473 Historical Observations respecting Liverpool. the patient; and it has been found of essential benefit to the persons afflicted, and also to the town at large, which may be considered as remarkably healthful. The Alms-Houses, at the head of Mount Pleasant- street, though detached from the house of Industry, are at no great distance from it. These furnish a comfortable abode to many poor persons. The buildings are low, but terminating at each extremity by two wings, with an area in front; they have a neat and pleasing appearance. The parish cemetery is at no great distance from these houses, and in this the dead are deposited in coffins, placed side by side, and piled one on another, in large excavations made in the ground to receive them. The Ladies have a CHARITY, which was begun in 1796, for relieving at their houses poor married women in child-bed. These receive medical assistance, bed-linen, food, and every other necessary, which their situation requires. No building is exclusively appropriated to this charity. It is patronized by ladies of the first respectability, and its affairs are conducted by a committee of six ladies and seven gentlemen, with a lady patroness, president, and vice-president. In the year 1819, 1358 persons were relieved from this institution, and its expenditure amounted to £1289. 9s. 7 d. An Institution for restoring Drowned Persons, was established in October, 1775, at the charge of the corporation, who give to those who take up a body, one guinea for each person recovered, and half-a-guinea when all efforts prove unsuccessful. By these encouragements, a great proportion of those whose bodies have been taken up within a time which might afford the least hope of re-animation, have been restored to life. To facilitate this humane design, long poles, with hooks at the ends, are distributed about the docks, for the purpose of dragging for such persons as unfortunately fall into the water. The Stranger's Friend Society, originated with the Wesleyan Methodists in this town; and it is chiefly, though not exclusively, conducted by them. From the benefits of this institution, the members of the Methodist Society in Liverpool, are wholly excluded; but to all other denominations and deNo. 27.-VOL. III. 474 scriptions of persons, its doors are always open. Distress is the only recommendation required. Few benevolent institutions established in Liverpool, have been attended with so many beneficial effects as this. The number of persons that have been relieved since its commencement in 1789, is almost incredible. Of the services which have been rendered to the unhappy sufferers, its supporters are deeply sensible, and this sensibility they have fully evinced by their liberality. It only requires to be universally known to receive universal patronage. In March, 1804, the Welsh Charitable Society was instituted. The object of this institution, which is under the patronage of His Majesty, is to instruct, clothe, and apprentice poor children, descended from Welsh parents, and born in Liverpool, but who have no parochial settlement within the town.^ An extensive school, under the direction of this society, has been erected in Russel-street, where the education of 430 boys is conducted on the Madras system. The Female School of Industry, which was begun in September, 1809, has for its object the moral and religious instruction of poor girls, in order to make them useful and industrious members of society. The children are clothed and educated at the expense of the institution. From their earnings, a certain portion is deducted towards the defraying of the current expenditure; and, under certain regulations, a fund is established, from which each receives a given sum on her marriage, on the birth of each legitimate child, or, if unmarried, an annual stipend for life, after a given age. The Roman Catholics have a large Charity-School on Copperas - Hill, which was built by subscription. Its object is the tuition of children belonging to the Romish Church only. There is also another extensive school in Pleasant-street, for the instruction of children of Irish parents of all denominations. The Liverpool Female Penitentiary, was projected on the day of our national jubilee, in 1809. A public meeting was afterwards held on the occasion, in the Town-Hall, and, the charity being sanctioned, it received support from the promise of annual 2 H 475 Reply to Animadversions on Hutton & Bonnycastle, subscriptions, on which it has since continued to subsist. The institution is at present carried on in a large house at Edge-Hill; but a spot on which the erection of an eligible building is in contemplation, has been procured in a more convenient situation, and some preparations are already making for the accomplishment of this benevolent purpose. At the time of the jubilee, the debtors confined in the Borough gaol were liberated by a public subscription; but the money subscribed exceeding the sum required, the surplus, amounting to about £800, was placed out at interest, the produce to be applied, under the direction of a committee, to the relief of debtors confined in the Borough gaol. Through the investigations to which this institution has led, many fraudulent transactions, and illegal arrests, have been detected; and the institution has proved a powerful protection to the unsuspecting seaman and foreigner, against the wiles of unfeeling dishonesty. Another benevolent institution, designed to benefit the condition of the Poor, and increase their comforts, was also established in consequence of the jubilee. Its effects are complicated and various, but all chiefly tending to teach the needy to draw their own resources from themselves. The objects which this institution has in view, are promoted by benevolent exertions, carried on in a commodious building in Bold-street. 