ii^

♦ ,

4

iTIIni^terial f^ibrary,

PETERBORO'.

JVo,

f 3

Gift of .J^ </a^y ^^nx^

*.• *

^m

v^ypF

LETTERS

TO

A YOUNG LADY,

tN WHICH

THE DUTIES AND CHARACTER OF WOMEN ARE CONSIDERED,

CHIEFLY WITH

A REFEP.ENCE TO PREVAILING OPINIONS.

BY MRS. WEST,

AUTHOR OF LETTERS TO A YOUNG MANj STC»

Favour is deceliful, and hiaitfy is vain; lut a zvoman thai feareth tie Lord, Jhc Jhall b( fraifid. PfQV. xxxi. 30.

PUBLISHED

BY 0. PENNIMAN AND CO. TROY, AND I. RILEY AND CO. NEW-YORK.

1806.

O. Penniman & Co. Printers.

THESE LETTERS

ON THE DUTIES AND CHARACTER OF WOMEN,

ARE

(BY PERMISSION) APPROPRIATELY AND SUBMISSIVELY

INSCRIBED TO

The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty;

WHOSE EXALTED CHARACTER

ENFORCES, BY AN EXAMPLE MORE POWERFUL THAN PRECEPT,

THE STRICT PERFORMANCE

OF EVERY DOMESTIC, MORAL, AND

RELIGIOUS DUTY,

WITH THE DEEPEST SENSE OF THE HONOUR OF

THIS ILLUSTRIOUS PATRONAGE

THE AUTHOR SUBSCRIBES HERSELF

HER MAJESTY'S

MOST DUTIFUL,

AND MOST GRATEFULLY

DEVOTED SERVANT,

JANE WEST.

PREFATORY ADDRESS.

Since the publication of the much favoured « Letters" re- ferred to in the title page, the author has been repeatedly advifed to make the character and duties of her own fex the fubjedt of a feparate work, fimilar, and in feme refpedts fup- plenientary, to the former ; yet ftill preferving thofe pecu- liar features which would render it more interefting and beneficial to women. It was urged on the one hand, that the late publication was in fome parts adapted to female ftu- dents. This was admitted j but it was further obferved, that, though all rational creatures are circumfcribed within one general pale of moral and religious obligation, the pecu- liar path of each fex is marked by thofe nice Ihades of ap- propriation, which only an all-wife Being, intent on the ge- neral benefit of the whole human race, could impofe : and this remark was exemplified by fhewing, that any violation of this prefcribed decorum expofed the offender to a degree of opprobrium by no means conimenfurate with the ofience. To the remark, that of late, women had been peculiarly for- tunate in having had a number of admirable auvifers, It was anfwered, that they had ulfo been milled by many falfe lights, and were more expofed than at any former period to the ar- tifices of feducers ; who, intent to polfon the minds of the unwary, had contrived to introduce their dangerous notions on manners, morals, and religion, into every fpecies of com- pofition, and all forms of fociety ; the fentlmeats and regu- lations of which had lately, as far as concerns women, un- dergone an alarming change. And with regard to the many really valuable moralifts who have attempted to ftem this torrer.t^ the obfervation which the author formerly made re-

VI

fpa^Ing young men was equally true of women. The ext iremes of Ibciety were chiefly attended to ; and if we judged by the ftyle generally ufed by the infl:ru(Si:or of the fair fex, we fhoukl think that the whole female world was 'livided jnto *< high-lived company" and pauperc ;* that numerous and important body the middle clafies of fociety, whof^ du- ties are moft complicated, and confequently moft diflicult, being generally overlooked ; and yet the change of manners and purfuits among thefe are {o marked, that the mofl: fu- perficial obfervers muft be alarmed at the profpect of what it portends. Something too was jfeid of the advantage, as well as of the propriety, of intrufting female practitioners with the preparation of nofirums for the moral difeafes of their own flfterhood ; and a hint was given, that it would be patriotic to endeavour to reflore the reputation of the fair college of pharmacopolifts, which has been grievoufly tar-, niflied by the pracSlice of thofe charlatans who had aggrava- ted the difeafes which they pretended to cure by ftimulants or anodynes, till in many cales they were become too obfti- nate for any remedy. It was urged too, that a popular au- thor was in confcience bound to employ the (perhaps) tran- sient period of public approbation in ufing her moft ftrenu- ous endeavour to repay the favour of generous prote£lion, by endeavouring to give that turn to the tafte and morals of fociety which would be moft beneficial to its temporal and eternal interefts. This folemn conlideration, enforced by the dying injunctions of a much refpccled friend, who, near the clofe of his valuable life, addreiled an awful charge to the author, that flie fliould « Purfue the courfe in which flie then trod, and let all her future works tend not only to moral but religious edification," has determined her to con- quer the timid, or perhaps prudential motives, which advifed a timely retreat from the field of literature, before the fure indications of negleCl ftiould prevent her from doing fo with honour. The prefent work is the confequence of this re- covered hardihood.

Aware that humble views are beft fuitcd to her abilities, flie does not attempt to compofe a correft and elaborate fyf- tem of morals •, nor will flie examine the evidences and doc- trines of religion with logical minutenefs : able writers have preceded her in thefe departments. Her aim is, to prefent

• This obftTvatton mufl he taken with exceptions; amnnq; which, Dr. CJIboriu'ii Tfiid on the Duties of Women liolcls a prc-euilnetit rank.

vn

re.iders of her own fcx, and ftatlon, with fome admonitory reflexions on thofe points which appeared to her of fuperi- or importance, either from their having been omitted or nightly difcuffecl by other writers, or from the prevailing temper of the times requiring them to be recalled to gener- al attention, and, if poffible, placed in a novel and therefore more attraftive point of view. To arreft the attention of thofe who are terrified by the uniform aufterity of a inelan- choly cenfor, the fombre hue of precept will be relieved by fuch ornaments as can be adopted without injury to the main defign. Perhaps this lad intimation is but a fpecious apolo- gy for a manner of writing, at firft natural, and now fo con- firmed by habit, that a determination to avoid it would cer- tainly give a difgufting ftifFnefs to the following lucubra- tions.

The author is aware that there is a confiderable refem- blance between this and her preceding work on a fimilar fubjedl. This was unavoidable, unlefs flie had omitted what flie judged the moft important part of her undertaking, or referred her prefent readers to another publication : in eith- er cafe, the prefent would be incomplete. She has endeav- oured to give all the variety in her power, by varying her expreffions, and the order of her refledlions -, by throwing in fuch new remarks as recent occurrences, or her own fub- fequent reading, have fupplied ; by flightly paffing over what flie there attempted to explain in detail ; and by fupplying what an impartial review taught her to think deficient in her former work.

As thefe admonitions are chiefly defigned for readers whofe time is occupied in purfuits and duties which compel them to take up a book rather as an improving relaxation than a ferious ftudy, the epiftolary ftyle was adopted, as beil fuited to this purpofe. It is, however, acknowledged, that thefe letters were originally ivritien for the purpofe of publi- cation, although they are addrefled to a young lady, the daughter of the deareft friend of the author's early life. By kindly permitting her name to be the vehicle for thefe re- flexions, Mifs M has, in a confiderable degree, beguil- ed the fatigue of authorfliip ; for certainly there have been in%ments when the awful idea of public obfervation has fail- ed to opprefs the imagination which, infl:ead of a load of fu- ture refponfibility, pi-efented the foothing image of lifl:ening, partial friendlhip j endeared by the lively recolkXion of he-

VUl

reditary virtues, and every lively fenfatlon vhich the indeli- ble remembrance of a long loll;, yet ftill dearly regretted friend can awake in a grateful and fufceptible heart. But, to check a train of thought foreign to the purpofe of this prefatory addrefs, let it be obferved, that though, fo far as refpe£ts the feelings of the author, the appropriation of this compofition has been mofl: beneficial and agreeable, there is a kind of prefumptuous impertinence in the choice of the medium through Avhich thefe reflections are conveyed to the

public, which only the fweetnefs of Mifs M 's difpofition

could excufe, or the unequivocal merit of her character counteradt. Within the reipeclable circle which bounds her fame and her duties, it is well known, that, fo far from want-" ing the advice of others, flie teaches all who obferve her condu£l, by that nobleft and moft imprelRve mode of in- ftru^ion, example.

LETTERS.

Is'c. bfc. ^C.

LETTER I.

Introdudory Sketch of the Deftgn,

MV DEAR MISS M^

ri-<

1 EN years have elapfcd fince the inevitable confequences of an excruciating and lingering decay deprived you of a mother, whofe counfels and example would have been your beft guide to all that was amiable and praife worthy in your fex. It is not for us misjudging mortals, whofe views are bounded by the narrow horizon of feventy years, to queftion the decrees of that infinite Being whofe eye pervades the, meafurelefs ages of eternity ; nor can we fay how far the re- lations and advantages of that endlefs exiftence, on which chriftianity allows us to believe the glorified fpirit of your pious parent has now entered, depended upon the brief ter- mination of her mortal courfe. Of this we are fure, that the merciful Father of the human race fees it expedient to perf^dl his creatures by fufi:erings, even as a child in a well regulated family is trained to virtue and knowledge by a fyftem of difcipline and reftr^int, of which it does not then

difcern the advantage. Thus, my dear Mifs M , your

mother was doomed to pafs tlirough a rugged and painful paflage in her early journey to eternity ; and thus alfo, with refpeft to yourfelf, the young fcion was left expofed juft at that period when it feemed moft to require fhelter from the external violence of jftormy winds, and from thofe difeafes which arife from premature expofurc, and often deflroy the moft promifing vegetation.

The fame ftroke which deprived you of a mother, fepara- ted me from the friend whom I beft loved ; whofe partial approbation firft ftimulated me to break through oppofing B

10

difficulties, and to beftow all the cultivation on my pafllon for literature which my fituation in life allowed. Encour- aged by her praifes, guided by her tafte, and (what was in- fmitely more important to mc) corrected and improved in my moral judgment by the lllcnt eloquence of her blamciefs manners, I ftarted In the career of authorfliip with the moft flmguine expectations of full and immediate fuccefs. The premonitory cautions which flie thought it right to beftpvv, were too gentle to reprcfs the warm hopes of youthful inex- perience -, and it was only the fucceffive difappointment of my firft attempts which taught me that it was eafier to pleafe the candid and judicious, than to propitiate the multitude, when unfanctioned by the patronage of a mighty name, and unrecommended by a blamable fiicrifice to fiilfe princijile.

I fhall not forget the tender folicitude with which my late friend exerted herfelf to obviate the eftctfls of thofe mor- tifications of which her prudence had in vain forewarned me, and from which her enei'gctic exertions coulil not pro- tect an unknown inexperienced writer. To the happy in- fluence of her kindnefs, and her counfels, I may attribute my tfcape from the morbid prelTure of defpondency, and my ftill happier prefervation from the torrent of falfe theories ;md dlforganizing principles which was at that time poured into this country. As the effe6ls of thefe fubverting doc- trines had not then appeared ; and as, like their author Sa- tan, they took the difgulfe of angels of light ; a half cultiva- ted romantic mind, ignorant of men and manners, and en- thufiaflically attached to thofe vilions of indej-K^ndence, phi- lanthropy, energy, and perfe<SHon, which are fo dear to the votaries of the mufes, might have been feduced by the fair femblance in which thefe apoftles of anarchy were then en- veloped ; efpecially as they affefted refpe£t for the palladi- um of religion. The mature and enlightened underftanding- of your excellent mother faw through the impofture, and taught her credulous friend to diftinguifli between pretences to fuperior virtue, and the artlefs unboaftful reality. You, doubtlefs, recollect the apprehenfions which ihe felt, left the fpirit of infubordi nation and difcontent, though difcounte- nanced by all wife and worthy Britons, ihould be diffufed among the lower orders, who, being more inclined to feel the difad vantages of ignorance, than to acknowledge the comforts of obedience, would in confequence be betrayed to renounce the limple path in which their forefathers walked, and to follow thofe new lights which pretended to dirc<^

11

them to the tree of knowledge. She lived to fee her appre- iienllons verified, nor has the evil yet ceafed to work : may the Almighty, in his mercy, limit its progrefs !

Such were the obligations that I owed to your mother ; and to which muft be fuperadded, all the common offices of generous, a(5live, afFe(Slionate friendlliip : no wonder then that the lapfe of years has not diminilhed my attachment to her memory. The folemn fcenes which preceded her diflb- luaon afforded an inilru6live example, to all around her, of the pofhbility of difcharging the hard duty of confecrating afHiifiion ; and they taught us to mingle with our tears for her lofs, the confolations Avhich arlfe from a conviction of her beatitude.

Among the injun£lions that I received from her dying lips, there is one to which I fliall now more particularly re- fer : I mean her earneft delire that I would " write to ycUf and remind yrM of our friendiliip." My dear young friend, our correfpondence has not fufiered any long interruption fince that period ; yet I often feel as if I had not, in my pri- vate addrelTes to you, fully accompriflied the wiflaes of your mother. It is a mofl inexpreffible fatisfadlion to me, to per- ceive that you attain the age of majority with every fair promife of being the true reprcfcntativc of the revered de- ceafed ; nor can I point out any part of your condudl which my knowledge of her fentiments perfuades me fhe would have wiflied to be altered. Yet I feel fuch an exquillte fat- isfaClion in the idea of being employed in (I muft not fay her fervice, but in) fhewing my attachment to what flie befl loved, that I cannot refrain from alking your permiffion to addrefs to you fome counfels and admonitions, which many young women ef your age would find but too necelTary in thefe portentous times. That " myftery of iniquity," v/hofe courfe is marked on the continent of Europe by fubverted empires, and defolated realms, has on this ifland been at pre- fent bufy in effefting thofe moral revolutions Vk'hich are the precurfors of political ones. The manly fenie and indepen- dent pride of Britons have (with few exceptions) nobly dif~- dained to adopt the political example of a people to whom they have been accullomed to give laws in the field of arms ; but it is much to be feared, that they have not with equal warinefs refifted the blandifhments of their vicious example, or braced up their minds to repel the confequences which refult from luxury, diffipation, and every varied form of pleafurable indulgence. By thefc affailants the weaker fex

12

arc more particularly aiTaiilted. Under the covert of con- tinual amufement, pride, levity, felfifliners, difregard of punc- tuality, extravagance, and religious indifference, have fi:olen unfulpe(fl;ed upon our unguarded hearts, and often have fo far alienated us, as to occafion a total negleft of God's holy word and commandments. In this ftate, the mind is apt to weigh whatever is fubmitted to its judgment, rather by the loofe fcale of prefent expediency and con^'enience, than by the immutable ftandard of right, or the certain ex'^eclations of future confequcnces. Such is the procefs by which many are led to commit a crime, rather than make a breach in their politenefs, and to injure their probity fooner than re- nounce an indulgence ; and thus they lofe, in the tranfient gratifications of the animal fenfes, the uobleft diftin<ftions and fureft rewards of their intelledlual being. But let us defcend from general declamation, to particular inftances of the change of public opinion as it relates to our fex.

The focicty, which young women who are devoted to a life of fafhionable amufement frequently meet, creates a fpe- cies of danger which in the prefent times is moft trulv alarm- ing. The unblufliing effrontery with which women of doubtful or loft charadler obtrude themfelves upon public notice, is a marked charafteriftic of the age we live in, that was unknown to our anceftors (except, perhaps, in one prof- ligate reign,) and ftrongly demonftrative that the out pofts of female honour are given up. What can more tend to debafe the purity of virtue, and to enfeeble the ftability of principle, than to find that a notorious courtezan retains all the diftin^lions due to unfpotted chaftity ; nay, even to fee her pointed out as a moft engaging creature, with a truly benevolent heart ; while all retrofpecl of her flagitious cour- duel is prevented, by the obfervation, that we have nothing to do with people's private charafter. Can we wonder, that, fmce the age is become fo liberal, profligacy fliould not feel the neceflity of being guarded in its tranfgreftlons ?

If we turn from thefe flagrant violations of divine and hu- man laws, which even the groffeft depravity cannot juftify, por the moft fubtle fophiftry palliate ; may v.e not, in the licenfcd freedom of modern manners, trace many deviations from reftitude and dehcacy ? To what defcription of condudl muft we refer tliat marked attention which married women permit from fafliionable libertines .'' Is it compatible with any of the peculiar tr;tits of the matronly charat'ler, prudence, decorum, and confiftcncy ? What is tliat mode of drefs which

13

they fan^lion by their example, the expenfe to which they devote their fortunes, or the amufements to which they fac- riiice their time ? A young woman who now adventures in- to the labyrinth of life, has more to fear from the feniors of her own fex, than from male artifices. The Lovelaces and Pollexfens have not indeed totally difappeared from the cir- cle of fafhion ; but it is not youthful beauty and virgin in- nocence that now attraifl their purfuit. While the fpright- ly fpinfter waits till the coquetifh wife difmifTes her wearied Cecifbeo, to yawn out an unmeaning compliment to the im- mature attractions of nineteen, fhe muft conlole her chagrin by refolving to take the firft offer that flie can meet with, provided the creature pofleffes the requifites of wealth and fafhion to enable her to revenge her prefent wrongs on the pajt generation of beauties, and in her turn to triumph over the Jucceedlng.

This refle£lion leads me to that paffion for genteel appear- ance in drefs, equipage, furniture, and every mode of ex- penfe, which is fuch a ftrong feature in the afpeft of this luxurious age ; and which really defcends to every rank, even to thofe on whom poverty has ftamped the marks of wretch- edncfs. To outfliine your equal in tafte and fmartnefs, is a rule which every underftanding can comprehend, and which, requiring no great exertions of the mental .or moral powers, becomes a marketable medium of fluiftuating value in the commerce of life. Though the effefts of this abfurd pro- penfity are moft feverely felt in the lower orders, its mif- chiefs are not imknown in thofe circles from which it wns iirft derived. We females have had many monitors on this (to us) important topic ; yet as the evil vifibly gains ground, and even threatens to fubvert all diftindlions in fociety, all attempts to place in a clear point of view the abfurd ity of endeavouring to impofe upon the world, by pratSlIfing a cheat too familiar to deceive an idiot, deferve commendation.

Nor are the evils confequent on a life of diffipation the only dangers that young ladies may now dread. In retire- ment, they are haunted by another fpecies of enemies, no lefs alarming to their underftandings, to their morals, and to their repofe. The fpecies of reading, prepared to relieve the toils of diffipation, is faithful to its intereft, and is either in- tended to miflead or to gratify. Under the former defer ip- tion may be ranked all thofe fyftems of ethics, and treatifcs on education, which are founded on the falfe dodtrine of hu- man perfedlibility, and confequently rejeCl the neceffity of

14

divine revelation and fupernatural agency. Many elementa- ry works on the fcienccs come under tliis defcription -, and by thefc the young ftudent may learn that fhe is a free indepen- dent being, endowed with energies which (lie may exert at will, and reftrained by no conlldcrations but tliofe which her own judgment may think it expc'dietit to obey. She is taught, that the nature flie inherits was originally perfect ; that its prefent difordered ftate did not arife from an hereditary taint, the confequence of primeval rebellion, but from wretched fyftems of worldly policy, ill concerved laws, and illiberal re- ftraints ; which if happily removed, the human mind would at once ftart forth in a rapid purfuit of that perfection which it is luUy able to attain. She will hear much praife beftow- ed on generofity, greatnefs of foul, liberality, benevolence, and this caft of virtues ; but as their offices and properties would not be clearly defined, and as all reference to the pre- venting and affifting grace of God, or to the clear explana- tions which accompany Chriftian ethics, are fyftematically excluded from thele compofltions, it will not be wonderful if the bewildered reader fliould beftow thefe titles on the ac- tions of pride, pertinacity, indifcretion, and extravagance. We have feen the effects of thefe theories on the vacant im- petuous mind of uniuftructed youth, fufficiently to deter- mine, that, like the pagan corrupters of old times, who *' changed the glory of the invifible God into an image made like unto corruptible man," they, while *' profefling them- felves to be wife, have become fools."

But we will fuppofe a young woman happily free from the metaphyfical mania, and influenced by no inordinate defire to diftingullli herfelf among her companions by the difguft- ing affedtation of fupcrior knowledge ; I mean by this, a common charac^ter, who is willing to Aide with the world ; who reads to kill time j who adopts the opinions that flie hears, and fuffers the paffing fcene to flit by her v/ithout much anxiety, or much reflection. Unengaging as this char- acter is, I confefs that I greatly prefer it to the petticoat phi- lolophift, who feeks for eminence and diiiinction in infideli- ty and i'cc})ticifm, or in the equally monftrous extravagancies of German morality. Women of ordinary abilities were in former times confined to their famplers or their confection- ary ; and furely they were as well employed in picking out the feeds of .currants, or in ftitching the " tale of Troy di- vine," as now, when they are dependant on the circulating liJTary for n^.ear.s to overcome the tedium of a difeu^aged day.

15

Novels, plays, and perhaps a little poetry, are tlie limits of their literary refearches. Shall we inquire what impreflions romantic adventures, high wrought fcenes of pafaon, and all the turmoil of intrigue, incident, extravagant attachment, and improbable vlciilitudes of fortune, muft make upon a vacant mind, whofe judgment has not been exercifed either by real information, or the conclufions of experience and obfervation ? The inferences that we mufl draw are felf- evident.

Let us introduce a third poffibility, and fuppofe a young woman well difpofcd, and pofTcfTed of fuch a fuperficial knowledge of religion as the fafliion of the prefent day, and the time allotted to the acquifition of pohte accomplifliments, feem to permit. Such a one will, in her private ftudies, en- deavour to improve her acquaintance with thofe eternal truths which will make her wife unto falvation. If fhe pof- fefs the confcioufnefs of a found underitanding, and fuch pertinacity of temper as difpofes her to independent think- ing, is there not great danger of her adopting the leading dogmas of that indefatigable fe£t, which teaches us tliat rea- fon is the paramount quaUty of the foyl, and that it is our pofitive duty to rejecl whatever we do not wholly comprehend, notwithftanding any weight of teilimony which fupports the myfterious tenet, and maugre the experienced imbeciUty (or to ufe a more appropriate term) unrlpcnefs of the human in- tellei^ ? She v»rill not find fuch aflaults upon her faith con- fined to books of divinity, nor to tradls of devotion. Writ- ers of this clafs are extremely numerous ; I hope, and I be- lieve, that they are proportionably more fo than their converts ; for this mode of thinking is intimately connected v.'ith a paf- fion for literary reputation. Their rage for profelycifm is jiot impeded by the fear of impropriety or abfurdity : be their fubjecl biography, hiftory, geography, the belles lettres, or indeed any of the more abftrufe fciences, the fame perfevei- ing eagernefs to thrufl: in an often refuted objedlion to the efiabliihed religion is apparent. Nothing, but a thorough inveftigation of the foundation \ on which that religion is built, can refill: the undermining effects of thefe reiterated afiaults.

If the charaifter of the ftudent lean to the fatui-nine caft, if (he be inclined to view the world through the jaundiced eyes of mifanthropy and melancholy, to make no allowance for human frailty, and to employ her attention rather in aggravating the errors of others, tiian in regulating the pro-

16

pcnfitics of licr own heart ; if to this unhappy dirpofitlon to lelf-gratuhition a love of myfticifm, and an enthufiaftic im- agination, fhoiilJ be fuperadded, fhe is prepared for the af- laults of difputants no lefs hoftile to the religion in which I fuppofe her to be baptized and educated. By tlieni Ihe will be equally complimented with a liberty, which is ever moft precious and defirable to thofe who have the leaft right to claim, or power to exercife it •, I mean that of judging for themfelves. She will be as much exonerated from refpeft to her regular paftor, as the before mentioned difciple of rea- fon ; and ihe will imbibe a perhaps fupcrior contempt for thofe forms and ordinances, with which I reprefent her as having complied more from habit, than from a juft compre- henfion of their utility and efficacy. If her underftanding or imagination be of that caft which, can be warped by thofe foothing delufions of converfion, experience, and election, which are fo inexplicably captivating to fpiritual pride, Ihe will enjoy in the reveries of Calvinifm a degree of fclf-grat- ulation beyond what the fceptic can poffibly feel ; for the belief of being peculiarly favoured by our Creator muft ele- vate the mind to a higher pitch, than the fuppofed liberty of queftioning the verity of the revelations that he has made of his nature and his will can poffibly effedl. In either cafe, the unhappy convert lofes the light of that guiding ftar which would beft direct her fleps ; I mean the affiftance of a pure and holy religion.

I forbear to mention the dangers which young women are cxpofed to from faithlefs confidants, indifcreet friends, art- ful paralites, needy dependants, and all that routine of inter- efted fervility fo commonly appendant to beauty, birth, or fortune. Thefe reptiles are not the fpawn of modern times j I rather think, that as the world has grown lefs domeflic, and more felf-engrofTed, fycophants of all defcriptions have been lefs neceflary, and confequently the trade is upon the decline. The beft antidote to the enervating affiduities of thefe ear-ticklers is contained in thofe talismanic words which modern manners leave little leifure to obferve, " Commune with your own heart, and in your chamber, and be ftill."

We have hitherto confidcred the fair adventurer in the voyage of life as only expofed to external aflnilants ; but it muft be remembered, that ffie carries with her a rebellious crew of paffions and aftedtions, which are extremely apt to mutiny, efpecially in times of extraordinary peril. The per- ifhable commodity of female fame is embarked in a flight

^7

felucca, painted and gilded, indeed, and externally both con- venient and beautiful ; but by no means fitted for thofe dif- tant voyages, and rough encounters with winds, feas, and enemies, which attord navigators of the other fex a welcome opportunity of lliowing their fkill and magnanimity : yet the delicacy of the merchandize, joined to the fragility of thefe adorned veflels, impofes conftant anxiety and labour on their commanders •, not only left their precious cargo fliould lofe either its polifli or its purity, but from fear of falling in- to the hands of pirates, who are ever on the watch to pillage or deftroy them. The rifk is confiderably increafed, by knowing, that though the pilot often pofTefTes many excel- lent and engaging qualities, the helm is feidom managed with adroitnefs, and the fliip is rarely able to veer, to tack, and to feud before the wind, till very late in the voyage : I cannot, therefore, think it expedient that thefe fragile barks fliould venture to do more than fail coafvnvife^ till they are taken in tow by fome ftouter veiTel ; efpecially as they are totally deftitute of all materials to remedy the misfortunes incident to fliipwreck. Whether it proceed from the falfe opinions, prejudices, or injuftice of men, as fome fay ; or, as I am inclined to think, from the wifdom of divine Provi- dence impoiing a greater degree of charinefs on that fex which he deligned to make the confervator of morals ; fo it happens, that women find a greater degree of difficulty than men in throwing ofF any fpecies of reproach, whether it be deferved, or the falfe imputation of malignant flander.

We may inquire, how are women fitted to anfwer thofe fevere demands which cuftom, and I may add reafon, make upon their conduft ? This inveftigation will lead us into an ample field ; as it will not only require us to confider what education does in forming habits of watchfulnefs and felf- controul, and in invigorating the difcriminative and deliber- ative powers of the mind ; but alfo, how far the prefent cuf- toms of fociety aflift us in the proper difcharge of our re- quired duties. In the courfe of this inquiry, we fhall dif- cover ample reafon to blefs our Creator, who originally in- tended us to *' take our noifelefs way along the cool fequef- tered vale of life," flnce we fhall find every departure from this appointed path attended with danger, either to our peace, or to our renown.

What thofe duties are which the God of Nature requires us to fulfil : what refources he allows us under the forroWs C

i3

incident to thofc duties ; and what arc the incidental as well as future rewards which we are authorized to expeft, will form an agreeable cxercife to the well difpofed mind, when it is wearied with viewing the labours and furrows which re- fult from faftidioufnefs, felfifhnefs, vanity, irregular defires, and extravagant expectations. Think you, my dear Mlfs

M , that a dlfcullion of fuch fubjeifts will anfwer that

idea of a correfpondence, which occurred to your beloved mother at a moft awful and mournful moment ? What plea- fure ihall I feel, in adureffing my fex through the daughter of that friend from whom I derived what is moft valuable in my fentiments and principles ! You were very young when you met with that fevere misfortune which checked the gay career of fondly foftered childhood. Your age had not per- mitted you to reap the full profit of the attentions of your ever watchful parent. You felt that her fweet temper and ferene cheerfulnefs made you happy ; but you could not then juftly appreciate the fuperiority of her undcrftanding. You had learned to obey her injunclions, but you could not know the prudent and virtuous ends which they were intended to produce. I loft her at a time when experience had taught me her full value. Though diftance, and the intervention of nearer relations, and more imperious duties, rendered her life of lefs daily importance to me, thofe very circumftances combined to imprefs her obfervations and example deeper upon my memory. While my hands have been occupied in attending to the domeftic calls of a rifing family, my im- agination has wandered to the fcenes of early life, and to the beloved circle of which flie was one of the brighteft orna- ments. The lively fally, the literary difcufiion, the perfpic- uous remark, have reflected pleafure on the fometimes tedi- ous routine of daily avocation ; and efpecially {fuch is the general effect of true friendfhip) did I feel the juftnefs of her fentiments, and the validity of her arguments, when <« the wheel was broken at the ciftern," and I could no more draw truth and knowledge from that fountain.

