for some years
past; the destruction of the _Spanish_ Fleet in the _Mediterranean_,
whereby _Sicily_ was gain’d for the Emperor, and the preservation
of the balance of _Europe_ so ill settled by that wicked treaty of
_Utrecht_.
Mentions some of the great Actions which have stirr’d up the envy of
the disaffected; as, the sending annual fleets into the _Baltick_;
the treaty of _Hanover_; the maintaining a body of _Hessian_ troops;
sending squadrons to the coasts of _Spain_ and the _West-Indies_, the
expedition to _Spithead_ and lastly, the treaty of _Seville_. This
last, he ironically says, had like to have kill’d the disaffected
quite, because it was so wisely calculated for establishing a general
tranquillity, and for the advancing the trade of _Great Britain_!
He goes on throwing his sarcasms at the writers on the side of the
present ministry, who having challeng’d the disaffected to show any one
step taken destructive of the true interest of their country, instances
in the opening the harbour of _Dunkirk_, the Island of St. _Lucia_
planted by the _French_; raising recruits in _Ireland_ for the service
of _France_; all which the two writers aforemention’d, convinced the
world were groundless, by telling the authors of these reports, they
lyed.
He makes some reflections on Mr. _Osborne_’s observations of the ill
conduct of the ministry in the latter end of Q. _Anne_’s reign; as the
endeavours to break the power of the Dissenters, and to weaken the
security of the _Hanover_ succession; setting aside the _Quaker_’s
affirmation; the disbanding the army. All which _Fog_ laughs at! and
concludes with his surprize, that when he considers with how much
good sense these two writers have exposed the actions of that _Tory_
ministry, and how they have defended the measures of the present, there
should be a disaffected person left in the kingdom.
Fog’s Journal, _Jan. 23._ No. 123.
This Paper consists of reflections on a pamphlet, intituled, _A Defence
of the Measures of the present Administration_.
He begins with the observation which the author had made: “That
complaints and outcries are no foundation for supposing defects in
publick counsels; for in a frame of government like ours, a continuance
of the same administration will always lessen the popularity of the
ministry.
“The frequent use of this observation, _Fog_ says, is enough to shew
its good sense. ’Twas first started by the Rev. Author of the Enquiry,
all the anniversary pamphlets have had it since, and it has been
repeated by Mr. _Osborne_ 75 times; by Mr. _Walsingham_ twice as many;
nor is there any thing in this pamphlet but what has the authority of,
at least, 50 repetitions”: yet he cannot subscribe to his opinion; for
supposing it true, it is a sure sign that affairs are well conducted;
but if the contempt of all men of sense be added to this clamour, oh!
then we pronounce him an angel.
He goes on to quote another passage; “That the Peace of _Utrecht_
left us on good terms with _Spain_, which might have turn’d to our
advantage, had our affairs been wisely manag’d in the late reign; but
as they were not, it laid the foundation of the several perplexities
that have since attended us.”
This conduct of the last reign, _Fog_ says, ought to be apply’d to a
person or two since dead, and not to the present ministers. Adds, that
he might have spar’d his encomium of the _Utrecht_ treaty, or shewn us
the folly of cultivating a good understanding with the _Emperor_ and
_Spain_ at the same time, by which our affairs, every where were left
in _a stupid calm_; for had they contriv’d to make either of ’em our
enemy, we should always have had a quarrel and a treaty depending, and
so have given vent to our humours and money too.
The author having said, that when the present ministry came into power,
they observ’d from the complexion of things mischief must be gath’ring
some where, which prov’d to be an alliance betwixt _Spain_ and the
_Emperor_. This, _Fog_ affirms, was very sagacious; but that the treaty
he speaks of was, and still is deny’d by both the parties.
He then criticises on several other parts of the discourse, especially
on those which extol the conduct of our ministry and their management
of our affairs, relating to the inaction of the squadron sent to
the _West Indies_, and keeping back the _Spanish_ Treasure, thereby
rendring it useless, as to any dangerous purposes.
The wisdom of this conduct, _Fog_ takes notice, proved itself in the
Event; The _Spaniards_ were provoked; sent out their privateers, and
pillag’d our merchants!
