# The Gentleman's Magazine/Volume 1/Issue 1/A View of the Weekly Essays

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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 observ'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, the 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 wroung; 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 interefts?
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 news papers 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 falshoods, 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. Men​tions 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 extra of a letter from the Hague.
The author begins with observing, that tho' the pretence of the Craftsman is liberty and patiotism, 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 suppofitions; 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 defign'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; not can they be worse mortified than to see this nation flourish in trade, wealth and credit.
That Osborne (writer of the London Journal) and Wallingham (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 fsme 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. 13. 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 fubscribe 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 somewhere, 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 ​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 warm'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 past, 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:
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,
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 take 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 selfborn; 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.
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 fort 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 offpring 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 infects 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 Grubstreet 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 Grubftreet 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 mast 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. 34. 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 Grubfstreet 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 fearful 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 trace 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.
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 disguft she gives people with whom she eats. She never uses a fork, is begreased 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.
Proceeds to argue with the infamous authors of the misery of these wretches, who first seduce the poor young creatures from their innocence, and then triumph in their wickedness. He who debauches a maiden, and then exposes her to want and shame, is arrived to such a monstrous height of villany, that no word in our language can reach it. Mentions a further species of cruelty, that is, the necessity some of these poor wretches are under, if with child, of applying to a magistrate to procure some pitiful maintenance for her unfortunate babe. ——— When all that is to be done by the father, is to make the best bargain he can with the church-wardens to take it off his hands; which is commonly done for a treat, and 10 or 12 l. So the child is placed upon the parish, and the woman upon the town.
Univers. Spectator, Jan. 23. No. 120.
Entertains his readers with two letters; the first is from Trislitia Stale, who complains that she is continually persecuted, merely because she is an old maid.
Virginity, she says, has not always been a reproach, sees no encouragement in matrimony, and begs the Spectator to reprimand the malaperts, who ridicule chastity; adds, that a single life in woman was esteem'd among the ancient as well as modern Romans; vestals then, and nuns now.
The other letter is from Charlotte Wilful, a young lady of 19, who says she has two admirers. The first is 'squire Scrape, who has 1200 l. per annum, which he keeps in his own hands and farms himself, and therefore is favour'd in pretentions by her father.
Mr 'Myrtle, her mother's favourite, is the other, who, by his own account is near 40, by that of his acquaintance 10 years older, has squander'd away a good estate, but by the death of an uncle is now worth 1000 l. per annum, and is a perfect humourist.
But to both these she prefers Mr Plume of the Innter-Temple, who has no estate, but is of a sweet temper. Concludes with desiring Mr Stonecastle to declaim on parents making choices for their Children, with a stroke on antiquated beaus, and rural animals, and to recommend a fine gentleman with no fortune. Desires, by way of postscript, that he would not delay publishing her letter, because Mr Plume and she had agreed to run away together on Tuesday next.
The Universal Spectator, Jan. 30. No. 121.
AMong all those amusements people find to pass away the time, Poesy and Musik are the most elegantly en​tertaining. By the ancients they were look'd upon as immediately inspired from above, and the professors reverenc'd as sacred, and the favourites of heaven.
He adds, that we excel the ancients in musick, if not in poetry, and prefers a good English fong, tho' set to a common tune, before the Italian trifling unnatural compositions. The one ravishes the ear, only, the other entertains the understanding also. ——— Hence he takes occasion to recommend A collection of Lyric poems and songs, with musick annexed, lately publish'd.
Free Briton, Jan. 7. No. 58.
THE author refutes a falsity advanced by Mr D'anvers in the Craftsman of the 13th of Dec. where in, speaking of the riot-act, he says, "That an election of Church-wardens hath been already made a handle for putting this law in execution. That the master of a small vessel was kept a whole year in prison, to the loss of his voyage, and almost the ruin of his family, upon happening to go thro' the churchyard, from visiting a friend, an hour after the proclamation was read. Nay, that the poor man might have run the hazard of his life, as well as have been put to further expences, if his late Majesty had not graciously pleas'd to grant him a Noli prosequi."
The falsehood of this story the Free Briton thus corrects. ——— The gentlemen of Greenwich disagreeing upon the choice of a church-warden at Easter 1722, a poll was demanded and a scrutiny afterwards agreed on. The scrutineers met, but a number of dissolute persons tumultuously assembling at the same time, insulted the justices in a rude and outragious manner, (justice Savory receiving a blow on the back by a great stone) so that it was thought proper to read the proclamation in order to disperse them. Among the rioters was Charles Curtis, master of a small vessel. He was with them before, at, and after the proclamation was read, and very notorious by his behaviour; was several times admonished by the justices to depart; and as often very civilly acquainted by them with the ill consequence of his continuance in that riotous assembly. But notwithstanding their repeated admonitions, he still continued, and was found among the rioters an hour and a half after the Proclamation was read, and being even then advised to leave that place, and to avoid the fatal consequence, the said Curtis, still refused to depart, and insisted with uncommon insolence, that he was as much about his business in that place as the justices themselves. Whereupon he was apprehended, committed to Maidstone Gaol, try'd, and convicted, but in compassion to his family his punishment was suspended; but a Noli prosequi was never granted.
