London debates: 1799

2198. January 11, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Is Mr. Pope's dictum, inculcated throughout his Essay on Man, founded on truth or ascribable to an erroneous judgment, Whatever is, is right?'

Morning Chronicle

2199. January 14, 1799 Westminster Forum

'In times of public difficulty, would it not be wise in any Nation to oblige the unmarried of both sexes, above the age of twenty five and under fifty, who should refuse an offer of marriage from a person of fair character, to forfeit a third of their income toward the exigencies of the state under which they live?'

Morning Herald

2200. January 18, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which is the greater crime, to seduce a Married or an Unmarried Woman?

The moral effect of those Societies has long been acknowledged by the great, the good and the enlightened. We hope by the present debate to add one more trophy to those which virtue has already acquired in this Institution.'

Morning Chronicle

2201. January 21, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Have not the Doctrines of a new School [of] Philosophy as taught by Mirabeau, Anacharsis Cloots, &c. in France and Godwin, Holcroft &c. in England, impeded the course of European liberty, and contributed to blast the Hope of Immortality in the human Race?'

Morning Chronicle

2202. January 28, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Have not the doctrines of a new School Philosophy as taught by Messrs. Godwin and Holcroft &c. impeded the course of European liberty and contributed to blast the Hope of Immortality in the human Race?'

Morning Chronicle

2203. January 30, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Have not the doctrines of a new School Philosophy as taught by Messrs. Godwin and Holcroft &c. impeded the course of European liberty and contributed to blast the Hope of Immortality in the human Race?'

Morning Chronicle

2204. February 1, 1799 Westminster Forum

'In the Marriage State, which constitutes the greater Evil, Love without Money, or Money without Love?'

Morning Chronicle January 30

2205. February 4, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Ought these persons to be accounted sincere and rational Christians who deny the personal existence of the Devil, and the Eternity of future punishment?'

Morning Chronicle

2206. February 6, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Ought Masquerades to be permitted as fashionable Amusements - or suppressed as scenes of Riot, Vice and Dissipation?'

Morning Chronicle

2207. February 8, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which constitutes the greater matrimonial evil, Love without Money, or Money without Love?'

Morning Chronicle February 6

2208. February 11, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which constitutes the greater matrimonial evil, Love without Money, or Money without Love?'

Morning Chronicle

2209. February 13, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Ought these persons to be accounted sincere and rational Christians who deny the personal existence of the Devil, and the Eternity of future punishment?'

Morning Chronicle February 11

2210. February 13, 1799 School of Eloquence, Coachmakers hall

'The Friends of this Institution and the Public in general, are respectfully informed, that a Society, lately established under the same name, is not supported by, or connected with the Members of this Institution the plan and object of the Societies differing very materially, the Members of the Original School of Eloquence feel it a duty to themselves to disclaim all connection with any body of men assuming their name. Due notice will be given of the recommendation of the Debates of this Institution.'

Morning Chronicle

2211. February 18, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Has more Mischief arisen among Mankind from the fatal controul of Parents over their Children respecting Marriage; or from the hasty and injudicious choice which young Persons but too frequently make in opposition to the mature Judgment of their parents?

The audience decided against parental rigour.'

Morning Chronicle

2212. February 22, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Is it consistent with Scripture and Reason to believe that the Devil has a personal Existence, and that those who die without repentance will be under his dominion to all Eternity?

We beg the public to understand, that with that ancient and respectable Institution, the London Forum (although we have no blended concern as to laws, or other interior arrangements) yet we hold an union of principles, which, for our safety, as well as character, we wish to keep separate from the Mushroom Atheistical Combinations, which Party Venom raises on the hot-bed of Indigence.'

Morning Chronicle

2213. February 25, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Can any consideration whatever apologize for, or justify the practice of robbing Church yards of the Remains of the Dead?'

This question brought forward because 'of the recent robbery in St. Giles' Church yard'.

The question was decided in the affirmative.

Morning Chronicle

2214. March 1, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Is the assertion of Socrates true, that Women in Mischief are Wiser than Men?'

Morning Chronicle

2215. March 4, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Would not the following regulations prevent, in a great measure, the robbing of Church-yards, and the consequent agony suffered by friends and relatives, viz. to give for dissection all suicides, paupers, malefactors, and every person dying in prison, and each Surgeon to enter into a bond to bequeath his own body for that purpose?

It was the strong ground of objection with many of the Students, who delivered their opinions last Monday evening, "If the practice is stopped, what shall we do for subjects?" The Managers conceive that the ingenious Author of the above Question has fairly met the objection. We think this Question of the highest national utility, inasmuch as it affects the feelings of thousands, and the progress of the most useful as well as noble Science in which man can be engaged, namely the Knowledge of the Human Frame, and all its wonderful Dependencies. . . Happy will the Managers feel themselves, should any hint be dropped in the course of the Debate that may be the means, should this subject ever occupy the wisdom of Parliament, of permitting the Dead to rest quiet in their graves, and yet affording Professional Gentlemen the means of prosecuting their researches, to the advancement of their science, and the good of mankind.'

