No. 1. "Therefore as a STRANGER, bid it welcome." SATURDAY, JULY 3, 1813. HAMLET. VOL. I. THE situation of an individual who is under the necessity of introducing himself to those, on whom he wishes to make a favourable impression, is peculiarly unpleasant. If he describes himself with candour, he cannot avoid the appearance of arrogance, or at least of egotism-if he professes modesty and humility, he is liable to the imputation of casting a slight veil of affectation, over a large share of vanity. At best, the embarrassment to which he is necessarily exposed, is likely to make him appear to a disadvantage, and the conviction that he has to undergo the scrutiny of many critical, and perhaps some unfriendly observers, is calculated to depress the freedom of his remarks, and to chill the warmth of feel From these and some othan considerations, the STRANGER declines, at present, giving any explanation of himself. The only part of his character, to which he admits any claim from his readers to an acquaintance, is his literary qualifications, and these will be better learned from the evidences he may give, than the declarations he may make. Whether therefore he be a real, or an imaginary personage, a Chinese citizen of the world, or a British, or Turkish spy—whether his face be as short as the Spectator's, or his nose as long as that of the Stranger of Strasburgh, are points, left for the conjectures of his readers. From the title he has assumed, it does not necessarily follow that he is a foreignA man may mingle for years with society, and yet his real character remain unknown. There are many with whose names and faces we are familiar, with whom we daily converse; and yet are all our lives, strangers to the secrets of their breasts, or the peculiarities of their minds. The only person in this city to whom he is actually known, is Mr. John Cook. Through that gentleman alone, will his acquaintance with the publick be maintained, and to him must all communications intended for this paper, be directed. er. In inviting correspondence, he is influenced not only by a desire to make this work respectable, but also from a conviction that the cultivation of a literary taste will benefit the character of this city, and vindicate it from those ridiculous, and unjust imputations, to which it has been exposed. Though some may imagine, that an attention to pursuits purely literary, is an improper employment of talents that might be more usefully, because more profitably exercised, yet it will in general be observed, that the hours thus occupied, will be oftener snatched from amusement or dissipation, than from more important concerns; and that they, whose attention is entirely devoted to these subjects, have selected the only path, in which their talents may be advantageously displayed. In noticing the illiberal strictures that have been made upon this city, it must be admitted that those remarks have originated with visitors, whose situation while here, was calculated to make every object appear to a disadvantage. They have in general been young gentlemen engaged in a scheme to the springs, who were alternately elevated by the delights of a novel situation, or depressed by the prospect of angry fathers, or impatient duns who awaited their return; or disappointed office-hunters, whose minds were soured at the unfeeling neglect, which their talents and merits suffered from men who were insensible of the importance, which a residence in a city as large as New-York, reflects on all who are so fortunate as to be numbered among its citizens. It is by no means surprising, that such travellers should conceive that finding fault with every thing they meet with, would be the readiest way to vent their spleen, or display their consequence. Neither the simplicity of our steeples, nor the stupidity of our sturgeon, have escaped the severity of southern wit, and the natives of the city, and the natives of the stream, have been equally exposed to the pelting of pitiful puns. It was indeed matter of doubt, whether the inhabitants had any better knowledge of the English language, than the sturgeon on which they were supposed to subsist, and it was firmly believed that the one would be as much out of his element, and as little capable of resistance if assailed in print, as the other would be, if attacked on land. To remove some mistakes on this head, is one of the objects for which this paper was established. Should that alone be effected, it will satisfy the expectations, and reward the labours of the STRANGER. REVIEW. ART. 1. Memoirs of the Rev. JOHN RODGERS, D. D. late Pastor of the Wall-Street and Brick Churches, in the City of New-York. By Samuel Miller, D. D. Surviving Pastor of the Church in Wall-Street. New-York: WHITING & WATSON, 1813. 8vo. pp. 432. 