the appellation of Temperance Societies in many parts of the United States, but our limits forbid any thing but a brief remark. That they have done good, and may do good, by precept and example, under proper limitations, we have no doubt. But the danger of all associations, to aid the law, or go beyond the law, is the peril of attempting too much; and, consequently, accomplishing little. The means are not always proportioned to the end, and sometimes these means wear more the aspect of pharasaical arrogance than becomes a christian spirit. When men form combinations of this description, they go on the presumption that they are better than their neighbours, and this belief once entertained, the domestic inquisition which would carry us to his side-board to ascertain the quantity of brandy each man consumes, would seem to be altogether justifiable. Besides, in this age of cant and fanaticism, there is some danger of the whole government of society being put into the hands of these public and irresponsible associations. The meetings, by which they are called together, are exceedingly flattering to human vanity, and the occasions which they furnish for display, abundantly gratifying. Of all the societies that meet at Free Mason's Hall, in London, to take under their parental care the rights and interests of the whole human race, how many of the quacks, who come forth with the most lusty arrogance, know one jot of the disease for which they prescribe, or have ever even seen their patients. These decorous mobs, after all, are dangerous associations, without they are constantly under the restraints of a wise discretion-"a wise and masterly inactivity" they seldom consult. But, that Temperance Societies, by collecting, accumulating and diffusing the details and statistics of drunkenness, may do much good, we have no doubt. Let them beware of instituting inquisitions into the habits of their neighbours, or combinations proscribing all men whose habits may not be as ascetic as their own, lest a reaction should take place which would destroy the best part of their labours. They surely ought to recollect, that if drunkenness is a vice, one of the noblest attributes of man, is the fortitude which enables him to use all the pleasures of life, without impairing his magnanimous discharge of its duties, and that there is quite as much virtue in heroically resisting temptation, as in flying with craven timidity from its spells. CONTENTS OF No. X. The Miscellaneous Works of Sir Philip Sidney, Knight. With a Life of the Author, and Illustrative Notes. By William Gray, Esq. 1. An American Dictionary of the English Language, &c. To which are prefixed, an Introductory Dissertation on the Origin, History and Connection of the Languages of Western Asia and of Europe, and a con- cise Grammar of the English Language. By Noah Webster, L. L. D. 2. Grammaire Arabe à l'usage de l'école speciale des langues Orien- V. BENTHAM'S JUDICIAL EVIDENCE, Rationale of Judicial Evidence specially applied to English Practice. From the Manuscripts of Jeremy Bentham, Esq. Bencher of Lincoln's- VI. HEBER'S LIFE OF JEREMY TAYLOR, The Life of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, D. D. Lord Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore; with a critical examination of his Wri- tings. By the Right Rev. Reginald Heber, D. D. Late Lord Bishop SOUTHERN REVIEW. NO. X. MAY, 1830. ART. I.-Memoires de M. Bourrienne, Ministre d'Etat sur Napoleon, le Directoire, le Consulat, l'Empire et la Restoration. 6 vols. 8vo. Paris. 1829. THE French Revolution is destined to become the theme of unnumbered dissertations. The memoirs that relate to the French Revolution, to its causes, incidents and actors, and particularly to him who for so long a time seemed destined to give it its permanent form and final character, already amount to many hundred volumes, and every season is bringing forth additions to these stores, and increasing the pages devoted to this very remarkable period in the history of the civilized world. During the exaltation of Bonaparte, there were flatterers enough, he himself conspicuous among the number, to extol his character, celebrate his exploits, and magnify his power. But since that power has waned, and other planets have become lords of the ascendant, multitudes have arisen to question the greatness that was apparently so pre-eminent, and tarnish the glory that once shone so specious and so fair. A few, either from the necessity of their position, or from a devotion to his memory, which rendered and still renders them insensible to his aberrations, occasionally appear as the defenders or apologists of all his actions; but the greater number undoubtedly consider the moment favourable to every developement which can lower his reputation or cast a shade over any point or portion of his character. Bonaparte, during his rapid and brilliant career, had, indeed, committed offences against all parties in the state, and left VOL. V.-No. 10. 33 |