Mr. Abernethy had, as he says, argued against a party, and studiously kept Mr. Lawrence, as an individual, out of view. He, however, argued roundly against the views advocated by him, and endeavoured to show that those of Mr. Hunter, besides being at least a philosophical explanation of the phenomena, had a good moral tendency; although he admitted that the belief that man was a mere machine did not alter established notions, and that there were many good sceptics, still he thought that the "belief of the distinct and independent nature of mind incited people to act rightly," &c. In regard to the general influence of the state of France, he says, "Most people think and act with a party;" and that "in France, where the writings of the philosophers and wits had greatly tended to demoralize the people, he was not surprised that their anatomists and physiologists should represent the subject of their studies in a manner conformable to what is esteemed most philosophical and clever; but that in this country the mere opinions of some French anatomists with respect to the nature of life should be extracted from their general writings, translated, and extolled, cannot but excite surprise and indignation in any one apprized of their pernicious tendency." There is no doubt that there was at the time, in this country, a disposition in many people to disseminate very many opinions on various subjects different from those usually entertained; and we believe that this disposition was very greatly increased by the well-intentioned, no doubt, but in our view injudicious, means employed for the suppression of them. We think it important to remember this; because, in estimating fairly any books or lectures, we must regard the spirit of the time in which they were delivered—what would be judicious or necessary at one period, being, of course, unnecessary or injudicious at another. In relation to the opinions of the nature of life; that which Mr. Abernethy alleged that he intended to apply to a party, Mr. Lawrence alleged that he held as personally applying to himself. Accordingly, the following course of Mr. Lawrence's lectures commenced with "A Reply to the 'Charges' of Mr. Abernethy." This lecture, which it is impossible for any man, mindful of all the circumstances, to peruse without pain (especially if we include the notes), is couched in language of the most vituperative and contemptuous character: sarcasm, ridicule, imputation of corrupt motives, by turn, are the weapons wielded with the appearance of the most unrelenting virulence.