Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-03-23
OFT and Motley are not more remarkable

colt and Motley are not more remarkable
for their research and comprehensive grasp
Of long periods of time than for the
clearness and beauty Of their style.
David~Hume was born in Edinburgh,
April 26, l7ll. He was Of good family
and was well educated. His family de-
signed him for the law, but he had an
aversion to that profession and consumed
the time they supposed he was dcvoting
to its study in devouring Cicero and Nir-
gil. They then sought 10 establish him
in mercantile pursuits. But nothing was
congenial to his taste but literary ca
reer. He went to France and spent two
years in study. Such were his habits of
economy that he supported himself on a
small income-in fact made himself rich
by making his wants few.
While in France he composed his first
work, "a Treatise Of Human Nature
which he tells us fell "dead-bo from
the press" But this failure did not dis
courage him. Four years later, in l742,
he published the first part Of his Essays,
which were favorably received. In 1852
he published his "Political Discourse"
and principles of Morals" the latter of
which he regarded as the best Of all his
writings.
In 1854 he published the first volume
of his history. This contained the reigns
of James and Charles |, and failed alike
to satisfy the friends and foes Of these
monarchs. From all parties it received
severe treatment, and Mr.. Hume, who
had borne cheerfully former failures apd
discouragements, would now, he tells US,
but for the fact Of war between England
and France, have fled to some quiet town
in the latter kingdom, changed his name
and never again have returned to his na-
tive country.
Encouraged by few instances of ap-
probation, he completed his history, ex-
tending it back to the invasion Of julius
Cesar and forward to the abdication Of
James the second-the work rising to
good degree of popularity, much to its
authors satisfaction. He died, August
25th, l776, aged 65.
Of his works the history is most valu-
able, though his philosophical writings
contain the germs Of ideas since more
fully elaborated and exercised no small
influence on human affairs.
He is the author of the famous argu-
ment against miracles, that they are con-
trary to human experience that testimony
should be false, an argument successfully
met by showing that miracles rest on an
amount of testimony and Of such char
acter that it is more incredible that the
testimony be false than that the miracles
be true.
His philosophy is the blankest and
most cheerless scepticism. He applies to
religion and morals principles which he
admits lead to universal scepticism ''to
doubts that would not only shake all in
ductive science to pieces, but would put
stop to the whole business of life"
Love of literature was the ruling pas
sion of his life and the source Of most of
his enjoyment. He held that literary
pursuits were SO far superior to all other
occupations that those who attain to me-
diocrity in them merit pre-eminence
above those who excel in any others.
As man his life was upright and
moral and characterized by self-control
and marked evenness of temper. Good
natured and cheerful, he was highly
esteemed by his friends.
He died as he lived, entertaining his
friends upon his death bed with jocose re-
marks about possible but invalid excuses
he might offer TO Charon to induce him to
delay ferrying him over.
Many editions Of Hume History have
been published in this country, but the
best and cheapest is that published by
Claxton, Remsen IL Haiielfnger of Phil
adelphia, and known as the Grown Edi-
ton in six volumes. 1t combines clear
type, good paper, substantial binding and
neat and attractive appearance. 1t Is
prefaced by short account Of his life
written by himself, and letter from
Adam Smith, one of his most intimate
friends. Bound in cloth it is published
at the reduced price of 5000; library
.,,.Jo go m L,If calf SlS ~