The aim of the Free Briton, in this paper, is to shew the inconclusive reasoning of the Craftsman from matters of fact falsely asserted.
Free Briton, Jan. 14. No. 59.
IN the conclusion of this paper is a letter by way of reply to the Craftsman, Jan. 9. wherein that author calls upon the Free Briton to justify the administration for breaking with the Emperor. To which the Free Briton answers, that it will be full time to make a defence when such measures are undertaken; that their insolence is astonishing, in imputing the same crimes to our ministers for which themselves have deserved a halter. Asks the Craftsman whether he imagines the ministry are so fond of the Emperor on the sudden, as to sacrifice the trade of Spain, and abandon all the powers of Europe, only to run into his arms?
In Feb. last an outcry was rais'd on ​a pretended discovery that the ministry were making up at Vienna by an implicit guarantee of the Emperor's succession to the Austrian Netherlands, as he should settle it; yet this could not be obtain'd of the British councils; and now we are told we are ready to lurch all our allies for his sake.
The authors of the Craftsman allow that this Treaty-breaking measure would be right, provided a certain great man was removed. As if national compacts could be dissolv'd by the change of the minister: The nation must answer for the faith of treaties. Grants that such a conduct might be expected, should this ministry be changed.
It does not rebound to the shame of those who made the treaty of Seville, that the parties have allow'd the Emperor a reasonable time to come into their measures; which if they had not, they would have been charg'd with rashness, precipitation, and every enormity. Concludes with mentioning several injuries and insults that this nation has suffer'd from the Imperial quarter.
free Briton, Jan. 21.
HE applies Job's saying to his friends, Will you lye for God? to the Craftsman, Will you lye for liberty and country? and asks, if he demands impunity for defamatory falsehood?
Breach of faith, which the Craftsman had laid to the charge of the ministry, is the most virulent aspersion that a libeller can utter against any government, and declares his opinion, that spreading false news is no part of the freedom of the press.
He thinks no honest cause wants the assistance of falshood, so no man should lay claim to liberty who adheres not to truth; therefore the Craftsman ought not to complain of severity from the government, unless he will evince the truth of his assertion.
Men think that prosecutions and confinement are very hard, not considering the provocations that urg'd them; and that the worst imputations are charg'd on the councils of the crown, without the least colour of truth. The punishment inflicted on a libelling printer, bears no proportion with the wrongs thus offer'd to a great people.
Distinguishes between opinions offer'd upon national affairs, and misrepresentations of those affairs. The first is not criminal, the other may. Says, these men may be punished on the Statute, as spreaders of false news.
The Craftsman can defend him self no other way then by refuting the charge of falshood.
The Craftsman had suggested that the Government abetted the very practices for which he is under prosecution; and instanced in the pamphlet Sedition and Defamation display'd, which represents the conduct and characters of two persons who have laboured these five years to make this ministry odious, for which reasons the opposite writers spare no invectives to point cur these gentlemen Weekly, as Traitors and Villains. The Free Briton here justifies the characters complain'd of.
Free Briton, Jan. 28. No. 61.
HE takes notice that the Craftsman in his reply to the pamphlet called Sedition and Defamation display'd, has not once attempted to show that the characters of two gentlemen there given are in the least unlike or injurious, and maintains that whatever is said of them in that pamphlet is indisputably true; yet observes, that the author admitted, that he who had wronged his friendship, and betrayed his confidence, came into the world with all the advantages that recommend men to the esteem, favour, and approbation of mankind.
​The Craftsman on the contrary divests the minister whose character he draws of all those talents and abilities, without which, power is not easily acquir'd or long maintain'd. See p. 4.
But the minister's abilities have been the dread and disappointment of his enemies, and have carried him thro' innumerable difficulties for five years together, and enabled him to baffle all their attempts against him; notwithstanding he is describ'd as setting out in mean circumstances, and recommended to mankind by every bad quality, yet those who object this now, were more than ten years his associates in private life as well as publick affairs. As to what has been said of his being superior in impudence to all, this author replies, that 'twas never heard that he call'd gentlemen scoundrels in public assemblies; reviled the Speeches from the Throne; or, that if affairs were managed as he dictated, he would maintain his Majesty's administration.
Several other scurrilous reflections, thrown out against this honourable person, are answer'd at large in this paper, and some of them charged with notorious falshood.
