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progression of philosophy, yet it has been considerably accelerated by individual genius. In Fox's orations we have found, from the commencement of his intimacy with Burke, a more rapid advancement in political philosophy than even his own great mind would probably so soon have produced. All those who admire the force of his eloquence, (and who, that possesses taste, and, what is of more consequence, comprehension of understanding, that does not?) if they have attentively considered its progression, will acknowledge that Burke's conversation, speeches, and writings have tended to enhance its value. Mr. Grey, Lord Lauderdale, Duke of Bedford, Messrs. Courtenay, Erskine, Sheridan, and other distinguishing observers, who look up to Fox as the highest where they themselves are high, will admit that great additions have been made to the attainments of their friend by Edmund Burke. Great minds only can derive great accessions of intellectual riches from intellectual treasures. There is a gentleman of the first talents, cultivated

by literature and disciplined by science, who has profited beyond most men from the example and lessons of Burke, as his mind was more peculiarly fitted for receiving the advantages, not by nature only, but by a similar course of previous study. Mr. Windham, before he entered Parliament, had bestowed very great attention on letters and philosophy, and had attained uncommon excellence in logical closeness, acute reasoning, and profound investigation. Intimately acquainted with other men of letters, and a most favourite companion of the Litchfield sage, he had a mind well fitted by nature, and prepared by pursuit and habit, for receiving the wisdom of Burke. Between men of congenial minds, intimacy is generally the follower of acquaintance. Mr. Windham soon became the most confidential friend of the illustrious personage. Like Burke, he loved liberty as the means of happiness; venerated the British constitution as the best preserver of freedom to that extent. Thoroughly acquainted with the human mind, he perceived that the surest ratiocinaD d

VOL. II.

tive guide was experience; and was, therefore, like his friend, an enemy to speculative innovations. His specches are less those of an orator that wishes to impress your feelings, than of a philosopher, who seeks to inform, convince, and expand your understanding. His orations were less frequent than those of many very inferior speakers, (at least very inferior reasoners) he seldom spoke much, unless on important subjects; but the knowledge, the argumentation, the philosophy exhibited by him when he did speak, had rendered his character very high; as also the estimation in which he was held by the party of which he was a member, and by those of the opposite side. From his own rules of reasoning he had judged unfavourably of the French system, proceeding on 'principles so very contrary. The expanded philosophy of his friend confirmed the conclusions of his own mind. He reprobated the new order of France, and dreaded it when practically held up as a model for Britain. Then did his powers fully unfold themselves. In

the discussions on the internal state of the country, as affected by the dissemination of levelling doctrines, animated by the momentous subject, he displayed an energetic eloquence that few could equal; but that he himself has since equalled, when occasions arose to call forth his MIND.

On the same subject, the internal state of the country, Mr. Dundas had very fully displayed his intellectual powers: powers, which those who confound principals and adjuncts do not justly estimate; but those who can, in their operations, appreciate the qualities of mind, highly value. Official habits of business so easily master common details, that it is not reckoned a proof of great talents to be distinguished as a man of business. To transact affairs in the precedented routine is certainly a matter of no ingenuity or ability; but that is no proof that great ability may not be shewn in the transaction of affairs. Mr. Dundas is distinguished not merely for business, but for the ready comprehension of the most com

plicated details and intricate relations, for instantaneous perception of the case, application of the principle, decision of resolution, and promptness of dispatch. Both in the senate and in office he is most peculiarly eminent for immediately taking off the husk, and finding the kernel. An understanding naturally strong, had been exerted in his profession long enough to invigorate* his faculties without contracting their exertion. He too, for a long period of his parliamentary life, rarely spoke, unless on great occasions. On these he shewed the readiness of his penetration, the extent of appropriate knowledge, and the masculine strength of his intellect. One proof of his penetration was, that he first perceived the nature of a very great mind, and its fitness even in early youth for that situation which generally requires maturity of years to be united with genius.

When Mr. Burke retired from the senate, his only son Richard was destined to be his

* See Burke's character of Mr. Grenville.

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