Morning Herald

2216. March 8, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Ought Masquerades to be patronized as fashionable amusements, or discounted as scenes of vice, riot and dissipation?'

Morning Herald March 4

2217. March 18, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Is it not possible, by thorough Scientific Knowledge, both of Astronomy and Astrology, to foretell Marriage, Death, Good or Evil Fortune, and other Events in the Life of Mankind?

The various systems of Astrology, from Ptolemy down to Ranger and Sybley, will be open to the animadversions of the curious and learned Professor. Several Gentlemen of Astrological celebrity are expected to attend.'

Morning Herald

2218. March 18, 1799 School of Eloquence, opposite Villiers Street, Strand

'Are Prosecutions for Opinion beneficial or injurious to the State?'

Morning Chronicle

2219. March 19, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which stands the best chance of getting happy through life, a woman without a husband, or a man without a wife?'

Morning Herald

2220. March 20, 1799 School of Eloquence

'Are the Observance of Public Fasts or Thanksgiving Days on any particular occasion consistent either with reason or the moral and divine precepts of the Christian Religion?

A Society is forming [as an adjunct to the School] for Religious Enquiry.'

Morning Chronicle March 18

2221. March 20, 1799 Westminster Forum

'To which is Great Britain most indebted for her National Grandeur, the Integrity of her Mercantile Connections, the Bravery of her Naval Commanders, or the Abilities of her Historians, Philosophers, Divines, Poets and Men of Genius?'

Morning Herald

2222. March 21, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which is the most reasonable opinion, that maintained by Lord Shaftesbury, "that man is naturally virtuous", that believed by many religious persons, "that he is naturally wicked" or that supported by Helvetius, Locke, &c. "that he is naturally neither the one nor the other; but that all his virtues and his vices arise out of his education, his mind being in infancy like a sheet of blank paper"?'

Morning Herald

2223. March 23, 1799 Westminster Forum

A WOMAN'S APPEAL on the RUIN of the SEX

'Which conduct ought most to be applauded, for pardoning the Errors of Human Nature, in Opposition to the Prejudices of Mankind - that of the Man who marries an accomplished Female after one Deviation from Virtue - that of the Husband who receives to his Arms the repentant Wife who has violated her Marriage Covenant - or that of the Father who affords an Asylum in the Bosom of his Family to his Seduced Daughter?

We received the above Question (found among the papers of a celebrated female literary character lately deceased) from a Gentleman whose repeated favours bestowed on this Society are recognized with grateful pleasure. - It is new - it is important - it is interesting. Too long has the restoration of female happiness, forfeited from accident, fatal partialities, or subtle snares, been neglected by mankind. Woman, for one error, is consigned to deathless infamy; the door of reformation is fast barred against her by the hand of cruel prejudice, and she is compelled to purchase every hour's existence by a further prosecution of crime.'

Morning Chronicle

2224. March 23, 1799 School of Eloquence

RESTORATION OF THE JEWS

'Does either reason or Scripture afford any convincing arguments for a belief in the final restoration of the Jews?'

Morning Chronicle

2225. March 25, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Is Man, as contended by Lord Shaftesbury, naturally virtuous, - is he, according to some Religionists, naturally wicked - or is he, as maintained by Locke, Helvetius, &c. naturally neither the one nor the other, his mind being in infancy like a sheet of blank paper?'

Morning Chronicle March 23

2226. March 29, 1799 Westminster Forum

'To which is Great Britain most indebted for her National Grandeur, the Integrity of her Mercantile Connections, the Bravery of her Naval Commanders, or the Abilities of her Historians, Philosophers, Divines, Poets and Men of Genius?

It was decided that the national greatness of Great Britain is owing to the integrity of her mercantile connection.'

Morning Herald/Morning Chronicle April 1

2227. April 1, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which is the most reasonable opinion - that maintained by Lord Shaftesbury, "That man is naturally virtuous"; - that believed by many religious persons, "That he is naturally wicked"; - or that supported by Helvetius, Locke, &c. "That he is naturally neither the one nor the other; but that all his virtues and his vices arise out of his education, his mind being in infancy like a sheet of blank paper"?'

Morning Herald

2228. April 3, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Are the miseries and distress of persons of genius more ascribable to their own imprudence, or a want of patronage in the Public?

The Public must recollect an elderly Lady who spoke in this Society with much ability in defence of Mr. Garrick, Mrs. Yates, Craufurd, and for the Old School of Actors. It proves to have been a Mrs. Hart, formerly Mrs. Reddish, of Drury Lane Theatre. This unfortunate, though wonderfully accomplished Woman, died last Sunday week, amidst that misery and distress which "has not left her even a Grave". The Managers purpose opening this Society to defray the Expences of her Funeral. It is hoped that those feeling minds that revere departed merit will patronize the undertaking. . . In thus appealing to the benevolence of the Public, to furnish the means of paving the last tribute of respect to a Woman of Genius, the Managers are confident they shall not want support. They have only to lament that the Miseries of this accomplished woman were, by her own delicacy, kept concealed, till death prevented any possible relief.