If my anxiety to difcharge this hereditary obligation fliould make me deviate into the error of capricious teftators, who like to bequeath their riches to theii- moft ivcalthy connex- ions, I can excufe myfelf by pleading, that the beneficial ef- fe^s of moral reflections and prudential counfels are not con- fined to thofe to whom they are Imparted. Like mercy, they have a chance of " being twice blcfled j'* the giver ia amended, if not the receiver. If ferious reflections on " our

19

being's end and aim" are likely to produce a wholefome in^ difference to the tranfient pleafures of this world, methodiz- ing and improving thofe reflexions muft deepen their im- preffion on the mind where they originated ; and that heart mufl indeed be obdurate which can relift the energy of its own reproofs. Surely no common proficiency in hypocrify is neceflary to enable us to pen a fententious libel on our own conduct, or to fabricate a fyftem contradi<5lory to our lives.

I am aware, that the lively feelings of fentiment and af- fection which dictated my admonitory addrefles to my eldefl: fon, were the chief attra(ftion which recommended that work to public favour. By permitting me to fuppofe your welfare conne<fted with the prefent attempt, you will enable me to embark in it with the fame llncerity, and nearly equal folici- tude. Whatever the pretended cofmopolites may boaft of the efFeCts of univerfal philanthropy and general benevolence, we muft embody thofe indefinite ideas, and combine them with fome ftrong tic of nature or of choice, before we can be really interefted in the anomalous aggregate. A work coldly written, will be as frigidly perufed ; that on which the author's heart never engraved a difcriminating token, cannot hope to ftamp an indelible impreffion on the feelings of the reader.

You fee, my dear MIfs M , how much of my literary

reputation is in your power. Am I too prefumptuous, if, building on our long friendfliip and your habitual kindnefs, I anticipate your acquiefcence with my wiflies ? As foon as you announce it, I fhall enter with fpirit on my then pleaf- ing tafk ; and in the interim I remain

Your very afreXionate friend, &c.

20

LETTER II.

Original Dejiination of Women.

MY DEAR MISS M-

1 HE alTurance that I have not impofecl too great a burden on your aiTeflionate partiality, by your promife to receive my labours with pleafure, and to perufe them with attention, has enabled me to enter on my propofed undertaking with alacrity, to which the manner of your communicating this welcome intelligence has given a yet more powerful impetus. I fhall now hurry you along without any ceremony, and im- mediately commence the propofed inquiry into the lituation, duties, trials, and errors of our lex.

When we addrefs chriftian readers, we prefuppofe their acquiefcence in the fafts that are recorded in holy writ. Without wafting our time in a philofophical analyfis of the peculiar conftruftion of our intellect, or the phyilcal organ- ization of our bodies, we may reft alTured that we are en- dowed with powers adequate to the deftgn of our creation ; namely, to be the helpmate of man, to partake of his labours, to alleviate his diftreffes, to regulate his domeftic concerns, to rear and inftruct the fubfequent generation ; and, having finifhed our probationary courle as accountable beings, to en- ter on another ftate of endlefs exiltence.

It would be foreign to our purpose, to purfue a minute in- veftigation refpecling the fituation of women in* other re- gions : a very few general obfervations fliall fuffice. The nearer the country is to what is called the ftate of nature (but which, in correal: language, fliould be termed favage de- generacy,) the more v/c find women depreftcd, fcrvile, and miferab-le. Tiie rude defcendants of thofe wandering tribes, v/hom the miraculous interpofition of the offended Deity at Babel difperfed through the diftant quarters of the globe, amidft the degradation of mutual ignorance and mutual pri- vation, have uniformly retained that fuperiority of the male fpecies which it received at the creation, and which prevail- ed during the primeval ftate of the world. It is impoflible to account for the univcrLl fubjugation of womerj among

21

favacTcs on the ground of their mental imbecility, or bodily disadvantages ; for it is a well known h€t, that exertion in- vigorates both the intelledlual and corporeal faculties ; and as thefe wretched victims of male tyranny execute the talks of intenfe and continual labour, while their more indolent lords engrofs all the fenfual indulgencies which a ftate of barbarifm affords, the general laws of even handed Provi- dence mufk repay their hard fervices with more athletic vig- our and acute intelligence. In confequence, travellers re- mark, that the women belonging to the wandering tribes of barbarians, whenever the reflraints of jealoufy have permitted them to hold intercourfe with ftrangers, have generally dif- played more quicknefs and refledlion than the males, as well as a fuperior Ihare of thofe virtues of compallion and benev- olence, which are the fure indications that the mind has ex- panded beyond the merely felfifh purfuits of animal life. This obfervation has little reference to our prefent inquiry ; but every incidental remark that corroborates the teftimony of holy writ, is conducive to the main defign of this corre- fpondence.

The progrefs of any people toward civilization is uniform- ly marked by allotting an increafed degree of importance to the fair fex ; but this is not always done with benevolent re- gard to their happinefs. The violent paffions and capricious humours of men intervene ; and in the eaftern and louthern regions of the earth, where thofe paffions are moll impetu- ous, women are ever conlidered rather as a precarious and valuable property,, than as rational creatures pofleffing a claim to felf-enjoyment. Thofe reftraints of barbarous policy un- der which Mahometan and Gentoo women labour, are ftill more injurious to our genuine charafter, than the dangerous exertions of Patagonian divers, or the agricultural toil of fe- male Africans. When women are only taught " to dance, to drefs, to troll the tongue and roll the eye," voluptuous paffions, frivolous purfuits, low artifices, and all that envy, revenge, jealoufy, fear, and difguifed hatred, can diftate to the doubtful favourite of an hour, muft agitate the female breaft ; alternately folicitous to repair the ruins of time in her own perfon, and to counteract the attractions of a rival. In the fecluded harem, where polygamy immures the vic- tims of its paffions and the difturbers of its repofe, we muft not look for the friend or helpmate of man.

In Europe, and its numerous colonies, the blelTed influ- ence of divine revelation has fixed our fex in a more happy

22

fituatioii. Our equal claim to immortality, which the gof- pel recognized, removed many prejudices againft us. The abolition of polygamy railed us, from mere objects of fenfu- al defire, to friends and companions ; and wherever the in- ftitution of marriage is formally acknowledged, women be- come a branch of the body politic, amenable to the laws of their country, and alfo to public opinion, which alike takes cognizance of their condu(5t and protects their perfons. To the folemn obligation of this heaven ordained bond, this facred fource of all domeflic relations and charities, all pol- illied nations fuperadd that general fenfe of courtefy and rc- fmed attention which chivalry introduced ; to whofe enthu- liaftical and romantic, yet falutary modification of the rough martial manners of the middle ages, fociety is more deeply indebted, than this fceptical age is willing to allow. Its ef- fefts on the fituation of our fex muft not be limited to thofe times, when the miftrefs of the jouft awarded the prize among contending aflertors of her charms ; we feel them in every a<Sl of complacence and politencfs which we continue to receive from the lords of creation, in the high importance affixed to female virtue, in the affiduities of love, and in the decorums of fociety.

Our country has long been eminently diftinguiflied as the feat of pure religion and enlightened laws. It cannot, there- fore, excite furprife that travellers fliould admire the envi- able ftate of our countrywomen, who appeal' to move in their natural fphcre, and are neither treated with the phleg- matic negle(St vifible among our northern neighbours, nor with the oftentatious oblequioufnefs which the more polifh- ed nations of the continent practife to a degree of farcical affeftation. The effecl of this judicious treatment has been equally confpicuous in the mild chafte attradlions of the Britifli fair; their fimple elegance, domeftic habits, and all the graces of difcretion, delicacy, and ingenuous attachment, have been as loudly praifed, as the valour, magnanimity, and found fenfe of their heroic partners.

I know, my dear Mifs M , your bofom poflefles that

fliare of patriotic virtue, which teaches you to exult with the proud feelings of confcious participation in the rank which Britain /wit' holds among the nations of the earth. In every clime that the fun vlfits is her ingenuity admired, and her valour revered. But can this pre-eminence be long fupport- ed, if female virtue, degraded and abafiied, Ilirinks from iuvell:igation, and reiigns, with her claim to fuperiority, all

23

her pretenfions to reward the prefent race of heroes, and to model the future ? The triumph of the red-crofs knight ceaf- ed, when lovely Anna no longer rode belide him in the attired panoply of \'-:ftal innocence.

Before we wander through the mazes of fafhion, or re- view the changes which wealth and luxury have produced in our charafters, let us confider our fex as fulfilling the dc- figns of our Creator in this highly favoured country ; where the laws of God and man were till lately affifted by the hab- its of fociety, and all united to make us become what we ought to be. It is not only in the conjugal ftate that we are deiigned to be the helpmates of our coheirs of im- mortality •, as daughters, fifters, mothers, miftrefles of fami- lies, neighbours, and friends, the active duties of female iife- fulnefs may be happily exerted. Even the inlulated fpinfter has no right to confider herfelf exempt from the general ob- ligation ; the paucity of nearer claims leaves her more at lib- erty to purfue the wide range of benevolence ; nor can fhe be juftified in refigning her mind to the waywardnefs of felf- indulgence, while there is a human being within her fphere of adlion whom (he could benefit or relieve by the kind of- fices of humanity.

In our progrefs from the cradle to the grave, fucceflive duties adapted to our diffei^ent powers crowd upon our at- tention. The firft talks which filial duty requires are affec- tion and obedience ; which often compel us to participate in the forrows and labours of our parents, before we feel from our own particular diftrefl^es " that man is born to woe.'* While attending on the fick bed to which fraternal affection has chained us, or v^'hile watching the languid couch of the fource of our life with all the anxious obfervance of ready diligence, we gather that experience, and imbibe thofe hab- its of tendernefs and patience, which in riper years we are required to exercife in our own families. During the fhort reign of beauty {or, to adopt a language more univerfally ]vi% while courtlhip gives a feeming pre-eminence,) difcre- tion teaches us a cautious ufe of power, efpecially over him whom we propofe to fele^l as the arbiter of our future lot. And when the awful marriage contract removes us from aiSt- ing a fubordinate part in the family of our parants, and fixes us as vicegerents of our huiband's houfehold, we enter upon, the mod extended circle in which (generally fpeaking) Prov-^ idence defigned us to move. Nor is that circle fo circum- fcribed as to give caufe to the moft adive mind to complain

24.

of want of employment ; the duties that it requires are of fuch hourly, fuch momentary recurrence, that the impropri- ety of our engaging in public concerns becomes evident, from the confequent unavoidable negledt of o".r immediate aifairs. A man, in moft lltuations of life, may fo arrange his private bufinefs, as to be able to attend the important calls of patri- otifm or public fpirit ; but the prefence of a woman in her own family is ahvays fo falutary, that Ihe is not juftiiied in withdrawing her attention from home, except in Ibme call of plain pofitive duty. The management of that part of her hufband's fortune which is committed to her truft ; the com- fortable arrangement of domeftic affairs ; the attention which the bodily wants of a rliing family require ; the fllU greater vigilance which fhould be beftowed on the formation of their minds and the regulation of their tempers ; the fuperlntcn- dance of fervants, which, as the eftabllfhment increafes in number, becomes more important and more perplexing, and among whom a miftrefs ought in fome fenfe to perform the part of a vigilant obferver, a magiftrate, and a protetfting friend ; when, I repeat, it is confidered that v/e owe thefe perpetual obligations to all thofe who are refident under our roof, thofe ranks of life which are exempt from the necefli- ty of bodily labour feem fupplled with ample occupation, by diligently obferving the apoftolical injunciion, " of keeping at home, and guiding their own houfes with difcretion." But this is not all : by becoming wives, we do not ceafe to be daughters, fiflers, or friends ; and the demands which arife out of thefe relationflilps are certainly of the number of thofe plain pofitive duties which juflify a temporary derelic- tion of our own immediate charge. Society has alfo a claim upon us : they Avho entirely limit their attention to their own houfeholds, and will neither open their purfes nor their hearts at the call of benevolence, nor beftow their time and their attention on the demands of good neighbourhood, muft expert to live difliked or defplfed : they are indeed punifhed for their rebellion to general laws, by growing morofe, nar- row minded, or whlmfical, and by contracling fuch peculiar habits as are the forerunners of fpleen and mifanthropy. Home fhould be made pleafant to our huibands ; and men are never more pleafed with it, than when it affords them the agreeable change of pleafant fociety. The intereft and welfare of our children require that we fliould introduce them to proper connexions. Thefe prudential confidcra- tions are enforced by the pofitive duties which we owe to

our fuperiors, equals, and inferiors : thence follow the obli- gations of refpC'fl, complaifance, and benevolence ; whoever needs our fervices, prefents a claim to them, which can only be obviated by fome ftronger obligation j and here difcre- tion is to act as umpire.

But we have duties ftill more important than what we owe to kindred and fociety : I mean thofe of a creatui'e to its Creator ; and furely a married v,roman, whofc fenli'oilities are multiplied in fo many dear connections, has the leafh ex- cufe for neglecting this moft important obligation. Can {he forget the mornino; and evening facrifice, whofe tender feel- jngs are fo peculiarly fufceptible of injury from every quar- ter by which fin or forrow can afTiiil the human mind ?

With the duties of a refponfible dependant being, thofe of a rational creatui'e are necefTarily blended. What is that which is to furvive the ruins of this clay built tenement, and to exift to all eternity ? Certainly it is our intelle(Stual part ; and Ihall we, v/liile in this probationary ftate, negle£t its cul- tivation ? Talents, we know, are not beftowed to ruft in in- activity J and our defire for ufeful and improving knowledge, {hould only be bounded by our opportunity for acquiring it. This reftraint makes it incumbent upon us, not to fuffer our literary propenfities to fuperfede the active duties which our fituation and relative connexions peremptorily require ; and as thefe claims will in moft cafes leave us but little ieifure, it behoves us to hufband that little by applying it well. The knowledge that will be moft ufeful claims the precedence ; that which may be moft eafily acquired feems to be entitled to the fecond preference. Though fomething fhould be graftted to peculiar tafte, efpecially when it appears to be the Itrong propenfity of genius, and not the craving of caprice, it is in general advifable, that women fhould not (efpecially after they have embarked in the adtive duties of married life) devote their attention to any recondite ftudy, or abftrufe ,fcience. Uninviting as their afpeCt is to ftrangers, it is well known, that mathematical problems, and metaphyfical de- ductions, afford fuch gratification to thofe who have made fome progrefs in thofe branches of learning, that they often entirely abforb the faculties, and render the common duties of life taflelefs and difgufting.

From the wide range of occupations which call upon us in middle age, let us extend our refearches to the decline of life ; and here, as long as the power of ufefulnefs is entruft- D

26

ed to us, we find objects to claim its exertion. If we are deprived of our wedded partners, the fole management of our fortunes, or perhaps the a£live fuperintendance of the bu- finefs which fupports our famiUes, devolves upon us. We ihould provide for this in early life, by gaining fuch knowl- edge of money tranfaflions as will preferve us from impofi- tion : few acquirements are more ufeful to females ; and the increafing intricacy of public impofts and legal fecurities ren- ders it daily more requifite. Here, too, that knowledge of the world which accafional intercourfe with fociety affords becomes of high importance, as it enables us to guard againft the blandishments of art, and the fnares of villany, to which I believe our fex is more peculiarly expofed. "When we have iofi: the advantage of a counfellor and friend, whofe intereft was infeparably connected with our own, we become doubly bound to recur to the ilores which recolle^lion furnilhes, and to exert our moft wary vigilance, left we llaould be made the dupes of knaves, or the tools of parafites.

Our children, probably, at this period will not require our continual attention ; but numerous occafions will arife to ex- crcife our care and love, and to convince us that we do not live for ourfelves alone. A third generation, too, generally fteps forth, in whom the active calls of earlier life again re- vive. Much of the comfort of our old age depends upon our difcharging the claims of renovated maternity with pro- priety. The feafon of life is now apt to fuggeft the love of eafe, and at the fame time confines our views to prefent ob- je6ls and local purfuits. It now, therefore, becomes more than ever our duty to prevent the increafing influence of felf- ifhnefs, by encouraging thofe benevolent affections which at this feafon of life are feldom fo lively as to miflead us, un- lefs we fuffer them to wander into devious and crooked paths. It is now in our power to be highly beneficial to our fellow creatures, without thofe adtive exertions which our infirmi- ties would probably render painful. Yet let it be remem- bered, that it is by kind afilftance, or cautious interpofition, not by ofiicious interference, that age is enabled to reflect: the light of its own experience on youth. As increafing pains and debilities warn us of the fpeedy termination of our earthly journey, it becomes indifpenfahly neceflliry, that chcer- fulnefs, patience, and fortitude Ihould be our conftant com- panions J for unlefs they are inmates in our bofom, we can only hope for the cold f^rvices of reluftant duty, or intereft:- ed affiduitifs, inftead of the grateful attentions of attachment

27

and eftcem. It not unfrcquently happens, that, added to our own infii-mities, we are ftill required to lend our aid to relieve thofe of our wedded partner. Generally fpeaking, the pains and privations of advanced life affect men more than women ; for their happinefs moftly coniifts in aftive exertions ; their enjoyments are lefs domeftic ; they are not fo accuftomed to endure and to fubmit ; and they often have it in their power to co7itroid or to efcape from unpleafant fen- lations. To fympathize in the anguifh, and endure the ir- ritability of a beloved objecSi:, and at the fame time to ftrug- gle againffc the burden of our own infirmities, is a tafk which is often impofed upon our declining years.

To thefe domeftic duties and obligations, may be added what belongs to us in the aggregate, as the refiners of man- ners, and the confervators of morals ; and in thefe c".fes ev- ery judicious llatefman readily allows our relative impor- tance. No nation has preferved its political independence for any long period after its women became diffipated and li- centious. When the hallowed graces of the chafte matron have given place to the bold allurements of the courtezan, the rifing generation always proclaims its bafe origin. Lux- urious felf-indulgence ; frivolous or abandoned purfuits ; in- diflfcrence to every generous motive ; mean attachment to intereft ; difdain of lawful authority, yet credulous fubfervi- ence to artful demagogues ; the blended vices of the favage, the fybarite, and the flave, proclaim a people ripe for ruin, and inviting the chains of a conqueror. As far as the re- cords of pail ages permit us to judge, female depravity pre- ceded the downfall of thofe mighty ftates of Gi"eece and Italy which once gave law to the world. We have infpired teftimony, that the licentioufnefs, pride, and extravagance of *< the daughters of Sion," during the latter part of her firfl: monarchy, accelerated the divine judgments, and unfheathed the fword of the Babylonifli deftroyer.* The events that we have witnefl^ed in our own times confirm this pofition : in moft of the realms that have been overcome by the arms of France, a notorious derelidtion of female principle prevail- ed ; and the ftate of manners in France itfelf, as far as rela- ted to our fex, had obtained fuch dreadful publicity, as al- lows us to afcribe the fall of that country in a great meafurc to the diflipated indelicate behaviour and loofe morals of its

* See various paffages in tlie prophetical parts of Scripture ; cfpecially Ifaiah.

28

women. Thus, though we are not entitled to a place in the fenate, we become legijlatcs in the moft important fonfe of the word, by iniprciling on the minds of ail around us the obligation which gives force to the flatutc. Were we but fteadily united in relifting the corruption of the times, the boaftful libertine, the profclled man oi gallantry, the vapid coxcomb, the profane fcoiier, the indecent jefter, and all the reptile fwarm which perverted pride and falfe wit produce, would dilappear. It is us that they feek to pleafe, or rather to aftoniili \ and if we were but fteadily relblved to repay their vanity with contempt, and to beftow our fmilcs only on what was meritorious, or really brilliant, the habits of the gay world would undergo a moft happy transformation. Women are generally confidered as in a great degree the arbiters of tafte -, nor is this a trivial diftincStion : tafte is in- fluenced by the moral qualities ; the quick perception of what is grotefque or abfurd, even in what are termed the fine arts, is i-arely confined to mere mechanical proportion or efl'e<51:. Undefined ideas of " pcrfeft, fair, and good" af^ fociate with the rules by which we judge the merits of the performance. As thefe arts are defigned to be the lively reprefentations of nature, to decide on the fidelity of the im- itation our fouls muft be alive to the fublimeft feelings, ca- pable of inveftigating the beauties of creation ; and of decid- ing on the genuine expreffions and geftures of heroical vir- tue ; and thus exalted moral perceptions become requifite to the conncifTeur, as vv^ell as to the artift. But the fine arts are capable of a yet fuperior exaltation : we do not merely admire the nice touches of Flaxman's chilTel, nor the happy adjuftment of parts which are fo vilible in his defigns ; we fee in them the chriftian as well as the ftatuary. While de- votion kindles at the paintings of Peters ; while we contem- plate with the rapture of anxious emulation the pious family burfting from the dark dungeon of the grave, or, with the fpirlt of the beatified child, avert our eyes from the diftant blaze of rainbow-tinclured glory, the cogitations of critical virtue are fufpended 5 and we confefs that thefe artifts (like our divine bard) have derived their infpiration from

" Siloa's facrcd brook that flow'd Faft by the oracle of God."

Let us turn from thefe inanimate produftions of genius, to public amufemcnts, and thofe fpecies of literature which are allowed to be inllucnccd by female decilion. What am-

29

pie improvements are here offered to our reforming tafte ! Surely it is in our power to banilli from the ftage, not only what is offensive to decency, but what is feduclive to princi- ple. I even think that we might extend our profcription to what is grofsly unnatural and abfurdly improbable ; at leaft we might only leave a fufficient quantity of thefe latter qual- ities to exhilarate the fpirits, and relieve the fombre effedl of graver fcenes. I have no aujlere defign of banifhing wit, or even broad humour, from our theatres. The laughable equivoque, and all the extravagance of low charadler and ab- furd fituation, fliall retain their place : they are truly Eng- iilh, and may be fo managed as to be perfectly innocent ; I only declare my hoftility to praifcical jokes, extravagant grim- ace, irreverent allufions to facred fubjedls, and, above all, to that inexhauftible fund of profane fwearing, which liberal ac- tors always keep at hand to fupply the mental poverty of neceffttous authors. I enter my ftrongeft proteft againft the nvit of an oath ; and, maugre the authority of Sterne, I even doubt its benevolence. Surely, the ancient expletives of a cough, or an application to the cambric handkerchief, were better fubftitutes for the barrennefs of the author's brains, or the inattention of the prompter. The vocabulary of blas- phemy is too limited to permit the lover of novelty to enjoy his darling gratification ; and, as Acres humoroufly obferves, «' nothing but their antiquity renders common oaths refpeft- able." The moft that can be done by the brighteft imagin- ation is, to ring changes upon a few worn out curfes, by way of proving its fupreme contempt for the inftitutions and religion of its country, and of inftru^ling a full alTemblage of high born beauty in the language of Wapping and Billingf^ gate. In private fociety, the prel'ence of a woman is coniid- ered by all well bred men as an infurmountable reftraint on this impious propenfity : does the number of the offended diminifh or increafe the infult ? Are the penalties which our anceftors wifely impofed on pr ohncneCs fn/pended in the thea- tre ? Thefe reflections are equally appropriate to thofe fpe- cies of literary compofition to which female cognizance or dominion extends. By lleadily oppofmg and limiting the circulation of what is reprehenlible, we might teach authors and publifhers to feel a refpect for public morals.

Simplicity is the chief charadleriftic of juft tafte ; and Sim- plicity gives name to one of thofe amiable properties of the female heart whofe abfence cannot be fupplied by affectation, nor concealed by artifice. We have confeffedly improved

30

upon our anccflors In flmpliclty, as it rcfpe^ls drcfs, decora- tion, and manners ; which are happily rcftored to a much greater degree of genuine elegance and claflical purity. I fear, if wc fynonymife this term with ilnglenefs of heart, the balance Avill not be in our favour ; for I will not allow the imblufhing effrontery of hardened guilt to advance any pre- tenfions to the praife of ingenuoufnefs. But to return to the fubjedl immediately under difcuffion : gorgeous, fuper- lluous embellilhment, offended the principles of propriety in a far Icfs important point of view than indecent expofure. How far the attire now generally adopted calls for the cor- reflion of pure female tafte dcferves our ftrict attention. It is a fubjefl which we muft hereafter refume j I will, there- fore, only obferve in this place, that among thofe heathen nations whom we now profefs to imitate, the vicious and the virtuous parts of the fex were as mucli diftinguifhed by their apparel as by their manners. The chafte propriety of mat- ronly and virgin attraction, was prohibited from adopting the incentives allowed to the courtezan, who avowed her aim by f-icrificing modefty to allurement. It is true, the figures of thefe unhappy women, lightly flaaded with loofe drapery, fupplied the ftatuary and the painter with thofe wanton graces which they confecrated as the attributes of the deity cf licentious pleafures ; yet, with a decorum which marked the prevailing fentiments of the times, they confi:antly adopt- ed a very different paraphernalia when they formed a repre- fentation of the goddeffes of marriage and wifdom. When we conlider alfo, that this coftume of Grecian impurity, this marked characleriftic of the fliamelefs idol of Paphos, has been yet further debafed by being adopted by Parillan fiends, during the moft bloody and moft voluptuous fcenes of a rev- olution which elevated poiffardes into leading fafliionables ; Englifh ladies, diftinguilhed for modefty, elevated by birth, and enlightened by chriitianity, fliould certainly njecl the degrading imitation with the moft lively difdaiti.

This enumeration of the offices and duties of our fex nat- urally leads us to conlider, by what peculiar trials our heav- enly Father exercifes our virtues, and prepares us for a hap- pier world. They feem to refult chiefly from the tempers, difpolitions, infirmities, and misfortunes of our near connex- ions ; for wc are far lets able than men to be the carvers of our own fortunes, and mufl generally confult more than our own inclinations in order to be happy. The colour of our Jjves is fo influenced by the propenlities of our wedded part,-

ncrs, that in very many (perhaps in the majority of) marri- ages, the buiinels of the wife is to controul her own inchna- tions, inftead of projedling how fhe may gratify them. This fubfervience is not folely confined to the conjugal tie, nor does it only revert backward to the confecrated claims of pa- ternity ; our brothers, nay even our fons, will reap the priv- ilege of Adam -, and whenever we fix with them in a domef- tic refidence, wq muft conform to their humours, anticipate their wifhes, and alleviate their misfortunes, or elfe forfeit their alFcftions and forego their fociety.

Obferve, then, what numerous infeUcities, from ill man- aged tempers, corrupt inclinations, criniinal purfuits, capri- cious whims, imprudent determinations, and obftinate vices, threaten our repofe on the one fide ; while, on the other, how frequently muft we be fummoned to attend the cpuch of reftlefs agony, to minifter all the few comforts which finite humanity can afford to lingering ficknefs, or even to fuftain the dying head on the bofom of faithful fympathiz- ing love. Our office of helpmate is not limited to the gay fealbn of life. Like Prior's Emma, we are not only requir- ed to embark " on the fniooth furface of a fummer's fea :" we are not permitted

" To quit the fliip and feek the fliore,

" When the winds rattle and the furges roar."

Our fervices are moft valuable, and confequently mofl requi- fite, in the dreary feafon of diftrefs ; whether it be occafion- ed by adverfity or difeafe ; whether the ftorm proceed from falfe friends or fecret enemies, or from the imprudence or guilt of the fufFerer •, whether it afFedt the fortune, the rep- utation, or the perfon of him with whom our fate is inter- woven 5 the faithful wife, the tender mother, the dutiful daughter, or the afFedlionate fifter, muft ftill be the guardian angel to bring the cup of confolation ; and though the world renounce or condemn the fufFerer, her arms muft (except in cafes of very extraordinary turpitude) afford the wretched outcaft a fecure afylum.

Of all the forrovvs that threaten our fex, none feem to me fo exquifitely painful, as thofe which refult from the vicious conduct of our near connexions. Indeed, thefe are fo ex- cruciating, as to be infupportable without the aid of religion. Yet, in this cafe, even her golden fliield cannot entirely blunt the Ihafts of adverfity ; fince the views that fhe pre- ients of the future ftate of unrepentant finners, muft excite

awful apprehenfions. Ixt us here ftop to inquire, how far it is in our power to avoid a misfortune wliich it is fo diffi- cult to fuftain •, and I trufl it will be found, that it is in our power to efcape the fliarpeft of its many pangs, by fo regu- lating our conduct, that we may never have caufe to reproach ourfelves with deferving fuch heavy affliction. Let us en- deavour to lead a libertine brother or a deiftical father to the fafe paths of piety and virtue ; fliowing them, by our own deportment, that they really are the paths of pleafantnefs. Let us refolve, that no charm of perfon and manner, no at- traction of rank or fortune, fliall prevail upon us to take for the partners of our lives men whofe vices will either corrupt our principles, or wring our hearts with moft poignant mif^ ery. Give not your unborn offspring a father whofe exam- ple you muft teach them to avoid. Choofe not for your companion on earth, one from whom, as often as you refle<rt, you muft hope to be eternally feparated.* If you are offer- ed one who will affift you in your heaven-ward journey, and aid you in the highly important duty of leading your young ones to their heavenly home, give him a decided preference, however inferior he may be in worldly advantages to his profligate rival. And here we will obferve, that, though a wife rarely has power to reclaim her diffolute fpoufe, a fed- ulous attention to the duties of a mother, in the important points of moral and religious inftrudtion, will moft probably preferve her from the fevereft of maternal pains : I am forry to fay only mofl probably ; for, alas ! we have feen many in- ftances in which the beft inftrudtion has been found ineffec- tual. " Education," faid one of the foundeft divines of our church, " is not grace ;" and he felt the force of that mel- ancholy conceffion. One point, however, will be fecured ; we fliall then know that we fliall not be called to account for the lofs of an unhifxrucled foul ; belide, while the offend- er lives, we lliall never renounce the hope of his reforma- tion. " We caft the feed upon the waters," obferves an em- inent profeffor of the fcience of education ,f " and we cxpetSt «' not to find it till after many days." The temptations of the world, the ebullitions of youthful paffions, the fedutStions of bad example, may retard its germination ; but if it has once been fown in early youth by a careful hand, while the mind was vacant and the memory vigorous, it will not be to-

* Sec Letter ij.

