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VOL. XVI.

RICHMOND, MARCH, 1850.

NO. 3.

WILLIAM GODWIN.

BY H. T. TUCKERMAN.

social life, the laws of well-being and the resources of nature in her relation to humanity. This has become the noblest and most auspicious office of the literary reformers.

Byron laughed at the idea of any one being There comes a time to every thinker and en-seriously injured by a book, and Napoleon prothusiast, when he instinctively questions the cir- fessed to regard literary talent as an abstraction. cumstances that surround him, the relations in Doubtless, when tried according to strict utility, which he finds himself, and the social obligations many of the aspects of literature are merely that seem an inevitable and inherited necessity. tasteful and curious; and there is some justificaThis happens when some natural want or honest tion for the low estimate in which men of pracopinion or conscious right is thwarted by these tical science and efficient action hold its pursuit. arbitrary regulations; or when a great and ob- If we glance over the literary history of any navious social wrong presses heavily upon a fel- tion, we find that its agency is limited, that it low creature, and the injustice awakens his sym- serves as a representative oftener than an initiapathy. The reflections incident to such expe- tive purpose, and chiefly gives us insight into the rience, usually convince the liberal mind that mental tastes and habitudes of an epoch or a there is vast injury bequeathed by custom; that race. Thus, it is a pleasing task to follow the prejudice, fear, and indolence, only hinder society intellectual growth of the South of Europe from from discarding a yoke, that dwarfs the intellect, the crude and picturesque ballad, to the classic and narrows the heart of its members; and that epic or tragedy; or to behold the entire spirit of an infinite need of reform exists. In some breasts an age embodied by the poet in vivid and lasting the conviction thus engendered, is temporary; colors; but we cannot fail to perceive that at the others are reconciled to it by the idea of neces- very time these master-pieces were fashioned, sity; the many soon learn how to evade or com- the war, the intrigue, the political and social promise the particular evil that interferes with economy of the nation proceeded uninfluenced their developement; and only in the few is there by the labors of bard or philosopher, who reaped bred a permanent spirit of resistance, a solemn their harvest, even of fame, only at a subsequent determination to keep individuality intact, or a period. The relation of the writer to his age is generous passion to ameliorate the condition or often intimate without being essential-in what enfranchise the life of society. The majority of may be called the ornamental branch of letters. reformers, too, dedicate themselves to a special Men of action sway the people. Events operate cause and promote it by the machinery and the more directly than ideas; and the scholar is often arts of faction; so that the number is very se- conscious that his position is isolated and comlect, who attempt to strike at the root of social paratively unimportant. Yet it is to be rememevil by reference to first principles, who boldly, bered that all literature does not consist of fanyet with discrimination, institute an inquiry into ciful creatious, that it is not exclusively an art. the claims of a law, the authenticity of a cus- The sonnet, the play, and the chronicle may only tom, or the sanction of a practice that interferes serve an occasional, a recreative, or, at best, a with the primal interests of humanity. The conservative end; the bard may only most extravagant discussions of this kind were his graver friends;" and the tangible deed may excited by the French Revolution, which by re- wholly overwhelm the airy word. Literature, ducing social life to its chaotic elements, seemed in short, may, in the practical world, assume no to furnish new avenues of truth and opportuni- higher agency than that of a graceful diversion; ties for reform. The atrocities, however, of that yet its whole significance is not thus exhausted; terrible experiment caused a reaction so power- it is capable of another office. If, chameleonful as to strengthen the position of the conserva- like, it takes its hue from the immediate and the tive. As the ferment subsided, reason soon transitory, it also may be inspired by character, equalized the inferences of both extremes of and become the medium of truth. The writer, opinion; and thus, in the end, promoted the ad- if ordained to entertain, to celebrate and to repvancement of truth; and the result has been resent, is likewise endowed to enlighten, to ina more wise examination of the principles of spire, and to reform. Formerly the latter aim VOL. XVI-17