The Audience were nearly divided; we believe the majority was on the side that "The Misfortunes of Persons of Genius are ascribable to their own Imprudence".'

Morning Herald

2229. April 5, 1799 Westminster Forum

'From which of the following Characters has Society most Mischief to dread - the finished Libertine - the Religious Hypocrite - or the Speculative Infidel?'

Morning Herald

2230. April 7, 1799 School of Eloquence

'The important subject of Free Will or Necessity' was discussed.

Morning Chronicle April 11

2231. April 8, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Can either of the following Assertions be justified - Baron Swedenburgh's - He was taken into Hell, where he saw John Calvin; and up to Heaven, where the Apostle Paul told him - "He repented writing the Epistle to the Hebrews?" the Rev. Mr. Huntington's "Arminianism (and not the Pope) is Antichrist; and the Rev. Mr. Westley (as head of that Sect) is now in Hell!" If neither can be justified - which deserves greater condemnation from a Christian and a man of candour?'

Morning Chronicle April 5

2232. April 11, 1799 School of Eloquence

'Does the Assertion of Mr. Pope appear to be true: "Whatever is, is right"?'

Morning Chronicle

2233. April 15, 1799 School of Eloquence

'Which is more favorable to happiness, a Natural or a Civilized State?'

Morning Chronicle

2234. April 18, 1799 School of Eloquence

'Pope's assertion "That every Woman is at Heart a Rake" to be discussed.'

Morning Chronicle

2235. April 19, 1799 Westminster Forum

'From which of the following Characters has Society most Mischief to dread - the finished Libertine - the Religious Hypocrite - or the Speculative Infidel?'

Morning Herald

2236. April 22, 1799 School of Eloquence

'Does Mr. Godwin deserve praise or censure for his Essay on Political Justice?'

Morning Chronicle

2237. April 22, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Did Pope publish the greater Libel on the Female, or Otway on the Male Character, when the latter asserted, that, "Men, in their dealings with the Fair Sex, are by Nature treacherous, cruel, false and inconstant" - or when the former, in his celebrated Essay on Man, pronounced "Every Woman at heart a Rake"?'

Morning Herald April 19

2238. April 25, 1799 School of Eloquence

'Which is the most useful Member of Society, the active or speculative Man?'

Morning Chronicle

2239. April 29, 1799 School of Eloquence

'Which is the more frequent cause of Divorce, the lenity of the female or the tyranny of the male?'

Morning Chronicle

2240. May 2, 1799 School of Eloquence

'Do Theatrical Entertainments tend more to corrupt or improve the morals of society?'

Morning Chronicle April 29

2241. May 3, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Are Divorces more ascribable to the neglect and inattention of Husbands [or to the behavior of Wives]?'

Husbands are more often at fault.

Morning Chronicle May 6

2242. May 6, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Can true Love (from neglect, disappointment, ill-usage, or any other cause) ever degenerate into Hatred?'

It was decided that real love could not.

Morning Herald/Morning Chronicle May 10

2243. May 10, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which is the happiest term of human existence, the Single State, the Married State, or that period, when by death a Husband is delivered from a Termagant, or a Wife from a Tyrant?'

Decided that the married life was the most happy.

Morning Herald/Morning Chronicle May 13

2244. May 11, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which is the most miserable condition, the seduced Female, the Wife married to an abandoned character, or the Old Maid, hopeless and despairing, withering on the Thorn of Virginity?

There being no plays this Evening, the Westminster Forum . . . will be open.'

Morning Herald

2245. May 13, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which of the following characters is more condemnable; the single man, who artfully and deliberately seduces a married woman; or the married man, who neglects his wife and beggars his family, by keeping a mistress?'

Morning Chronicle

2246. May 15, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Did Mr. Pope publish the greater Libel on the Female - or Otway on the Male Character in the following assertions: Otway - "Men (in love matters) are by nature treacherous, cruel, false and inconstant". Pope "Every Woman is at heart a Rake"?'

Morning Chronicle May 13

2247. May 24, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which ought to be a Man's chief object in his Choice of a Wife - her personal Accomplishments - her fortune - or her temper and disposition?'

Morning Chronicle

2248. May 27, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Does the possession of great talents and exalted genius in the Male Character, and beauty and accomplishments in the Female, aggravate or palliate error and indiscretion?'

Morning Chronicle

2249. May 31, 1799 Westminster Forum

'Which exhibits the strongest motive to avoid Vice and pursue Virtue the Life of Georgina Anne Bellamy, or of Mary Woolstonecroft Godwin?'

Morning Chronicle May 27