SKETCH OF THE LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATIONS OF LIVERPOOL. MUCH is often said of the support given to intellectual pursuits in the present day, particular in the department of Literature; many are the congratulations which are offered to the public at our "grand Soirées," and similar réunions upon our progress in this respect; and it may be that the popular faith in the attainment of the progress claimed is well founded; but we must not compare ourselves only with a standard confessedly so deficient as is the intellectual developement of our forefathers, but try ourselves by that abstract standard of excellence, which is the goal of our exertions; so far unattainable, but which stands out more and more in beauty and distinctness, as we penetrate the misty ignorance which surrounds it. In Liverpool we have several institutions and societies which assist, with more or less elevation of aim, in the education of the public mind. Besides the Exchange, "where merchants most do congregate," and which is confined solely to political and commercial intelligence, there are the Lyceum and Union News-rooms, which have very much the same object, but add to their literary attractions the Magazines and Reviews of the day. The Athenæum combines with its News-room a valuable Library of reference; and the Liverpool Library, (frequently but incorrectly styled the Lyceum Library, from its occupying part of the building belonging to the Lyceum News-room,) is the largest Circulating Library in the Kingdom, containing we believe upwards of 50,000 volumes in every department of Science, Literature and Art; among which are some very valuable manuscript and printed works of reference. The Royal Institution, which is incorporated by a charter granted by George IV, is more general in its objects than any we have yet named; and comprises a public school for boys, which ranks high for its classical tuition; a small but valuable scientific library; an extensive Museum, particularly of Natural History; and a small collection of paintings, which must be regarded only as the nucleus of what may some day become the "Permanent Gallery of Art." This Institution ranks deservedly high in the public esteem, from the cordial and liberal support it has uniformly yielded to numerous institutions and societies of an intellectual character, some of which have past away and left no record; whilst others are flourishing, and each in its own sphere promoting the same general end. These institutions are all proprietary; that is, for any one to participate in the advantages they afford, it was originally intended, and, with some exceptions, is still necessary that he should possess a share in the property. This is a condition which prevents many from having those opportunities for improvement they wish for; and in these days a want much felt, is generally ministered to. Of the Institutions which are supported by periodical subscriptions, we believe the oldest is the Mechanics and Apprentices' Library, which was established to afford those classes the use of a Circulating Library of miscellaneous literature. We believe that the subscribers were of two classes, the one consisting of gentlemen favorable to the diffusion of knowledge, who were the largest contributors to its funds, and from whom a Mechanic or Apprentice must obtain a nomination, in order to secure, at a smaller subscription, as a member in the second class, the advantages offered to him. After a course of varying prosperity, but of constant usefulness, this Library was amalgamated with the Brougham Institute, which was established about twelve years since, to provide, at a cheap rate, a News-room, Lectures, and Classes to working men, and was designed to be managed mainly by individuals of that rank. We are afraid that its utility is not so great as its promoters wished; but the cause of its shortcomings we are unable to explain. Perhaps its Secretary will do so in an early number (?) The Mechanics and Apprentices' Library was succeeded just a quarter of a century since, by the Mechanics' Institution, which started its career in the apartments belonging to the Union News-room, in Slater-street, now occupied by the Royal Mersey Yacht Club. It provides a Day School for children of both sexes; evening classes for youths and men engaged in the day; Lectures; an extensive Circulating Library; and a Museum. This was fol ewed, in a few years afterwards, by the Collegiate Institution, which seems to embrace pretty much the same objects, namely, the education of the extensive middle class, but approximating more to the type of the old grammar schools. The Collegiate Institution is of a mixed proprietary and subscription constitution, the property being vested in contributors of £100, who select the managing directors from the subscribers. It was succeeded by the Northern Mechanics' Institution, which, after a long period