476 Reply to Animadversions on Hutton and Bonnycastle. MR. EDITOR. SIR,-It appears from an article inserted in your interesting work for Dec. last, col. 980, that Mr. Dunch is of opinion, I have said too much in favour of Dr. Hutton and Mr. Bonnycastle, and that the praise attributed to them, is due to Mr. A. Taylor, who, it seems, published a treatise on Arithmetic, in the year 1804; from which work, he insinuates, that those Mathematicians have derived their chief excellencies, in respect to the method of stating questions in the Rule of Three, A moment's reflection might have convinced him of the contrary, for the methods of stating are totally different; his rules, and their rules, have scarcely any thing in common. Besides, about 30 years ago, when I was a school-boy, (and how long prior to that period, I know not,) Dr. Hutton's treatise and rule were in general use in the northern counties; and other treatises of earlier date, contain the same rule; it will be suffi cient to notice only one, Mr. J. Mair's Treatise on Arithmetic, published in 1777. Mr, Bonnycastle's method is the same, but his arrangement of the terms different, and, as I think, more scientific. It is true, this method was not given in the earlier editions of his excellent treatise, it being first introduced, I believe, in the tenth edition; but it is quite ridiculous to suppose he borrowed it from Mr. Taylor's work, which agrees with it in nothing, except the arrangement of the terms, when the proportion happens to be direct. Also, there are other works well known to Mr. Bonnycastle, in which are found both the same method and arrangement. I need only mention J. Robertson's Arithmetic, prefixed to his Elements of Navigation; mine is the third edition, published in 1772. This shews that Mr. Dunch has not sufficiently attended to the subject, and his zeal for his friend has carried him beyond due decorum in his remarks. The Auxiliary Bible Society, which was established in 1811, has its depository in Slater-street, in which also a Ladies' Branch is included. This is supported by subscriptions, donations, and public collections at the annual meetings held in May. Besides rendering assistance to the parent institution, its object is to distribute Bibles and Testaments to the poor, to seamen, and to foreigners, who visit the port. Since its establishment, this society has distributed 36,574 Bibles and Testaments, and the sum expended amounts to nearly £14,000. The annual meeting is nu- Judging from the extracts given, it merously and respectably attended. does not appear to me, that Mr. TayLike the object which it aims to pro-lor's method possesses any peculiar mote, it knows nothing of sect or party: the speakers belong to Christians of various denominations. (To be continued.) advantages; or, that it is at all to be compared with those of Dr. Hutton and Mr. Bonnycastle. However, I never intended to be understood as ་ ་ A stating, that the method originated with those celebrated mathematicians. As to the contractions I have noticed, it need only be remarked, that they are found, with several others, in many of the treatises on Arithmetic; they were selected as being the most useful and general. I shall only add, that from an extensive experience in instructing youth, I have been led to conclude, that the rule, as given in your number for May last, col. 333, is better than any I have seen, and that alone was the reason for wishing to give it circulation in your valuable work: those who have been accustomed to other methods, may think differently; and to persons who already understand the subject, one rule may be as good as another, and perhaps the difference will not be great to clearheaded learners, but I am persuaded, it is of more consequence to those pupils who are less bright in their intellect, I remain yours, &c. Bristol, March 1, 1821. THOS. EXLEY. Answers to a Question on Ring-worms in Children's Heads. MR. EDITOR. SIR,-Your correspondent, (col. 374,) who requests that some humane person will prescribe a cure for what is called the Ring-worm in the heads of children, may use the following with safety and success: 478 SIR,-In your Magazine for April, a in If your correspondent will address a letter to M. B. at the Post-office, Rochdale, without charge, a safe and in question, will be sent him gratis, simple remedy to cure the complaint which has, on several occasions, had I am yours, &c. the desired effect. April 14, 1821. HUMANITAS. Reply to a Query on Instinct and