As to humouring the Q. of _Spain_ in settling the _Italian_ dukedoms on
Don _Carlos_, says, sneeringly, besides obliging a fair Lady, _Great
Britain_ has gain’d the treaty of _Seville_!
Fog’s Journal, _Jan. 30._ No. 124.
_The Press_, says he, _has lately swarm’d with writing ~pro~ and
~con~, upon the present posture of affairs, by which we find that one
party is of opinion, that ministers of state are no more than ~men~;
t’other will have ’em to be ~angels~ (that is while they continue in
power.)----Here you read, that Affairs are in no better situation than
they should be----there, that we have neither past miscarriages, or
present grievances to complain of, and that the nation never was in so
flourishing a condition. One ~D’Anvers~, and, if I mistake not, one
~Fog~, are accused of seditiously asserting that a ~Crow~ is black, but
the writers on the other side, have with infinite Wit, proved a ~black
Crow~ to be the ~whitest~ bird of all the feather’d kind._
He proceeds thus merrily to remark on a pamphlet intitled,
_Considerations on the present state of affairs, with regard to the
Number of Forces in the Pay of ~Great Britain~_; and endeavours, in his
ironical way, to overthrow the several arguments advanced by the author
for maintaining the _Hessian_ troops, and concludes with giving his
opinion that they will be very far from convincing the disaffected.
The Grub-street Journal, _Thursday, Jan. 14._ No. 53.
Dr. _Quibus_ chuses for the subject of his discourse the operation
designed to be performed on the ears of one _Rey_, a condemn’d
malefactor, by Mr. _Cheselden_. This he treats in a ludicrous manner,
and supposes that if Mr. _Rey_ should prove so unphilosophical as to
give the surgeon the slip as soon as the operation is over, we should
be as much in the dark as we were before. He declares his opinion, that
not only the drum, but the whole organ, or the ear it self, is of no
use at all in hearing, and would know the truth of his conjecture by
seeing the ears of some malefactor entirely extirpated. Recommends it
as a thing of great use, if instead of executing malefactors they were
made to undergo such kind of experiments. Trial may be made whether
the _Retina_ of the eye is of any use in seeing. A needle might be
introduced into the eye, and the _Retina_ quite remov’d. The spleen
might be taken out of some vile malefactor, and an observation made
whether their inclinations to evil courses depend not on a superfluity
of the _Atra Bilis_. Another experiment he recommends as of great
consequence, that is, whether the tying up one of the testicles would
not determine the sex of a child begotten at such a time. By this
means, he says, many illustrious families might be inform’d of a just
and certain method of obtaining an heir to their estates. _See_ p. 19.
The Grub-street Journal, _Thursday, Jan. 14._ No. 54.
The author begins with the _Laureat_’s new-year’s ode (for which see p.
20.) and subjoins to it some explanatory notes; the substance of which
is contain’d in the following short remarks.
_Line_ 1. The eternity of the world is here maintain’d, tho’ Dr.
_Clarke_ had objected against it.
3. Old _Janus_, a heathenish emblem, is supplanted by _old Time_, as
more familiar to christian readers.
5. To this is objected, making _Spring a living person calling for
birth_ as it were to _old Time_; whereas _old Time_ had bid _spring
pass_, so no occasion for _spring to call_. Which is defended thus;
When _time bids spring pass_, it might not be ready, but as soon as it
was, it _calls for birth_.
Line 7. _Harvest_ in _summer_ is very early, and something unusual.
9. But not soon enough, it seems, because here _each season_ is said
_to bring ~THEIR~ stores ~TO~ winter’s wants, ~till~ warmer genial suns
recall the spring_----However Mr. _Cibber_’s authority makes it current.
15. An admirable improvement of _Nocte pluit tota_, &c. which to set in
a true light is translated and imitated:
_It rains all night, the shows returns with day:_
_Thus ~Jove~ and ~Cæsar~ bear divided sway._
_Plenty is Heav’n’s, and Peace our Monarch’s care,_
_Thus ~Jove~ and ~George~ divided Empire share._
But to this was objected, that we are not only indebted to heaven for
_plenty_, but for _peace_ too, tho’ like marriages said to be made
there, it was not yet come down.