of quiescence, seems budding into activity and usefulness; and last, but not least, comes the Roscoe Club, which is directed as much to meeting the social as the literal requirements of its members. The Early Closing Association, though not ranking as one of the Literary Institutions, is, or should be, a powerful auxiliary to promoting their utility and success. The great reduction it has effected in the hours of business, is an important advantage to the extensive class to whom it is secured; but the assistants should remember that the time thus redeemed, is another talent which they have to place at interest, and for which they are accountable, and that they will greatly assist the efforts of the association, if they will, by a judicious and conscientious employment of their leisure hours, prove themselves worthy of the boon which is conceded to them. In addition to the Institutions, commonly so called, there are several societies for promoting a taste for general, or technical study, mainly by periodical meetings, at which are read essays and communications upon different subjects of interest, followed by a general conversation or discussion. They are as follows, enumerated in chronological order: the Literary and Philosophical Society, with which is now amalgamated the Natural History Society; the Academy of Arts; the Polytechnic; the Architectural and Archæological, and the Historic Societies. The Academy of Arts provides instruction for its younger members in classes supported, we believe, by the proceeds of the annual exhibition of Works of Art. The other societies are supported by small annual contributions from members, who are admitted by ballot. The Medical profession support their institution in Hope-street, together with one or two societies, public and private. We are not initiated into their constitution and objects; but shall feel obliged by any authenticated information, with which we may be favored for publication. Our object in giving this sketch of the different agents in promoting intellectual progress in Liverpool, are to direct more attention to them individually, (and for this end, we shall be happy to publish more detailed statements that may be supplied;) and to estimate the extent of that literary cultivation which is so often boasted. The population is generally estimated, in round numbers, at 400,000. Now, excluding the mere News-rooms, and the technical societies, such as the Medical Institution, and the Academy of Arts, also those who are members of more than one Institution or society, but making a liberal allowance for the frequenters of the valuable Libraries of Willan and Parry, the total number of the supporters of literature will be found not to exceed 10,000 persons: deducting three-fifths of the population for the children, we shall have 160,000 adults, which will show a proportion of one in sixteen, as being literary in their tastes and habits! We cannot think this result is satisfactory or creditable; for what does it show, but that fifteen out of every sixteen persons in the town, are so engrossed with business, domestic cares, politics, or sensuous gratification, that they have no leisure or taste for intellectual improvement! We think we have shown that the medal of the public mind has its dark reverse, as well as a bright observe; but it must not be forgotten that though much improvement remains to be wrought, there are many agents doing it; the very Institutions and Societies we have enumerated; the different educational institutions, not forgetting the ragged schools, are silently and unostentatiously preparing for the higher cultivation of succeeding generations. May God speed the good work! refine that which is earthly, and sensuous in our present stage; and teach humility to those over-confident of the work done, by showing how much there remains to do! ON NOBLENESS MANIFESTED IN THE CHARACTERS OF EMINENT MEN. AN ESSAY DELIVERED AT THE CONVERSAZIONE IN THE ROSCOE CLUB, ON FRIDAY EVENING, 2ND FEB., 1849. BY MR. R. W. THOM. IF men would earnestly look upon life and understand how fleeting it is, feel how trivial perishable things are, learn how much of noble work lies by their hand asking to be done, and discern the imperishable nature of that work when done,-those hours which are bestowed upon the vain worship of the Evanescent would be devoted to earnest labour in the Perennial. Through the whole universe the cry for true work is heard. Everywhere the result of true work is seen. Beneath us, above us, around us, within us, the results of true work exist: the work of Power, infinite and finite. Beneath us, the earth, with its mysterious perpetual fires, its ever-renewed gar ment of flowers, its seas, moun tains and unceasing melody of winds. Above us, the unnumbered multitude of stars. Around us, cultivated fields, broad cities, navies that render the seas populous. Within us, the results of the spiritual