BEATTIE, JAMES, poet and moral philosopher, was b. 25th OcL, 1735, at Laurence kirk, Kincardineshire, Scotland. He studied at Marischal college, Aberdeen, where he acquired a high reputation as a classical scholar. In 1758, he was appointed one of the mastera of the grammar-school iu that city, and in 1760, professor of moral philosophy in Marischal college. Ten years afterwards appeared B.'s famous Easayoft Truth, which met with most extravagant success. It was intended as an antidote to Hume, whose penetrating scepticism lord found its way into all the enlightened circles of Scotland, and alarmed the friends'of revealed religion. Drs. Reid and Campbell had previously attempted to refute the skepticism of the great historian, but, in the opinion of ninny, too deferentially. B., whose nature was poetically vehement, and whose zeal was con sequently very ardent, assaulted Hume more violently, if not more powerfully, than his predecessors. The author himself naturally shared the popularity of his essay. lie was introduced to George III., and solicited by dignitaries of the Et elish church to take orders; high preferments were also promised, which, however, he magnanimously refused, shrinking with delicacy from doing anything which might give his adversaries a chance of saying that he had written on behalf of religion for hire. It was thought for a time that B. had demonstrated "the immutability of truth," and exposed the "sophistry of skepticism;" but if we may judge from the neglect which has overtaken his treatise during the last fifty years, his achievements had been overestimated. B. was
deficient in logical acumen and in extent of philosophic erudition, but his poetical fancy. pure enthusiasm, and pious intentions, recommended the essay to multitudes. In 1771, appeared the first part of The Minstrel, and in 1774, the second part. It is a delightful poem. Time has dealt gently with it, for it still retains the freshness of its youth. It overflows with it sweet poetic emotion, and is rich in picturesque descriptions, while the versification has 43, quiet fullness of melody. The author's gentle yet fervent spirit beats in every line. The poem describes "the progress of a poetical genius born in a rude age, from the•first dawning of fancy and reason, till that period at which be may be supposed capable of appearing in the world as a minstrel." B. intended to have added a third part, but circumstances hindered him. In 1776, lie published a series of essays on Poetry, Meeie, etc.; in 1783, Dissertations Moral awl Critical; in 1786, The Ecidenas of the Christian Religion briefly and plainly stated; and in 1790-93, The Ele ments of 'ml Science; all of which works are written in a clear and elegant style, and with a high appreciation of whatever is beautiful and good. Ile died Aug. 18, 1803. Ills life has been written by his friend, sir William Forbes.