than others, because the inclinations and tendencies of the character are poised by reason and good-sense; yet, the prevailing disposition (which can scarcely be over-balanced by discipline) will present the weakness of nature, and towards that weakness the force of temptation will be directed.

No. X.

SLANDER.

"T is slander

"Whose edge is sharper than the sword, whose

tongue

Outvenoms all the worms of Nile; whose breath Rides on the posting winds, and doth belie

All corners of the world; kings, queens, and states, Maids, matrons, nay the secrets of the grave This viperous slander enters."

SHAKSPEARE.

"NOTHING is so swift in its progress as calumny; nothing is more readily sent forth, nothing is sooner received, and nothing more widely diffused." This remark of the Roman orator is equally applicable to the present state of society, as when the censor exercised his power of inspecting the manners, and animadverting upon the vices of the people;

for, notwithstanding the moral change which Christianity has effected, it continues a lamentable proof of man's depravity, that the ear is ever open to receive evil tidings, and the tongue is still employed in publishing scandal. Few individuals, however obscure their station, are permitted to glide through life without having to contend with the opposing force of undeserved reproach: this bound Joseph in fetters, and caused David to exclaim, "false witnesses are risen up against me, they laid to my charge things that I knew not."

It not unfrequently happens that this moral deformity assumes the mask of candour and the guise of friendship: "the smiler with the knife under the cloak," lulls suspicion by feigned goodwill, and then inflicts a mortal stab; "the words of his mouth are smoother than butter, but war is in his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet are they drawn swords."

Falsehood and detraction usually lend their baneful assistance to secure the most effectual method of slandering by misrepresentation. In most transactions there are certain parts which may be easily separated from the whole, and so artfully presented to view when thus detached, as to assume the appearance of evil; whereas, if they were permitted to remain with the entire transaction, in their own place, and be exhibited in their own proportions, little or nothing would be discovered censurable. The following story may serve for an illus

tration.

It was a calm and peaceful evening, and the setting-sun mingled his rays with the light fleecy clouds that sailed along the sky, when Henry Dryden left his usual occupation as clerk in a merchant's office. Unconsciously did he bend his steps homeward, and tread the threshold of his door, when the greeting of his

widowed mother roused him from his reverie. He took his accustomed seat by the cheerful fire-side, and partook of the frugal meal in silence; for he feared to communicate the intelligence which weighed down his own spirits, to her whose gentle mind and delicate constitution could feebly sustain the ills of life. At length his quivering lip and clouded brow were earnestly watched by the steady gaze of maternal solicitude; the knitting was thrown carelessly aside; and her clasped hands rested upon her knees.

"What ails my Henry ?" she enquired with a tremulous voice, which convinced him that concealment was no longer 'expedient.

"You need not be alarmed, mother," he replied, "my spirits are low this evening, caused by a circumstance which affects my situation.-Mr. Spencer has failed, and therefore my services are no longer required. For months