I Dr. Vincent. See his Defence of Public Education.

tally deftroyed. Even at the eleventli hour the labourer may recoUeft his negledled vineyard ; and, if he were early initiated in the method, he may ftill anxioully work during the fmall portion of time that remains, and receive a limited reward.

The perplexities which purfue us in the management of our houfeholds, belong to that fpecies of vexations which for a time occupy the whole mind, and afterwards appear in fo trivial a light that we wonder how we could fuffer them to teafe us. In weak frivolous difpoiltions they are apt to gain fuch an afcendancy, as to form that very difgufting character a fretful fcold ; and fometimes as the Lilliputians contrived to bind down Gulliver, a multifarious combination of di- minutive inconveniences will entrammel fuperior faculties- Nothing gives us fo mean an opinion of human nature, as the conhderation of what petty circumftances are neceJETary to our comfort, and how much the beft and wifefb of our fpecies owe even the bleffing of felf-pofieffion to the fuccefs of mechanical contrivances, and the regularity of fervile oc- cupations. An ill dreiTed dinner fliall not only cloud the temper, but alfo retard the plans of a ftatefman ; the negli- gence of a valet may interrupt the formalities of law, or vi- olate the decorums of parliament ; the inattention of a clerk or fubaltern may fufpend the mofl important naval or mili- tary operations. No wonder then if women, whofe daily round of domeftic infpe£tion expofes them to a continual re- currence of domeftic vexations, and who muft, if properly in- fluenced by a fenfe of duty, feel anxious to preferve the de- corums of family regularity, fliould often feel their minds unhinged by the inconveniences ariiing from the carelellnefs, ignorance, or depravity of thofe from whom they require diligence, ability, and fidelity. This fpecies of trial often makes fevere inroads upon our tempers, and not unfrequent- ly contributes much to alienate the afFeiStions of our huf- bands ; who, being lefs expofed to thefe provocations in trivial concerns, are apt to underrate their power of irrita- ting the mind.

In moft fituations of life, the perfonal offices of the mif- trefs of a family are occalionally requifite ; in all, \vsx fuper- intendance is indifpenfable. It is our duty to avoid leading others into temptation ; and we unqueftionably do fo, Avhen, by a total intermiffion of obfervation, we teach mercenary people that they may be negligent or profligate with impu- E

31.

nlty. To fuperlntend and conduct a houfehold with regu- larity, propriety, elegance, and good humour, is a happy art. The more important bufinefs in which men are mollly en- gaged, often wearies their faculties and difcompofes their minds j till, without confidering that their little monarchies at home are liable to commotions, they think themfclves en- titled to lind them at all times a pleafant retreat from per- plexity and contradi6lion. This expe<Station may be unrea- sonable. I do not pretend to juflify men from the charge of being felfilh ; but, as they certainly do expefl: that the fmile of complacency Ihould always illumine the countenan- ces of their female companions, whenever it is not fufpended by fympathy for them, it is both politic and praile-worthy in our fex to endeavour at that felf-command, which cer- tainly, when acquired, is our bell title to fuperiority in the fcale of moral excellence.

The care of children, cfpecially in their earlier flages of exiftence, is a demand upon the patience and firmnefs of the mother, which, if Ihe come only poetically prepared for the undertaking, flie will find exceeds her ability. Sleeplefs nights, and anxious days, fall to the lot of thofe who ftead- ily refolve to difcharge every duty which the tender fcion of humanity requires to raife it to maturity. Nor is the talk or teaching the *' young idea how to fhoot" always delight- ful. The fertile foil will produce weeds, and the vigorous plant will often fhoot with an unhappy curvature, which on- ly conftant attention can reform. " Line upon line, precept upon precept," muft be fupplied ; and, like the prophets of old, the maternal inftruclrefs muft throw in " here a little and there a little.'' And while we are thus employed in corredling others, we muft alfo remember to watch ourfelvcs with a fpecial care. The obfervation of children, like their other faculties, is more acute than difcriminating ; they can readily difcern when Mamma is peeviih or paffionate ; but they do not underftand that her troubles are more impor- tant than the dirtying of a doll, or the breaking of a favour- ite toy.

The flighter conftrudion of our bodily organs, our feden- tary habits, and the inconveniences and fuffcrings attached to maternity, exercife our patience in a fpccics of trials, to which men are by nature Icfs expofed ; though in a ftate of fociety the dangers incident to war, navigation, and hazard- ous occupations, not to mention more frequent expofure to inclement feafons, or the difcafes which fpring from intenv

J

35

perance, prevent the comparifon of length of days frompre-» ponderating in their favour. Yet if we conlider, that the ca- lamities of war, or fudden accidents, generally reniove their vi<5lims by an injlantaueous ftroke, we muft allow that women are ofteneft called to endure lingering decay and protracted fuffering. Lefs equal to fatigue, lefs capable of exertion, we feel more of the evils incident to debility and laffitude. I am here fpeaking of Englifli women in their natural ftate, not in the artificial charadler which fafliion compels them to affume ; for, certainly, were we to enumerate the toils which a fine lady voluntarily endures, v/e mnft allow that a porter is a lefs robufl: animal.

After reviewing the evils which befet us from without, let us revert to thofe bofom traitors which internally afTault us : I mean the paffions. I can by no means allow, that ours are naturally fo violent as thofe of men 5 but I fear they are often lefs fubjefted to their lawful fovereign reafon, and more tinder the domination of the ufurper fancy. Precluded by our lituation from an early or intimate acquaintance with the world, we are more expofed to the mifreprefentations of in- terefted reporters j and if our graver friends fhould fall into the common error of exhibiting their defcription of life in the dark fhade of the phantafmagoria, the buoyant fpirits of youth will determine us to confider the magic lanthorn with which our chambermaids, our romantic acquaintance, and novel writers, amufe us, as a more faithful delineation of living manners. Hence ariles the eternal expectation of fplendid conquefts, faultlefs adorers, wonderful events, and extraordinary conflicts, all ending in perfedl and uninter- rupted felicity, which haunt the mipd of youth. To this caufe we muft attribute the vacillations of vanity, the di-eams of expedlation, the fretfulnefs of coinpetition, and the gloom of difappointment. Hence the humble duties of focial life are rendered difgufting, and its fimple pleafures vapid. Pub- lic places are thus converted into a field for knight-errantry ; and the prudent friends who endeavour to confine us within the fphere that our narrov/ fortunes render neceflary, aiTumc the part of thofe giants of old vrho kept princejjes immured in cajllcs. In this fituation of our minds, every tolerably agreeable man that we meet is in danger of becoming a con- quering Paladin. If our acquaintance be extenfive, and our tempers lively, coquetry is apt to fleal upon the unpradlifed, yet defigning female ; a more limited circle, and greater fuf- ceptibility of difpofition, give birth to fome fixed attach-

.36

mcnt j and as wc perfuade ourfelves, that a union with the preferred objecl is all that is wanting to our happinefs, every obftacle that occurs is conlidered, not as a trial incident to our mortal being, but as a wicked or inhuman contrivance againft our repol'e. Hence arife envy and jealoufy of real or imaginary rivals ; refentment or diflike of friendly interfer- ence ; and hence we become the inevitable prey of difap- pointment, either by the fruftration or by the poffefGon of our defires. For let no woman, who furrenders her mind to all the extravagance of romantic expeclation, think that it is even p'^ffiblc Ihe fliould ever know the blils of full frui- tion. If, while fhe is exempt from the immediate preiTure of pain or diftrefs, flie fee nothing in the prefent fcene which can call forth the amiable fympathies of her heart, let her reft aflured that the gaily decorated future, which Ihe paints in fuch vivid colours, is but the vifion of fixncy. It is like a diftant landfcape illuminated by the beams of the riling fun, all lovely, glowing, and fplendid •, but when fhe comes to travel over it, flie will find the fame inequalities of road, and all the difficulties which require that watchfulncfs, and caufe that laffitude, of which flie now complains. The humoiirs of a hufband will feem as intolerable as thcfe of a parent ; and " the rofe diftilled" vvill be annoyed by the fame ene- mies which vexed it " while it grew on the virgin thorn."

Our internal trials, however, do not always proceed from the errors of vanity or the fiftions of romance. Our fex generally pOiTefTes a moft acute fenlibility, which fometimes proceeds from the fufceptibility of our bodily organs ; often from the weaknefs of our judgnient •, occafionally from bad- nefs of temper, and frequently from real tendernefs of heart. Since this latter muft be acknowledged to be the only jufti- iiable fource of impaffioned feeling, it behoves us, from our earlieft years, to confider the irritation that proceeds from any other caufe, as an infirmity which we muft endeavour to fabdue. Corporeal fragility feems to belong to the med- ical department ; yet, as nervous cafes are allowed to be the opprobrium of the healing art, and as they are alike anoma- lous and obftinate, it behoves us to inquire, whether there are -^ny prevcnlivc medicines. Innocent clieerfulncfs, a con- ilant habit of varied occupations, exercife, and above all " Genial air, kind Nature's genuine gift,"

happily often

" Annihilate the train of nervous ills."

37

Perfons who nre a prey to thefe diforders are unqueftlonably real objecSts of pity ; but they ufually deal fo liberally infelf- compn/fion, that they require to be but fparingly indulged with the commiferation of others. They would probably ftart at being told, that while they confider thernfelves as the moft unhappy of the human fpecies, they refemble tyrants in more than that miferable diftindtion. A nervous lady is a com- plete defpot, who rules, if not with a rod of iron, at leaft with a fceptre that is infinitely more formidable to a gener- ous mind. Happinefs flies her approach, and even humble comfort cannot refift her aflaults. Thefe victims to imagi- nary ills and evils often pofTefs a great fliare of real good- nefs of heart ; and an imperative appeal from benevolence, or afFeftion, generally acts as an invincible ftimulant to roufe the patient from the languor of hypochondria, and efl'e^ls a local cure though the dileafe feldom fails to return, when the relaxed mind has loft its accidental energy. Does not this teftify, that the malady is not wholly organic, and that, at leaft in its commencement, feliiflmefs and imbecility contrib- ute to its violence ? That it is attended with real fuffering, is granted ; but it is equally certain, that the human mind is armed with power fufficient to reiift the attack of pain ; becaufe the fame perfon who often ftnks into the extremes of nervous depreffion, at other times may be produced as an inftance of fortitude, by enduring extreme agony with cheer- fulnefs. It is thus in the common afF.airs of life, we fre- quently fee that mind irritated by " trifles light as air," which has fuftained real affliction with unyielding heroifm. The ftate of the cafe leems to be, tlr.it when by bad habits and exceflive diflipation, or through long confinement, over watchfulnefs, great anxiety, or fl^vere misfortune, the fpirits become broken and the body debilitated, every little addition of pain or inconvenience alarms us ; felf predominates in all our thoughts ; we no longer compare ourfelvcs with others, and judge from a fair drawn parallel ; but we accumulate upon our own heads every calamity and every difeafe, he- reditary or contagious, which we can by any enchanting fti'etch of fancy carry to our own mountaiji of mifery. The natural confequence is, that we fink under its preflure. I have beftowed the more time on this fubjetD:, from a convic- tion that this malady often aiTaults moft amiable women, who would flirink from thernfelves with horror could they forefee the uneafmefs that they caufe, or the lamentable transformation which they fufFer, while they are under the in-

38

fluence of this " foul fiend •," whom, though it is almoft Im* poffible to vanqu'ifjjy it is eafy to avoid. As the champion of my fex, I here enter my protefl againft the forced confiruc-r tion, that I fuppofe hypochondria to be merely a feminine infirmity. As it cither originates in, or is aggravated by, the patient's permitting the imagination to revolve on the nar- row pivot of felf, tlie lords of the creation are indebted to their more athletic frames and adlive occupations, if (which is certainly queftionable) they are more exempt than we from the afTaults of nervous irritability.

Sufceptibility, proceeding from weaknefs of judgment and badnels of temper, takes a variety of forms. Sometimes it teafes ourfelves and our connexions in the fhape of bodily complaint 5 but it often aiTumes the colour of an injured chara«^er, fuficring from an ungrateful, perfidious, undil^ cerning world. It fharpens fuppofed neglects, creates imag- inary afilictions, and delivers us over a prey to faftidioufnefs, refentment, and fpleen j or perhaps it aflumes the afpe(St of exceflive tendernefs and tremulous philanthropy. In this difguife, it is fo admirably delineated, by the pencil of an unknown mailer in the fchool of poetry, that I muft recall thefe well known lines to your recollection :

" Taught by nice fcale to mctc her feelings ftrong,

" F<ilfe by degrees and esquifitely wrong,

^' For the cruHi'd beetle lirft, the widow'd dove,

" And all the warbled forrows of the grove,

" Next f')r poor fuffcring guilt, and laft of all

" Fur parents, friends, a king's and country's fall.

•' Mark her fair votaries prodigal of grief,

* With curelefs p^ings, and woes that mock relief,

" Droop in loft Ibrrow o'er a faded flower,

" O'er a dead jackafs pour the pearly fhower."*

Jt is moft true, my dear Mifs M , that this pfeudo hu- manity always feats herfelf upon an inverted pyramid, which potters under her. The poor fly that is eaten by the fpider, and the dear dog that luoidd die of old age, form the bafis of an ample fuperftrudture ; and her pity always increafes in violence with her confcioufnefs of its being utterly unavail- ing. She is moil admirably defcribed in a defervedly pop- ular allegory,-}- as gazing through a telefcope in fearch of dii^ tant diftrcfs, and overthrowing the petitioner who was at her elbow ioliciting her hofpitality.

• New MoraL'ty, in the Poetry of the Anti-Jacobi<x. f Progrefs of the Pilgrim Good Intent.

The trials which arlfe from real fenfibllity governed by good fenfe, are of that Improving kind which immediately proceed from the will of Divine Providence, and bring with them prefent complacency and future reward. Some fevcre fe^ls of chriftians feem defirous, by their too rigid interpre- tation of particular texts of fcripture, to deprive us of all the confolation arillng from confcious well doing. It is true, if we compare our finite virtues with the purity and goodnefs of our Creator, the largeft accumulation of mortal excellence mufi: become as duft upon the balance. It is alfo acknow- ledged, that when our whole lives are referred to the teft of his holy lav^s, they muft fall lb infinitely below the prefcrib- ed llandard, as to compel us to trufi: for mercy on a furer foundation than our own righteoulnefs. We grant that in many things we offend, and tliat our befl deeds are tainted by infirmity. Yet virtue, circumfcribed, imperfect, back- fliding yet fincere virtue, ft:ill exifts in the human heart. Her identity is acknowledged by every precept which re- quires her exertion ; nay, ilie is even authorized to expedl and to claim a reivard* from that God by whom fhe is ex- crcifed and fandlified.

Amid thofe qualities which will entitle their blefled pof- feffors to lliine like ftars in the kingdom of their heavenly Father, genuine benevolence claims preeminence. Let us not, then, confider that tendernefs of heart which leads our fex to exert this glorious quality, as one of our trials, but as our nobleft diftinftion ; a diftindlion which the concurrent voice of travellers determines to be limited to no climate, enfeebled by no external circumftances, but as active amid the privations and ignorance of favage life, as in the refine- ment and opulence of civilized fociety. In every age and nation, women are alike difl:inguilhed by their promptitude to affift the miferable, and to fympathize with the unfortu- nate, even at the expenfe of their own enjoyments.

But this world prefents a mixed fcene, in which artifice and fraud are confl:antly endeavouring to enfnare unfufpicious generofity ; • and hence arifes the duty of placing our hearts imder the guidance of our under fl:anding, and of enlighten- ing our judgments by the united radiance of knowledge and experience. The unavoidable trials of real fenfibility chiefly arife from the difficulty of ftriking a due balance between the promptitude of a generous temper, and the caution of aft

'^ Matt. XXV. %i and Z3.

40

intelligent mind. Only general rules can be prefcribed for our dire(Stion in this inftance ; and as it is much eafier to lay them down, than to apply them to individual cafes, we mull: a(Sl for ourfelves after all, and can feldom afpire to higher praife than purity of intention,

I forbear to mention the trials that proceed from change of fortune, from falfe friends, artful enemies, and oppofitc interefts ; from difappointed ambition and defeated enter- prize ; from accidental adventures, myfterious intrigue, and intricate bufinefs. To thefe troubles we are lefs expofcd than men j and, fpeaking colledlively, we only feel them by repercuflion. Providence has withdrawn us from the tur- moil of worldly contention ; and it is only fome peculiar cir- cumftanccs, or the improper encouragement of a bufy difpo- fition, which removes us from our proper fphere, domellic retirement.

Inflead of prefuming, with culpable hardihood, to queftion the wifdom or the juftice of that difpenfation which has de- termined our lot in life, let us direct our attention, from what we might have been, to what we are ; and if we find, by the general conftitution of our bodies, and the frame of our minds, that we are rightly placed ; if we difcover, too, that our relative lituation in fociety has many real advanta- ges, let dilTatisfadtion and difobedience yield to acquiefccnce and gratitude.

Our weaker ftrength and more delicately organized frame evidently point out our unfitnefs for thofe laborious and dan- gerous exertions, which the common wants of civilized life demand from man. The necefllty for our being thus ex- empted is further apparent, becaufe the future generation would immaturely perilh, or languifli in the miferies inci- dent to neglected infancy, if at one period we were expofed to fevere fatigue and alarming perils, and at another were compelled by extreme toil to defert our feeble ofispring, who, unlike the brute creation, plead by their helplefihefs for indulgence to their mothers. The laborious and hazard- ous undertakings to which women are compelled to fnbmit in favage countries, are confidered as the preventive of fucli an increafe of inhabitants as would prove loo redundant for their fcanty fupply of provilions. And if thefe pliyfical caufes prefent infurmountable obftacles to our engagir.g in athletic or dangerous employments, there feems to be no lei'? fubflantial moral reafons for our withdrawing from the tur- moil of that fpecies of bulincfs in which the labours of the

41

head are principally required. An eccentric writer, who thought audacity a proof of genius, and miftook infubordi- nation for independence and greatnefs of foul, feemed to fup- pofe that the profeffions of a lawyer, a phyfician, and a mer- chant, were no ways incompatible with women. Little in- genuity is necefTary to difprove a theory which puzzled for an hour, and then funk into oblivion, overwhelmed by the weight of its own abfurdity, till it was fiflied up again by fome fecond-rate dealers in paradox and innovation. That we can neither gain happinefs nor advantage, from renounc- ing the habits which nature communicated and cuftom has ratified, is evident, by confidering the qualities for which we have been mofh valued, and how fl^r they would amalgamate with an alteration in our relative fituation. Could modefty endure the ftare of public attention ; could meeknefs preferve her olive wand unbroken amid the noify contention of the bar ; could delicacy efcape uninjured through the initiatory ftudies of medicine ; could cautious difcretion venture upon thofe hazardous experiments which private as well as public utility often require ; could melting compaffion be the pro- per agent of impartial juftice •, or, would gentlenefs dictate thofe fevere but wholefome reftraints, which often preferve a nation from ruin ? Though I am inclined to think highly of my own fex (fo highly, that I fear all my claims in their behalf will not be readily allowed,) I confefs that I can fee nothing in the Utopian fcheme of an Amazonian republic, which is not in the higheft degree abfurd and laughable. My convidlion that we fhould make wretched generals, pat- riots, politicians, legiflators, and advocates, proceeds from my never having yet feen a private family well conducSted, that has been fubjeiled to female ufurpation. Notwithftanding any degree of fcience or talent which may have illuminated the fair vicegerent, the awkward fituation of the good man in the corner has always excited rifibility, and awakened fuch prying fcrutiny into interior arrangements, as has never fail- ed to difcover " fomething rotten in the ftate of Denmark." For, alas ! my dear Mifs M , it is not only the temper- ament of our virtues which indicates the necellity of our be- ing fhielded from the broad glare of obfervation ; there is, generally fpeaking, (and, you know. Providence acts by general rules both in the natural and moral world) too much impetuofity of feeling, quicknefs of determination, and lo- cality of obfervation in women, to enable us to difcharge F

42

public trufts or extenfivc duties with propriety. The warmth of our hearts overpowers the duftility of our judgments; and in our extreme defire to acSl vt't-y right, we want for- bearance and accommodation, which makes our beft deflgns often terminate exa6lly oppolitc to what we propofed. The quahties that wc poflefs are admirably fitted to enable us to perform a fecond part in life's concert ; but when we at- tempt to lead the band, our foft notes become fcrannel and difcordant, by being ftrained beyond their pitch ; and our tremulous melodies caufe a difgufting diffonance, if they at- tempt to overpower the bold full touv^s of manly harmony, inftead of agreeably filling up its paufes.

Experience, which enables men to penetrate into the de-» figns of others, and to develope fpecious chara(fkers, is the refult of fuch intimate knowledge of the world as mull: by us be very dearly bought. Fertility of refource and boldneft of invention, which in the comprehenfive mind of man be- come the parents of ftupendous efforts, when modified by female paffions, are apt to degenerate into petty craft. More energetic and fanguine, but lefs endowed with courage and perfeverance, we lliould, I doubt not, make well intentioned and adlive, but ralh and hafty reformers. Soon roufed and foon intimidated ; eager to adopt or to rejecl: ; unwilling to dOubt, to temporize, or to examine ; diilradled by a multi- plicity of cares, yet engrofled by one, how could we fuccefl^ fully manage the jarring interefts and contending pafllons of the inftruments that we fhould find it neceflln-y to employ. Thofe nice fufceptibilities of character, and that acutenefs of moral feeling, which induce us to attend even to " the grace, the manner, and the decorum" of virtue, would never per-' mit us to connive at a fmaller evil in order to efcape a great- er •, nor could we, confiftently with our ingenuoufnefs, aft upon the politic principle of " divide and conquer." Our compaflion and tendernefs would never authoriije us to ex- ert that neceflary feverity, which is often obliged to devote a part to fave the v/hole -, yet both public and private afl-aira muft often be conduced upon thefe principles. O^ar impa- tience of calumny would, on the one hand, urge us to that hafty vindication of oiu' motives and aftions, which would caufe a premature difclofi'.re of our defigns ; while, on the other^ our ftrong perception of impropriety, and horror of reproach, v*rould reitrain us from adopting luch meafures a3 <did not carry on their £\ce their own juftification. In fine "^c have too little of the " ferpent's worldly wifdom" to in-

demnify us for bringing the " harmlcfs dove" from its rural neft. Our adminiftration, whether of pubHc or private af- fairs, would want the great deiiderata of vigour, confiftency, and extenfion j and we fhould ourfelves be mere vifionary perfeftionifts, the dupes of the fpecious, and the prey of the ambitious. Would this change in our defignation promote general happinefs ? Should we ourfelves have caufe to re- joice in it ?

It is poffible, I allow, to produce many illuftrious exam- ples of female herolfm and capacity ; hut fmgular occurren- ces do not overthrow the general conclulions of experience. The reigns of fome of our Britifh Queens may be fairly urg- ed in proof of women being capable of difcharging the mofl arduous and complicated duties of government with ability and perfeverance. My obfervations are not deiigncd to re- commend the expediency of a Salique law of exclufion from hereditary rank •, but to ftrengthen the principles which con- folidate domejlic harmony. Belides, the fceptre's being of^ tenlxbly grafped by a female hand, does not reverfe the general order of government. The reprefentative of author- ity is then indeed changed in gender ; but power is lodged in the fame fex which was wont to exercife it ; men ftill execute the meafures which men advife \ and the fovereign is but an heirefs, whofe conduct is reftrifted and influenced by thofe laws which are virtually her guardians. But, to re- lieve the tedium of a difcuffion which I fear you will think dry and unneceflary, fuppofe we indulge in a flight hifl:orical digrefllon. Will you deem me very hardy, if I attempt to ftrengthen my argument by fome obfervations on the in- ftances which our own ifland has aflbrded us of female fu- premacy ? I v\nll not derive them from \hs, fuppofe d influence of royal conforts or miftreflxes, but from the reigns of our aftuai queens.

The hiftory of the firfl: Mary is directly In point. She Was, Indeed, deftitute of thofe amiable qualities of mercy and gentlenefs, which are confidered as our beft and moft natural endowments ; but in lieu of thefe, flie was poflefled of tremendous perfeverance and a fanguinary confifl:ency. Good intentions, or at leafl: fincerity of purpofe, was never denied her ; flie aimed at what ihe thought reformation ; fhe unquefl:ionably wiihed her people to become " wife un- to falvation" in her own way ; and her narrow mind pre- fented no better expedients to make them fo, than the fag- got and the block. In her eagernefs to obtain the delired

44

end, {he overlooked impoffibilities : hence her marriage, In the decline of life, with a young foreign prince ; hence her mal-adminiftnition of the domeftic concerns of the ftate, and of its continental alliances. Her reign is a melancholy ex- panfion of the paffions of a weak woman, driven to cruelty and felf-difguft by the oppofition of her fubjects, the bigotry of her advifers, and her own ignorance, ralhnefs, and ob- ftinacy.

I Ihall not be driven from the tenets that I have defended by the bright fplendour of the Elizabethian lera ; for no writers, except the paralites of her own court, ever afcribed feminine virtues to that renoivned princefs. Her education, conformably to the general tafte of that age, was learned and compreheniive ; and her underftanding pofTefled the rare, advantage of being alike folid and penetrating. The diffi- culties of her early life taught her difcretion, and may I not alfo add diffimulation ? while her long profpe£l of the throne which fhe was one day to afcend, induced her to ftudy the fcience of government before fhe was called to wield the fceptre. In all but vanity, her mind was mafculine. This vice certainly led her into a perfidious, though perhaps po- litical facrifice of a lovely competitor -, and induced her, when paft her grand climacteric, to court the praife of beau- ty, which even in youth Ihe never pofl*efi~ed ; and, unmind- ful of the deathlefs laurels which crowned her vigorous and fuccefsful adminiftration, to decorate her withered brows with the myrtle of afFecled gallantry. If we compare her latter years with thofe of our firfi: Edward, whom in her public aclions ihe much refembled, our fe^f muft feel humr bled at the parallel.

The rniferies of the unhappy Queen of Scotland, fo ev- idently afcribable to the graces, the virtues, and the failings of her fv:;x, muft, while they ilill draw the tear ol pity for her fate, excite our lively fympathy for every woman who is called to the dangerous eftate of fovereign power ; efpe- cially in a realm where the fundamental rights of the confti- tution and the bounds of prerogative are not decidedly fettled. How beautiful was the pi(fture which fhe exhibited in early life of conjugal virtue and domeftic felicity ! how muft we regret the death of Francis, which baniihed her from " Fair France," and fent her to a kingdom barren of focial delights, the haunt of ambition, and the den of morofe fanaticifm ! How do we participate in her reluctance to relinquifh the charms of elegance and refinement •, in her endeavours tO)

45

foften the harfh charafler of her fubjecls, and to conciHatc the alarmed fufpicion of EHzabeth, to whofe fuperior and more wifely cultivated underftanding, fhe could only oppofe graces and accomplifhments, which were to her not only ufelefs, but actually haftened her fall ! We fee the weak pre- cipitation of her fex in her rafli aflumption of her rival's title, and her hafty marriage with Darnley ; and we difcov- cr the unreftrained feelings of wounded fenfibility, in her avowed contempt of him after her difcovery of his ingrati- tude and meannefs. The events immediately following are fo perplexed by contradictory ftatements, that, though gener- al opinion now feems inclined to consider her condudl rather as imprudent than wicked, I will pafs them, and haften to the laft fcenes of her life ; when, linking with fatigue, del^ titue of friends, abandoned, helplefs, and forlorn, the lovely fugitive threw herfelf upon the mercy of a fifter queen ; and, through eighteen years of tedious confinement, faw the fun only rife

" To mark how fierce her angry guardians frown'd, ^' To mark how faft her waning beauty flew."

To the laft period of her mournful days, fhe felt no other f ffedl of her royal birth, than from its elevating her to be the alternate mark of jealoufy and ambition. The fymme- try of her perfon, the fufceptibility of her temper, the graces of her manner, the elegance of her accomplifhments, the warmth of her attachments, all that made the woman amia- ble, deftroyed the queen.

Our fecond Mary only occafionally held a delegated fcep- tre ; and as her tuneful panegyrift* juftly obferves, was *< inftrudled to command," by obeying the hero William. Her regencies may be produced as the brighteft example of female adminiftration, combining all thofe qualities of firm- nefs, promptitude, vigour, prudence, and clemency, which conftitute the definition of a well ordered firate. Yet this wife and amiable Princefs certainly knew that the paflive vir- tues were beft fuited to her fex. " Never," fays a cotempo- rary author, *' were the reins of government more reluft- " antly afllimed, more wifely managed, nor more willingly " refigned." Her conjugal deportment to a hulband whom fhe eclipfed in amiable qualities, is a fhining example of dif- creet acquiefcence in general laws. Her pofitive refufal to accept a folitary fceptre, was not affeitation, but wifdoin.

* Prior.