MR. EDITOR. Your's respectfully, J. J. In order to assist inquiry, it will be proper, in the first place, to ask, What is Instinct?" By some Lexicographers, it is deTake of muriated quicksilver, ten fined to be "that power which acts grains; dissolve in muriatic acid ten on and impels brutes to any particudrops; then add antimonial wine anlar manner of conduct, supposed neounce. Of these drops, let a child, cessary in its effects, and to be given two years old, take three or four, (if them instead of Reason." The celethey do not purge,) night and morn-brated Dr. Paley calls it " a propening, in a little cold water. An adult may take from fifteen to twenty. Let the eruptions be anointed night and morning with the following oint ment: sity prior to experience, and independent of instruction." As this definition is apparently more perspicuous, and at the same time elucidates the nature of instinct, more obviously than the former, we shall, on the authority of its author, consider it as the criterion of our opinions. From this definition we may learn, that instinct in brutes bears a strict analogy to the will in man, and that the difference between these two principles consists, in the one being subject to the government, and under the direction, of the Almighty, while the other exerts a free and independent capacity. This being understood, we 479 Review-The Rights of God and Cæsar. have no reason to conclude, what is generally allowed to be true, that this propensity (abstractedly considered) is endued with intelligence. For it would be evidently ridiculous to say of the will, that it is cunning, or sagacious; the same will hold good of instinct, for those epithets are equally_applicable to it. From hence then, I think we may fairly conclude, that instinct is not intelligent; it being an evident inconsistency to ascribe to the will, or any thing analogous to it, wisdom or sagacity. This reasoning may appear strange, and be unsalutary, to those who have been accustomed to adhere to general opinion, and may possibly excite against them the charge of presumption. But let them remember, that to oppose it, will be effectually to contradict the truth of the above definition, which certainly sanctions the conclusion. However, to close our remarks, it will be proper to observe, that what appears to constitute the essential properties of Instinct, are, a capability of receiving, and communicating power. Should we consider Instinct as it is generally considered, we must ascribe it to the Almighty, and call its essential properties, his perfections. And although various objections may be alleged in opposition to this opinion, yet it must be allowed, that what to us appears foolish and absurd in the modes of nature, may, perhaps, be looked upon by God, as perfect wisdom, being essential to his government of the natural world. The question connected with this, will be easily answered. For it is manifest, that all the principles of mind, of which man is possessed, form a line of distinction between him and brutes; and it would be repugnant to common sense, to fix upon any particular principles to form this distinction. If we take it otherwise, we shall at once perceive a manifest dis 480 REVIEW.-The Rights of God and Casar; a discourse on Matt. xxv. 15--21. By Adam Clarke, LL.D. F.A.S. Member of the American Antiquarian Society; and Honorary Member of the Historical Society of New York. pp. 31. London. Butterworth & Blanshard. 1821. THERE is scarcely any ground on which a theological adventurer can tread, more dangerous than that which may be denominated political. At every step he takes, either volcanic fires, concealed abysses, or the prognostics of earthquakes, threaten to arrest his progress, and to overwhelm him in the conflict of elemental war. But, although dangers menace, multitudes have ventured on the polical ocean, many of whom have never more returned to port; and among those few who have been more fortunate, several have appeared with "shrouds and tackle torn." The discourse before us has evidently a political aspect; but the topics discussed, have no bearing either on Whig or Tory. The ground, which is too wide for party spirit to occupy, embraces, on an extended scale, a reply to this important question-" Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?" This question is answered in the affirmative; but on such principles as few will be disposed to controvert; and in such a manner as is not likely to give offence, even to men whose political creeds are hostility to each other. Dr. Clarke observes, in "Christ shews his profound wisdom and prudence, in not attempting to discuss the ques tion at large, as that would have involved considerations of a political nature, which the comof which, in any case, they would have been mon people could not well comprehend; and very inadequate judges. And in this, has not our Lord left the preachers of his gospel an example that they should follow his steps? How injudicious must that preacher be, who frequently brings before his people abstract questions concerning civil rights and civil wrongs, party politics, reasons of state, finan cial blunders, royal prerogatives, divine