labour of prophets, and poets, and priests; of those who climbed the heavens, and measured the stars; of those who made the ocean a highway, and spread out the earth before our eyes; of those who passed into the secret and dark places of society, and revealed what exists there-the perpetual and awful struggles of soul darkened by misery and maddened by sin: the marvel of the Night on which we gaze, the Earth on which we tread, the Air we breathe, the Thoughts which seem tenants of our soul; all, all are results of earnest work! In our age, when an undue importance is, in all quarters, attached to the External and Temporary, and while all true souls clearly discern the consequence of this in the trivial, and unearnest character of life, it cannot be unprofitable to direct attention to the characters of those who, resting on the Inward and Eternal, infused into their lives, and into the result, in work, of their lives, a spirit over which Death and Time have no power. Acting upon this principle, we will endeavour to point out some of the qualities of nobleness which gave immortal beauty, and immeasurable influence, to the lives of Galileo and Newton, of Columbus, Howard, and Shakspere. As our business, on this occasion, is with the inner faculties and qualities of these men, and not with the events which resulted from their possessing these faculties and qualities, we shall content ourselves with such a brief mention of these events as will serve to place the individuals in a fitting light before the minds of those present, to whom they are not already familiarly known. Thus, of Galileo it will be sufficient to say, that he was born at Pisa in 1564; that he discovered the rate of descent of falling bodies; that he invented the Telescope, and confirmed the Copernican system; that he published many books calculated to dissipate the scholastic darkness of the time; that he was subjected to violent persecutions on account of the truths which he taught; and that he died in 1649, in the 78th year of his age. In the character of Galileo, we contemplate nobleness in its most august form; in that form which distinguishes the patriot from the parasite, the martyr from the apostate, the honest man from the knave; we mean, faithfulness to perceptions of the true. Every man has felt how difficult it is, even in the common affairs of life, to maintain the truth inviolate. His course lies clear before the eyes of his own soul; but then, he is assailed by the importunities of friends, by the ridicule of enemies, by the love of those whom he must sacrifice, by contempt for those whom he will serve, by dread of the derision of the blind world, and in all probability by the vile suggestions of self-interest. If it be thus difficult to act upon known truths, how manifold must the difficulties be in the case of A 3 him who is the first propounder of a truth, probably destined to overthrow altars, to break down kings' thrones, and to revolutionize the opinions of nations of men! Splendours and terrors are around such a man. The audible voice of heaven speaks in his heart as in a solemn temple. He is commissioned to begin the new, and around him the insane world, old in its madness, is raging! It seems to us, at this day, that the audience to whom this Galileo had to deliver the truths that were in him was strangely blind and intolerant. But biography emphatically declares that the Galileo's of man's progress have ever met with similar audiences. It points to the persecutions of Jenner and Harvey, to John Milton, "alone, 'mid evil days and evil men," to this Galileo in his imprisonment and banishments, and, highest, to the divine Promulgator of that religion in the light of which we live, crucified of men!" It is a glorious, but truly a fearful commission, to promulgate a new truth; to become, by the necessity of the case, its defender, the object against whom error, old it may be in dominance, will direct its strength, and on whom it will exhaust its malice. By the law, all falsehoods must die; but they are often tenacious of existence, and in their extermination the holiest of human lives have been expended. This Galileo is to us a notable example of the dignity which heroic adhesion to truth confers upon the character of a man. How high he stood above the common things of the world! above the low ambitions of ordinary men! above the usual rewards of effort! Of what account to such a man were a few acres of this earth which he believed would one day be wrapt in fire and pass away like a dream? What to this man were the smiles of an earthly sovereign? Did he not know that, high above the clouds and the stars, sat the Everlasting King, in the breath of whose anger the mighty of the earth were as chaff? To such a man, what signified the love of princes, the hatred of bishops, or the loud laudations of parasitical courtiers? Did he not believe that to the uncountable multitude of