46

Her political interference was always marked by beneficial efFefts, becaufe it was nevei* unneceflarily obtrufive. The revered chara<5ler of this exemplary lady, the lacred theme of Prior's chafter mufe, adorned by every public and every private excellence, flill call the virtues to weep over her early tomb. Should her imperial robes be deftined to array an- other Englilli queen, may they, like the mantle of Elijah, convey a portion of her hallowed fplrit ; and may the in- heritrix of her regalia refemble the blefled fpoufe of Wil- liam, in all but her premature exchange of an earthly for a heavenly diadem !

The royal filler of this illuftrious princefs afcended the tlirone with equally good intentions, but with inferior abil- ities. The fplendid fuccefles that attended her public ad- miniftration are confefledly attributable to the wifdom of her ftatefmen, and the heroifm of her naval and military com- manders. Her private infelicities, and the diftradtions of her latter years, are a proof of the unfitnefs of women to manage the intricate perplerdtles that arife from contending parties, or to flruggle againft thofe gentler fympathies of na- ture which in elevated fituations muft give place to the ftern- er virtues that extenfive refponfibility impofes. Her fubfer- vience to thofe violent tempers whom her ftation authorized her to overawe ; hex deure to accomplifli ends which were utterly incompatible, arid to reconcile characters elTentially dilcordant ; her attachment to her exiled difinherited broth- er, and to many ungrateful favourites who had recommend- ed themfelves to her efleem by fpecious qualities, rendered her dignity a crown of thorns, which prelled hard on the aching brows of imbecile ficknefs. Yet, confidered as a wo- man, what can we cenfure in Queen Anne ? Pious and fin- cere as a chrifiian, anxious for peace, compaffionate to the affli<n:ed, affevTtionate to her kindred, an excellent wife, dif- pofed to friendfliip, fincere, placable and compliant.

I allow, that the reigns of many of cur kings prefent as many, or I will fay more, enonnous errors than the worft of thofe which I have fpecified ; but let it be remembered, that their mal-adpiiniftration arofe from what, it muft be acknowledged, v.-ere their errors or their vices. In moil: cafes, it vv'as from the predominance of fome ainiable female quality, that our queens erred in their public duties. You \\ell know, that it is not my aim to affirm cur abfolute un- fitnefs to take the lead, whenever peculiar circumftances en- force the neceffity of cur fo doing ; for wc may then, etjual^

■47

ly with the other fex, hope for that fupply of preventing and reftraining grace which will enable us to do our duty in the flate of life to vv'hich we are called ,- and whenever the exaltation of a woman to a highly refponfible iituation can be forefeen, a particular regard to her education and early habits may enable her to blend the authoritative, magnani- mous, and difcriminating qualities that her ftation will re- quire, with the milder virtues of her fex. Thefe afliftances we cannot hope to pofTefs, if we rufii madly from our fphere, and refolve, uncalled, to venture on untried and forbidden paths. Cheerful acquiefcence in the will of him who dif^ pofes of the lot, and fteady application to the improvement of the talents with which we are entrufted, is our duty j wc have already proved, that it is alfo our intereft.

The propriety of our fecluilon from public affairs is necer» farily interwoven with domeflic fubjedlion. The humour of the prefent age leans fo ftrongly to the afpiring qualities, in- dependence and felf-controul have fuch attradion in their magical found, that I muft prudently fhelter my oppoiition to their delulive enchantment under the protection of mighty names, when I pronounce the dependant fituation of our fex advantageous. " One very common error," fays Dr. Paley, " mifleads the opinions of mankind on this head ; viz. that, •' univerfally, authority is pleafant, and fubmiffion painful. <* In the general courfe of human affairs, the very reverfe of *' this is nearer the truth : command is anxiety, obedience ** eafe." While applying this admirable obfervation to our- felves, as dependant upon the Avills of our near connexions, I fhall not become the advocate of male tyranny. Refer- ring to the origin of authority and fubmiffion, we may be af^ fured, that they were impofed for mutual benefit. " Men ** do not," as another great divine obferves, *' claim the fu- " preniacy for any inherent fuperiority, nor for their own <* individual folace ; but rather, that domeflic peace may not ** be violated by perpetual competition. The right of com- *'. mand raufl be placed fomewhere, or how could the little *' republic be regularly ordered ; where then fliall it be pro- *' perly beflowed ? Shall it be confided to flrength and cour- *' age, enterprize and activity ; or fhall thefe qualities be ** made fubfervient to weaknefs, apprehenfion, gentlenefs, " and a love of repofe ? Would not this be to conftitute ^ *^ flate of perpetual warfare, as the qualities of the governor ** and governed would be diametrically oppofite to what their " refpeclive duties required ?"

43

No portrait can be more truly amiable, than that of a well difpofed well informed woman ordering her domcftic aftairs with propriety, and guided in the more important concerns of life by the judgment of a worthy intelligent hufband ; and if we meant alfo to draw a picture of human felicity, we could not do better than copy from the fame original. A well difpofed mind, confcious of its own imperfections (and no mind which is well difpofed can avoid feeling them,) flirinks from the burden of unneceflary refponfibiiity. It can make allowances for the errors and failings of others ; it cannot fo lightly pardon its own. By committing our af- fairs to the difpofal of one in whom we can confide, we al- ways propofe to ourfelves quiet and felf-enjoyment ; but in a voluntary choice every degree of mifmanagement fubje6ls us to the reproach of mifplaced confidence ; where the choice is made for us, acquiefcence is at leaft entitled to the folace of confcious rectitude ; the authority of the agent will not prevent the effects of his imbecility or mifmanagement, but our fubmiflion is then juftifiable.

Domeftic retirement is not only the fcene where the palT- jve virtues difplay their heavenly energies ; it is alfo their fecure afylum. From how many temptations is our fex pre- ferved, by being placed in this enviable fliade ! We are fo hedged in, and feparated from the contagion of many vices by general opinion, eliabliihed cuft:oms, and even by the natural repugnance of our own minds, that we muftufe vio- lence before we can burft through the facred enclofure, and folicit, or rather feize, contamination. We will mention, as inftances, intemperance, profanenefs, treachery, and cruelty. Even in the eyes of debauchees, a female bouviant is con- temptible ; and indecorum of exprefllon flartles the moft profligate, when it proceeds from that lex, whofe prefence is acknowledged to be fuch a reftraint upon the boldeft blaf- phemcr, as only ignorance and ill manners can furmount. Well might the infpired writer obferve, that, " there is no wickcdncfs like the wickednefs of a woman ;" for the effron- tery which enables her to brave infamy, afcertains the anni- hilation of thofe lively fenfibilities which might have led her back to commiferation and contrition. It is obferved in the lower walks of vice, that when a woman is concerned in a robbery, murder generally follows ; this is a probable confe- quence, for cowards are always cruel ; and thofe fmall re- mains of generofity, which even a courfe of rapine cannot always eradicate, are foreign to a heart which has only con- •

49

quered the reftraints, but not the felfiflmefs of fear. In. men we have often Cecn ambition united with many excel- lent quahties ; it has even been ftyled the error of great minds. Confcious of abiUty, and infatiate of renown, con- querors and ftatefmen have generally been folicitous to do that " boldly which they would do highly ;" but when wo- man has delivered herfelf up to unlawful cravings, her lively paffions, and her eager dellre to attain her purpofe, combat- ing with the fenfe of imbecility, has generally driven her upon the moft deteftable means of accomplifhing a bad de- fign. Macbeth, in the very a6t of murder, retains fomewhat of the " milk of human kindnefs ;" but " his fiend like queen" has no other thought than felf-fecurity. Do not ob- jedl that we contemplate thefe hiftorical charadters through the medium of fiction ; their portraits are delineated witli the moft perfeft rcfi^mblance to human nature. Tiiat of Lady Macbeth prefcnts what, I believe, is rather rare in the annals of vice, a woman genuinely ambitious ; for in our fex ambition is commonly a fabaltern quality, ftimulated by love, hatred, revenge, fear, or vanity. Like Henrida in Shen- flone's elegies, the afpiring female moflly anticipates '^ li?\Y *' fweet are (lumbers on a couch of ftate/' or elfe wifiies *' To crown at once the lover and the love." But the fame baleful effeAs proceed from the mixed as from the primary paflion ; whenever an Athaliah covets undue preeminence, Ihe arifes with a determination " to cut off all the feed roy- al." Thefe obfervations, my dear Mifs M , are not

wholly irrelative to the million. Ambition prefents other temptations befide crovrns, and has lefs bloody, though equal- ly deftruclive confequences as thofe to which we have juft alluded. I am perfuaded that we muft refer to this paflion, when, under the guidance of vanity, many of thofe extrava- gancies which we fhall be called upon to lament in the courfe of our correfpondence, as ruinous to domeftic peace, and de- rogatory to female characfler.

I do not think that women have lefs temptation to anger than men ; becaufe in the routine of family affairs they ge- nerally meet with perpetual, though trivial, trials of meek- nefs ; and we know, that the folid rock is more likely to be fretted by continual droppings, than broken by the rufliing of a hafty catara6l •, but the prefent forms of fociety, and I grieve to add, its feemingly irrefiftible propcnfities, may make us enumerate as one of our advantages, that anger is G

50

not likely to involve us in very ferious confco^uences. While the only finful part of chivalry is preferved from that obliv- ion which has involved its high-foul'd chaftity, integrity, and generofity, we muft congratulate ourfelves that we are not likely to be called out for an unguarded expreffion, perhaps uttered unconfcioufly in a moment of temporary delirium. You will fmilc at my enumerating this fecurity amongft our advantages ; but the bloody regifter of falfe honor is become fo voluminous, that it really is a confobtion to reflect, that the whizzing ball or gliding fteel are not likely to be clafied in the lift of om- mortal difcafes.

The cuftoms of fociety give us advantages net highly val- uable of themfelves, but capable of being converted to real benefit. The attentions that we receive as women may cer- tainly be, as Mary Wolftonecraft terms them, " engines of refined voluptuoufnefs," when they minifter to our caprice, our vanity, ?nd our frivolity ; but they are capable of a high- er diretfbion, and may be lo received, and fo directed, as to reform the morals of thole from whom we require them. Gallantry (I here ufe that term in its /Vzo^w/^'w^rfigniScation) has been fo modified and curtailed by prevailing manners, that it is to be hoped women will not join in a confpiracy to annihilate the fmall degree of knightly courtefy which yet cxifts, by themfelves alTumlng the deportment of amazonian boldnefs, or affedting amazonian independence. By indeli- cacy of habit, by unblufhing confidence in converfation, and by the difcovery of a vindictive difpofition, we forfeit the re- fpedt to which the paflive virtues, our natural endowments, are entitled, and mufl receive from all but brutes or mon- fters.

The paffive virtues, my dear young friend, are not mean, fervile, or cowardly. Dr. Paley places them in fuch a point of view, as may excite the emulation of the moft afpiring mind. His definition is, " paflive virtues are of all others " the feverefl:, the moft fublimc, and perhaps the moft ac- *« ceptable to the Deity." The foundation on which they ftand is fortitude, magnanimity, and difintereftedilefs ; and their fure reward is ielf-pofll'flion, and that peace of God which paiTeth underftanding. The overftrained foftnefs of aftefted refinement, is as inimical to thefe heavenly qualities, as the fury of a virago ; a life of ufeleffnefs and indulgence can never be a life of happinels. Whoever ere(5ts herfelf in- to the golden idol of felf-importance will be perpetually ha- i-aflTcd, by feeing inflexible integrity rcfufe to fall proftratc

51

before her. Whatever painted gauds may pafs upon the AVorld as the trappings of happinefs, it can only relide in the bofoms of thofe who are exercifed in good works. The of- fices which are daily required of women, enable us to lay claim to this enviable diftinftion. Our relative fituation in life preferves us from many temptations ; we are more guard- ed by our natural propenfities from fome vices ; and from pthers, we are more fecured by habit and general opinion. We are in lefs danger of having our integrity cenfured by the allurements of fraud, ambition, or contending interefts ', but thefe are not our beft advantages : our moll: glorious (diftindlion is, that we are better jQtted for receiving the te- nets and obeying the precepts of that faith which will make us wife unto falvation •, for, however infidels may mifrepre- fent and cavil at lowlinefs and finglenefs of heart, thefe arc the difpofitions v/hlch lit us for the reception of the ftupend- ous plan of redemption, and prepare us for evangelical holi- nefs. Credulity and terror may make us fuperftitious, and obftinacy and ignorance may beget bigotry ; but bigotry and fuperftition are mere opprobrious appellations v^hen applied to true religion, and only reflccSt odium on the beftower. Here, then, our peculiar qualities give us advantages, which ftrength, courage, and wifdom, when unfaniSlioned by piety, cannot impart. A confcioufnefs of infirmity is the admoni- tion of nature, bidding us look up to " the rock from whence we were hewn," and depend upon the power that has prom- ifed **to fave all who trufi: in him." Our general habits of fubmiflion and conftraint tend to fubdue our ftormy paffions, and to eradicate our corrupt defires ; the humble ofiices of life in which moft of us are engaged, make us acquainted with the wants of our fellow-creatures, and alfo difpofe us ta relieve the forrows in which we have fuch full participation ; while all the emotions of hope, fear, joy, grief, aifedtion, and gratitude, to which our fufceptible hearts are fo peculiarly alive, form the very bafis for a pure but animated devotion.

Surely then, my dear Mifs M , contemplating thefe in-

eftimable privileges, thefe fecurities from vice, thefe incen- tives to virtue, thefe helps of grace and hopes of glory, we may adopt the language of a nervous, though now neglecled inftrudtor* of our fex, and ** thank God that we v/ere born women." Leaving you to improve thefe refle£lions as your piety will beft fuggeft, I remain, &c.

* The Author of the Ladies' Calling.

52

LETTER III.

Change of Manners in the Middle ClaJJcs.

MY DEAR MUSS M-

r ROM the conflderation of what we are defigned to be by Providence, the propofed feries of our corrcfpondencc leads us to inquire, what we become when we renounce the obU- gation of duty, and fubmit to be new modelled by caprice or affedlation. Though the woman of fafliion boafts of hav- ing emancipated herfelf from thofe reftraints which fetter the inclination of the woman of propriety, we fliall difcover that fhe really is in a ftate of bondage, and has voluntarily fubmitted to injuncftions no lefs numerous, and far more fer- vile, than thofe which fhe has rcje<fted. She has her trials too ; for the wifdom of Divine Providence never fuffers any glaring violation of its laws to brave its authority, withouL* being reproved, or at leaft feeling the internal confequences of its pertinacity. V/e need not extend our refeaixhes to the comforts and advantages of a life of voluptuous diilipa- tion, or indolent felf-indulgencc ; they poflefs none. The punifhments of the wicked do not, like the corre<Slions of the fiithful, heal the heart they are intended to probe.

Moralifts are always cenfured, for giving an exaggerated caricature of their own times. I am ready to admit, that in fome refpefts we have improved upon our anceftors ; that vice ceafes to be grofs, and manners are no longer ftifF or pedantic ; that fociety is governed by more agreeable and convenient laws, and that drefs, when it does not outrage modcfty, is regulated by a purer tafte than that which or- dained long waifts, long ruffles, high pokes, and farthingales. It is alfo acknowledged, that our comforts are materially in- creafed by mechanical and mathematical difcoveries, and that knowledge is more generally diffufed. I believe the learned are agreed, that in profound ftudies, which do not depend upon experimental philofophy, mechanical contriv- ance, or natural hiftory, this age cannot fuftain a comparifou with thofe which laid the foundation of our church, and per-

fc£led our civil conftitution. If the moft proper ftudy of mankind is man, our anceftors had the advantage of us in knowledge. Nor can we claim uncontefted preeminence in charity ; becaufe donations from thofe ample ftores which internal peace and commerce have difFufed over this nation, muft not be rated in arithmetical proportion with the pittance that could be fpared from the urgent neceffities of individu- als, at a period when agriculture was ill underftood, and often interrupted by civil wars, and when arts and manufaftures were unknown. The benevolence, public fpirit, and mag- nificent liberality of thofe perilous and needy times, are evinced by the irrefragable teftimony of many religious and charitable foundations, by fbately edifices devoted to the ad- vancement of learning, by fplendid afylums for infancy and ficknefs, and by comfortable habitations for age and penury.

Charity is therefore only, what it ever has been, a ftriking feature in our national charaiTter. It is, indeed, fo predom- inant a difi:in(Si:ion, that even felfifhnefs, languifhing in the diflipation and luxury of what is called high life, cannot avoid imparting fome of its fuperflux to the poor and needy. Juflice fhould be always done even to the leaft deferving ; and it is to be lamented, that the author of a very fpirited and well principled fatire,* while defcribing the " barren and dreary defert of the fafhlonable world," has negle6led to mark out the green Oafis of charity. Perhaps it would have been falfe candour to have applied the name of this fublime chriftian grace to the liberality of philanthropy ; however, as even that indicates fome remnant of moral feeling, fome interruption of the frigid cold of a life of pleafure, it fliould not be pafled over without commendation, though its mo- tives do not entitle it to the praife of religious obedience.

It is no new obfervation, that the extremes of fociety are unfavourable to virtue. Wife Agur formed a wifb upon this head thre^ thoufand years ago,-(- which for piety and prudence is alike entitled to everlafting remembrance. The levity and diflipation of the middle ranks are the fingular and alarming chara^teriflics of the prefent times. A difTo- lute fenfual nobility is no novelty. It is alfo upon record, that the lower orders in thefe kingdoms have been diflatisfi- ed, clamorous, negligent of their proper duties, and inclined to afTume political fupremacy. But the middle clafTes, where

* The Fafl\ionabIe World Difplayed. f Prov. XXX. 8.

5-1.

temperance, diligence, and propriety iifed to refiJe, the fa* vourite abode of recftitudc, good fenfe, and found piety, have undergone a change within the laft fifty years which muft ftartle every confidcrate mind ; fo far as it relates to \yomen, either as to the caufe or the cure, it prefents a topic de- manding oiu' clofc attention.

Though the effects of commercial profpeiity are in fome degree generally difRifed over the nation, it has principally affccled the intermediate orders. Succefsful adventure, pro- feffional Ikill, patient diligence, or laborious induftry, often bring a rapid increafe of \vealth to families that have not, either by habit or education, been taught the proper ufe of it. The firfl: bleffing which fortune feems to offer to an ill regulated or ill informed mind is fclf-enjoyment, the fecond is diftinction ; hence arife luxurious modes of living, and abfurd exhibitions of gi-andeur. It would be well, if the confequences of thefe errors were limited to what inevitably follows extreme indulgence, I mean difeafe and contempt j but the effe£ls are rarely confined to the faulty individual. The gains of fuccefsful adventure are foon loft by a reverfe of fortune ; the favings of diligence and induftry cannot fup- ply the wafte of careleffnefs and indolence ; the profits of the profeflional man die with him, and nothing remains to his family but the hoard which frugality referved in the hour of profperity. Yet if people fo circumftanced will vie in ex- penfe with liereditary wealth, what muft be the confequence ^ what indeed, but that which we hourly fee, in bankruptcies, fuicides, helplefs widows and deltitute orphans, in every fpe- cies of nefarious fraud, extortion, and fwindling impofition ; we muft alfo add, th^t the ruin caufed by this rage for lux- ury and fliow is vifible in the madnefs of gaming-houfes, and in the licentious haunts of proftitution.

Would to heaven our fex could be vindicated from the heavy cenfure that m^uft fall upon thofe who, to purchafe the edat of a few years, not the happinejs of an hour, involve themfelves and families in deftruclion ! An impartial review of living manners compels me to confef;, that we are in this point often mere culpable than our weakly indulgent jiart- ners. It is Eve who again entreats Adam to eat the forbid- den fruit ; he takes it, and is undone. Men in this rank of lite have generally lefs tajle than women ; they are amuf- cd by their bufincfs through the day, and at its weary dole ihev would generally be contented with the relaxation which their own families afforded, if thofe fi\milics were focial, do-

55

mcrtlcj cheerful, and dcilrous to promote their amufement. But fince the potent decree of faihion determined it to be unfit for the wife of a man in reputable circumftances to em- ploy herfelf in domeftic arrangements, or uleful needle work, time has proved a fevere burden to people who are deftitute of inclination for literature. To relieve themfelves from a load, the weight of which they are too proud to acknow- ledge, they have felt obliged to mingle with what is called the world. Did any of thefe adventurous dames conlider the heavy fervices which this ailbciation requires, did they fairly rate the fatigue, the perplexity, the flavery of being 'uery genteel upon a limited fcale, they would think it better to prefer a plain fyftem of focial comfort, even at the expenfe of that ridicule which, I lament to fay, fuch a deviation from refinement would incur. Yet, when there is no houfekeep- er in the fpiceroom, nor butler at the fideboard, an elegant entertainment occafions more labour and perplexity to the miftrefs of the houfe, than fhe would undergo by a regular performance of fervices highly beneficial and praifeworthy. What anxiety is there that every part of the fplendid repaft fhould be properly fele^ed, well drefTed, and ferved in ftyle I "What care to keep the every day garb of family economics out of fight, and to convince the guefiis that this is the ufual ftyle of living ; though, if they credit the report, it muft only confirm their fufpicion that their hofliefs is actually in- fane. What blufliing confufion do thefe demi fafhionifts difcover, if detedled in any employment that feems to indi- cate a little remaining regard for prudence and oeconomy \ What irregularity and inconvenienee muft the family expe- rience during the days immediately preceding the gala ! what irritation of temper, what neglect of children, what difre- gard of religious and focial offices ! And for what is all this- facrifice ? to procure the honour of being talked of ; for happinefs, or even comfort, are rarely expe£led at fuch en- tertainments. Notwithftanding all due preparation, fome- thing goes wrong, either in the dinner or the company. The face of the inviter difplays mortification, inftead of ex- ultation ; and the invited difguife the fneer of ridicule un- der the fixed fimper of affected politenefs. Nor let the giv- er of the feaft complain of difappointment. She aimed not to pleafe, but to dazzle ; not to gratify her guefts by the cheerful hilarity of her table, but to announce her own fu- periority in tafte or in expenfe. When the hofpitable hof- tefs fpreads her plain but plentiful board for friendfhip and

56

kindred, for thofe whom fl)e loves or rcfpccls, tliofc whom Ihe fceks to oblige, or thofe to whom ihc wifhes to ac- knowledge obligation, where vanity and fclf are kept out of fight, and real generofity feeks no higher praife than that of giving a fufficient and comfortable repaft with a pleafant welcome, a faftidious obfcrvance of any accidental miftake, or trivial error, might be juftly called ill nature and ingrati- tude ; but when oRentation fummons her myrmidons to be- hold the triumph, let ridicule join the party, and proclaim the defeat.

But this infatiable monfter, a rage for diftinclion, is net content with fpoiling the comforts of the cheerful regale ; luxury has invented a prodigious number of accommodations in the department of moveables ; and the miftrefs of a tiny villa at Hackney, or a ftill more tiny drawingroom in Crutch- ed Friars, only waits to know if her Grace has placed them in her baronial refidence, to pronounce that they are com- forts without which no foul can exift. Hence it becomes an undertaking of no little ftill, to condudl one's perfon through an apartment twelve feet fquare, furniflaed in Jl^le by a lady oi ta/ie, without any injury to ourfelves, or to the fauteuils, candelabras, confoletables, jardiniers, chiffoniers, &c. Should we, at entering the apartment, efcape the workboxes, foot- ftools, and culhions for lapdogs, our debut may ftill be cele- brated by the overthrow of half a dozen top-gallant fcrcens, as many perfume jars, or even by the total demolition of a glafs cabinet ftuck full of flufted monfters. By an inadver- tent remove of our chair backwards, we may thruft it tlirough the paper frame of the book ftand, or the pyramidal flower baflcet ; and our nearer approach to the fire is barricadoed by nodding mandarines and branching luftres. It is well, if the height of the apartment permits us to glide fecure under the impending danger of cryllal lamps, chandeliers, and gilt bird cages inhabited by fcreaming canaries. An attempt to walk would be too prefumptuous, amidfl: the oppofltion of a hofl of working tables, fofas, rout chairs, and ottomans. To return from a vifit of this dcfcription without having cotn- viitied or fuffered any depredation, is an event almoft fmiilar to the famous expedition of the argonauts. The fair mif^ trefs, indeed, generally officiates as pilot ; and by obferving how Ihc folds or unfurls her redundant train, and enlarges or contracts the waving of her plumes, one may practifc the dilating or dimini{l:iing graces according to the moit c\a<ft rules of geometrical proportion j happy if we can fteal a mo-

57

ment from the clrcumfpeftion that our arduous fltuatlotl re- quires, to admire the quantity of pretty things which are coIIe<n:ed together, and enquire if they are really of any ufe.

Drefs is fuch an important fubjedt to women, that I muft. claim permiffion to refer to it frequently. Two chief ends feem to be purfued by thofe who imitate the great in this: particular ; namely, that it fliould fliow their wealth, and proclaim their ufeleffnefs. When the coft of a gown excels the countefs's which it refembles in fhape, the wearer feels an immcnfe fatisfadlion, no inatter though her drefs be but ■a publication of her vulgar manners ; elegance is, in her opin- ion, a faleable commodity ; {he has the draper's bill in her pocket (I hope with a receipt to it,) and fhe knows that flie IS better drefled than her ladyihip by fifteen fhillings a yard. It may, however, happen, that deficiency in cafli or credit may limit the tafte of the fafhionift to the mere vamping up and remodelling her old wardrobe •, but, as an exadl copy would argue a very little foul, it now becomes necefTary to caf icature the mode, and to exhibit in full extravagance that which, when really modified by talle and worn with propri- ety, was graceful and becoming. Either way the wearer an- nounces her intention of not being miftaken for the drudge of patient utility. The flow of her drapery, the flight tex- ture of her attire, the tafleful arrangement of her trefles, and the ftudioufly inconvenient fituation of her ornaments, pro- daim an airy fylph, a Grecian nymph, a " mincing mam- met," or, to fpeak in her own language, a very fine lady : they cannot poflibly denote the induftrious houfewife, or the helpmate of man.

The purfuits of this /ufus nature?., this creature formed to feed on the toils of induflry, confift of laborious idlenefs. As, after all her exertions, her fituation in life does not al- low of her being genteel in ever^ thing, parfimonious oecon- omy and heedlefs expenfe take their turn. To be as fraart, not as her equals, but as her fuperiors, it becomes necefTary that fhe fliould excel in contrivance j I do not mean in that prudent forethought, which enables a good wife to propor- tion the family expenditure by the regular order of necclE- ties, comforts, conveniences, and fuperfluities : this grada- tion mufl be reverfed, and.fuperfluities take the lead. Frendh wines may be introduced on great occafions, by a daily re- trenchment of fmall beer ; and wax lights may be had for routs, by limiting the number of kiichea candles. If her, H

58

hufband and children dine on haflied mutton, flie can pro- vide ices in the evening ; and by leaving their bed chambers comfortlei's and inconvenient, flie can afford more drapery for the drawing room. Even white morning dreiTes will not be fo very expenfive, provided you are expert in haggling with the waflier woman, and do not diflike being dirty when you are invifible ; and if you know cheap fliops, and the art of driving bargains, you may even fave money by making nft'leff purchafes. New modelling yom- houfehokl and per- fonal ornaments is, I grant, an indifpenfable duty ; for no ovic can appear three times in the fame gown, or have fix parties without one additional Vandyke or feftoon to the window curtains. Thefc employments will therefore occupy your mornings till the hour of villting arrives j then you mud take care to difmifs the bed gown and workbag, and, having crammed every thing ungenteel out of fight, aflume the airs of that happy creature who has nothing in the world to do, and nothing to think of but killing time. Fafliions are now to be difcufi'ed, public places criticifed, fliopping fchemes adjufted, and evening parties fixed. After your morning ramble, you will juft get time to treat your own family with a Uttle of thiit fpleen and chagrin which have been excited by your having feen an acquaintance in her car- riage while you were fiiill compelled to be on foot, or by having met one better drelTed than yourfelf, whofe hufband cannot half {o v/ell aflFord it. You muft, in compliance with the prefTure of time, hurry over the bufinefs of the toilette ; and if during the remainder of the evening you are not quite in fo great a crowd as a duchcfs, you may at leaft confole yourfelf with the confideration that you are as ufelefs to your family.

My dear young friend will fmile when I acfd, that our fecond rate ladies plead that they undergo all this from mo- tives of conjugal duty and maternal affccllon. It is neceflary, they fay, to keep up connexions ; their hufbands' credit de- pends upon their appearance ; nobody notices them if they do not live like other people ; or perhaps the good man him- felf infiAs upon their being very fmart and living in ftyle. When this latter excufe happens to be the fa«^, we certainly muft feem to fail with the llream ; but the plans of expenfe which we dare not oj^enly oppofe, a regard to our children, and indeed felf-lovc, fliould induce us to counteraft gradu- ally. Vanity is rarely a prevailing feature in a man's charac- ter ; men foraetinies, indeed, choofe that their wives fliould

59

be gaily adorned, and hurried through a round of amufe* meuts, becaufe they are their property ; but much oftenep they do this out of gallantry, with a view to gratify them, and by way of fliowing them their attachment. In the lat- ter cafe, it is very poflible to decline, with afFedlion and fteadinefs, every expenlive attention which prudence difap- proves j and in the former, this mania of unconjugal ojienta- tion may be checked, by appearing rather to endure than to enjoy the exhibition. Men are far more fenfual than vain ; they are lefs influenced by general opinion, and lefs afFefled by petty detra<51;ion. The paffion of felf-indulgcnce leads them into expenflve habits. Difdaining the fiftitious hap- pinefs which depends upon the breath of others, diflipated men purfue what they czW fubjiantial blifs. They know that the club will at leaft for an hour exclude foiTow, and enfure gaiety. The circulating glafs has with them the united pro- perties of Lethe and Helicon. To a man of this cafl., the fociety of his wife and children is vapid, or at leaft not fuf- ficiently poignant to be long entertaining. If his tavern en- gagements can be counterafted by a well drefTed dinner, and a few cheerful friends at home, a woman is juftified in re- forting to thefe meaiures, by way of weaning him from his more dangerous propenlities ; even though flie fliould be obliged to facrifice thofe pure domcftic pleafures, which hap- py wedlock affords thofe people whofe fortunes are commen- {urate to their wants ;

" An elegant fuflicicncy, content,

•' Retirement, rural quiet, friendiliip, books,

" Eafe and alternate labour, ufeful life,

" Progreflivc virtue, and approving heaven."