The British Journal: or, The Traveller, Jan. 9.
THE author mentions two evils which attend those that trade with pawnbrokers; the first is, persons who have left pledges in their hands, upon offering to redeem them, have been obliged to advance five or six shillings more then they borrow'd on them. The other is the power of the pawnbroker to defraud his customer entirely of his pledge; both which may be redress'd by obliging pawnbrokers to give a receipt to every person borrowing money on pledges, to which both borrower and lender shall subscribe their names, and each of them take a copy.
In some considerations on the stage, opera's, and the force of musick, he says, that an opera ought to be as regularly conducted, and the characters as justly maintain'd; the same end propos'd, and as large room for the exercise of a fine genius, as in tragedy or comedy. That a compleat opera set to musick would have an advantage over tragedy. Is not pleased with the Recitative of an opera, because 'tis the musick of the songs only that dwell on the memory.
Distinguishes between the grand-opera and those ballad-opera's now in vogue, which latter, if well set to musick, might deserve applause.
Commends Addison's Rosamond as a beautifull piece of poetry, both in fable and language. In it is maintain'd the dignity of tragedy, the humour of comedy, and the principal end of opera's; i.e. the encouragement of virtue, discouraging vice, and probabality through the whole is preserv'd.
The British Journal, Jan. 23.
RElates the history of two traytors, Edric the father, and Edric the son, who lived near 800 years a go; from which he collects and concludes with this lesson to princes, that they ought to be cautious whom they trust, and to pry with piercing eyes into the conduct of their ministers, and the motives of their counsels.
An Extract of a Discourse made to the Royal Society, in Defence of Mr. Cheselden's intended Operation on the Ear of a condemn'd Malefactor.
Daily Courant. Jan. 17.
THE author first observes, that the skin, commonly call'd The Drum of the Ear, is not the organ of hearing, as was vulgarly thought; for the proof of which he offers a great number of reasons and observations of his own, as well as the opinions and reasons of the most ​learned and judicious anatomists. He then observes, there are two passages to the organs of hearing; one by the outward ear, the other thro' the back part of the mouth, thro' which some people can hear, who cannot hear thro' the outward ear. In this case he supposes the sound may be interrupted by the drum of the ear, which is seated in this passage, and being diseased, may hinder sounds from passing to the internal parts, where are seated the proper organs of hearing: In this case only, he supposes, that perforating the drum may prove a remedy for deafness, as depressing the chrystalline humour of the eye (vulgarly call'd couching a cataract) is daily found to be a remedy for blindness; and yet that operation has been as indecently and ignorantly ridicul'd as the experiment of Mr. Cheselden's; one writer against that operation not scrupling to give his book the following title, A new method of recovering the sight by putting out the eye. He also observes, that the scituation of the drum is such, that the operation may be easily made by a skilful person; and it being a very thin skin, he presumes it will not be very painful; and if so, the person who is to undergo the experiment will purchase his life upon very easy terms: But supposing it should be very painful; (which 'tis hop'd it will not be) on whom can the first experiment be so fitly made, for the service of mankind, as on one whose life is already forfeited to the publick?
(See page 10. Col. 2.]
Read's Weekly Journal, Jan. 16.
ENtertains his readers with a letter from a correspondent concerning the present state of the Law; takes notice of the spleen which in general appears against lawyer and law; says, that the multiplicity of statutes is one of the greatest grievances of this kingdom. Quotes an opinion of a learned judge, that the best way to reform the law, was to abrogate all the acts made for its amendment. Asserts, that the founding a proper Corpus Juris, is the highest point of policy in a well order'd state. The old English method of proceeding against debtors, being judg'd inconvenient, produced the act on which was founded the Capias in detinue, as the shortest way of recovery. Complains of fictitious suits, particularly in ejectments. He resents likewise the encouragement given in every court to the multitude of suitors, as contrary to the very end of justice. Proposes some remedies for these evils, by an act empowering commissioners to inspect into
1. The condition of the law in general, common and statute; what of them may be repealed, and what not.
2. To frame proper instructions to direct those who are instructed with this execution of the law.
3. To examine into the nature of actions on the case, which by judge Dodderidge is declared to be a feigned action contrived in deceit of the law.
4. To contrive how to prevent vexetious and litigious suits, by lessening the credit of parole agreement.
5. That every practiser of the law be obliged by oath to give his opinion justly to the best of his knowledge, to practise fairly, and by an indirect means procure false judgment in any case.
Lastly, To compile a compleat body of the law, with an institute of maxims and rules, a treatise of practice, and the forms to be observed by courts.
See more concerning the amending the law, p. 77. 98. 100. 106. and the substance of the Act passed this Sessions of Parliament relating there to p. 213.