21. It is queried what _war_ and _peace_ the poet means here.
22. An emendation of this line is offer’d to make it clear,
_We triumph most when ~MOST~ the farmer feeds._
and the _Beef eaters at ~St.~ James_’s, are appeal’d to for the
justness of it.
23, 24. The elegance of these lines are literally defended, but the
propriety and cadence of them are called in question.
25, 26, 27, 21. These seem inconsistent with the 19th and 20th verses.
As in the 35th, and 46th lines, _Phœbus_ had roll’d in vain, till
_Albion_ could behold such a sight as at present on the throne, well
might the poet make the exclamation in the 37th and 38th.
39, 40. As it is impossible always to REACH _our own desires_,
tho’ required by heaven, it is proposed to alter it to TEACH; that
is, instruct united hearts to address the throne by their own loyal
_desires_.
41. Read _selfish_, as better than _self-born_; all views whatever
being such.
46. _Suns_ probably should be read _sons_, because it seems to be a
contradiction to ever circling _sun_, line 1.
The criticiser concludes with observing, that when a song is good
sense, it must be made nonsense before it is made musick; so when a
song is nonsense, there’s no other way but by singing it to make it
seem tolerable sense.
_Grub-street Journal_, _Jan. 21._ No. 55.
The author begins with observing that nothing has increased their
society so much as poetry: We are taught it at school; if not, believe
we are born poets. Every corner abounds with its professors; the
bellman nightly salutes his master and mistress: the marshal, his
gentlemen soldiers every Christmas; every street rings with ballads;
the royal palace resounds with odes; and every church-yard with its
productions: _Stephen Duck_’s good fortune has occasion’d a poor Weaver
in _Spittle-fields_ to publish a miscellany of poems which he addresses
to the Queen, and introduces with this line.
_Thy fortune, ~Duck~, affects my kindred mind;_
Wherefore _Grub st._ presumes to represent to her Majesty, that
the best way to encourage the Weaver, would be to wear British
manufactures; and the thresher, by giving him a small farm in the
country; and to restrain both from writing a line more in rhime or
measure.
Apprehends, that from this general inclination to write, they shall be
oblig’d, like the royal society, to discourage intruders amongst them,
and, to prevent misunderstanding, proposes that no person shall be a
member of both societies at the same time.
_Grub-street Journal_, _Jan. 21._ No. 56.
Makes some remarks concerning the management of controversies between
the political writers. This he illustrates by two examples; by which
he would intimate the spirit that animates and governs both parties.
The first is a quotation of two severe personal characters, from a
pamphlet entitled _Sedition and Defamation display’d, in a Letter to
the Author of the Craftsman_. The other is some paragraphs attacking
two characters on the opposite side, drawn from the Pamphlet call’d,
_A proper reply to a late scurrilous libel intitled Sedition and
Defamation display’d; in a Letter to the author, by Caleb D’anvers
Esq;_ which four characters he supposes imaginary, for if they were
real, no man of sense, honour, or honesty would espouse them.
Weekly Register, _Jan. 9._ No. 39.
The _Register_ publishes a mystical letter from a club of Gardners,
wherein is figuratively describ’d the evils which the fraternity
have occasionally suffer’d from the depredations _of Locusts_,
_Palmer-worms_, _Caterpillars_, and other pestiferous vermin. Several
discourses were made by the members concerning the Origin and Progress
of these their common enemies. One of the company said, that the
first appearance of them is in a sort of spawn, spread over the
cabbage-leaves, which gradually rises into _Grubs_. This _Grubbean_
race, he reckons, are descendants of the _Egyptian Locusts_, and
the _Palmer-worms_ and _Caterpillars_, a spurious offspring of the
_Locusts_. Another of the society believes they are of an _English_
extraction; gives several significations of the word _Grub_, and then
runs a parallel between the insects called _Grubs_, and the _Grubean
Society, or Grubstreet Journalists_. To which he adds a remark, that
’tis something strange a body of Men should set themselves up to make
a merit of other men’s faults: they must of course be despicable
themselves, because they take a pleasure in making others appear so.
Remembers that in the late wartime many postscripts to the
_Flying-Posts_ were bawl’d about with abundance of news, but scarce a
word of truth: So that paper gain’d the name of the _Lying Post_, and
was called _Grub-street News_. And still it’s a common appellation,
when we hear full and true accounts cry’d by our doors, _’tis
Grubstreet, all Grubstreet_.