I cannot admit the generally received excufe, that convivial meetings and tavern afTociations are promoters of bulinefs ; becaufe I have known men tranfaft a great deal, and even rife from low life to opulence, by means of an eftabliflied character for probity, integrity, and fobriety. The general habits of the fuperior part of the mercantile world confirm my opinion ; but, granting that the convenience of driving a bargain, or forcing trade, may withdraw the hufband from the domeftic circle, the diflipation of the wife is left without €xcufe. The craft of deceiving by falfe appearances is fol- lowed by too many, to be a \yYo^\.Ah\Q /peculation any longer ; and wealthy people, whom it is defirable to make dupes, are much fooner induced to truft a man by the appearance of order and oeconooiy in his family, than by hearing that it is

60

the gentecleft in the ftreet ; which cautious traders often t;hink is the furell omen of approaching bankruptcy. Nor is the wifdom of the mother more apparent than that of the wife, in thus cukivating tafte at the expenfe of propriety, from a delign of procuring refpectable connexions for her daughter ; which intention is ahiioft fure to be fruitrated by one circumftance : every body is embarking in the fame traf- fic J and the market is lb full of well drelfed fpinfters who are adepts in the art of fpending money, that if our laws per- mitted the fame plurality of wives to men of fortune, as the Koran fanclions, ftill many an elegant belle would be in want of a good ejiahlij}jtncnt. The nymphs of modern times, \vho fpend their days in mufic, and dancing, diUcr much from the ancient heroines of paftoral and romance ; for thefe lat- ter, if they fed at all, fubfifted upon the wild produtSlions of groves and meads, quaffed the limpid ftream, and repofed under umbrageous trees ; fo that they really were very cheap companions. But now, ornaments are no longer compofed of natural flowers, unlefs, like Lady Teazle, the fair one purchafes rofes at Chrillmas. Penelope (except we feck for her in the circle of royalty) cannot fabricate a veft for her fon, or fire ; and even *' white handed Phyllis" difdains ** to drefs herbs and other country mefies for Corydon and Thyiils ;" and indeed I much fear that thofe gentlemen would no longer find them " favoury." The rich gudgeon, for whom pcrtionlefs elegance drops fuch numerous baits, ofteu poflefles that moft ungallant acquirement arithmetic ; and, having difcovered that a dowerlcfs wife Vv-ill have the fame conjugal anxiety to fupport his pecuniary reputation, feen-.s inclined to ally himfcli to a gold filli. Compafilonating the claims of thofe numerous young women, \A\o found their expectation of being fupported on their total inability of helping themfelves, I wuuld advife by way of experiment, that fome few mothers would Ihow a wilh of furnilliing the next generation with luives, by cultivating thofe qualities iu their daughters which will prevent them from being convert- ed into 7)iij}reJjl'S. Diffidence, frugality, and induftry, are in- deed quite out -, but for that very reafon they will certainly be ftared at, and may give their pofieilbr that notoriety, which thofe who only herd with a crowd never can obtain ; and it is even pofiible that fome whimfical humourift may take a fancy to luch vulgarity, and, remembering his old grandmother's proverb, inay overlook the want of fortune witn a wife, when there appears to be foir.cthing in her whicU

61

promlfes'towear well. I grant that I'uch a man muft be a quiz ; yet quizzes have made good hufbands ; at leaft, it is better to be the wife of fuch a one, than to be eternally tranf-- forming an old tambour muflin into frefla nets to entangle a Titus or a Brutus, who, being himfelf upon his preferment, ' perfeftly underftands the myftery of entrapment.

I can no longer fupport a ftraln of irony. My foul is moved to the livelieft indignation, and keenell forrow, at the wilful degradation of my lex. With what propriety do we complain of the flate of dependence in which God and the laws of our country have placed us, when we render ourlelves infinitely more helplefs, more deftitute (fhall we not fay more fervile and dcfpicable ?) by defcrting our proper fphere, by neglefling the ufeful duties that we might perform, by facri- iicing the intereft and the afi'e£tions of our families, not to be even an obje£V of admiration, diltinguiflied for elegant frivolity and expenlive nothingnefs ; but for the fake of fcarting in a crowd to run the race of folly, of echoing a forged tale of happinefs and fplendor, which has been too often told to be even fpecious ? For let me once again repeat the often urged fa^, diflipation, finery, and extravagance, are too frequent to attraB attention. . Even if you flrain the burfting nerves of credit, and not only fquander every lliil- ling of your children's property, but ruin every one v/honi you can enfnare, fome rival, equally unprincipled, but bet- ter lituated, will outfhine you. Could thefe poor flaves of vanity, who judge by the fuppofed opinion of the world, bear the contemptuous farcafms which this unfuitable parade and cxpenfe excite from thofc whom they attempt to propitiate ? It is poflible, that the dread of ridicule might prove a more powei-ful reftraint, than the reproachful tears of their ruined oftspringj and the curfes of their creditors. In the higher circles, a more coftly drefs than the occalion requires is con- fidered as an indelible proof of vulgarity ; the grandeur of the lady's paraphernalia is contrafted with the pcttinefs of her attendant lacquey, the ihabbinefs of her buggy, or the leannefs of her laborious Rozinante ; and the fuitabiiity of the tout enfemhle muft be arranged with no common fkill, if it efcapes the prying glance of piqued fuperiority. An un- common affemblage of feathers, a treble convolution of train, a double row of plaited Valenciennes, or a fleeve decorated ifill it reminds one of Petruchio's whimlical defcription,* as

* " What ! up and down, carv'd like an appletart, •' With fnip, and nip, and cut." Shakespearb.

62

Indifputably announce the entry of fomc would be flhe lady to a well bred aflembly, as a copper complexion does a na-» live American to the Canadian fettlers ; and the company^ wait, with the ?ionchalance of good breeding, till fome cock- ney mifappllcation of the W, or provincial inverflon of the afpirate, determines the ftranger^s tribe and latitude. For iet it not be fuppofed, that the propenfity to appear what we are not is limited to crowded cities : few retirements are fo fequeflered, as to prevent their being explored by the vifita- tions of this oflentatious paflion iox faleable refinement. The village madam hopes her fhowy array, and faftidious fcru- pulofity, will convince you that her hufband cannot be a farmer ; and, at the peril of a brilTc retort, forbear to infin- uate to the market town elegante^ that flie may be wanted in the ihop. They fuppofe that it i:: very vulgar to be thought ufeful \ and the acknowledgment of an honeft avocation is to them a reproach. Yet, though wealth and commerce have rendered the externals of the gentlewoman fo attaina- ble, that ihe is no longer to be diftinguifhed by her habit ; we have left it to more patient and lefs profperous times to tranfcribe the complaifance, affability, condefcending atten- tion to the claims of others, love of propriety, and regard for decorum, which are the eflentials of this deiired diftinction : the adoption of thefe is too arduous an undertaking, and re- quires too many privations. Rudenefs of habit is foon caft allde, rudenefs of manner is more adhefive. The country lafs doffs the former at the drefs maker's, where fhe leaves her red cloak and her humility ; but fhe is Infinitely too mucli delighted with her transformation, to fuppofe refpe£l to fuperiors, or civility to equals, can be neceffary, nov/ that the Mlfs Stitchv/ells have pronounced her quite a?iother thing.

Is there, my dear Mifs M , a more difgufllng produce

than Infolence engrafted on awkwardnefs ? or are any airs (b ridiculous, as thole which are affumed by purfe-proud Ig- nornnce }

Your excellent mother filled a fituation In life too decid- edly rcfpeclable to derive any real elevation from attempting to outftep the modefty of nature. Her good fenfe tauglit her both to perceive and preferve its advantages. I enjoy a foothing gratification from rellecStlng, that as, by avoiding the extremes of psrlimony and extravagance, fhe gave an example of prudence to people of her own rank ; fo the wii- dom of the maxims by which fhe governed her condudt was generally U'feful. Wlicn the prefiurc of the tinie;> prefented

63

thofe claims to which country gentlemen are cipccially cx- pofed, ihe did not plead public exigency as a reafon for re- ftraining private benevolence ; nor did Ihe make her domet tics miferable by penurious reftriclions. " The world," fhe obferved, *' will always allow you to fpare from yourfelf. «' If you never attempt to outfhine your neighbours, they ** will pardon your old gown, and permit you to flay at home <* unqueftioned." By limiting our wardrobe, or giving up an excuriion, it is pofGble to avoid the cenfure of being mean, and the pain of knowing that we embarrafs our hufband's aifairs.

It is worth confidering, at how much lefs expenfe of time, fortune, and comfort, you may purchafe the reputation of folid, than you can of brilliant qualities, provided you arc contented with being a good p/ain chara<Sler j for few are in- clined to conteft the right of a claimant to that diftindlion. I do not advife you to gain it by ftruggling againft the tor- rent, but by getting out of Its way, and fufFering it to glide quietly by you. If the attention of your fuperiors be the object at wliich you aim, this is the fureft way to obtain it j for, to return to the obfervations of my deceafed monitor, *' though every rank in life has prefTed into the ftation im- *' mediately preceding, none feem confclous of their own ad- « vancement, while all are piqued at the exaltation of their ** inferiors." The clergyman's daughter will exprefs much indignation that the MilTes Flamborough have imitated their Sunday hat, at the Very moment tliat they are fabricating a head drefs refembling what the baronet's lady wore at the laft county aflembly. It is in vain, therefore, to rufh for- ward with precipitation ; our fuperiors will only fuffer us to overtake them for one moment ; and then, with a fmile of contempt, they will vault on a higher eminence, where you muft try to perch befide them, or elfe be thrown down by the crowd of joftling inferiors who are prefSng hard upon you. To ftep afide is the only wife method ; and, to be convinced of the abfolute neccfiity for our fo doing, let us for a moment turn our eyes on the lower orders of fociety. Our attention ihall be firft directed to that with which we are moft connecled, domeftic fervants. What is their ap- pearance ; what are their purfuits ; what, generally fpeak- mg, is their moral character ? The propeniity to appear what they are not, has operated fo ftrongly in this clafs, that few miftreiTes, however befotted themfelves, can refrain from complaining of its ill eff'zSts ; and it is impolEble to go into

64

a mixed company, ^vithout being aflailed with narratives of the extravagance, ignorance, folly, and llnery of maidfervants. Yet, to fay that thc^y only faithfully copy the examples which are fet before them, would not (generally fpcaking) be toa fevere an anfwer. Lut this fubjedt muft be referred for fu- ture difculfion.*

We have feen, that no fpeculative advantages can accrue, cither to our hufoands or our daughters, by our extrava- gance. Suppofe we now eftimate the pleafure really enjoy- ed by a woman who devotes herfelf to expenfive gratifica- tions, who wears the moft elegant drefs, gives tlie moft fump- tuous entertainments, goes every where, and fees all that is to be {cen. I allow that the Being thus occupied muft be' too much devoted to felf-enjoyment to feel anxious about her deferted family ; to care whether her children are brutes, idiots, or cripples, further than as they affe^ herfelf; to be folicitous how her hufband amufes himfelf in her abfence ; to fhrink at the apprehenlion of the carelefsnefs or the dif- honefty of her fervants , or to m.ind having her morning flumbers broken by a levee of clamorous duns. We may deny that fhe ever attains what ihe purfues, pleafure ; and our proof of this aflertion is derived from the palling effedt of fatiety on the phyfical conftitution of our bodies ; and from the certain facSl:, that pieafure ever flies away the fafteft when it is moft eagerly purfued. The rational dame, who ipares one evening in the week from domeftic occupations, will enjoy a lively party, a well acted play, a concert, or a' ball. She will feel the force of contraft ; and every agreea- ble incident will be engraven on her memory, for the pur- pofe of amufing the beloved group, who will croud around her next morning to inquire the hiftory of the gay evening. She has a ftill greater chance of being gratified, as flie wifl enter the feftal fcene with fpirits undeprefied by that load of bodily debility which fleeplefs nights and liftlefs days muft occafion ; befide, amufement is not the bufinefs of her life ; ► and if what fhe eaters into falls fhort of her cxpctStation, it is but a petty difappointment, and fhe has other refources.

" The fleep of the labouring man is fwcet,"' fays the in- fpired penman j and furely nothing is fo delightful, as, after a day fpcnt in the peaceful exercife of fome honelt calling, to fink upon our pillows, confcious of well meant endeavours, and confiding in that God who has promifed to accept them.

** Sec Letter XIViU,

65

Fatigue of this kind never injures the animal frame; it is repaired by reft and refrefliment •, and the morning, which renews the demand for exertion, revives the ponver of com- pHance. The fatigue which arifes from exceffive diffipation is of another defcription. The exhaufted body has loft the abihty of refufcitation ; the clamour of mufic, the clafhing of carriages, aflail its feverifh {lumbers ; the mazes of the dance, and the glare of theatrical fcenery, ftill flit before the frequently unclofed eyes ; the paffions are not yet calm ift the throbbing bofom ; envy enumerates the ornaments of a rival, and chagrin dwells upon the flight curtefy of an opu- lent acquaintance. The votary of pleafure rifes unrefrefhed, and a liftlefs yawning morning is the penalty which fhe mutt pay to nature for having forced her beyond her ability- Thcfe are the moments that engender fpleen ; the diflatis- faftion that flie feels is averted from herfelf, on whom it ought to fall ; but, as flie really is unhappy, it muft fix fome- where. Very probably, flie will difcover that her evening's chagrin was owing to her hufband, who either looked as if he did not wifli her to go out, or prevented her making a more pleafant party, or refirahicd her expenfes, or dropped fome harfli exprefiion which broke her fpirits, always meek and tenderly fenfitive. Perhaps the children are troublefome, crofs, humourfome, and want more attention than fhe has leifure to give them ; or perhaps the French governefs may be negligent, the Abigail impertinent, or the cook tipfey. It is happy when the difeafe fixes in fome remote part, and only prompts the fufFerer to treat her family with a detail of the cruel ufage that flie has undergone ; and a pathetic explanation of the extreme hardfhip, that fhe, who has fuch a relifh for pleafure, fhould never be permitted to tafte it. Miftaken creature ! who told thee that this world was made for butterflies ? Call me not too fevere, nor fuppofe that I overcharge the portrait. I know the depravity of the hu- man heart too well (fliall I own too experimentally ?) not to be convinced that they who have no time for felf-confidera- tion, and religious communing, may be efteemed fortunate if they do not fall into ftill grolTer faults and misfortunes.

To defcend a little from the line of fociety that we have been confidering : I have often contemplated the good city pair, who fet out for their box in the country on Saturday night, and return time enough to open fliop on Monday morning. We ruflics might fuppofe, that after the fatigue I

G6

of fix days they would look forward to the fubbatical reft with ecftacy ; and that their purpofe for going into the coun- try was to enjoy the heavenly blcffings of reflection and de- votion in retirement. Qu^itc the reverfe ; their intention is to have a party of friends. The travelling vehicle is laden with proviiions ; and though the miftrefs of the " fnug re- treat" arrives at it late and weary, fhe muft unpack her plate, duft her china, and arrange her deflert that evening. A lit- tle indulgence next morning would be excufable, provided the family were in readinefs to perform the appropriate du- ties of the Sabbath ; but, unhappily, there is a multiplicity of reafons to prevent this obfervance. The church is a long way off ; it is cold and damp ; the pew is in an obfcure cor- ner •, the weather is fufpicious, and a Ihower would deftroy the patent net mantle ; or perhaps (which is a ftill more in- furmountable difficulty) the patent net mantle was left in London. The kitchen too now begins to give " dreadful note of preparation ;" not from armourers accomplifliing the knights, but from the Ihop maid's chopping force meat, the apprentice's cleaning knives, and the journeyman's receiving a praEl'ical leflbn in the art of Vv^aiting at table. For, do not fuppofe that the entertainment is to be merely comfortable and focial. No ; it is to be a difplay, a fet out, and as much intended to elevate and furprife as a Grofvenor fquare gala. Certainly it is fortunate, that the legiflature ftill prohibits opening fhop of a Sunday ; as, but for this rcmiffion of worldly toil, many people would be obliged to leave the gar- den of tafte quite uncultivated. The company at length ar- rive 5 they admire the furniture, praife the garden, and de- clare their intention of coining very cficn ; for it is fo delight- ful to be out of the fmoke of London. Dinner is now ferv- ed ; and then " they eat, they drink," but probably not *' in communion fweet ;" nor do they *' quaff immortality and joy," becaufe they neglcft to vifit the fount where tliofe bleffings are difpenfed. Surely, if it were not for being a little in the fafliion, a quiet domeftic religious Sunday would be quite as comfortable. But I betray my ignorance in ufing this term : comfort is abjured by all who enlill in the ranks of vanity -, and as, among the high ton, the eclat of the fete depends upon the violence of the fqueeze ; fo, among fecond ton, the prodigioufnefs of the preceding fufs determines the pleafure that your vifitors are to give you. One morning's trouble would be enough for a common councilman's wife ; but who would mind being perplexed in the extreme for a

67

whole week, provided one could fay that we gave a dinner to Alderman Marrowfat and all his family ?

Permit nie to attend to an apology which is often made for this ftyle of gentiUty ; I mean, that it is patriotic -, though, in refuting this pretence, I may deviate a little from the pre- fcribed bounds of female authorfhip. It is allowed, that fine ladies of all defcriptions are nmfances in their own families ; but then it is faid they are piihlic benefits ; they force trade, promote the circulation of calh, and reward the ingenuity of manufaclurers. To preferve the metaphor, whatever is forced muft be proportionably delicate and hazardous. If luxury, by becoming univerfal, increafes the wealth of the community, the artificial wants of each individual are alfo multiplied ; and though the merchant receives more for his commodities, the demands of his family, and the frequent infolvency of his connexions, leave him in a worfe fituation, than when frugality and moral honefiy were more prevalent. Thofe, indeed, are the folid pillars u])on which trade muft reft j remove them, and its defiru^lion is inevitable. The maxim, that private vices are public benefits, has funk into contempt, with the deift* who endeavoured to eftablifh it.

All civilized flates have agreed in chcrilliing thofe priv- ileged orders whofe rank or wealth made them the proper patrons of learning and the fine arts, and the encouragers of all the happy efforts of mechanical induftry. From perfons thus circumftanced, fociety demands munificence, fplendour, and hofpitality. Liberality, elegance, and refinement, are the required chara6lerifi:ics of their immediate inferiors. The third degree fliould be contented to be difi:inguilhed by be- nevolence, ceconomy, and propriety. Humanity, diligenceji and frugality, become indifpcnfable duties to the fourth clafs. Indullry, humility, and general good will, are fo fuited to the loweft fi:ate of life, that wlien the poor part v.ith thefe virtues, they deprive themfelves of theii- bell: confolation and richeft pofiTeflions.

Let us look back on the times that are juft paft, and efli- mate the prefent by them. Soame Jenyns's popular defcrip- tion of the embarrafih^ent of a country knight's family at an unexpected vifit, would not nov/ fuit the domeftic fituation of a creditable farmer. Several fireps in fociety have, there- fore, been pafled in the progrefs of refinement fince the pub- lication of Dodlley's Mifcellanies. I have heard a well at-.

* Mandevillc.

68

tefted tradition of a country lady who was the hcirefs of large poiTcflions, and, what was then called, genteelly educated. It was determined by the females of the family met in coun- cil upon the occafion, that Ihe fhould appear in the great hall clear ftarching lawn ruffles, when fhe received the firfl viiit of a favoured admirer. It is impoflible to calculate how many degrees of manners are here paiTed, fince the few who ftill continue to be notable, blufli to be thought fo : yet this event happened about the beginning of the lall century. I need not multiply anecdotes of this kind ; the archives of every family can fupply numerous atteftations in point.

In low life, the gradation ufed to be from rags and dirt to tidinefs ; from thence to comfort ; from comfort, improve- ment proceeded to fuperfluity. But even the pauper, if fhe move at all, now ftrides from filth to finery. May not the difcontent and depravity of the lovv'er orders be attributed to this circumftance ? and that fuch difcontent and depravity do exiit, thofe who have the opportunity of dole obfervation cannot doubt, though it has not yet afilimed fufiicient ripe- nefs to attract legiflative attention.* When pining want be- held its neighbour rifing to decent comfort by unremitting induftry and frugality, the poflibility of obtaining equal ad- vantages ftimulated him to equal exertions. But the enor- mous wages which artifans now receive in many tradesf fup- port a flyle of living, to which the moft rigorous toil of the day labourer, the worfted weaver, or many other lefs profi- table occupations, v/ould be totally inadequate. If the males in the artifan's family are fober and indullrious, their earn- ings are fiifTicient for the maintenance of the whole houfe- hold : the wife, no longer feeling the daily neceillty of add- ing to the common ftock by the notability of herfeif and her daughters, is often induced, not only to remit vlgilaficey but to allow of ivcijie. A ftyle of appearance is afilimed, the ex- penfe of which leaves them totally unprovided in an hour of fickncfs and misfortune ; and alfo, by its abfurdity and im- propriety, deprives them of the good opinion of their fupe- riors, \\\%,o certainly would have been inclined to have ex- tended their kind aid to alleviate that diftrcfs, againfl: which prudence had in vain endeavoured to provide an adequate

* In Letter XlVth t'lis uihjecSt is rcfumcJ.

f In fevcrni brnrchrs of the woollen trade, common hands may earn twv) guineas a week; yet evcu a lliort ilLicra reduces tlicm to extreme diflreis.

69

deftnce. What fort of fervants, or poor men's wives, young women bred in idlenefs, and drefled in tafte, are likely to make, is not noiv my inquiry : I fpeak of the efFedts of this unfuitable, and indeed ufelefs abundance, upon the mind of the really indigent man •, and furely it mull render his tat- tered garb ftill more comfortlefs, and his brown cruft more unfavoury and degrading. He could have paiTed by the magnificent manllon of the gentleman, the elegant relidence of the re<Stor, or the comfortable dwelling of the farmer, without heaving a figh, or uttering one complaint at his hard, lot ; but the luxuries and indolence of thofe whofe birth and education are the fame as his own wring his foul with an- guifh ; and he fuppofes himfelf injurioufly treated, fince all ranks may be idle and extravagant except his own. Per- haps if Vv'e were fo fituated, we might be equally faulty. The contented cottager, quiet, fober, laborious, and cheerful, is faft difappearing from our ruftic haunts ; wretchednefs, with all its attendant train of vices, or thoughtlefs, and I may add infolent extravagance, the refult of great gains and little fore- fight, fupply his place.

And is the nation really benefited by this change of man- ners .'' the loom may have more employment ; the ftraw manufacturer may have a greater demand •, indeed, trade of every kind may receive a momentary impetus ; but morals, which are the vital part of fociety, are attacked by a mortal dileafe. The middle ranks no longer feel alhamed of being in debt ; the lower do not blufh at receiving (I Ihould rather fay at demanding) parochial relief, though ceconomy might have preferved to them the blefllng of independence. In vain does the miftrefs advife her fervants to lave the gains of profperity ; fhe is anfwered, that what they earn is their own ; this is a land of liberty, and they have no notion of fcreening their parifhes. To aflume a more di<Slatorial tone, even to paupers, is impofljble ; they would tell you, that God made all men equal, and quefi:ion your title to that pre- eminence which permits you to reprove them.

Thefe are the efi^edts of flourilhing trade and profperous manufacture : are they fymptoms of national profperity, or internal decay ? Allow me to quote the words of an eloquent writer •,* who, having obferved that this country was flour- ilhing in all the arts of civil life, remarks, that " perhaps it •^^ is running the fame courie which Rome had done before;

* Sec Dr. Middleton's Life of Cicero.

70

** from virtuous induftry to wealth ; from wealth to luxury ; *< from luxury to impatience of difcipline, and corruption of <* morals ; till by a total degeneracy, and lofs of virtue, be- " ing grown ripe for deftruction, it falls a prey to fome hardy " oppreflbr ; and, with lofs of liberty lofing every thing that ** is valuable, links gradually again into its original barba-

« rifm." Such an oppreflbr, my dear Mifs M , fecms

near at hand. He wants neither ambition, hatred, boldnefs, nor inclination to deftroy us ; but let us hope that there ftill remains enough of true religion among us, to obtain a refpite from that merciful God who promifed to fpare offending Sodom, if ten righteous, or rather religious people, could therein be found. And may v;e fo profit by our prefent chaftifements, as to fee the neceffity of checking that career of degeneracy which proved deftruclive to every nation that has preceded us in empire, wealth, and renown !

My conviftion that luxury, and affected refinement, have already paffed thofe bounds which defend private happinefs and public fecurity, would induce me to confine our corre- fpondence entirely to thofe orders whofe condu(ft is moft im- portant to fociety, and among whom the infinuating arts of diffipation have lately gained a mofi: alarming preponder- ance ; but a regard for my literary reputation, together with the zeal natural to all reformers, prompt rne to endeavour to obtain a fair hearing for my remonfli'ances, which I am con- vinced my prefent labours never would receive, if I did not occafionally introduce my readers to -uery good company. The fafcinating names of the Marquis, and Lady Elizabetha, have caufed many a village nymph to toil through fix long vol- umes of intricate adventure, of which they never would have perufed fix pages, had the fame fiiory been told of plain John and Betty. It is with fome reluftance that I qui', a field of obfervation in which I have few competitors, to purfue a beaten track, wlierein T am alfo preceded by perfonal experi- ence and fuperior ability. Remarks on the manners of the great world, cannot come with a good grace from one who has fcldom emerged from the bofom of retirement (I could almoft fay, of domefi:ic feclufion,) and who confequently rauft feel a doubt whether the pictures from which flic copies re- ally were correctly flcetched. Yet fince I have promifed to make fome obfervations on prevailing opinions, I muft not omit thofe leading characters whofe confpicuous fituation draws the attention of the world, and who give law to nu- merous awkward copyids. ConfidereJ in this point of view.

the manners and morals of the great afTumc an influential confequence that is highly important to fociety ; though, if confined to themfelves, their depravity is lefs intimately con- nefted with national ruin, than a dereliction of principle in the great mafs of the people would be ; and efpecially among thofe who, by being placed in the medium between riches and poverty, ihould prefent a barrier to the vices and temp- tations of either extreme, and at the fame time offer an afy- lum to every thing which is intriniically eflimable in both. The political importance which this rank polTefles in Eng- land J the general information, found fenfe, and unfophifti- cated manners, that were their marked charadleriftics j the blamelefs occupations, domeflic tendernefs, modefty, iimplic- ity, and unaffefted gentlenefs, that diftinguifhed their wedded partners, all heighten my regret that thefe folid excellences ihould be bartered for German principles, illuflrated by French praftice. It is not that I believe the middle clafTes to be the moil corrupted ; it is becaufe that corruption, if it fix here, deftroys the vital principle, that I addrefs the fe- males of this moll enviable, this moft refpedlable order, with energetic entreaties to check their vain purfuit of falfe fame and abfurd importance, and to refume the genuine graces of their natural chara6ler ; befeeching them to remember, that none can become contemptible, or ridiculous, unlefs they de- fert the poft at which the God of Nature has commanded them to fland. But I muft now forfake my compeers, to addrefs a more elevated flation ; confcious of being in many refpecls unequal to the taflc of public cenfor, and prefuming only to gather a few fcattered obfervations that have been overlooked by my predeceiTors, or to difcover fome noxious weeds which have recently fhot forth, A new fubjeCl feems a hint for me to conclude my prefent epiflle, and gives mc an opportunity to afTure you how fervently I am, Sec.

LETTER IV.

j^hfurdit'ies and Liceniloufnefs among Women of Fojlnw.

MY DEAR MISS M ,

1 RESUME our corrcfponJence ; lip.ppy in the afliirancc that you are interefted in the fubje<fl:s I have hitherto difcuff- ed ; and prefuming not only on the partial afFc6lion that you have long fhown me, but alio on your natural candour, which I know induces you to pardon inadvertencies wherein the head only is concerned, provided the heart be free from thofe bad intentions which transform imperfections into crimes. We will enter upon the topic propofed in the con- clufion of my laft letter, without the formality of a tedious prologue.

