ページの画像
PDF
ePub
[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

ADVERTISEMENT.

In the sixteenth number of the Museum, we published two articles of considerable length, on the Rev. Edward Irving, in which he was celebrated with much warmth of eulogy. Almost all the magazines from which that number of the Museum was compiled, extolled him in the same style.-In the number for November, we took notice of the prevalence of a quite different temper in some of the leading monthly journals, and in a few words gave their general opinion.-We have since read an article in the Christian Observer, (upon whose opinions in religious matters and upon whose moderation and candour in any matter, we would as willingly rely as upon the united testimony of all the others) and deem it our duty, in justice to Mr. Irving, to make the following ex

tracts:

"It is scarcely possible to mention the writer of this work, within ten miles of the metropolis, without calling forth the language of exalted praise or excessive vituperation. Neither ladies nor gentlemen, however moderate on other subjects, can show any moderation upon this. It is admitted on all hands that Mr. Irving is no ordinary man; but whether he be more entitled to a bad eminence among the merely extravagant part of our species, or to a high station among the wise and the excellent of the earth; whether his principles, talents, and attainments ought to place him among the intellectual lords of the creation, or his bad taste, black hair, and Scottish dialect ought to sink him to the level of the lowest, is a point which, in the present conflict of popular opinion, is not likely soon to be decided.

"For ourselves, we strongly reprobate the practice of measuring the ministers of Christ, like scenic actors, by their voice and person and gestures; and, besides, having never yet set foot within the walls of Mr. Irving's chapel, we must profess our utter incompetence to deliver a judgment on several matters which are said to involve his character as a public speaker, and to affect sundry classes among his hearers. Our opinion of him is formed, not from the impression produced by his personal appearance, or by the nature of his elocution, whether these be attractive or the contrary; whether, as it was said in old times of St. Paul, his presence be weak and his speech contemptible, or precisely the reverse. We can pronounce upon him only through the medium of his book. "One of the most remarkable features of Mr. Irving's character, VOL. IV. No. 19.-Museum.

A

« 前へ次へ »