3 NO department in literature has of late years, undergone greater alterations than that of Reviews. With a few exceptions, they were feebly conducted; and after dragging out a short lived existence, their merits, and almost their names have sunk in oblivion. In some cases they appeared like comets, and after dispensing their influence on individuals, who appeared peculiarly obnoxious, they disappeared in darkness and gloom. They came like shadows, and like them, departed, without leaving a trace of their being on the literary history of the age. At present, their condition is altered. They now exhibit themselves as fixed stars in the horizon of literature, and their effects are strongly and steadily felt. They have scattered their beams, each in his peculiar quarter, and from this circumstance, the unconcerned and impartial spectator would be led to believe, that all beyond their rays is cheered by no light, nor visited by any intellectual sunshine. This last observation has doubtless occured to every one, who is in the habit of perusing the periodical publications of the present day. Some Reviewers, indeed, appear to have patented the sole and exclusive right of the bed of Procrustes, and pronounce the literary doom of their victim, according as he believes a little more, or a little less, than their orthodox standard. The intolerance of criticism where it does exist, originates rather from the state of society, than the nature of the subject. In gen eral, it may be observed, that one of the principal and predominant causes is, the union it has formed with politicks, and sectarianism. In England, almost every religious denomination, or political fac tion appears to have their Review, to which the followers of each look up for the formation of their opinions. The Publick, however, taken in a collective sense, decides on the justice of the censures bestowed, and never fails to hold an impartial balance between the author and the critick. To this objection (incidental in its nature, and transient in its effects) must be opposed the sterling value, and splendid utility of some of the Reviews of the present day. Like every ❝thing beneath the sun" they are defective: but their standard of excellence is doubtless much more elevated, than that of many other branches of literature. They have introduced a wholesome discipline in the Republic of letters, and are at once the guardians of its treasures, and the heralds of its successes. They blend in a delightful union, the examination of matters of morality and taste, with the severer studies of abstract science, and thus render themselves popular to every reader. Their value is enhanced by the mass of intellect, combined in their production. Unrivalled Essays are obtained, which, had it not been for this medium, might have been lost to the world; and by the collision of kindred genius, the noblest plans for public happiness and national greatness, are not unfrequently developed. On one subject they are alike hateful to an American reader. Their misrepresentations-their unblushing falsehoods respecting this country, are disgraceful to their characters, as men of liberal minds, and extensive information. Strange! that persons should be found, who have accurate information of whatever occurs in the remotest regions of Asia; who can descant on the literature of the Chinese; who can give an accurate history of the Wahabees, a nation, as it were, just springing into existence; and yet publish the fictions they do, of the only nation on the globe, that speaks their language, follows their customs, and has adopted their constitution, and laws. Such instances will be noticed with the rebuke they merit, whenever occasion offers. It is hardly necessary in commencing the examination of works, which may from time to time be presented to the American publick, to offer many professions. They are justly regarded as of little importance, and judgment is delayed until proof of the accordance of practice is given. In one point however, an exemption from the defects of similar productions is claimed. It is that of feeling above political partialities, when noticing literary compositions. The works of authors professedly belonging to either party, will be reviewed with a single eye to their merits; and the charge of political favouritism or dislike, will be met with the contempt it deserves. Low indeed, is that author sunk in mental degradation, who aims at popularity, by identifying the success of his writings with the interests of party. Instead of a retreat to Tusculum, he descends into the Campus Martius, and the heart, whose feelings should be ameliorated, and whose affections should be warmed by his productions, becomes through his agency, the receptacle of malignant hatred and disdainful envy. It will confer the highest satisfaction, should these pages be enabled from time to time to announce valuable publications, originating within our own nation. Such will always receive particular attention, and their merits will be elucidated with the sincerest gratification. In the next number, a few remarks on the work, whose title is prefixed to these observations, will be offered. (To be continued.) SELECTION. CHARACTER OF BISHOP WARBURTON, REV. SAMUEL PARR, L. L. D. THE dawn of Warburton's fame was overspread with many clouds, which the native force of his mind quickly dispelled. Soon after his emersion from them, he was honoured by the friendship of Pope, and the enmity of Bolingbroke. In the fulness of his meridian glory, he was caressed by Lord Hardwicke, and Lord Mansfield, and his setting lustre was viewed with nobler feelings, than those of mere forgiveness, by the amiable, and venerable Lowth. Halifax revered him, Balguy loved him, and in two immortal works, Johnson has stood forth in the foremost rank of his admirers. By the testimony of such a man, impertinence must be abashed, and malignity itself must be softened. Of literary merit, Johnson, as we all know, was a sagacious, but a most severe judge. Such was his discernment, that he pierced into the most secret springs of human actions: and such was his integrity, that he always weighed the moral characters of his fellow-creatures in "the balance of the sanctuary." He was too courageous to propitiate a rival, and too proud to truckle to a superior. Warburton he knew, as I know him, and as every man of sense and |