There are numerous and popular writers, who have cm- ployed themfelves in traducing the order that we are about to fcrutinize ; defcribing it as an excrefcence fpringing out of the body politic, and draining every ufcful member of its vital juices, in order to fwell its own putrid mals into a moft hideous and moft dangerous deformity. I will uU you a few of the abufive terms bellowed on thefe " earth treading flars," by an author who was at leaft free from the feminine fault of mincing her language, and fpoke out without the leaft ambiguity. She confidered " monarchy and heredita- *' ry rank to be fuch evils, as balanced all the advantages " which Europe derived from civilization ; and fo unnatur- " al, that, in order to account for their introdutflion, men *< blafphrmoitjly fuppofed the human race had burft from its " orbit, like a lawlefs planet, in order to fteal the ccleftial " fire of reafon ; while the vengeance of Heaven, lurking in *' the fubtle flame like Pandora's box, afflicted the earth witli " thcfc retributive curfcs to which all our mifery and error *' are owing." In fine, flie thought " th:.t it was the pef- " tiferous purple, and the honours that flow from it," which had reduced us poor women to the ftate of woeful degrada- tion in which her writings found us, namely, without polit-

kal rights, without mafculine ftrength, compelled to be obe- dient to our hufbands) and inclined to expeft filial obedience from our children ; accuftomed alfo to confider modefty and gentlenefs as conftituent parts of our own character ; difpof- cd to attend to religious duties, and to look forward to an- other world, not as the place where our indefeifible perfe£li- billty is to expand, but as the region where the promifes of {lilvation fliall be fulfilled. If the inverfion of the prefent orders in fociety will alfo produce this change in the relative fituation of our fex, how ought we to c/ing to the prefent ftate of affairs, znd fi/pplicate its continuance !

I have quoted from a book* which, by fupceminent ab- furdity and audacity, expofed to profound contempt the prin- ciples that it meant to fupport. It, indeed, amazed and con- founded for a day ; and it received all the affillance which an elaborate analyfis could beftow, to elevate it into lafting celebrity. It was foon found, however, that the times were not fufficiently illuminated to bear fuch a ftrong doclrine ; and the difciples of the fchool of equality have fince found it more convenient to glofs, and foften, and mifreprefent. The fame democratical principles, however, pervade many popular works, efpecially dramatic performances, to which the privileged orders (as the nobility and gentry are cabalifti- cally called) have moft unwifely lent their patronage ; and that not merely by countenancing the author, or applauding the fcenic reprefentations that are deeply tainted with the leaven of democracy. Party rage may now boaft the fame facrifices as public virtue formerly enjoined ; and though we have not our Curtii or our Decii, who immolate themfelves to fave their country, we have many men of birth and rank who feem inclined to pile their pofleffions and honours on the very brink of a precipice, to exalt the minion of the fa<^ion which they efpoufe. The firfl people In the kingdom have not fcrupled to fupport, not merely the equality^ but the fii- premacy of the mob, during the frenzy of a democratical con- tention for parliamentary honors ; and thus they virtually figned the teftimonial of their having long ufurped unjufti- fiable afcendancy, and the certificate of their deferved degra- dation ; little thinking that the fentiments and principles which they inftilled into their clamorous adherents, would abide with them, and produce ferious e£Fe(Sts, when the tem-

*■ The Rights of Women.

74

porary purpole for which they were promulgated was for- gotten. How far ambitious motives may juAify gentlemen in thus endeavouring to ajj'ajfiimie their own importance, is not the prefent qucllion. Modern patriotifm may deter- mine, that it is noble to reverie the part of Sampfon when he was prifoner among the Philiftines, and to pull down the pillars of your own ftate, when you find that you cannot climb into its upper ftory. But lince our fex are happily prevented from engaging in thefe turbulent fcenes, by native <lelicacy, by regard to their general reputation, and even by their fears, I do not feel myfelf called upon to vindicate them from the charge of being acceiTary to that general contempt for their i'uperiors, which Is fo marked a feature among the populace. Imbibing the fpirit of Mrs. Candour, in that maf- terly (though in fome refpecls dangerous) play, " The School for Scandal," I am refolved, " let the neviffpapers fay what " they pleafe of canvaffing beauties, haranguing toafls, and " mobbing demireps," not to believe one fyllable ; and if '♦ I repeat fuch anecdotes," it is only to ufher in ray obfer- \ation that the world is grown fo cenforious, it even credits hnpojfmlities. I wifh I could acquit the illuflrious culprits of every other proof of their being concerned in a confpiracy againft their own order and confequence, with as much ex- pectation of being credit edy at leaft by my country readers.

But though I profefs myfelf a fteady advocate for that gra- dation of wealth and rank, which, if not pofitively appointed by God in fcripture, is there fliown to have been nearly co- eval with the world that we inhabit ; and which is not only the natural confequence of the moral government of the Al- mighty, but alfo the medium through which he thinks fit to convey a greater portion of happinefs to the human race than it could otherwife enjoy ; I am not fo infatuated, as to main- tain that the bleffings of education, wealth, rank, leifure, nuihority, and reputation, are granted to a few with uncon- trollable occupation ; but rather that their pofleflbrs fliould employ them to the benefit of the whole community \ that fuch as labour may not have caufe to reproach thofe who reft, for being drones in the ftate. The God and Judge of the whole earth does not beftow his fpiritual or temporal bleffings by any arbitrai'y rules of unconditional preference. When a talent is given to any one, an account is opened with the giver oi it, who appoints a day in which he will ar- rive and «* redemand his own with ufury." Nor are thefe children of profperity in reality fo much better fituated than

75

their lowly fellow-crcatnres, as the jaundiced eye of envy Is apt to believe : at leaft, ignorant envy is lure to fix upon a wrong perfon, and to fele^t, as the object whofe affluence caufes her pining difcontent, fome befotted fenfualift, who, forgetting his ftewardfliip, prefumes to turn the eflate of which he is guardian entirely to his own account, and not only to " eat and drink till he is drunken," but alfo to ncg- ie6t, and even mifufe, his fellow-fervants. Independent of that fearful fentence which hangs over him, fufpended by the goffiuner thread of this frail exiftence ; namely, " the *' Lord when he cometh iliall appoint him a portion with *' unbelievers, where fhall be weeping and gnafhing of teeth," the prefent lltuation of this felf-devoted Dives is moft mif- erable. Exceffive indulgence breeds a thoufand bodily pains and mental infirmities ; even fuppoling that it does not pro- ceed to what are called criminal gratifications, capricious hu- mours and unfeafonable wilhes haunt that breaft 'whofe de- fires centre in felf-enjoyment. The expedlation that we may be for ever lulled on the bofom of delight. Is thwarted by the conftitution of the world, and even by our own phylical qualities. Pain Is necelTary, or v/e fhould never truly value pleafure. Relt muft be bought by exertion, or it begets en- iiiii. We cannot tafte the full blelilng of fuccefs, if we have never known difappointment or anxiety. The animal grat- ifications of our nature muft be preceded by privations, or our appetites will not be fatisfied, but palled. When penu- ry has toiled hard for a fcanty meal and a flight covering, it weakly fuppofes that reft, repletion, and fumptuous attire, muft be felicity ; the indolent victim of fpleen, the furfeited voluptuary, and the capricious vi<Stim of vanity, whofc tor- tured imaginations are ever purfuing fomething new and Itrange, could, if pride permitted them to make a frank dif- clofure, prefent a very different pldture of enjoyment ; and, In fpite of its reftrI6tions, the tortures of a difeafed body, and the miferles of an afflicted fpirit, often wring from them the agonizing regrets that they cannot change fituations with the poor labourer who walks whiftling by their window, return- ing cheerful from his daily tafic. Amid the numerous com- plaints vWth which dlfcontent ungratefully afTails Divine Prov- idence, the moft frequent arife from thofe who have fquan- dered its bounty in fuch purfuits as are incapable of fatisfy- ing a rational being ; or who have fuppofed that the cup of blefiing could not be enjoyed, but by quaffing fuch immod- erate draughts as produce intoxication.

"Where a woman who is born to the pofTcfrion of rank and nffluencc properly appreciates thofe bleHing*;, and, inftead of circumfcribing them witliin the narrow fphcre of felf-enjoy- ment, endeavours to ditfufe improvement and comfort wher- ever her influence extends ; if, through the conviction of being merely an agent, flic Hft her eyes to him who entruft- ed her with ample powers, (he feels in the confcioufneJs of well doing, and in the ferene delight of reflected blifs, the purefl: earthly gratification. Her heart frecjuently fpeaks to her in the infpired language of the royal Pfalmifl:, " The lot " is fallen unto me in a fair ground, yea I have a goodly " heritage." On the other hand, if flie fuppofe herielf to be fome " mighty leviathan," fent into the ocean of exiflencc *' to take her pafiime therein," the chain which held her to fociety is broken, or at leaft held together only by the fra- gile tie of interefted dependence. She did not participate in the griefs of others, her ov/n forrows therefore fhall be a/l her own ; fiie fought not to make her fellow-creatures hap- py, they will not therefore rejoice in her profperity. Now forrow is a lonely fenfation, and may be endured with heart breaking poignancy without any partaker, or even witnefs ; nay, it is ever moft intolerable and overwhelming, when un- relieved by fympathy and unfoftened by pity ; but happinefs, at leafl: that i'pecics of it wliich feliifli characlers purfue, is a fupervenient quality, and fubfifts by the agency, or at leafl: upon the opinion, of the multitude. The proudcft beauty, when fliinlng in the full glare of magnificence, is more de- pendent than any of the wondering fpcctators pafl: whom flie glides with affedled difdain ; for, in reality, it is a pcrfuaflon that they admire her, which fwelis her vain heart with im- aginary confequcnce. Does the inerccnary bride, who facri- fices every profpecl of domeftic happiiiels to a flately equip- age, a magnificent manfion, and a numerous retinue, really find her enjoyments incrcafed in the hours of folitude by knowing that Ihe poflxiTes thefe baubles ? No ; it is while fhe fliows her diamonds to a rival, or an enemy, that her vitiated tafle appreciates tlicir value, not by the pleafure ther befl;ow, but by the pain they excite. For be it remember- ed, tiiat though the benevolent paflions poflefs the fuiativc quality of healing their ov/n wounds ; or, to fpeak without a figure, though even diiappolnted goodnefs admlnifters fat- isfadiion to the foul •, the fclfilh appetites and malignant pro- penfiiies have but odc miferable chance of affording a tran- ficnt enjoyment j as foon a'", tiie animal exhilaration fubfides.

or the demoniacal conviction of having tormented another, has taken place, depreffion of fpirits, and the ftifled, yet pow- erful reproaches of the heart, convince the unhappy being who endures them, that fhe has miftaken her road to the bower of blifs.

Though the delire of living folely for the'mfelves has been the charadleriftic of mifufed power and affluence ever lince the days of Solomon, yet lince commercial acquifitions, and mechanical inventions, have increafed the number of luxuri- ous enjoyments, and alfo the rage of competition, the temp- tations which bcfet the great and wealthy are in thefe days exceedingly multiplied ; and whoever among them fhall take that miftaken road to happinefs which we have juft defcrib- ed, will feel continually ftimulated to deviate further from the right path, by that rafh purfuit of their inferiors which was the fubjecl of my laft letter. Vanity ever labours to dif- prove the wife king's apophthegm, " that there is nothing new under the fun." She rejects the petition of every vota- ry who cannot fupport his claim to eclat by the teftimonial of novelty. What was efteemed great and elegant for a no- bleman fifty years ago, would now be vulgar and mean for a fuccefsful mechanic. Nay, the extravagancies of the laft winter muft be outdone by the prefent, on peril of your be- coming mhdy , a term of reproach, which, though not form- idable in its found to thofe who have not been initiated in the myfleries of fafliion, is known by adepts to contain the very quinteflence of abufe, and to be much more derogatory to the unhappy being to whom it is applied, than all the epithets that Biiiingfgate or the Rue de St. Honore could invent.

i Novelty muft, therefore, be obtained ; but how can it be acquired ? Though loofely arrayed, like the fair queen Ogy- gia,* you fit and ling by your fires of cedar in an apartment decorated by the pureft rules of Attic fimplicity ; though you convert yourfelf into a beauteous Fatima, and recline on an embroidered carpet in your magnificent alhambra, where a thoufand lamps refledl the blazing diamonds which clafp your robe -, though the eaftern and weftern Indies lavifh their treafures on your board, where the fruits of the tropic blaze beneath the ice of the pole, the wife of fome rich cit, whom you defpife, will have a coftume more truly Greek or Arabefque \ fhe will fport finer diamonds, have richer fla-

* Calypfo. — See Tclemachus, Book I,

78

voured wines, or produce her hot-houfe delicacies a fort- night before you. Did you ever refolve to effect by abfur- dity what you cannot do by taftc, and to fetch your models from countries ignorant of juft proportion and correfldefign, mandarins, dragons, pagodas, may be purchafed ; pyramids and fphinxes can be procured ; a fignpofk painter can de- vife fcrawls which ninety-nine out of a hundred will fuppofe are an hieroglyphic ; and the rival lady and her villa will become completely Egyptienne, or la Chinoife, at the next gala. I fcarcely think that the moft glaring indelicacy, or the grofTeft vulgarity, would refcue you from the hazard of having that palm of celebrity which novelty beftows wrefted from your grafp by frefli difcovcries •, for the fafcination of a great name, and the magic charm of being e«//r, would foon fo tranfmute our old ideas on thofe fubjecls, that we iliould tliink it was only owing to prejudice that we did not before difcover the refinement of immodefty, and the delica- cy of obfcenity. The partial expofure of the perfon, or the limited rejection of thofe reflraints, which formerly fecured good manners and good morals, have been found of no avail. Your infatiable purfuers have followed you with remorfelefs aftivity ; they have difcarded more drapery, and dajhed with lefs fqueamifhnefs. I almoft doubt whether it wobld be poH- fible for you to fet them at fault by ilieltering in the bath of Diana, or even in a kraal of Hottentots. What then muft become of you ? If you ftand ftill, you will not only be over- taken, but preceded ; and, melancholy to add, if you once give up this ftruggle of competition, your former triumphs are of no avail. It will be ufelefs to fay, " I ivas in fafliion in the year four j" fafliion admits no tenfe but the prefent. If fifty ladies fainted at one of your routs, the/2 the fifteen who died away /a^^ night, at Lady Joftle's, furnilhes conver- fation for the town this morning. Though your fupper rooms refembled a grove of cherries la ft: May, cherries at a guinea a pound this April overwhelms the remembrance. You have entered into the fervice of a fevere talk mafter, who, though you are cripj)led and exhauft:ed by your former eftbrts, will ft;ill demand the wonted tale of bricks with rig- orous exatl^tneis.

What is then to be done .'' Renounce all allegiance to thefe arbitrary mandates. RecolleiSl that, though in proportion to the abundance of your fortune, or the vinciblencfs of your family entails, you may be the firft: f^ifliionllt for one, two, or tliree feafons (nothing fhort of Islidas can hope to hold

79

out longer,) frefli competitors are every year ftarting ; and as the philoibpher's ftcne is ftiil undifcovered, you muft at laft be dethroned. Soften the pain of your certain humiha- tion, therefore, by a timely and graceful retreat. Rcfignthe fceptre, even in the career of your glory, which you know you cannot long retain ; and moderate the triumph of your fucceflbr, by appearing acceflbry to her exaltation. Thefe, I grant, are the counfels of worldly prudence ; but I am ad- dreffing thofe whom I fuppofc to be incapable of nobler mo- tives.

Aware of the evanefcent nature of that celebrity which is only founded on expenfive inventions, fome ladies of high ton have cheriflied the Satanical ambition of becoming pre- eminent in vice. Adopting the horrid fentiments alcribed to the prince of darknefs, they declare by their adtions, that *' to reign is worth ambition, though in Hell." They have, therefore, torn off thofe coy difguifes in which finners of paft times enveloped their enormities, and with unblufhing fronts have proclaimed to the queftioning world, that they *' dare do every thing, becaufe they dare." Their contempt of reputation, and bold defiance of mankind, were foon difcov- ered by a fpecies of writers that are fellow-labourers with thofe whom I mentioned in the beginning of this letter ; thefe wifhing to reduce the world to an equality in infamy, as the former do to introduce equality of mifery. Aware that this marked effrontery of charadler fhocked the feelings of all beholders too much to gain converts, they invetited a iet of phrafes which foftened its atrocity, and at the fam.e time preferved its publicity. I know not where this new mode of language originated ; but as it confifts in nothing but the inverfion and perverjmi of terms, it cannot be confjd- ered as any great proof of genius. It has been as eminently fuccefsful in the diplomatic papers, and other ftate fabrica- tions of our Gallic neighbours, as the wand of Mercury in Dryden's Amphytrion ; and has adlually either charmed the world to fieep, or taught them that " black is not black, nor white fo verj white j" {o that, though a found more threat- ening than the Indian war hoop bellowed in their ears, they perfifl in calling it the peaceful lullaby of their innocent rocker. John Bull's natural averiion to Mounfeer's cradle has hitherto pi-evented him from being completely fwaddled ; but his difpolition to believe that people are what they call themfelves, makes him run fome danger of being duped by a mifconception of the words patriot, iionourj and independ-

so

encc. The principles of John's wife have been attacked in a flronger manner by thofe liberal apologifts for vice and fol- ly, who, fetting out perhaps with a mifapplication of a fcrip- ture text in praife of mercy, or enjoining charity to repentant finners, foon proceeded to infufe into the unwary mind a chanty that is not fcripturaly by apologizing for finners nvho do not repent^ nay, who glory in their crimes. Hence the tm- refle<Sting, but well meaning reader, who poiTefTes much can- dour and little information, is led to believe that the per- jured adulterefs, from whom fhe ihrunk with abhorrence, may be a moft amiable^ elegant^ inicrejling creature, with only cue failing, a too fufccptible heart ; but then that heart was fo benevolent, fo condefcending to the wiihes of others, or perhaps fo fmcere, fo incapable of difguillng its own emo- tions, that It could not facrilice what It felt to be its invinci- ble propenfities to the opinions of the world ; which, after all (for nothing is certain,) are perhaps only founded on the dictates of prejudice. Here the gullelefs readers, whom I have fuppofed atttending to this new ethical lecture, will perhaps flart ; but they are then gently reminded, that free- dom of thought is the indifputable privilege of the inhab- itants of this country •, that many learned men (and here a long lift of well founding names will be introduced, blend- ing the obfcure with the celebrated, to fwell the pomp of evidence, and mifquoting without fear of detedllon,) men. moft exaB In moral conduct, and moft celebrated for focial virtues, have doubted whether, all things confidered, the pre- fent afpe»St of the world might not be confiderably improv- ed, by a departure from thofe very rigid rules which were built on a too literal interpretation of the Jewlfh claffics and early clorlftlan writers.* A few fliinlng examples, fuch as Afpafia, Sappho, and Ninon de I'Enclos, will then be brought forward, to prove that women may be very eminent for tafte and fcience, and continue to be much refpefted, who have not ftrI(Elly adhered to the decorums prefcribed to the fex. It will then be allowed, that thefe fevere tenets have expedi- ence to recommend them, and therefore they arc highly neceflary for the great body of the people, who. If the cords of dlfcipllne were relaxed, might run Into grofs depravity ; from which the refinement natural to cultivated minds, and polllhed manners, will inevitably preferve that part of our

* Thefe denominations have been moft irrcYcrcatly applied to that book vrbtch is dicliited by the fpirit of Cod.

81

fpecies which might properly claim to be exempted from law, as being capable of giving law to themfelves. Thefd well-bred authors will then proceed to call your attention to the improvements which philofophy has introduced into arts and fciences of late years, preparatory to the bold alTertioii that morals are a fcience, and as much capable of improve- ments and difcoveries as mechanics, chymiftry, or aftrono- my. They will then enter that metaphylical maze in which plain fenfe is fure to be bewildered, and talk to you concern- ing the origin of moral obligation ; but whether you are taught that it is felf-love which vibrates from the centre to the extremity of focial being, or whether you are aflurecl that ethics originated from man's prepofteroufly furrendering his natural rights in order to procure the doubtful bleiling of fociety ; in either cafe the freedom of man as an agent is preferved, and his right to do wrong, if he judges that wrong to be expedient to his well doing, is implied. Some few, indeed, of thefe apoftles of falfehood have readorned the old neceffitarian fyftem, and, by making the human race the paffive machines of overruling fate, have contrived to trans- fer our crimes either to our nature, or to the ftars ; but this fcheme wants the glofs of novelty.

The principles thus laid down, the application follows. What would be highly criminal in the footman, and the chambermaid, becomes a pardonable levity, when referred to the actions of thofe whofe rank in life fecures the world froni the political confequences of their indifcretions. The op- probrious terms of precifenefs, uncharitablenefs, narrownefs of fentiment, and littlenefs of foul, will be employed to de- ter you from thinking unfavourably of thofe foft indifcre- tions, which, though they may be fomewhat wrong, hurt nobody elfe, and are accompanied by all the amiable virtues, and all the alluring graces. Perhaps, indeed, thefe apolo- gifts of licentioufnefs may proceed fo far as to affirm, that it is not vice, but virtue, to obey the dictates of nature, and that the confcious mind is its own awful world. This, with an obfervation that no characters are faultlefs, that we muit take people as we find them, that many mean very well who a£t a little indifcreetly, and that chaftity is apt to be fcanda- lous and religion morofe, includes, I think, moft of the ar- guments which thefe fedu£Vive advocates of candour employ, to miflead innocence and excufe guilt. L

oJ

The ranilflcations of this pfciido hbcrahiy extend very far. They branch from that pernicious fyftem of infideHty which lias done fiich mifthief in the world ; and, tliough compell- ed to difguiie its nefarious deiigns in Enghind, Hill labours with unwearied but cautious diligence to fap the fair foun- dation of our national fame. It is fuppofed, that there are but few tainted charadlers in England, who are not willing to allow the political expediency of religious inftitutions. They, however, moirly engraft fomeuhat of papiftical principles on deiilical pradlces, and feek to commute with the laws of their country, by an occafional obfervance of one of its in- jun<Stions ; I inean attendance on public worfhip. I know not whether this folemn mockery of the Deity be not more prejudicial to religion and morals, than if they " flood forth all infidel confefV' and verbally denied the authority which their aftions difclaim. Certainly, the national church is ex- pofed lo much undeserved odium on account of the fcanda- lous lives 6f thefe political conformilts, who cannot be jufily I'anked among her members. I have often heard it remark- ed, that the eyes of the congregation are naturally directed, during the reading of the conunandments, to the confpicu- ous gallery in which fome high born violater of thefe poli- tive precepts lolls with graceful negligence, hears the divine vengeance plainly pointed at his offence, and perhaps artic- ulately joins in the petition to be preferved from the cher- iilied fin that he is determined to hug in his bofom. The cffedl of fuch mockery upon the minds of a large afiembly, inferior in ftation and education, probably alfo in ability, muft infinitely overbalance all the good which could be de- rived from the mofi: imprefllve difcourfe that chriftian zeal and chriftian knowledge ever delivered from a pulpit. No- thing, indeed, but that fupernatural grace which the Al- mighty has promiled to thole who alk it of him, can pro- tect all who witnefs fuch hypocritical effrontery from feeling their faith and hope affected by its contaminating influence.

It is, indeed, much to be wiihed, that the church of Eng- land would again exert its ificrt but not refcinded authority, and banifli notorious profligates from the houfe of God, vhile they continue to glory in their fhame. It would be well too (I mean prudentially well) if thefe bold defiers of public opinion would recollect, that the populace, whofe fuf- i'rages they court on other occafions, cannot be fo very def- picable, as to be unv/orthy of being even treated with the decencies of outward obfervance. It would be fniitlefs to

83

»

tell the arrogant iniidel, or lofty debauchee, that the foub of thofe whom he puts in jeopai-dy by thus triumphantly dif- playing his impenetrable vices, will rife with him at the laft day, equal in rank, equal in duration of exiftence, and will accufe him at the judgment feat of an impartial God, for having acled the part of the arch apoftate, by betraying thofe who raflily confided in his fuperior intelligence and more en- larged information. To thofe vvho are armed with that fhield of licentious derifion which is only vulnerable in the days of ficknefs or calamity, I raull only addrefs temporal diffuafives. I muft {hew them that it is indifcreet, and madly adventurous, to thrufl their crimes upon the obfer- vj^tion of thofe who, however ignorant or misjudging, per- fCiTdy underftand the equalizing nature of ignominy. The grolTer vices receive no exaltation from being clad in ermine ; their nature is fo very brutal, that their combination with education, rank, fplendour, and affluence, cannot diminifli their hideous afpeift, or lefTen the contempt of thofe who know that it would be very eafy to rife to fuch " a bad em- inence." The dutchefs who has violated her marriage oath, who is difcarded by her hulband and married to her gallant, is but the fame degraded creature as the porter's wife who is transferred at Smithfield to a new piirchafer. The re- proachful epithets that we beftow upon the vulgar linner, are by her fcornfuUy rebanded to her digniiied copartner in guilt ; and let not the oiiender, who has only birth and wealth to boaft, flatter herfeif that the world in general thinks thofe diftinflions facred. Public opinion is not yet fo illuminized as the ear tickling flatterers of greatnefs rep- refent ; and if they value their pofi^eflions more than they do their vices, they mufl: rejoice that " many tlioufand knees in ' Britain' have never yet bowed to the falfe gods" of fo- phifticated morality. The virtues of probity and chaftity are clofely allied ; and prefcription will be found to be but a feeble fupport, where the folid pillars of aff'ection and refpedt are undermined. But to return from, I hope, an improba- ble contingency, to what really happens : though the op- probrious epithets which the adulterefs merits may not reach her own ears, they echo through a fpace commenfurate with the circle which flie was originally intended to enlight- en and inform. She is there eftimated, not by thofe arbi- trary rules which her own depraved aflbciates decree fhall fuperfede common fenfe and moral obligation, but by the principles which, when fl^e lies upon her death bed, flie will

84

own arc the unfwcrving dictates of rectitude and truth. Ai the bar of public opinion, the titled courtezan receives little mercy. Every plea which might be urged in flivour of the poor night wanderer, who offends for bread, turns into an aggravation of the guilt of her who courted temptation. The friendlefs outcaft, whom no one acknowledges, fins, deeply fins againft her own foul ; but flie who was hedged in from ruin by fortune, fame, and family, involves a holl of diftin- guilhed connexions in her difgrace, and ftamps a ftigma of opprobrium on every part of her (perhaps till then unfulli- ed) lineage. The pennylefs proftitute is precluded from re- pentance ; for will any one afford her an afylum, to try if that repentance be fincere ? The proflitute of high life has only to ftop in her fliamelefs courfe, and to retreat to that retirement which is ever ready to fhelter her difgrace and confirm her contrition. The former was moft likely the child of ignorance, who knew little of good or evil till ex- perience taught her a fevere leffon, by which flie became wife too late. Her paflions were probably unrefirained by difcipline or precept, and fome feducer fpread a fnare for her perfonal chaftity, before refle(5tion and obfervation taught her its value. I fear I Ihall lay too much, if I fuppofe that the noble wanton has been early trained in the principles of truth and holinefs ; but we mufl: allow that flie has been taught the necefllty of reftraining her pafiilons, accuflomed to refpe^ the opinion of the world, and to regard thofe de- corums in her outward manners which awe the licentious. If Ihe was a wife (and I grieve to fay that in high life the major part of loft characTcers belong to the matronly order,) the libertine was deterred from " affaying by his devilifh art to reach the organs of her fancy," by the apprelienfion of thofe large pecuniary mulcts by which the law has lately at- tempted to deter adulterers, holding out the certain profpect of long imprifonment, or banifhment from their native coun- try, to that tribe of led capiains, and " fecond brothers to men of cpiality," who are moft apt to arrange themfelvcs in the ranks of cecilbeos and gallants. But whether the lady be wife or fpinllei-, iLc was equally defended by thofe laws of honour which compel the fafhionable rake to be an ex- pert l\vordfman before he afpires to be a I'educer ; and few of our gay Lotliarios would choofe to run the gauntlet with hufbands, fathers, and broiliei\s, unlefs preaffured that the guardians of their Calilla's honour, " fiercenefs and pride-,

85

would foon be charmed to reft," and the yielding fair be content to give up all for them.

Such are the inferences which common fenfe always draws from a ftory of criminal intrigue ; and however the elo- quence of the bar may feek to divert indignation, and in- genioufly palliate the frail fair one's guilt, by reprefenting her as the vi<ftim of her gallant's unremitting affiduity, or as being fo fupereminently endowed with tafte, eloquence, and beauty, that all who beheld her mult love ; this rigid cenfor, inflexible as a Britilh judge on the bench of juftice, adheres to the honeft bluntnefs of her original conclulion : tafte, el- oquence, and beauty, are too common adjuncts of poliftied fociety to difarm her fecurity ; and flae determines that there muft be a great degree of criminal levity in the conduft of a woman of rank and fortune, before any man, efpecially 3 mere opera lounger, or genteel dependant on the family, could dare to affail her with a criminal propofition. Here, therefore, the term feduction muft be mifapplied, except when the criminality, or ftudied negligence of the huftiand, has made him the active agent of his own difgrace. In this cafe, common fcnfe may feel inclined to extenuate the lady's offences *, but it will only be by lamenting that the manners of the age have an alarming tendency to promote conjugal infidelity, by fiinftioning conjugal indifference ; but fhe will ftill infift, that though a libertine, or contemptuous huf- band, muft make his wife mifcrable, it is her own indifcre^ tion that makes her criminal. An agreeable infinuating young man* is too dangerous a companion for a refentful offended woman, to be admitted to confidence and intimacy. If her furrows are too poignant to be confined to her own bofom, let her find -a female friend with whom fhe may more fafely repofe them. If the folitude of home be infupporta- ble, connexions may be formed, and amufements fought, which cannot endanger her fame, her virtue, or her peace. It is the madnefs of deipair to rufh into the arms of ruin becaufe fhe has drawn a blank in the lottery of connubial happinefs. Let a lady fhew, by her conduvS>, that though her wedded proteftor deferts his charge, fhe ftill refpecls her- felf ; and fhe will excite thofe fentiments of efteem, and chaf- tifed admiration, which fuit the hallowed and indelible cha^ radler that flie has afllimed j nor will fhe be often called upon to i'eprefs the infulting attentions of prefumptuous audacity.