Weekly Register, Jan. 16. No. 40.
On _Ridicule_, address’d to the authors of the _Grubstreet-Journal_.
_Says, Ridicule is a general practice, and proceeds either from the
wantonness of our own vanity, or contempt of others frailties. We take
the same pleasure in scandal as monkies do in mischief. Wonders why
the Tea-table should be thought the mother of scandal, or the nurse
of ridicule, when all mankind is pursuing the same pleasure under
different disguises. They condemn Censure in others, that they may
indulge it themselves. The taverns are as accessary to it as private
houses. Courts are esteemed the source of politeness and good manners;
theatres of ingenuity, churches of sanctity; yet all are infected with
the evil of scandal. Seems to prefer the gaming-table as freest from
irony and slander; avarice being a spirit that allows of no rival.
This vice is contagious, and runs thro’ the whole people: it wanders
every where, like an ~ignis fatuus~, and is only at home in the
~Grubstreet-Journal~._
_Don’t pretend how far this libertinism of speech is allowable, but is
certain that every moral man will use it only for the sake of him he
censures; and every gentleman will make good manners the only rule of
behaviour. All men are jealous of their characters, and we must have a
due complaisance for one frailty while we would reform another; for
the insolence of knowledge is as insupportable as the affectation of
folly. The subjects of ridicule are to be justly chosen and carefully
distinguished._
_Concludes with some Reflections on the authors of the
~Grubstreet-Journal~, who have undertaken the drudgery of invective
under pretence of being champions for politeness._
Weekly Register, _Jan. 24._ No. 41.
He remarks, that from an ambition of emulating, without a capacity
to equal another’s excellencies, have arisen an infinite number of
pretenders to reputation. The regular physician is intruded upon by
the empyrick; the masterly painter is slighted in favour of impudence
and ignorance; the most elegant and chaste compositions of musick, are
forc’d to give way to amusements less polite: Quackery interferes with
trade, and undermines honesty. The pedlar stiles himself a merchant;
No wonder then that authors of every character are so wretchedly
personated. Exclaims against bad writers, from the Court-scribbler to
the _Grubstreet_ hackney.
Proceeds to the description of a good author; says, his principal end,
in occasional writings, should be to entertain the publick innocently
and genteely; to insinuate knowledge in the disguise of amusement,
and trifle the world into virtue and good manners: he should consider
every reader as a critick and a gentleman, and be earful of offending
either: points out what a writer should observe, who would recommend
himself and entertain the world; _i. e._ an important subject, a clear
and expressive method, a flowing and natural stile, imagination and
judgment, truth and impartiality, modesty in his images, pity for the
failings of human nature, and endeavours to amend ’em. He shou’d think
himself a son of the publick and be an example of the generous spirit
he would recommend; he should be able to race the passions thro’ all
their disguises; have knowledge in his head, and good humour in his
heart: he should be an enemy to vice, but a friend to all mankind.
Weekly Register, _Jan. 30._ No. 42.
This is a continuation of a former discourse upon criticism, wherein he
points out several excellencies that distinguish a good critick from a
bad.
He then considers the manner of criticism, that some are _Fox-hunters_
in censure, and declare war against all writers in general. Some are
like _Fig_ and _Sutton_, the declar’d antagonists to one another. Some
are _Whigs_ and _Tories_, divided into parties, always applauding
themselves, and condemning their opposers. Some are _Grubstreet_
hawkers, who make a penny of throwing about censure at random without
distinction or regard of persons.
The design of criticism is amendment; and concludes with acknowledging
his own failings, and his readiness to be handsomely corrected.
The Universal Spectator, _Saturday Jan. 2._ No. 117.
_Great wits to madness nearly are ally’d_
_And thin partitions do their bounds divide._
Dryden.
Mr. _Stonecastle_, the nominal author, begins this day’s entertainment
with observing that men are not born for themselves; that we are
not only bound to relieve the necessities of others, but in all our
dealings, _&c._ with mankind to render ourselves grateful to all,
offensive to none, much less take pleasure in doing disagreeable
things. Says there is a sett of people who are frequently committing
ill-bred, rude, and even shocking things, which they excuse by only
saying, ’tis their humour. Instances in a certain knight, who never
spoke himself, nor suffer’d any body in his presence to speak louder
than to be barely heard; insomuch that his servants, as they were
accustom’d to be mutes at home, behav’d like no body when they came
abroad.