"'amuse

was indirectly sought. Cervantes, it has been lish poets, who met at Bristol, at the end of the said, 46 laughed Spain's chivalry away;" the last century, and so ardently planned a scheme French comedy exposed social abuses, and the of emigration to America-there to live accordEnglish essayists refined the tone of manners; ing to nature and justice, though regarded n but the genuine literary reformer is the offspring as so many knight-errant youths, represented. of more extensive and serious enterprise; and fact, a prevalent state of mind. It is curious a the history of modern literature would exhibit a instructive, to recur to the subsequent opinions new and sublime phase of a subject which pre- the only member of the trio who achieved a lo viously, however curious and pleasing, unfolds life of respectable and successful industry. little of the interest which attaches to a great awoke from the dream of social reform, very moral purpose. Even Bonaparte would scarcely soon after circumstances interfered with the prohave ventured to call Luther an ideologist. The posed experiment, and then wrote thus to a truth is, as civilization has diminished the power friend : of material forces upon social destiny, literature has furnished weapons to the man of action who, "Have you read Madame Roland's Appel a in ruder times, would have scorned the pen and l'impartialete Posterite? It is one of those books trusted in the sword. Manhood has, at length, detest and despise mankind in a mass. that make me love individuals, and yet dread, There found its place in literature. It has been made was a time when I believed in the persuadibility evident that courage, firmness, sagacity-the of man, and had a mania of man-mending. Exqualities which chiefly distinguish political, mili-perience has taught me better. The ablest phytary and scientific leaders, may find scope in the writer, give to his style genuine power, and to his thought absolute influence. There are few more reliable signs of true cultivation than patience and self-possession; and these traits have gradually won vantage ground, once held by physical force and superstition. It is now believed that, however lightly received at first, all truth is destined to make its legitimate impression,-to work its way gradually into a practical result, and become embodied in the life of society. Hence the activity and range which speculative inquiry has taken; hence the faith which sus

sician can do little in the great lazar-house of society; it is a pest-house that infects all within its atmosphere. He acts the wisest part who retires from the contagion; nor is that part either a selfish or a cowardly one; it is ascending the Ark, like Noah, to preserve a remnant which may become the whole. As to what is the cause of the incalculable wretchedness of society, and what is the panacea, I have long felt certified in my own mind. The rich are strangely ignorant of the miseries to which the lower and larger part of mankind are abandoned. The savage and the civilized states are alike unnatural and unworthy the origin and end of man. Hence from being the effect, become the cause of vice."* the prevalence of skepticism and atheism, which,

tains the advocates of each reform founded in nature and reason, in their consistent though apWriters, however, of comprehensive views, parently ineffectual course; and hence the satis- even without experiencing, like Southey, this faction which the sincere lovers of truth and hu- early passion for social reform, and thence lapmanity realize, in the emphatic annunciation of sing into conservatism, do not fail to recognise their opinions, and their indifference to the apa- the necessity of some kind of compensation and thy or scorn they momently excite. Law is now relief from the organization of life around them. a recognised fact among men; and science, by Thus Goethe, who so effectually isolated himself promulgating the laws of nature, has deepened from popular movements. declares that "every reliance upon this principle. It is widely known individual has, in virtue of his natural tendencies and felt that character, fortune, government, his- a right to principles which do not destroy his intory, and life are all thus regulated, defined and dividuality." And it is by cleaving to these prinpredestined; and, among other inevitable tendencies, however the conviction may be darkened by cant, is that the law of progress is now credited, and the process of it is believed to be the gradual assimilation of truth.

ciples that the progress of true reform is most accelerated. The dislike that wise men feel for rabid innovators, for the intolerance of those who have espoused a single idea, and run a life tilt against a special abuse, is more than justified by Thus what society ordains and enforces in re- the spirit in which such reformers work, the gard to property, marriage, religion, and other means they adopt, and the prerogatives they universal interests, is brought into distinct con- claim. More to be honoured and relied upon is trast with the natural sentiments, when they are the consistent philosopher and poet, who, without fresh, unsubdued and ingenuous. According to arrogance, but with emphatic clearness, and in the character which applies the test, there fol-tones of serene wisdom and genuine love, prolows either resignation and conformity, direct claims and makes beautiful and apparent the opposition and protest, or voluntary seclusion

from active, social existence. The three Eug

*Life and Correspondence of Southey.