right of kings, &c. questions, on which a thousand things may be said pro and con; and, after all, a wise and dispassionate man finds it extremely difficult, after hearing both sides, to make up his mind as to that to which he should from duty and interest attach himself. Those who have made the science of law and government the study of a considerable part of a long life, possessed of such advantages as can never fall within the reach of the common people, find themselves often puzzled in their own speculations and de 481 Review-The Royal Minstrel. can entertain no doubt! How then can the un 482 nidas, and several other works, will be comprised in the same species of composition with the Iliad, the Æneid, and Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered. These works will all range under his definition, which is, that recital of some illustrious enterprise, in a poetical form." Admitting this latter definition to be correct, no doubt can be entertained, that the Royal Minstrel is entitled to the character which it assumes. ductions, though formed on and from principles, of the truth and excellence of which they educated, how naturally strong soever and vigorous their intellect may be, judge on such subjects, so as to steer clear of the perplexities of the science in general, and of the practical absurdities into which the partizans of liberty" an Epic Poem is, in its nature, the and prerogative are continually running? Our Lord, therefore, wisely avoids such discussions, as they could never lead to general edification; and settles the business by seizing a maxim that is common among all nations, and was practically acknowledged by the Jews, viz. that the prince who causes his image and titles to be struck on the current coin of a country, thereby claims the sovereignty, and is virtually acknowledged to be the governor. Instances of this are frequent in Asiatic history.”—p. 13. In this extract, the Author has evidently done more than he intended; he has given the character of his sermon, in delineating the wisdom of the Sa viour. To his numerous friends, it will be a sufficient recommendation to say, that this discourse is connected with the name of Dr. Clarke, and that it is not unworthy of the name it bears. REVIEW.-The Royal Minstrel, or the Witcheries of Endor, an Epic Poem, in twelve Books. By J. F. Pennie. 8vo. pp. 442. Pinnock & Maunder, Strand, London. 1819. The exploits of David constitute the most commanding actions of the Poem, to which various characters, enterprises, interviews, incidents, and adventures, are all made subservient. A consultation between demons and the Witch of Endor, to dethrone Saul, and to prevent David from being king, occupies the first book: David leaving his flocks, and visiting the camp of Israel, the second: the preparations for battle, the defiance of Goliath, David's introduction to Saul, accepting of the challenge, and conquest of the Philistine giant, the third: the friendship of David and Jonathan, the envy of Saul, and the danger of David, the fourth: various vicissitudes in David's life, the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth: his interview with Abigail, and the circumstances which follow, the ninth: Da “AN Epic Poem," according to Bossu, 66 is a discourse invented with art, to form the manners, by instructions dis-vid's adventures, and Saul's consultaguised under the allegory of an important action related in verse, in a probable, entertaining, and surprising manner." To enumerate the various opinions that have been entertained, respecting the nature and specific properties of an Epic Poem, would occupy more room, than we can devote to the article now under consideration; and should we take the judgment of some fastidious critics for our guide, we should be led to conclude, that the Iliad of Homer, and the Eneid of Virgil, are the only compositions in existence, that can aspire to this honourable name. tion of the Witch of Endor, the tenth: the march of the Philistines to fight the Hebrews, a mutiny, Ziklag in flames, and David's triumphs, the eleventh: and the grand battle on Gilboa, the discomfiture of the Israelites, the death of Saul, of Jonathan, and his brothers, the funeral of the king, and David's splendid coronation, fill up the twelfth, and conclude the poem. Ten pages, containing short notes, are appended at the conclusion, explanatory of the historical allusions, the facts, and the modes of expression which occur in various parts of the work. Although we do not intend to accuse Dr. Blair, however, dissents from the author of plagiarism, no one can this severity of exclusive appropria- cast his eye over this poem without tion, and calls it "the pedantry of instantly observing, that he is inticriticism." According to this author's mately acquainted with Milton's Paraviews, Milton's Paradise Lost, Lu-dise Lost; and it is no dishonour to can's Pharsalia, Statius's Thebaid, his genius to observe, that in many Ossian's Fingal and Temora, Ca- places he has been a successful imimoen's Lusiad, Voltaire's Henriade, tator of this great example. The maCambray's Telemachus, Glover's Leo-chinery throughout, bears a strong re |