His nephew _Silvio_, just come from the university, declaims on every
subject you can mention, and imagines himself master of every science.
Whatever is the topick of discourse, he will suffer no body to talk
upon it but himself; his uncle has but one hope of curing him of his
folly, that is, by engaging him to talk of maritime affairs before
captain _Firebal_ of the _Tempest_, who, very probably, will beat him
into better manners.
Beauty itself loses its attraction when accompanied with these humours.
_Artemisa_ is exquisitely handsome, but takes the liberty of abusing
every body at random, by asking ill-natur’d questions, and being witty
upon others imperfections: excuses herself by saying, ’tis her way to
tell unlucky truths and she can’t help it.
_Crito_ is a man of sense, learning, and accuracy of judgment; but this
ought not to privilege him to treat every writer he does not like with
opprobrious language.
_Belliza_ has wit and beauty, accompanied with a solid judgment. Yet
all this will hardly palliate the disgust she gives people with whom
she eats. She never uses a fork, is be-greased up to the knuckles, and
by her immoderate taking of snuff, which frequently falling among her
sauce, she gives her guests their bellies full before they have half
din’d. Concludes with a merry story of a certain Colonel, whose flight
it was, when he had drank a glass or two too much, to fire off and play
tricks with his pistols. One night the col. having drank too freely
order’d, his footman, who was an _Irishman_ newly hired, to bring his
pistols, _Teague_ obey’d; the Col. loaded them both, and having lock’d
the door commanded his man to hold one of the candles at arm’s length,
till he snuff’d it with a ball. Prayers and intreaties were in vain,
and comply he must, and did, tho’ trembling; the Col. perform’d the
operation at the first attempt, then laying down his pistols was going
to unlock the door. _Teague_ catches up that which was loaded, ‘Arra
Maishter, says he, but now you must take up t’other candle, and let me
have my shoot too.’ The col. call’d him rogue and rascal to no purpose,
_Teague_ was now vested with power, and would be obey’d: Accordingly
his master extended the candle, but this being the first time of
_Teague_’s performing, he not only miss’d, but shot off a button from
the breast of the colonel’s coat. So narrow an escape had a good
effect, and cur’d him of this humour of turning marksman in his drink.
The Universal Spectator, _Jan. 9._ No. 118.
Contains two Letters, with the _Spectator’s_ answers to them.
The first is from a gentleman, who, about three months since, fell
passionately in love with a lady at a ball; gives an account of his
courtship, and of the kind reception of his addresses during that time,
till of a sudden, without any reason given, or objection made, the lady
sent him a peremptory message to desist any further pursuit. Complains
that ’tis ungenerous and unjust to keep people so long in suspence,
with no design but to gratify female pride and vanity.
To this the _Spectator_ replies, That the lady gave him fair play, and
an opportunity of rendring himself agreeable; which when she found he
could not, she very civilly, by a third person, desir’d him to desist.
However, he says, ’tis but reasonable that the lady should give him a
certificate of his good behaviour during his courtship.
The second letter is from a young lady of 15, who signs herself
_Carolina_, which may be summ’d up and comprized in those two queries.
1. _May a Woman entertain several lovers at the same time?_
2. _After a Woman has once receiv’d a man’s addresses, may she with
honour turn him off?_
To the first he answers, _That such a licence might be granted, if
nothing was design’d by it but the chusing of the most deserving for
a husband; but considering the inconveniences that would necessarily
attend such an indulgence, he durst not allow it._
The second query he grants in the affirmative; that is, _if she
discovers him false and base, or uncapable of making her happy_.
Universal Spectator, _January, 16._ No. 119.
Contains a letter from a physician, in which he describes the miserable
condition of his patients, that apply to him on the _venereal_ account.
Of this sort the most unfortunate and pitiful object is a woman of the
town, who, if not quite abandon’d, gives a loose to her passion on such
occasions. The consideration of her past, present, and future state,
fills her with distraction, and involves her in endless evils, from
which death only can deliver her.