cause the advantages in life, and the consolations in death, which are derived from the former, give it so decided a preference, that these cannot stand together in doubtful competition, for a moment, at least, in the eye of the rational mind. To go a little further on this head, and to trace out the cause of this election, it will be found to have its origin in the depravity of man; and from this source only it is deducible. Thus, man in a state of nature chooseth evil rather than good; and, in the choice of pleasure, uniformly consults his inclination, rather than his judgment; which will account for the phenomena of so many vices ever to be found where social intercourse prevails.-It is a pretty saying of Thales-" Falsehood is just as far distant from truth as the ears are from the eyes.-By which he would intimate, that

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a wise man should not easily give credit to the report of "actions which he has not seen."- Cicero, in one of his pleadings, defending his client from general scandal, says very handsomely and with much reason, "There are many who "have particular engagements to the prosecutor: there are many who are known to have ill-will, towards him for whom "I appear: there are many who are naturally addicted to "defamation, and envious of any good to any man, who may have contributed to spread reports of this kind; for "nothing is so swift as scandal-nothing more easily sent abroad-nothing received with more welcome-nothing dif"fuses itself so universally. I shall not desire, that if any " report to our disadvantage has any ground for it, you would "overlook, or extenuate it. But if there be any thing ad"vanced by a person who cannot say whence he had it, or " which is attested by one who forgot who told him it; or "who had it from one of so little consideration, that he did "not then think it worth his notice ;—all such testimonies as these, I know, you will think too slight, to have any "credit against the innocence and honor of your fellow" citizen!"

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The reason why defamation or detraction is so universally prevalent, must be obvious. Vice is ever envious of virtue, as deformity is of beauty, as ignorance is of knowledge, as villainy is of worth, or incapacity of merit; and envy is the soil most congenial to slander; in which it flourishes abundantly. Thus, when one man does not possess equal excellence with another, it is highly gratifying and conciliatory to the human heart, to detract from his merits or his virtues; because this reduces him to a level with his neighbours; and equality in merit and virtue, is what the envious heart is always aiming at; for it cannot bear the mortification of superiority.

TRIM.

APOSTROPHE

TO VIRTUE AND CANDOUR.

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However men may differ in opinion; it nevertheless becomes every one, to conform himself to the settled rules of decorum and decency. The violation of these rules is the wilful forfeiture of character, and every just claim to respect.-ANGER is a FOOL, but MALICE is a rank scOUNDREL; and he who is advised by either, will soon become a worthless fellow.-Or however highly we may value our own opinion, we should always have due respect for the opinions and advice of others. This is the strongest proof of an enlightened mind and a generous heart. The man who is too confident in his own judgment, is most subject to be imposed on, because he will not be advised. A wise man will listen to the counsel of a friend but a weak man is ever ready to believe every one, fool or foe, who will subscribe to his opinion. Self-opinion is the rock on which many split; but candour steers by with care and discretion. Party spirit is a dangerous thing; for a man who acts in colleague with party, cannot always act independently; he is very liable to sacrifice his judgment to his inclination. When men are lost to VIRTUE, they frequently assume the appearance of it, the better to accomplish their designs; and this leads to HYPOCRISY, which is a species of the most refined villainy. He who practises this abominable cant, always carries two faces; and when he intends an injury, makes the fairest professions of FRIENDSHIP. Such men, of all others, are the most dangerous. Treachery is of the same family, and twin-sister to HYPOCRISY. She glories in the vile sacrifice of faith and honour, and in the base violation of oaths and pledges.

"Tremble, thou wretch,

That hast within thee, undivulged crimes,

Unwhip'd of justice!"

A vicious mind readily attains the summit of human depravity; which Dryden has most happily described in the following beautiful couplet :

"Ill habits gather, by unseen degrees;

As brooks run rivers; rivers run to seas."

Let the perjure ask his conscience, how he attained such a height of diabolical wickedness? Virtue alone merits reward, whilst vice has its certain punishment. the sheet-anchor of the soul, on which she rides,

"Unhurt, amidst the war of elements,

"The wreck of matter, and the crush of worlds!"

Virtue is

"Un jour passé dans la pratique, de la vertu et de la religion, vaut mieux, que toute la vie passé-dans la méchanceté." -Yet it is an easy thing with envy, to give merit and virtue an ill name. Slander is very apt in the exercise of her sable

talents!

Oh, VIRTUE!! what art thou? Heaven-born being-Justice and Integrity are thy guardian angels. Thy kingdom, once the heart of man-but alas! how are we fallen.

"Who has a breast so pure,

"But some uncleanly apprehensions,

"Keep leets and law-days, and in session sit,

With meditations lawful."

Oh, CANDOUR!! what art thou? Earth-born child, of heavenly descent!-the most generous principle of the mindfair daughter of reason-sister of charity, and companion of benevolence.

FEAR, A FRAGMENT.

ON THE AFFECTIONS OF THE HUMAN HEART.

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HE had proceeded thus far into the interior and most solitary part of the vault-all was darkness-all silence; save the hollow sound of his footsteps, which were repeated at the extremity of the cave, in deep murmurs. He knew not which way to turn, in order to mark out his way; and dreaded to move to the right or left: perchance one false step should cast him into pits or sub-caverns, yet further from light and safety-He was lost, and without help-horror and dismay seized his heart-his head ran wild, with terrific ideas of spirits, shades, and spectres. How different are the sensations of the affrighted culprit, who hides himself in dells or caverns, from the vengeance of offended justice, and seeks these dread abodes as a place of refuge. The fear of that fate which awaits him, (predominant in his mind) overcomes the more insignificant fears, of harm imaginary.-The reader will see in this little picture, the nature of human weakness, and be assured, that the affections of the heart will always govern his passions and his conduct.

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TRIM.

B