truth-confiding in its innate power and eternal | and small class of men; his principles, carried out vitality.

to the letter, are adapted exclusively to the intelThe uprightness and kindly disposition of God- lectual, to those who habitually exercise self-conwin authorise faith in the purity of his motives, trol. In a word, they belong to a race of philosand the disinterestedness of his zeal. In May ophers, to a republic of mind; and, only upon the 1791, he conceived the idea of a work that hypothesis that human society will one day be should analyze the evils of the social system by re-constructed on such a model, can they be reathe test of reason. A remarkable frankness sonably deemed of any general utility. The conand patience characterize the tone of "Political sciousness of the reformer was too much his Justice." The author. begins with announcing guide in these speculations; he omitted to take his views of mental philosophy, unfolds what he into the account many of the instinctive attriconsiders the primary elements of human nature, butes of humanity. He exaggerated the acquiand thence educes a social theory. He declares red at the expense of the innate; and, feeling that "the moral qualities of men are the produce within himself the capacity to respect the rights of the impressions made upon them;" that there of others without external obligation, he inferred is no original propensity to evil;" that mankind a like disposition as originally universal in his are progressive, and all that is needful to ensure fellow-creatures. The sentiment of virtue, in his their advancement is "unlimited discussion;" heart, was not only natural, it was romantic. that justice should be the invariable guide; He coolly declares the propriety of sacrificing that she requires only "the acting under every not only interest. but affection, to justice. He circumstance in the manner that shall procure recognises nothing sacred in man but reason. the greatest quantity of general good." To il- The intuitive is quite overlooked. Hence the lustrate and enforce these principles, is the object fallacy of many of his suggestions. What then, of this elaborate dissertation. It is a striking it may be asked, is his claim to the title of reproof of the interest generally felt, at the time of former? That of having followed truth, in one its appearance, in such inquiries, and also of the confidence that existed in Godwin's ability, that he received seven hundred pounds for the work. Notwithstanding the earnestness with which hê espoused and advocated reform, his exemplary moderation is apparent in the following extract from the introduction:

direction, with a boldness and an acute perception rarely equalled, and given an impulse to the rational investigation of social evils, as well as a new insight into the dangerous tendencies of prescription and conventionalism. The "Political Justice" is to be consulted, not for implicit belief, but on account of its noble vindication of individual man, and suggestive thoughts on the progress of society. It is to be sought, as were the alchemists and the astrologers of old, by men of judg

"When these advantages have been unfolded by superior penetration, they cannot yet for some time be expected to be understood by the multitude. Time, reading and conversation, are ne- ment;-not in the expectation of supernatural cessary to render them familiar. They must de-aid, but to acquire a knowledge of those laws scend in regular gradations from the most thought- with which the pursuit of a chimera incidentally ful to the most unobservant. He, that begins made their votaries familiar. Godwin's remarks with an appeal to the people, may be suspected to understand little of the true character of mind."

on different forms of government and means of culture, on the need of mental independence and the satisfaction of pursuing truth, are full of serene wisdom. He has exposed the evils of hy

described the happiness and efficiency of a free, heroic, and just mind, in a way to charm every generous heart. His courage, his rationality, his tranquil faith in his race, are noble attractions; and he makes us keenly feel, that "the fault is in ourselves, not in our stars, that we are underlings."

He then proceeds to discuss war, religious establishments, law, standing armies, oaths, legisla-pocrisy more cogently than any preacher; and tion, marriage and education according to this system of complete and immaculate justice, as interpreted by pure reason. As might have been anticipated, this process rigidly followed, brought to light many important truths, or rather placed them in a more striking point of view; the great questions involved in the discussion were rendered more palpable, and their consequences more intelligible. It was like applying some powerful test in chemical science; latent qualities were developed and unsuspected affinities revealed; but in the end, it was also proved that the test was not of universal application. Godwin's reasoning may be, in the main, correct, but his premises refer, not to mankind, but to a particular

The following passages illustrate both the style and the principles of "Political Justice :"

inconsistent with the nature of man, than pos"Nothing can be more adverse to reason or itive regulations, tending to continue a certain mode of proceeding, when its utility is gone."

"I ought to prefer no human being to another