truth-loving souls to whom earth would be a temporary restingplace, his name would be a sweet-smelling savour? Galileo knew, when the truth his which he taught first dawned upon mind, that life to him would be a fierce struggle "a battle and a march"-a great agony-a series of bloody sweats; and he prepared his spirit accordingly. He knew how much it imported to mankind that the commissioned speaker of a truth should be faithful to his great trust. Faithful he was to his trust! And now, when the business is over, when the truths which he announced are established, and the sufferings which he endured are past; when his strong heart has ceased to beat, and the period when he lived begins to look dim and unreal,-the high significance of his life is becoming apparent; his heroic example stands out from a dead age, manifesting to men the solemn nobleness of Faithfulness to the True! We pass from the celebrated Galileo to his no less celebrated successor, Sir Isaac Newton. As in the case of Galileo, and with like brevity, we notice the principal events in his life. Newton was born in 1642. We are indebted to him for his theory of Light and Colour; for the theory of Gravitation; and for his great work, "The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy." He died in 1727, in the 84th year of his age. We first observe, in contemplating this man's character, his noble modesty. Many generations of men had looked upon the stars. Chaldean shepherds by night had gazed upon them with dumb wonder. Egyptian Magi had scanned their countless throng, and dim poetic ideas of their influences on the destinies of men had risen on their souls. But before the eyes of this man the Highest raised the veil, and to him it was given to look upon the everrecurring miracle of the night, to understand its laws, and to reveal them to men. Yet in the noon of this divine vision, we hear him exclaiming, "I am but as a child gathering up shells on the shore of the great ocean of Truth." He looked upon God's universe, and he felt that it was infinite. He reflected upon the matter, and discerned that although a part here, and a part there, might reveal themselves, yet, as a whole, it must ever remain incomprehensible. This man was no self-sufficient pedant, ever exclaiming, “I know,” “I know." He was no arrogant controversialist, with presumptuous denial, or equally presumptuous questioning, ever on his lips. He knew the difficulty of attaining to truth, and he trusted less to his power of reaching it than to the attraction of the love which he bore toward it, for making it his own. He knew that Love, not power, conquers Truth. The next thing we observe in this man is, the silent and earnest manner in which he pursued his work. Silent and earnest he was, as the Divine Book of Night, which he sought to read. Eternity and Immensity cast their shadows on his soul, and his mind perpetually brooded on marvellous possibilities. He knew that, as the sun rises into the night of our world, and unhurrying but unresting, waxes in strength until it fills our hemisphere with the splendours of day, so great truths rise in the darkness of the mind, so grow in strength, in glory, and in power. We discern no trifling with the Hour, and the Thought in this man. He knew that he was no pagan Jupiter, to spend to-day in licentious pleasures, and have an eternity remaining for noble effort. He knew that he was no pagan Mars to be overthrown in the battle of to-day, and rise to morrow radiant and victorious. He knew that he was a mere man; that his sole workfield was the Present; that every breath which he drew was lessening his sphere of action ; that Eternity, an unobservable but irresistible power, was crushing him down to dusty dumbness. There is another form of nobleness conspicuous in this man: Truthfulness to the dignity of Man's moral nature. There is a pernicious idea floating in the minds of men, that high intellectual power is an excuse for the com. mission of moral wrong; or, rather, that there is an indestructible association between the higher forms of genius and immorality. Few fataler errors have been propounded than this. How many young men, mistaking the unrest of youthful passion for the divine fire of the old prophets, seek in this palpable untruth an excuse for entering upon licentious courses ! And how many have sought, but sought in vain, for consolation in it, when they stand in the vale of years alone with their crimes! The life of this man is a solemn proof of the possibility of the highest intellectual power being combined with the purest moral practice: a truth proved to all wise men's satisfaction before his day, in the life of Milton, and, since his day, proved anew in the life of Wordsworth. As the Highest has kindled stars in the night of the deep, by which the mariner can shape his dubious way, so he has kindled stars in the moral night of life, by which a man may direct his course. |