ence of the English historian has been unfortu- nately too extensive. Now, if it should seem fit to the legislature that restrictions should be imposed on the publication of works of an immoral or irreligious tendency, it follows, that the severity of the prohibitions ought to be in proportion to the degree of objectionable matter contained in the obnoxious work. A judicious censor would have to consider, not only, the particular book, submitted to his inspection, but also the general reputation and influence of the author. If the author were a man of established credit, the mere popularity of his name would cause an extensive demand; while the maiden productions of an unknown writer, though perhaps. equally meritorious, might obtain only a very limited circulation: such is the caprice of fashion, as every man of observation, knows... If then, the If then, the expediency of suppressing certain departments of literature were once permitted, we desire to know the fixed rule, or standard, by which the authority of the censor shall be regulated. If no restraint. is imposed, and he is invested with irresponsible power, what security have we against the abuse of his authority ? Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

We have already remarked on the impropriety of investing the Attorney-General with

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the power of instituting prosecutions for religious opinion. And we may further observe on this point, that the law-officers of the Crown are too intimately connected with the Ministers, too dependent upon them for promotion to the bench, to be free from partiality. Whoever heard of an er-officio information being filed against the ministerial writers, who lavish their abuse on the democrats! Such a proceeding would excite astonishment, no doubt; but if the security of the Constitution depends on the balance of the three constituent powers, there is no reason why the republican section should not be protected, as well as the aristocratic. The Attorneys-General, however, seem to think, that they discharge their duty, in supporting the two rich members of the balance, and oppressing the third; and it is not surprising that they should do so, since their own private interests are identified with those of the aristocracy. Nor would there be any greater probability of impartial justice being administered, if the supervisorship of the press were entrusted to a committee. There already exist in the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews, two literary censorships, and each of them professes to be disinterested; but the public know full well, that they are the mercenary organs of party, and that their sole object is money. If the conductors of

either of these Journals were appointed by Government to examine controversial writings, and prohibit the publication of any that they pleased, it is quite obvious that only one half of the question would ever be discussed. If any man is credulous enough to suppose, that this would not be the case, let him recal to mind the prosecution of the Vision of Judgment.

At the commencement of the year 1821, at which time the loudest outcry was raised against Carlile and other venders of deistical and immoral publications, Doctor Southey published his Vision of Judgment. This gentleman is well known as a voluminous writer, both in prose and verse; and though his earlier productions, in which he prated to the world of pantisocracy,' subjected him to the imputation of infidelity and republicanism, his subsequent labours in support of social order, have amply atoned for his panegyric on regicide, and his eulogium on polygamy. It might have been expected that this champion of virtue and morality would have been extremely cautious, how he hazarded the reputation he had acquired among the Saints, by reviving the recollection of his juvenile delinquencies; but, to use a hacknied quotation, Quem Deus vult perdere, prius dementat.' Indeed, it would be

illiberal to suppose, that the Laureat was perfectly sane when he composed that disgusting tissue of nonsense, impiety and adulation; which was presented to the public under the title of A Vision of Judgment.

As the work fell dead-born from the press, it is necessary to sketch a short outline of the poem, and introduce some of the passages which appear most objectionable. In the Preface the Author thus expresses himself:

I am well aware that the public are peculiarly intolerant of such innovations (alluding to hexameters) not less so than the populace are of any foreign fashion, whether of foppery or convenience. Would that this literary intolerance were under the influence of a saner judgment, and regarded the morals more than the manner of the composition-the spirit rather than the form! Would that it were directed against those monstrous combinations of honours and mockery, lewdness and impiety, with which English poetry has in our days been first polluted!'

In these sentiments and wishes we cordially join; and, as friends to morality and religion, we regret the diffusion of Novels and Poems which tend to corrupt the heart and vitiate the

feelings. We agree with the Laureat in thinking that the 'publication of an impious book is one of the worst offences which can be committed against the well-being of society;' nor do we hesitate to condemn those writers for whom the thoughtlessness and inebriety of wanton youth can no longer be pleaded, but who have written in sober manhood and with deliberate purpose.' From his own mouth let Doctor Southey be j ged.

The Vision of Judgment is dedicated to his present Majesty, as a tribute to the memory of his revered parent. It is divided into twelve sections, and commences with what is called

The Trance.' Doctor Southey fancies himself standing at the window of his library, listening to the tolling of the bell, which announced to the good people of Keswick that George the Third was departed.' This mournful intelligence gives rise to a few commonplace remarks on the shortness and uncertainty of human life, and the Laureat, at length overpowered by his feelings, bursts forth into the following exclamation:

Thou art released, I cried; thy soul is delivered from bondage!

Thou who hast lain so long in mental and visual darkness, Thou art in yonder Heaven! thy place is in light and in

glory.'