man of genius, every succeeding historian tells the same story the public take it for granted: and if one solitary being, who may have traced out the truth, dare venture to oppose an opinion so prevalent, from the authority by which it is sanctioned, he is at once silenced and abashed by the vociferous insinuations of a rude multitude, who unblushingly declare that they are too well acquainted with history to be mistaken on a point that will not even admit of argument! School boys produce their histories-tutors support their presumption; in prematurely doubting the refuter's correctnessand men of higher erudition are astonished at the bold assertion. 66 Well," exclaims a pert little Miss in her teens, on the subject in question, "it is the first time in my life that I ever heard the thing doubted I thought all the world knew upon what occasion the title of DEFENDER OF THE FAITH was bestowed on Henry the VIII. I'm sure you must be wrong, sir; my Aunt, who is better versed in history than any body, will tell you the same. And I am quite certain that the title was first given to Henry VIII. by Pope Leo the Tenth, for having written something in defence of the Papal Sacraments. I read it but yesterday in Goldsmith's History!" That Pope Leo complimented Henry VIII. with the title on that occasion, is not to be denied; but it was certainly only the renovation of an ancient title belonging to Kings of England nearly an hundred years prior to the reign of Henry the VIII. Ancient records will shew, to those who have the inclination as well as the opportunity of referring to them, several charters granted to the University of Oxford, long before Pope Leo, or his sanguinary friend was in being, says Chamberlayne: they bear testimony of a fact so little known, even among the literati of the present age. Would modern historians so far adopt the Pythagorian system, as to dive well into doubtful points before they assert them for truths; or would individuals, who have the opportunity of referring to ancient records, correct such palpable errors, which, through carelessness, idleness, and inattention; or perhaps, the fanciful imagination of an inventive genius, have crept into history; the public mind would not be thus misled. With respect to the title in question, it seems that it must have laid dormant until it was forgotten. Why it was ever dropped by Kings of England, when Christianity was firmly established in the nation, some able student, probably, may feel inclined to search out, when convinced of the incorrectness of the statement. For certain it is, that when his Popeship bestowed this mark of honor on his worthy colleague, it was but the renovation of an ancient title*. * See Chamberlayne's Chronicle.-Duke Humphrey's Titles, when Protector, during the minority of his Nephew Henry VI.—the ancient records of certain charters granted to the University of Oxford, &c. &c. NUMBER XL. HIC ON ORDERS AND INSTITUTIONS. What education did at first receive, ALTHOUGH it is generally expected that the man whose education and studies enable him to discover the fallacy of subtile argument, and to clear up doubtful points, should exert his talents for the general good, as well as for the information of his fellow-man; still it so often happens that individual industry, in the public service, meets with little or no encouragement, unless supported by some secret influence, or the celebrity of a name; that patriotic sensations become morbid, and at length, for the want of a stimulating power, sink into a state of total inaction. Thus the most praise-worthy exertions are, sometimes, impeded, and the most useful suggestions lost to the world, whether of a literary, scientific, or of a moral nature. The refutation of historical errors, would, no doubt, be hailed as a work of infinite interest by the literati of the present age; were a Scott, a Mackintosh, or a modern Horace, than whom no one seems better calculated to succeed, to engage in such an undertaking. Every library would be opened-archives of ancient date unlocked for inspection-and even state papers would, in all probability, be referred to, in order to facilitate their labours, and enable them to represent facts as they are, unbiassed by party or prejudice. History demands a clear and decided relation of events, as far as they can be obtained; and there are many palpable errors in the history of our own country, which, though narrated by men of genius, ability, and erudition, that call for correction. Where subjects admit of a difference of opinion, every individual is, of course, at liberty to use his own judgment, and to indulge his partialities; but where the origin of public institutions, or national advantages, are misrepresented and attributed to unworthy causes, it is a reflection, not only on the pen of the historian, but also on the tame credulity of the people who adopt their notions, "with an indifference," say our continental neighbours, "peculiar to the English nation." However diligent an unknown individual might be in his researches; however correct in his confutations; so far from gaining credit for his industry, he would, in all probability, be looked upon as a mere caviller; styled a conceited ape, for calling in question such long established opinions; others again, with a contemptuous sneer, would wonder how he came so mighty wise; and the bulk of sagacious critics, influenced by the general voice, by pronouncing him a confident blockhead for endeavouring to confute such well authenticated facts, would diminish the respect a few might feel inclined to bestow upon his discoveries; and thus blast his reputation for ever. Whereas a celebrated name would at once enforce conviction;-his researches would be crowned with success, as his labours would deserve it his ambition would be gratified-his fame would be established as the discoverer of truth-false opinions would no longer be imposed on succeeding generations-and his memory would be revered in after ages. The most noble order of the garter is very generally believed to have taken its rise from the circumstance of the Countess of Salisbury having dropped her garter at a ball, which our gallant King Edward the Third taking up, presented to her with these words, Honi soit qui mal y pense. How this error crept into history may be difficult, at this distance of time, to ascertain; but that the public should give into the opinion, must be attributed to the historians who have copied one from the other, without giving themselves the trouble to inquire into the real origin of the institution; and being thus handed down from one generation to another, the story carries with it ail the appearance of truth, and is naturally supposed to be asserted on good authority. |