ABSTRACT
Criticism is an art that undergoes a great variety of changes, and aims at different objects at different times. The critic's object is not to do justice to his author, whom he treats with very little ceremony, but to do himself homage, and to show his acquaintance with all the topics and resources of criticism. The modern or metaphysical system of criticism supposes the question, Why to be repeated at the end of every decision; and the answer gives birth to interminable arguments and discussion. Some kinds of criticism are as much too insipid as others are too pragmatical. It is not easy to combine point with solidity, spirit with moderation and candour. Many persons see nothing but beauties in a work, others nothing but defects. Also, there seem to be sects and parties in taste and criticism (with a set of appropriate watch-words) coeval with the arts of composition.