* See Letter XII.

3G

But, bcfkle thcfc pruJential reflraints, whitii the free cen- fures of a really cnligl^ccncJ ago llioulJ impolc on that ele- vated ftation whofe acSVions are mod confpicuoiis, the demo- cratical turn whicii public opinion has lately taken, ofl'ers ftill more imperioufy momentous confiderations to check the rafh career oi open profligacy. Tiie melancholy fall of birth and grandeur in a neighbouring kingJom, may convince thofe who polTcfs fuch diftintSlions in our own, that neither law, juftice, nor power, can preferve their prefcnt fuperiori- ty, if the voice of popular frenzy decree their overthrow. With whatever feverity we may juftly reprobate the mif- chievous do£lrines which impofe on the commonalty, and pen'uade them to imagine that the fupprellion of rank and opulence would contribute to their own exaltation, or even advantage, I mufl; execrate the unblulliing vices of thofe confpicuous ilnners, who court publicity, and defy reproach ; for they are a ftill furer engine of deftruclion to overwhelm our well poized ftale. If our nobility and gentry are fwept away from remembrance, their ruin muft be accelerated by an act of felf-murder ; I fliould rather fay, by fratricide. In proof of wdiat I have alledged, that the lower orders perfect- ly underftand that vice puts all upon a level, I appeal to the tumultuary applaufe which has crowned that fcene in the play of John Bull, where the brazier feizes the chair lately occupied by the juftice, on the latter refuling to receive the frail daughter of the mechanic with open arms into his fam- ily, as a fuitable wife for his libertine heir. Have not the boxes learned, during the almoft innumerable reprefentations of this popular piece, that when they echo the laugh of the galleries, they v irtually degrade their own order ?

This, tiiough n ftriking, is only one inftance of the reign- ing humour of the times. To reprcfent the higher ranks as mean, abfurd, vicious, mercenary, or tyrannical, feems a fure road to reputation among our dramatifts ; and the higher they have coloured the caricature, the more ample has been their fuccefs. Perhaps the paftion for German imitation, v/hich lately gave lav/ to our ftage, may have hurried our play-w rights into the adoption of a defamatory libel on great- nefs, without fully difeerning its mifchievous tendency. It IS certain, that when they defcribe poverty as the native foil of exalted fent'ment and dilinierefted vii'tue, they neither derive their inlpiration from nature, nor the mufe. But as this abfurd pafllon fur bombaft fuftian, trivial events, ex- travagant fentiment, outrageous liberality, and perverted mo-

87

rality, feems declining (thanks to the fplrited fatirc with which it has been attacked,) let vis hope that dramas of re- ally Enplifh growth will be clear from this foreign excref- ccnce. Let our own admirable Shakefpeare ferve here, as in other inftances, for the model. He drew the great as they really are, difgraced by crimes, or glorious for virtues, ftrug- gling witlx the temptations incident to their ftations or their nature, but not necefllirily degraded by moving in that fphere of life to which Providence limits their trials and their duties. He depi£l:ured the unlettered vulgar too in their genuine colour, and with " a maiier's hand and proph- et's fire." Two hundred years have not effaced the refem- blance, notwithftanding tiae change of manners and opin- ions which luxury and opulence have introduced. Many a valiant Talbot and open hearted Hotfpur ftill fupport the honour of their country in the tented field ; and the latter Teems indeed again "the glafs wherein our noble, youth do drefs themfelves." Many a pious Cordelia ftill minifters, in privacy, to the forrows of a petulant unhappy father j and many a faithful Imogen purfues the fteps of her truant lord, anxious to recover his affe<Slions, even at the expenfe of life and fortune. Be it remembered too, that many a ferocious Cade, and v»'rong headed Bevis, panting for change, yet ig- norant of what change muft produce, are watching and mag- nifying the crimes of a faithlefs Margaret, and intriguing Eleanor.* But to return.

Next to that bafe abdication of her own importance, which the abandoned woman of rank tacitly ratifies when- ever {lie permits the world to bruit her fliamc, the increaf- ing facility with which ladies of loft charafler are readmit- ted to the once feledl and decorous circle of refined fociety, becomes a fubjedl of alarm to confiderate minds, intent on the prefervatlon of every barrier to female innocence. The maxims which induced our anceftors to determine, that even if we " deplored our lofs with tears, one falfe ftep for ever *« damned the fame" of women, though apparently fevere, were in reality merciful. This degradation might, indeed, harden u few reprobates in vice, who would otherwife have been hypocrites ; but it fent n^any a real penitent to that re-

• See Henry VI, part a. Tiie characters of thefe princefies are here fpokcn of in thtir poetical drefs, not as they are prefer ved in the unpre- judiced page of hiilory, which dees juflice to the heroical conftancy and tonji;gai affc^Ttioa of the msguanimous coufort of "Holy Henry."

88

tiremcnt which true repentance loves, and it preferved thou* lands of thoughtlcfs impaffioncd viftims from the allure- ments of guilty pleafure, by the confcloufnefs that they could not endure a life of reproach. Whatever encourage- ment mercy and charity may hold out to a backfliding fifter determined to renounce the evil of her ways, let not her who hefitates be excited to otfend, by ftripping vice either of its punifhments or its horrors. Let the young and un- experienced ever think, that if they pafs the bourne of chaf- tity, fociety will difclaim them, and to return to it will be impraBicahle. If they venture on the guilty deed with the forethought encouragement, that they ihall foon emerge from their night of Ihame, their fin is dreadfully aggrava* ted. Our bell divines maintain, that whatever hope the heavenly promife of forgivenefs affords to true contrition, it is moft defperate wickednefs to tranfgrcfs " that grace may abound." If, in that ftorm of paffions which attends a ftrong temptation, reafon can be heard to plead that it will be but a temporary difgrace, fhe has leifure to afiert her natural fu- periority, and by betraying her truit becomes the ally, in- ftead of the curb, of incontinence.

We will fuppofe (which I fear is far from being the cafe) that the principles of matronly ladies are lo fixed, that they run no danger of contamination by frequently hearing the foft glolTes which confcious offenders muft caft over the crimes of which they have been publickly conviElcd ; yet let us compafiionate the tender bloom of virgin innocence, and fave the youthful part of our fex from the peflilential blaft of infeclious fophiftry. W^e will fuppofe that a young lady has been not only innocently, but wifely educated ; taught to efteem virtue, and to ihrink with abhorrence from au- dacious vice ; accuitomed only to contemplate refpe<5lable charatSters, and full of thofe ideas of worth and honour which are generally aflbciated in an ingenuous inexperienc- ed mind. She fteps from the fchool room to the crowded rout, and beJiolds a lady fplendid in her appearance, molt fafcinating in licr manner, to whom every one pays obfequi- ous court ; the beaux crov.'d around her to catch her fmiles and hear her whifpers, and the belles Ihew their admiration by wearing her uniform. The unlufpecling tyro in the fubtle game of life fteps forward to inquire the name of this fuppofcd parragon of the day, this Arria, this Cornelia, ia whofe hallowed form ftie fancies the domcftic virtues are worlhipped •■, aud Ihe hears with horror and aftoniOicieiit

89

that it IS one who has been branded In the public prints, de- graded by the clear evidence of impartial juftice, expofed by obfcene caricatures, and ridiculed by the loweft witticifais ; in fine, that flie is a creature whom no one can defame^ and whom any one may nbiife with impunity. She turns away fliuddering with difguft, and perhaps liftens to the bon mots of a faded courtezan, whofe early days pafTed in the low haunts of vulgar licentioufnefs, but who, in the wane of life, has perfuaded her uxorious keeper to give her the name of his wife j not that fhe may repent of her former errors, nor yet to fecure her fuch a competence that " lack of means enforce her not to evil j" but for the avowed purpofe of in- troducing her into company high at leaft in rank, though low in ideas of decorum j and who nmft prepare themfelves for her reception either by copious draughts of Lethe, or ftrong dofes of candid fentiment. As I may fuppofe my fair novice poireiTes too much good fenfe to call fuch time- ferving adulation compaffion, or fuch egregious folly gener- ous love, what muft be her opinion of the women who thus boldly take the lead v/here they fliould not fo much as wifh to appear, and of the fociety who fuffer^ nay cciirt the intru- iion ? Will flie not, on comparing the world of manners and the world of books, exclaim, like the Roman patriot, *' O virtue ! have I worlhipped thee as a fubflantial goodj and art thou but an empty name !"

It is pleaded, that fociety owes fo many pleafures to agreeable talents and poliflied manners, that thofe who pof- fefs thefe pafTports fhould be allowed to go every where, without being fubjedled to a rigorous examination. This is to weaken the bafis of fecial intercourfe, and to overload the fuperftrufture ; to endanger all the facred " charities of father, fon, and brother," that we may return from the fa- tiguing crowd of routs and affemblies, amufed by a few Uprightly fayings, or foothed by the fuavity of polite attentions. Is not this folly limilar to that of fwallowing poifon, becaufe it has been diffolved in a well flavoured menftruum ? But, after all, are we certain that we make this dreadful facrifice to real wit and true elegance ; or has fafliion played the cheat here, as fhe has done in various inftances, and dreiTed up a falfe Florimel of her own creation to impofe upon her fliort fighted votaries ? I know too little of the wiles in which thefe phsenomena move to determine this important inquiry. I can only fpeak by hearfay evidence, and muft M

9a

confefs that, had I not been aflurcJ to the contrary, I fliouU have referred what has been repeated to me as the pure at- tic wit of thefe Englifh Ninons, to the infpiration of ilreams lefs funple than the Pierian ; while the manners and atti- tudes which the enraptured defcriber fpoke of as copied from the graces, feemed to me the fignpoft daub of effronte- ry, or the hafty Iketch of capricious affeftation. If we take our ideas of wit from Cowley's admirable definition, it feems impoflible that any trace of it fhould remain in the mind of a woman who has fo long renounced the diilinguifliing chara(Slerifi:ic of her fex, that {he can fcarcely know how to ape its language, or to gurfs what were its pure ideas. And if we fuppofe Milton correct in his notions of elegance, what refemblance can the impenitent v/anton bear to his picture of our general mother in her ftate of innocence ?

" Grace was in all her flcps, lieaven in her eye, " In every gtfture dignity 'and love.''

My limited knowledge of high life makes me fufpe*^:, that the blind infatuation of the worlliipper often afcribes luch piquancy to the manners and expreflions of the idol, as could not poffibly be tolerated in a well bred circle ; and therefore that thefe veneered ladies are not quite fo impudent and overwhelming as they are defcribed to be j yet I muft infill, that when the mind is deeply contaminated it will ipeak through its bodily organs, in fpite of the moll: guard- ed caution. The eye will converfe in a language unknown to the timid glances of moderiy ; the flexures of the coun- tenance will betray fccrets to which delicacy is a ftrangcr ; and decorum will be violated by a thoufand minutiit to wliich even the praclifed aclrefs has neglected to attend. But the danger does not reft here : limplicity may unwarily adopt what I'eems to procure celebrity ; and though it folely aim at being falhionable, may transform its exterior into a likcneis that it would abhor. Thus, while debauchees and deifts rejoice in the increaling freedom of what may ftill be called virtuoi^s fociety, our manners are in the molt immi- nent danger of loling the proud diftinctions of delicacy and purity i compared v/ith which, wit and elegance, even when genuine, are but what the fetting is to the diamond.

But, it rniiy b; alked, v/ill not penitence refcind the fe- Vere interdidl vi^hich bar;; the doors of fociety againft female frailty ? Moft uiu;ucTi;onab!y, fo far as frieiidihip or kindred

91

are concerned. A very able inftruftrefs* of our fex has determined, that true penitence will not wifli to exceed thofe bounds, or to mix in the crowded haunts of public life. Nor let a decifion be cenfured for feverity, which is really the dictate of mercy, fanclioned by a thorough knowledge of the human heart, and proceeding from lively fympathy for thofe who, though no longer offetiding^ continue to be iinfortimate. When the foul is really awakened by the fenfe of its own backllidings, when it feels the reproofs of con- fcience and the fliame of contrition, it will naturally fhrink from returning to thofe fcenes which it knows are danger- ous to reputation and peace. Convinced of her own weak- nefs, afraid to truft her fcarcely confirmed refolutions, and concluding by the publicity of her ftory, that all who fee her will look upon her either with contempt, reproach, or pity, the true Magdalen wiflaes alike to avoid the hazard of falling into nev^^ tranfgreffions, and the contumely attending the paft. She is deafer than the adder to the fyren ftrains of adulation ; fhe knows too well the *' ills that fpring from beauty ;" fplendour has loft its attractions ; fhe cannot de- rive amufement from crowds, becaufe llie can no longer mingle in them without feeling a fenfe of degradation. She confiders too, that if flie fliould again afpire to fafliion- able celebrity, her's would be an uphill painful taflc ; every eye would be fixed upon her condudl ; every tongue inclin- ed to queftion the fincerity of her profeffions ; v/hat would be thought mere vivacity in unfufpecled innocence, would in her be levity ; and marked reierve would be confbrued into a prudifla vizard throv/n over the worft defigns. Her whifpers would be fuppofed to convey affignations, her re- proofs would be called the fplenetic dictates of jealoufly. Befides, can Ihe that has fo weighty a tafk to perform af- ford to trifle away the important hours } Turn thee, back- Hiding daughter, turn to the cool fequeftered vale of life, and thy troubled day may yet have a peaceful dole. Ra- tional amufement, renovated efteem, friendlhip, content- ment, tranquility, and religious hope, may flill be all thine own.

It is not, therefore, the harfh decree of outrageous virtue, but the mild counfels of kindnefs and fympathy, that deter- mine the prefervation of thofe diftinClions which cuftom has long preferved between unfufpefted and forfeited char=?

•■* See Mrs. Moore's EfTavs, and Stricfliircs on Education.

• 92

actcrs. And if thofc, in wliofc favour thefe barrievs might be broken down with fafcty, 'arc too well convinced of their expedience to require their abohtion, let us determine to de- fend the privileges of innocence from the pertinacious attacks of impudence and hardened depravity. The iucredllng fa- cility of intercourfe between the mofl; prodigate and the moft irreproachable women, which is a marked and peculiar feature of thefe times, threatens more than our manners. The tranfition is very eafy, and ger.crally very rapid, from unreftrained freedom of behaviour, to unreftrained freedom of condudl ; and efpecially when the mind has not been deeply imbued wath religious truths, in which cafe the opin- ion of the world forms one of the ftrongeft bulwarks of vir- tue. Banifliraent from parties of high ton, and eftrange- ment from the amufements which every one talks of, have often intimidated the wavering fair one, and Impofed a guarded decorum of manner on the determined wanton. Let us not, then, when the cardinal virtue of our fex is af- failed by unufual perils, rcfign one of its mcll: mutei-ial out- works : we have an encouraging example let before us, which it behoves us to copy. There is a circle, and that the high- eft, where the con'uicled adultrefs dares not fhow her auda- cious front. May this prohibition be coeval with the dura- tion of our monarchy ; and may the eyes of a Britifh queen never be offended by the prefence of fuch as glory in violat- ing thofe laws of which her ivory fceptre conttitutes her the guardian.

The next circumflancc which has an unfavourable and alarming effeft on female virtue is, that unremitting purfuit of amufcment fo unlverfal in the great world. " Commune with thy own heart in thy chamber and be ftill," is the precept of the royal penitent, who knew too well what watchful attention the human heart requires in order to fub- due its propenfity to evil. Shall I injure the fair falliionift, if I fuggeft that her bofom inmate demands as frequent ex- amination, and as conftant controul, as that of the highly endowed, thougli greatly offending David .'* Little did he think when he twice fparcd the life of his inexorable enemy Saul, who denied him a flielter even aniong the rocks and wilds of his native land, that the time would come, when, fecurely fitting on the tlirone of Ifrael, he fliould meanly project the murder of the faithful veteran who bravely re- fuled repofc while the enemies of his king remained unfub- dueJ. Can wc tnxc any llmilicude between tlie felf com-

manding hero, who, like our own Sidney, on the fatal plains of Zutphen, refufed to tafte the eagerly defired waters of the well of Bethlehem, becaufe it had been purchafed by the jeopardy of the lives of three of his valiant captains, and the luftful tyrant whofe infatiable appetites violated the hon- our of defencelefs beauty ? Yet it was the fame man who aiSled in thefe different characlers ; it was he who v/as alter- nately, as fupported or deferted by the Almighty, the iliep- herd conqueror of Goliath, whom the virgins of Ifrael ex- tolled in their fongs, and the aged forlorn fugitive who fled from his rebellious offspring. Modern times are not defti- tute of examples to prove, that honour and profperity are alike unftable ; nor can we preferve either our fpiritual or temporal affairs from difordcr, but by continual vigilance. We are now confidering the former ; and let me remind all who fhall honour thefe reflections with a perufal, that the road from the heights of virtue to the depths of vice does not lead you down Tx/hep precipice, but a gradual flope. A flight indifcretion, which fcarcely alarms the moft fcrupulous confcience, if fuffered to pafs without obfervation, prepares the mind for a ferious error ; error delivers it over to crime ; and crime, when often repeated, petrifies the moral feelings into infenfible depravity. The fcnflbilities of virtue fliould be cheriflied with as 'much care as the fenflbilitics of temper fliould be modified ; and unlefs we allow the foul time to whifper to us in retirement, we can never catch its fl:ill foft voice amid the bufy turmoil of diflipation.

Were the cliriftian duty of felf-sxamination rigoroufly performed, I am perfuaded the world v/ould exhibit a very different appearance, both with refpedl to fin, and to its con- flant affociate, forrow. Enfeebled virtue would recover its ftability ; nay, the feducer himfelf would paufe in his guilty career, and perceive ^' conflderation come like an angel to whip the oftending Adam out of him," and fiiov/- him the little value of what he feeks to purchafe at the rifle of eter- nal perdition. Nor are the ufes of refledlion and meditation confined to our rnorrd conduce, though their exercife is here moft important, It is by thefe means that the difficulties of fcience are conquered, and the refinements of tafte ac- quired. The fkilful artift is formed by this felf-commun- ion ; and the plans of the flatefman and the warrior are thus ripened into perfection. Even that which is known by the name of pleafure is more truly enjoyed by retrofpeCtion in the fllence of your own apartment, than when the gaudy

94

fccne actually pafTed your flaring eyes, and the confufetl buz of found agitated your auricular organs. Such an aft of tlie memory may be compared to the animal faculty of ru- mination ; we at firft: fwallow pleafure in the grofs, and are too anxious to devour much, to difcriminate its confcituent parts ; but when remaflicated, we duly appreciate its pun- gency. A load of undigefted pleafure (futFer me to continue the allufion) palls the fatiated apj">etite •, a fmall quantity, taken ait^r proper intervals, exhilarates the fpirits, and infu- fes alaarlty into every part. This is efpeci. Uy true of the pleafures which arife from converfation. Rciined wit and brilliant fcnfe communicate an inward degree of fatisfaftion every tla;e we recall them to our remembrance. Genius, whether we feek her in the walks of the imitative arts, or in the " nobler growth of thought," does not immediately pour her full radiance on our eyes ; we muft contemplate her fplendour before we can appreciate its degree of brightnefs. Even elegance and beauty, when they belong to the higher degrees of excellence, folicit mimite attention, and refufe to unveil their coy graces \o the carelefs gaze of the hurried beholder.

Are thofe then, may we not afk, true voluptuaries, who fly from pleafure to pleafure, eager to grafp all, and yet k- curing none ? No, my dear young friend, they are only another order of thofe dnulging flaves of vanity, who would inipofe thernfelves upon us rufrics as free and happy beings j or, to fpeak in faihionable Jlcingy as people of very high ton. «' Some demon vvhifpered to them, have a tafte ;" but as na- ture had VN'iihholden from them that property, they deter- mined to affect one. Without any real gufro to determine their choice, and perplexed by the decrees of fafliion, as ar- bitrary as thofe of the Medcs and Perfians, but more varia- ble than the fhape of the clouds in a fqually day, thcfe un- happy people, without a relifh for any thing, are forced to fee all that is to be feen, and to go every where, left they fliould omit the one amufement on which their eclat de- pends. You, who are accuftomed to fpend a happy even- ing in the enjoyment of domeftic tranquility, would laugh to obfcrve the multitudes which the world of falhion pours forth as foon as the world of bufinefs has retired to re- pofe. Did you fee that inceflant routine of carriages which ri,y;b.tly pour through the ftreets and fquarcs at the weft end of the town, you would at leaft conclude that reft and do- meiiic comfort were facriiiced to fome cxquifite enjoyment ;

95

and that no one would reverfe the order of nature without having Ibme equivalent to balance the privations they muft endure. Satisfied that the owners are going to be very hap- py, I fufpedl that your humane difpoiition would lead you to pity the fervants, and even the horfes, who muft be ex- pofed for many hours to the inclemency of the weather ; but could you look within thefe fplendid vehicles, you would confefs that the real objecfts of pity were there. Lanpuid and fpiritlefs, the fine lady fets out upon her nightly round, more reludlant than the v/atchman does on his monoto- nous talk. She muft ftep in at all the places that are mark- ed in her viftting lift; but as time prefTes, and difpatch is neceiTary fhe can only jufb look in and fee who is there be- fore £he flies to another quarter. She muft go to fuch a public amufement, becaufe it is the firft night of an exhibi- tion which every body talks of; flie can, however, do no more than make her entry and exit, for her time is minuted, and a vaft deal of generaldiip depends upon the expedition of her coachman- Aik this votary of fafhion, whether fhe liked her preceding evening, and her account will only add to Solomon's mournful catalogue of deceitful vanities. She cannot tell you what was faid or what was done ; it is al- moft impoffible for her to recoUetTt whor^ fhe faw. There was the ufual fet at one place, and a very vulgar looking party at another. At a third houfe, flic heard fome deteft- able mufic ; and every body feemed fleepy and ftupid at a fourth. She made ?.n attempt to look in at the dear dutch- efs's ; but the crowd was fo immenfe, that Ihe could pro- ceed no farther than the anti-room : in returning, flie heard the moft violent fcreaming, and her own carriage was broke to pieces. On the whole, flie never was fo alarmed nor (6 weary in her life ; and this morning flie is annoyed by an infufFerable headache, which makes her miferabie. Still, however, flie has not a moment to fpare ; a party v/aits for her at Madame Lanchefter's ; from thence Hie muft go to the Exhibition, where fhe* can only run round the rooms, as ihe has fix calls to make in her way to the Park ; from whence fhe muft return in time to drefs for a dining party ; fhen to the Opera ; and after that flie meets a fev/ private friends at a petite fouper. Obferve, indinaticn and pleafure are never ailigned as the motives for thefe Herculean la- bours ; compulfion and fiecejfdy ftipply the impetus for motion. She diflikes all that fiie fees, the fatigue is infupportable, fhe knows it will kill her j but rigid duty profcnbes refleiliion

96

and rcpofe. To whom, you will aflc, docs flie owe this du- ty ; to her God, her King, or her family ? No, Ihe owes it to vanityy who calls tliis a life of pleafure. The toiling mill horfe is not a greater flave, nor are his motions circumfcrib- ed by more arbitrary injunclions. For do not fuppofe that a certificate of your having driven about town all night is fufficient to acquit you of being a hum-drum ; you muft prove that you have been at the very high parties, and ex- a<Stly at the genteel hour. You may naturally admire the graces of the tragic and comic mufes ; but let not the names of Siddons and Jordan tempt you to enter a fide box till near the end of the third act ; and be fure never to look at the ftage till the former ftabs herfelf, or the latter blind- folds Jack Bannifter. In fliort, be content to fee what fafli- ion requires, and do not venture even incog, to what was only a lafi: year's amufement. Learned pigs, invifible girls, and phantafmagorias, have been, I dare not venture to pro- nounce what are : for only Sybilline prefcience could ena- ble a country woman to name " the Cynthia of the min- ute."

The fame rule mufi: regulate your fr'midJJjips : I believe this term is ftill preferved in the vocabulary of polite life, though, as it only means herding together, it ought to be changed to gregarious afiTemblages. Be fure to be always late enough to cut Mrs. Plainly's early party, and jufl: in time to take tip Lady Bab Frightful as flie returns from the Countefs of Hurricane's ; though you may think the Plain- lys very pleafant people, and Lady Bab and the Countefs deteftable ; but then the two former are ton, and the latter knows nobody. You may vifit the Squanders, though they had an execution in the houfe laii week, becaufe Lady Modcly has decided that they ought to be countenanced ; but never think of calling on the Overdo family, for they went quite out the moment it was hwivn that they had fpent their fortune. Be equally exa6t in your eating, and imprint upon your mind, that as fafliion and nature are antipodes in climate, it is right to devour voracioufiy in April, what you faint at the fight of in Auguft. This is called eating well, and really is a moft complex fcience, involving fo many concurrent circumftances, that a fine lady muft devote much of her time and thoughts to this fhudy before £he can hope to fee her dinners announced in the Morning Poft, or have the honour of employing the toothpicks of the moft fapient

97

epicures of the feafon, whofe landaulets at your door are as fure atteftations of your cook's abilities, as a flight of vultures are of the triumphs of a general.

I fhould be a mOil mercilefs tyrant, if I fuppofed it poffi- ble for a lady who lives in this continued buftle "to ex- amine her ways," or to " commune with her own heart." Once, indeed, the fabbatical reft would have allowed her a few com.pofed moments, which flie might have allotted to ufeful reflection ; but now, " Sunday ihines no day of reft" for the daughters of diflipation. Some time ago this in- terregnum of amufement v.-as appropriated to fleep or indlf- pofition ; but falhion is now unwilling to fufpend her law of perpetual motion even for one day, and boldly difputes the palm with exhaufted nature. Her votaries muft continue upon the whirl ; and as ladies can do nothing elfe during the early hours of Sunday morning, they put on the man* tie of devotion, and drive to fome chapel that is blefled with a fafmonahic auditory and an elegant preacher. But for fear the liturgical oflices of our church fliould make a difagreea- ble impreffion, they muft hurry from thence to Kenflngton gardens, to fport their promenade drefles, and obferve who and who are together. During the fitting of parliament, this is the day for dining parties ; which, v;ith a concert in the evening, keeps them employed all day long, and renders them as happily forgetful of the fervices with which it com- menced, as if they had devoted their morning to the worfhip of Morpheus.

It frequently happens, that thefe fcenes of continual hur- ry and confuflon fo exhauft the frame, and diflipate the fpirits, that the heart lofes both its inclinations and its fym- pathies ; and the fine lady becomes a mere felf-moved au- tomaton, incapable of either tendernefs, refentment, or com- paflion. To a being that can neither be rotifed to virtue nor fedticed to vice, cautions are unnecelTary ; but many a heart efcapcs the frigid cold of this arctic circle, and repines with fecret forrow, or frets with fruitlefs willies, while the vacant eye feems only to ponder the fantaftic fcene of which it is an unconfcious witnefs. To a perfon thus fituated, confid- eration becomes of moft momentous importance ; for the wifli fhould be analyzed, and the forrow traced to its fource. It ought to be known, whether her bofom anguifli originates in her own faults, or belongs to that fpecies to which file can only oppofe the defence of patience and re- N

fign.itlon. Her defires too fliould be i'o rcrutinlzed, as to dilcovei* whether they aFC of that innocent kind which fhc may pray God to profper ; or whether Ihe lliould not caft them from her heart, as fhe would the deadly worm of Nile. We fliall not inatirially (lander the circles of diffipa- tiun, if we embody this grief in the fliape of a negligent or faithleis hufband ; and coime^ thofe lu'i/Jjfs with the perfon of an agreeable cecifbeo, whole attentions are the only pleaf- ant interruption of the tedium of high life. It would prove me to be a mere Goth, if I fuppofed that a man and his wife could deftgncdly appear in the fame party ; but I pre- fume it may by chance happen, that my lord's chair may ar- rive before my lady's chariot is ordered up ; and that {he may be under the necellity of feeing that his early appear- ance Is really in confequencc of an ailignation with the per- fon flie has long fufpecled to be Jiis cbere amie. Can any fituation more peculiarly require the exercife of confidera- tinn, even if a fafliionable Bronzely were not whifpering agreeable nothings in her car at that very moment, and form- ing by his obfervance a marked contraft to the nonchalance^ or perhaps hauteur^ of her hufband ? Yet flie mull: hurry to fome other fcene, as joylefs and as dangerous as what fhc now witnefles ; and conlideration is defei-red to thofe ago- nizing hours, when her mind, torn with jealoufy and vain regret, denies repofe to her wearied body, by conjuring up the phantoms of Hern ingratitude and refpedtful alliduity.

