Essays on the Foundation and Publication of Opinions, and on other Subjects. Essays of the Pursuit of Truth, on the Progress of Knowledge, and the Fundamental Principles of all Evidence and Expectation. [pp. 394-428]

The Formation of Opinions,.'c.
but after making all due allowance, there will be much remaining in the Essays of this anonymous author, which cannot be easily rivalled.
Upon the publication of the second edition of the "Essays,
on the Formation and Publication of Opinions," we find it
noticed in the same Review, but probably by a different critic,
in the following manner, "It gives us no ordinary pleasure
to find that a second edition has been called for of this very
useful volume. It is one of the signs of the times...... The
design is excellent, and the execution more than creditable.
A popular manner has been studied by the writer, and with
success. The train of thought is simple, without being superficial, and is followed at once with ease and with interest."
The principal topics which are treated in these volumes are,
the utility of the knowledge of truth, and its invariable connexion with happiness-the importance of cherishing a sincere love of truth, fearless of consequences-the independence
of our belief on the will-the sources of diversity of opinion
among men-Belief, or opinion, whether properly an object
of moral approbation and disapprobation-of rewards and
punishments. Besides these principal topics, there are several short essays on subjects of minor importance. In the second volume, the author resumes and pursues his favourite
subject; the importance of truth-the obstacles which stand
in the way of impartial investigation-the duty of inquirythe free publication of opinions-the progress of knowledge,
-and the uniformity of causation. On the Essay, on the
last subject here mentioned, there is an able article in the
number of the Edinburgh Review, for January, 1831, in
which, the correctness of the author's principle, as it relates
to miracles, is successfully controverted.
It is not our object to enter into a discussion of all the principles and points brought into view in these ingenious Essays; but to confine ourselves to two inquiries, of great moral and practical importance. The first is, the responsibility
of man for his belief or opinions; the second, whether any
testimony is su7fficient to establish a fact which is a departure from the laws of nature.
The ground assumed and ingeniously defended by our
author, will be best understood by a few brief extracts from
the seventh section of his'Essay on the Formation of Opinions." p. 57.
395