Surely, my dear young friend, fafliion never pafled any decree fo injurious to the interefts of conjugal fidelity, as when it ordained that the hufl:>and and the wife fhould al- 'wap purfue different plans of pleafure. I do not wilh the wedded pair to be infeparablc ; I know that occalional ab- lence renders the dearell; fociety more delightful j and that being engaged in different fcenes gives fpirit and variety to the conjugal tetc-a-tete. But the duties of life impofe a fuf- ficient neceffity for feparation ; and when the hours of amufement arrive, let the zeft of pleafure be heightened by participation. General cuflom feems to imply that there Is clanger in public places ; or why do ladies require protec- tors ? and can a man of reflecStlon expert to efcape the re- proach of wittol hufband, who declines efcorting her to thofe haunts of Comus, In whole prefervation he Is moft in- tereiled } I am aware of the ridicule that a family party in a ftage-box muft excite j but a gentleman in Weftmlnfter hall often makes a more ridiculous, I might fay deteftable ap-

99'

pearance. Much may be there {laid refpedling the breach of a facred truft ; and many oratorical flourilhes may be in- troduced about violating the laws of hofpitality, and betray- ing the honour of confiding friendlliip ; but unlefs the plain- tiff can give better reafons for abfenting himfelf from his wedded charge, than that he v^^as in purfuit of fome other amufement, reafon and experience will condemn him for being guilty of culpable folly, in putting friendlliip to an un- neceffary teft. Were fuch hufbands candid, they would ex- claim in the words of Carles,

" The crime was mine,

" Who piac'd thee there, where only thou could'fl fail 5 " The' well I knew that dreadful pofl: of honour " I gave thee to maintain. Ah ! who could bear " Thofe eyes unhurt i" The Revenge.

Yoll, my clear Mifs M , will readily conceive that I

am not pleading for the treacherous friend or the recreant wife •, I believe that genuine virtue, when ftrengthened by chriftian principle and fupported by divine grace, can van- quifli every temptation ; but I know that divine grace is on- ly given to thofe who afk it ; and I fear, chriftian principles are not the predominant rule of conduiSt am.ong the gay and giddy votaries of pleafure. Chaftlty, even 'when fupported by fuch invulnerable guardians, fhould not be wantonly ex- pofed to fevere trials ; and furcly, when flie cannot boaft fuch prote<Stors, the fragility of all human aids Is too indlf- putable, to render it fafe to put her upon fuch hard proba- tion. Prudence may be pacified by precaution, pride can be foothed by flattery, referve is often conquered by obfe- quioufnefs. When, inftead of founding female honour on the immutable decrees of an omnipotent God, v/e build it upon the opinion of the world, we have only to be aflured that no eye feeth, and virtue and vice lofe their identity. Affection for our wedded partners will not be an equivalent barrier ; for affection is but a vagrant property, that may be fubdued by ill treatment, defrroyed by contempt, reftored by generoiity and tenderneis, or even created by affiduity and folicitation. We may appeal to thofe melancholy re- cords of depravity which the archives of our civil courts will tranfmit to poflerlty, in proof of the evanefcent nature of that preference which occalions what are cammonly called love matches. The ftart of pafiion, which leads a lady to Scotland to become a wife, too often proceeds from ibme ro-

IGO

mantic expectations of eternal afTccHon and confummatc excellence, which is not, and indeed cannot be realized ; and if flic never experiences more than cafiial neglert, or common infirmities, llie vrill have more reafon to blcfs her good fortune, than her precipitation in choofing deferved. But if, inftead of " the faultlefs monfter which the world ne'er faw," a being much beneath the general run of hu- manity ftarts up, in the form of a ftern tyrant, or negligent coxcomb, and ftill deems himfelf entitled to the continu- ance of that warm affection which Ihe once profefied, mere- ly becaufe " flie had eyes and chofe him ;" I fear, aije£lion would here be found a very brittle chain. If a huiband, thus circumftanced, fhould think himfelf juftified in purfu- ing pleafure through every haunt in which he fuppofes he may meet it, and conceives his own humour entitled to full licenfe, provided his lady has a beau to attend her if flic likes to go out •, let not fuch a man complain of being z>/- juredf either in friendlhip or in love, though his wife drink deep of the cup of infamy.

But it is my own fex that I chiefly hope to benefit by my admonitions ; and here let me earneflly entreat thofe ladies whofe will gives law to the world of fafliion, to endeavour to refcue matronly manners from that extreme affe^lation of levity, which is now become fo general, that it is confid- ered to be the aflbciate of perfetlt innocency of intention. The flirine of virgin beauty is now deferted by its moft de- firable worfliippers, who hover round the chair where love- lincfs, already " link'd and wedlock bound," diipenfes her unmeaning or m/;j//w/fmiles. The m.arried dame trips through the light maze of the dance, and fliov.'s her gay youthful partner to the provoked fpinfter, who is obliged to fome an- tiquated caro fpofo for not fuflering her to fit flxivering on the ottoman all the evening. A married lady may go any where, mix in all companies, drefs in any flyle, fay any thing, and do every thing not abfolutely fcandalous, without impeachment of her fair fame. If any allov/ancc ought to be made for levity, flioukl it not be granted to youthful in- experience, to indifcreet fimplicity, and to the too frank dif^ clofure of that wifli to win hearts which is very natural to the early part of our lives ? "Why fliculd a woman who has pledged her vows at the altar, and is thereby appropriated to one man by the laws of God and her country, try to gain admiration, which, if acquired, can only become a fnare to her virtue or her peace ? Her choice is made j it will there-

101

fore be in vain for her to try to captivate hearts which flie muffc immediately reftore. Will it add to her felicity, to difcover that a gentleman fuperior to her hufband in merit, fortune, or rank, conliders her as the moft charming of her- fex ? will it not rather lead to moft dangerous comparifons, to regrets fatal to every hope of happinefs, or even content ? But let the infatuated woman, who gratifies her vanity at the hazard of her peace and reputation, know, that perhaps her conquefr is not fo very certain as fhe fuppofes. Her victim may have very different ends in view from that of fweliing her triumphs. His own grofs paffions may fix him in her train, not to be trampled upon by her tyranny, but to be her conqueror. Whatever Ihe may fuppofe, or he pro- fefs, fhe never would have been " his happieft choice," ev- en had he feen her before ihe v/as affigned to another. He has too much averfion to the marriage yoke, for her charms to vanquifli his prejudices ; and her principal attraction, in his eye, is the conviction that he may flirt with her without iin ofScious friend's requefting to know whether he has any icrious intentions. This character is well defcribed in the lively farce of the ** Wedding day ;" the regret of Lady Conteft at not having feen the engaging lord before flae had tied herfelf to old Sir Adam, and her furprife at his declin- ing the honour of her hand when fhe was unexpectedly re- leafed from her former bonds, affords a valuable leffon to married coquettes.

Before I difmifs the fubje<St of matronly Jlirting, allow me to anfwer one objection. Though particular attentions to one gentlemen are confeffed to be botli fufpicious and dan- gerous, general eafe and freedom are defended, on the ground of improving the pleafure and vivacity of fociety. I am fo great a lover of cheerfulnefs, that I am willing to admit ev- ery fpecies of fprightlinefs into the manner of married la- dies, that can be fairly affirmed to be deftitute of either de- fign or immodefty. I acknowledge, that they may with propriety take a greater Ihare of converfation, and indulge in more latitude of remark, than their juniors. You will perceive by that limitation, that I confider thefe more as the privileges of age, than as part of the hymeneal dowry. Let a married lady endeavour to promote the focial enjoyments of the circle in which flie moves. Let her confult her glafs, and allow me to add her purfe alfo, in the choice of appro- priate and becoming ornaments. I permit her to afpii-e to the character of a very agreeable woman ; but let not that

102

diftlnclion be laid by on ordinary occafions, and only pro- duced to male witnciles. If the bcft: bon-mots are referved for the beaux, if the favourite head drefs is only worn when Lord Gaylovc is expe6t:ed, if her cunui and headache are apt to be cured by a teic-a-tete with a man of fafliion, if fhe finds female parties dull and female converfation inlipid -, I muft entreat the advocates for the eafe and freedom of married ladies to remember, that cheerfulnefs is of no fex, and is as likely to vilit a party of old women with her agreeable Tal- lies, as a circle of box lobby loungers. Nay, it is more like- ly \ for in the fu-fi: inftance it will be ftimulated by the hu- mane defire of amufing laffitude, while in the latter it will be checked by a modeft apprehenfion of mifconftruftion. I fhould have premifed, that thefe faid old women Ihould not htfplemiic ; for I do confefs, ill nature gives the coup de grace to vivacity.

We have dwelt fo minutely on fome of the increafing im- proprieties of failiionablc manners, that we muft pafs others with lefs obfervation. A rage for education is one of the marked features of the great world ; and it has been much increafed by the labour of writers who belong to tlie new fchool of morals. The hope of forming fomething fuperior to the prefent race of mortals, by merely human means, is one of the wildeft theories that ever entered the brain of a vidonary reformer ; yet it is ferioufly a£lecl upon by many indefatigable mothers, who wxary the patience and injure the conftitution of their children by the moil unremitting atten- tion to a multijilicity of purfuits ; in the hope of being able to exhibit in their own families this mechanical compound of ethical and fcientiiical perfeiSlion ; which is to prove, that divine wifdom is not necefTary either for informing our ig- norance, or retraining our propenfities to evil. All parents do not, indeed, afpirc to this high flandard of philofophical erudition and impeccability j but even that routine of maf- ters who are neceflary to form a young lady into the accom- plilhed amateur, which is now deemed an efTential part of the character of every woman of fafluon, fubjects a young lady to more privations, as much bodily fatigue, and a far greater excrcilc of patience and attention, than yonder little fpinner encounters, who by her induftry procures her own fubfiftence. We muft, however, allow due praife to this fe- vere difcipline, on the fame ground as we commend the rig- id injuniStions of liVcurgus : no laws but his could have form- ed the fterii, indefatigable, impenetrable Spartan ; nor could

103

a lefs inexorable courfe of felf-denial and aftivlty convert the artleis happy girl into that extraordinary being, a woman of ton. Befide being compelled to pafs through thofe extremes of climate, without dlfcovering any fenfe of bodily incon- venience, as Milton, by a bold flight of well governed fancy, fuppofed to be part of the punilhment of the fallen angels, the candidates for this evanefcent honor are trained from their cradles to fuch habits of obfervance, patience, and con- trol, in order to attra<St the attention of their fellow-creatures, as, if they were influenced by better motives, would fecure them the approbation of beings of a higher order. What a pity, that fo much pains Ihould be exerted for fuch a fub- ordinate purpofe ; and in which, fince all thofe whom you leek to amaze are your competitors, your chance of fuccefs is fo very limited ! For if your daughter, after fourteen thoufand hours* fpent in the acquifition of mufic, prove at laft but a fecond-rate performer •, if, after all that the danc- ing mafter has done in fcrewing her fhoulders and modelling her fteps, her perfon be inelegant and her motions ungrace- ful ; if no expenfe nor wafle of time can prevent her draw- ings from being daubs, or bagatelles, for what have the hours of early life been facriiiced ? Tafte and ton have no degrees of glory to allot to their worlhippers ; nor can ardent devo- tion, here, claim that reward for its luicerity, to which it is not entitled by talent. All that can be done for the unfuc- cefsful candidate for fafeionable eclat is, to remove her to fome narrower fphere. A fecond-rate party, or a fummer bathing place, is the only meridian which fhe can hope to jjlumine ; while all who witnefled her former pretenfions are tempted to exclaim, "III weav'd ambition, how much art thou ihrunk !" Might not prudence here fuggeft the expe- diency of applying to another mafter, w^ho adts upon very dift'erent principles from the cruel defpot Vanity, by giving a certain retribution to the motives^ not the fuccefs of our anions ?

" No cold neglcdl the faithful heart repays,

" W^hofe ftedfaft aim foiicits His regard ; *• Each wiHi for merit, each attempt to pleafe,

" He views, and Hi» benignant fmiles reward."

Carter's Poems.

* Mrs. More communicates this anecdote. The author cannot refer to the page, not being in poffeffion of that Lady's Striiftures on Education, which Ihe read at their firfl appearance, and took from them a few ex-

104

It mufl:, however, be acknowledged, that the favour of this wife and holy Being cannot be acquired by fuch an ex- ercife of our faculties, or determination of our views ; for he does not enjoin us to e>:ccl our fellow-creatures, but to conquer ourfelves ; nor will the fplendour of the crown of immortality be decrcafed, becaul'e it blazes upon the brows of myriads of happy beings. Envy of fuccefsful competition, and jealoufy of preeminent abilities, will never torment the bofom of the young chriftian, who, engroffed by the necefli- ty of looking at her own ways, ccafes to be a fretful obferv- er of the progrefs of others j being alTurcd, that at the day of judgment fhe cannot be overl'.oked amid an infinite hoft of happy Ipirits who claim the kingdom of their Father, nor concealed by a multitude of finners who call in vain on the rocks and mountains to hide them from an omnifcient eye.

In judging of the folly of thofe who feek to form their children upon the model which vanity prefents, we mufl: add, to the great hazard of fuccefs, the brevity of the acqui- fition. As the career of a fine lady is ever in danger of be- ing arrefted by rivals in expenfe and tafle, {o rivals in ac- complifliments are coming forward to difpute her pretenfions to fuperiority. Nor is this all : every year brings in a new fafliion, even in thefe particulars, and the bulinefs of educa- tion is never liniflied. If you choofc to dance, paint, fing, and play, till you reach your climacteric, you muft ftill have mafters to teach you the Injl improvement, or you will be laid afide as old lumber. Our mothers, who danced all their lives to the tune of Lady Coventry's minuet, will fcarcely conceive how ephemeral are the triumphs of the fucceflbrs of that paragon, who had the good fortune to flourilh at a period when the empire of beauty and tafte dreaded no other enemies than the fmall-pox and old age. The minuet de la cotir and the cotillon were afterwards thought better calcula- ted to difplay the female figure to advantage, and thefe laftcd in fafliion long enough for one generation of dancers -, but reels, ftrathspeys, and waltzes, now fucceed each other with fuch rapidity, that only the mofl flexile form and fixed at- tention can rife to the praife of having learned the figure, before they mufl afTume different contortions, and wind in- to another meander. The like obfervation extends to all

tracts ; to which, while writing thefe Letters, flie has occafionally refer- red. She will feci much flattered, if the reader fliould jilfo trace an inci- dental and undcfigncd refcfiuWance, arifin^ from timiiarity of opinion on

irariyiu ^loials.

105

other accompliiliments : there is even a fafhion in language ; the accent rhuft retreat, or advance, according as ton, not fyntax, has ordained ; and the word of the year muft hold a prominent place in our converfation. Our paffions and fenfations muft be fubjeo: to like control ; we muft either be immoderately happy, monftroufly delighted, intenfely charm- ed, or amazingly interefted. But as expreffions of extreme fufFering are beft adapted to the joylefs career of a fine lady, we muft allow that her tafk of learning will be chiefly bounded by the compound epithets of immenfely dull, hor- ribly fatiguing, and infufferably vapid. A few mornings ob- fervation will Ihow her what misfortune is moft in vogue, and give the proper tinge to her dolours for the enfuing winter.

If the quackery of education only extended to the forma- tion of vain and frivolous beings, Ave fliould have far lefs reafon to complain of its prevalence. Many ftrong minds would reiift thefe fhackles, and difappointment would divert ill directed underftandings to fome nobler purfuit. But as we have before obferved, a fyftem of morals is formed ftill more dangerous than this fyftem of manners. The popu- larity of either mode of education feems to depend more on the lituation than on the intelledls of their refpe(rtive parti- fans ; yet it appears as if the frivolous fyftem was moft in repute among fecond-rate gentility ; while the bold theory of human perfectibility feeks its converts among thofe who, feeling themfelves to be above the immediate influence of the temporal conflderations which reftrain their fellow-crea- tures, would fain get releafed from the eternal confequences of indulging their guilty paflions. A morality, therefore, which rejects the balls of religion, is admirably fuited to people who, while they feem to make the opinions of others their ftandard of right and wrong in affairs of vanity and fancy, really bow to no other idol than felfiflmefs, and amidft a life of real privation are fecretly purfuing felf-enjoyment. To banifh from the mind the ideas of an omnifcient God, and a retributive hereafter, gives an amazing releafe to the appetites ; but this emancipation will not fatisfy thefe new organizers of the human foul. The paflions muft be made tyrants ; and for this end the moft fuitable means are pro- vided. The habitual indulgence of violent defires, is by them called exerting the nobleft energies ; and difcarding the re- ftraints of virtue, is mifnamed ingenuoufnefs and obedience O

106

to the honeft dilates of nature. Thefe nefarious principles frequently prefcrve thofc external pretences of decorum, which are judged expedient to forward their univeHal adop- tion in this country j and thofc very fyitcms which inculcate vice profcfs the greatefl regard for virtue. To conlinc our obfervations to what we are now dii'culling ; volumes liave been written on the fubject of education, which profefs to form a moft amiable and intelligent being, infinitely fupcrior to tlie prefent inhabitants of this world, and which, but for the ftudied omifTIon of revealed truths and religious motives, might pafs for the effects of real philanthropy. The difap- pointment of thofe parents who attempt to form their chil- dren upon thefe models cannot be pitied, unlefs they really are ignorant that human wifdom never difcovered a perfect fyftem of ethics, without borrowing the aid of revelation j nor can flie even then devife barriers fufliciently ftrong to prevent our frail natures from deviating into bye paths of error, unlels flie renounce the guidance of her own pale fires, and fubmit to be led by the clear radiance of the gof- pel.*

The deficiency of this new fyflcm of felf-dependent vir- tue, is not more apparent in the weaknefs of its reftraints, and the feeblenefs of its motives, than in the very limited circle to which it even pretends to direct its improvements. Many chriftian graces are excluded from its good deeds ; and the cardinal virtue of our anceftors, the very bond of focial intercourfe, is now little inculcated in education, or enforced by fafliionable practice j I fpeak of moral honefty, and the fimple but energeiic principle of paying every one his juft debts. The difficulty which I find in treating this point in fuch a manner as to render it palatable to polite readers, is a fufficient proof that the duty is quite gotie out. Yet honour and honefty were once thought to have a recip- rocal relation ; and the alliance was fo congenial, that I think the former quality has appeared to be in a he<Stic Hate ever lince it has been Separated from its corelative. A perfon of ftrisTc honour and independent principles, in debt to every tradefman he deals with, and adlually living, if not by fliuf- fling and evafion, at leall by the forbearance of people whom he defpifcs, feems a contradidtion in nature ; for generofity, pride, and dignity of fentiment, are fuppoitiil to be blended with meannefs, lervility, and cruelty of condu<ft. To live,

* The fubjcft of education is rcfumcU in Letters Vth and Xlllth.

107

to breathe at the mercy of another, nay to feel that you are really injuring thofe on whofe forbearance you depend, and introducing anxiety and diftrefs into a i-ank of life of which you were born the guardians : how does this accord with the magnificent nobleman, or high fpirited commoner, who know themfelves to be parts of the legiflature of their coun- try ? Yet even in thofe important branches of the ftate, the art not only of ruining themfelves, but of living after they are ruined, is prai^tifed by many adepts in (muft I fay) the myftery of fwlndling. Living within the bounds of your in- come is fo hr from being confidered as the teft of a gentle- man, that in the Vv^orld of high fafhion it conveys the oblique infinuation, that you are a narrow foul, deftitute of tafte, or at beft merely a good fort oifpiritlefs creature. This pro- penfity to fquander the bounty of Providence with carelefs profuhon, has unhappily defcended from the high to the lowly fccnes of life. Its effe«5ls upon the middle and inferi- or orders have been already confidered ; in the higher it may be lamented, not only on account of the individual diftrefs that it occafions, but as tending to make the humble clafles think ftill more meanly of their fuperiors. I have ever been of opinion, that the influence of birth and rank was more beneficial to the community at large, than that of wealth, and that the faults of tlie former were lefs prejudicial. To inftance in pride ; which when it proceeds from hereditary fuperiority is generally pollfiied by education, and foftened by habitual reftraint ; whereas the pride of mere wealth moftly feizes an unimproved mind, at a period of life in which habits have been formed on vulgar models, and of courfe it mufl: become more odious to thole whom it afFe<5ls. Wheth- er it is engrafted on native ferviiity or rudenefs, or on the lately acquired confequence arifing from the pofl^efilon of money, oftentation and felf-indulgence will be the refult, unlefs checked by extraordinary goodnefs of difpofition. The man of rank, on the other hand, knows his own title to the refpedl of his neighbourliood to be indefeifible, nor does he feel the necefi^ty of continually defending the dig- nity which was handed down to him by his ancefiors. He has been accuflomed to the luxuries of life from his infancy, and his relilh for them is too much palled by long indul- gence to allow him to-attach importance to fuch diftindlions. This appears to be the natural bias of thele two charadlers, unlefs they are diverted out of their courfe by any adventi- tious impulfe. , Let it be remembered too, that attachment

108

to hereditary patrons, and refpcifl for the old manor houfe, the ancient pofleflbrs of which are depofited in the family vault under the parilh church, are feelings congenial to the minds of the common people, and fuch as our conhitution wifely cherilhes. The influence which an ancient and re- fpe<^table family poflelFed over its tenantry and neighbour- hood, cannot be foon acquired by the nabob, or manufac- turer, who purchafes the eflate, however ellimable their cha- radler, or conciliatory their condudt. A feries of years muft elapfe before they can form any tie, but what intereft cre- ates ; and till the generation which ferved the old family has pafled away, the new will be confidered as interlopers, who have rifen on the ruins of a race that was far more de- ferving. I muft obferve, that in thefe times every thing which tends to weaken the tie that conne£ls the pooreft man in the kingdom with the higheft, is to be deprecated •, and I regret the degradation v/hich rank and ftation fufter in the eyes of the community, not only by the contagious influence of unbounded expenfe, but by transferring its power to oth- er hands, which, even if as well difpofed, will be lefs able to exert it beneficially.

Shall we not then, my dear Mifs M , reprobate tliat

falfe candour, which induces us to give foft names to fuch a vice as extravagance ? Heaven forbid that we fliould here withhold that pity from undefevved diftrefs to which it is ever entitled I I am not fpeaking of thofe who, by unforefecn unavoidable misfortunes, by the preffiire of domeftic calam- ity, by the treachery of enemies, the uproar of the elements, or even by mifplaced confidence, are involved in pecuniary difficulties. The forrows of fuch are facred j let the world compafllonatc, and, if it can, afluage them. I confine my cenfures to thofe who voluntarily otter their fair pofieflions, their extenfive influence, and every other blefllng of which God has made them the guardian, at the flirine of vanity. Thefe I charge with contributing to the ruin of their coun- try, as well as of thcmfelves. I accufe them of perverting their highly refponfible Iration to the corrupting of national habits, and to the iubverting of the interefts of the order to v/hich they belong. Thefe ofl'ences muft not pafs oft" with the flight cenfure, that they were very generous people, and no one's enemies but their own ; and every eulogy on their tafte, fpirit, and hofpitality, is a fevere charge againft them, for not bounding thefe propenfities by their lawful ability ot indulging them.

109

It is indeed allowed, that people eminently gifted with genius are apt to fall into thefe pecuniary embarraffinents ; and perhaps it is juft, that a more lenient cenfure fhould at- tach to errors which feem rather to proceed from the limi- ted faculties of our nature, than from intentional injuftice to others, or overweening attachment to ourfelves. The in- tenfenefs of thought which accompanies any extraordinary effort of intellect, whether it be engaged in " bodying forth the forms of things unfeen," in developing the abftrufe mazes of recondite fcience, or in conducting the intricate and cum- berfome machine of public builnefs, necelTarily abftraiSIs the attention from what feems comparatively petty confidera- tions ; and the harafled mind, flitigued by the painful ftretch of its faculties, finds the hours of relaxation infufhcient to recruit its exhaufled powers. When fuch an excufe can be fairly urged for cmbarralTments, let us abftain from reproach ; fufhcient to fuch a culprit, is the puniflimcnt which the con- fequences of indifcretion muft inflidt ; efpecially as people of this ftamp are generally rather dupes than knaves, and fufFer more from mifplaced confidence, and the extravagance of their connexions, than from the ungoverned importunity of their own defires.

Few, however, are lighted to ruin by the ftarry lamp of genius ; and fewer yet can plead, that clofe attention to the welfare of the many compelled them to negledt their own. It is vanity which generally mifleads the unthrifty ; and the feduiStions of amufement, not the calls of bufinefs, deliver the carelefs fpendthrift to the iron gripe of infolvency.

But let me recoUeft that it is my own fex I am now ad- drefling ; and as we cannot be called to fuch high refponfi- ble ftations as preclude the poflibility of thofe domeflic at- tentions wliich form a principal part of our bounden duty, we can never plead the excufe that might fhelter the im- provident legiflator, general, flatefman, or magiftrate, from fevere cenfure. And though genius does not deny her vifi- tations to women, flie feldom pours fuch full influence upon our fouls as to abforb the fenfe of other duties. I will not permit the fabricator of a novel, the compofer of a poem, or even the writer of moral c/Jays^ to claim thofe privileges of abflradtion, which I would grant to a Bm-ke and a Bacon. Literature is with us an ornament, or an amufement, not a duty or profeflion ; and when it is purfued with fuch avidi- ty, as to withdraw us from the efpecial purpofes of our cre- ation, it becomes a crime.

110

So far arc rank and ftatlon from cxcufing us from thhi obligation to pecuniary exaclnefs, that they fcem rather to bind it upon us the clofer ; for in the higher walks of life, the attention of the hulband is often engrofled by what he owes his country ; while the wife cannot ihew her patriotifm better than by exonerating her partner from the weight of domeftic incunibrance, and acting as a faithful Reward and. intelligent agent in every aftair which can be fubmitted to her management. Punctuality and regularity in money tranfaiStions are ftill acknowledged to be countinghoufe re- quiiites. May they long continue to diftinguifh and give refpcctability to the commercial woi^ld ! but why iliould they be difcarded from being fupporters to the fhield of anceftry and the coronet of nobility ? I have heard it remarked (and the obfervation was judicious,) that arithmetic has been of more real fervice to the world, than all other remains of claffical learning or fcience ; and in what refpedl does con- fiderate expenditure (we are now addrefling a clafs to which, the term frugality may feem unappropriate) imply the ab- fence of any noble quality ? Can generofity, can benevolence fiibfift upon funds which are not your own ? When you be- ftowcd what belonged to your children or your creditor, you. did not give, but furrcptkiotijly appropriated the poffefftous of another. The character of Charles Surface, in that very fu- perior comedy "The School for Scandal," if not the hafty fketch of inconfiderate genius unconfcious of its dangerous tendency, muft be deemed a marked attack on the probity which is om* national diftinction. In either point of view, his celebrated animadverlions on the old proverb, " Be jufl: before you are generous," ought to be received with groans and hifles, not thunders of applaufe. They are, indeed, chara£leriftic of a dillioneft fpendthrift ; but they bear no Hiark of integrity hurried away by the violence of ill regu- lated paffions ; for they do not refult from the ftrong im- preffion made by a recent tale of diftrefs, but from a mind 7-efolved to be unjuft, and enamoured of its own bafenefs. The fentiment which reftrains him from felling the picture of his friend and benefadlor, ought to have taught him that the neceffities of Old Stanley might be fupplied, by dlfcharg- ing his four valets with, their bags and bouquets ; fron> whofe attendance only a confummate coxcomb could derive fatisfa^lion, and not from a mifappropriation of what he owns belonged to his tailor and hofier. How can the audience \n the lail fccne acquicfcc in Maria's delliny ? Charles indeed

Ill

tells us, that he never more can err, becaufe he fhall now have a monitor and guide ; but has he not already told us, that he does an imprudent action precipitately, left he fhould be checked by the monitor within him ? To fuch a character, the fober paces of juftice will ever appear lame and hobling j but the misfortune is, it is not generofity, but difhonefty, which outftrips her. The infolvent muft relinquifli the fub- lime pleafure of relieving indigence, from an abfolute impof- fibllity of enjoying it. He may be bafcy he cannot be benevo- lent in any thing but defire. If he truly valued the ability of giving, he fliould have referved fome little remnant o£ his polTeflions from the gulph of diffipation, and faved his tender heart from the exquilite anguifh of finding himfelf incapable of relieving mifery.

Companion is one of thofe inherent qualities of the fe- male mind, which feem to defy the influence of lituation. Even fafhion dares not utter a decree againfl the fovereignty of benevolence ; and though a fine lady muft be too frigid to feelf Ihe thinks herfelf bound to cffeti tendernefs. She is indeed allowed to be a little whimfical in the objefts of her bounty, as all muft be who renounce the dictates of nature, and refign themfelves to the caprices of art ; yet, as it is ne- celTary to have her name down in charitable fubfcriptions, though it be only to relieve

" A fidlcr of note, who, for lace on his coat, " To his tailor ftands much in arrears;"

we may obferve, that without fome attention to pecuniary concerns flie cannot be (I will not be fo uncouth as to fay honeft, but) genteelly benevolent. And yet, after all the abufe that can be beftowed upon the impertinence of tradel^ men, they are neceflary appendages to the votaries of vanity, witliout whofe alliftance every attempt to propitiate the idol they adore, or to outfhine a rival, would be impoffible. The afpedt of a decoration painter, when he fets out an apart- ment in a ftyle of elegance, is fo very engaging, that if the obligations which are due to him were but fubtilized by pafling through the alembic of German fentiment, they might become native alcohol ; and no longer loading the feeble (houlders of the old beldame Jti/lice^ they would even ferve as an impetus to aid the flight of Charles Surface's ad- mired equeftrian nymph Generofity. By perufing the items which form the debts of a genteel bankrupt, we might dif-

U2

cover what portion lliould be afligncd to lionour, and what to honefty. I hope no well bred perfon will deny, that ex- penfive furniture, elegant clothes, magnificent houfes, and fumptuous entertainments, are as neceflary to eclat, as occa- fional burfts of liberality, or even as fpirited manctuvcrs at the gaming table ; every afliftant, therefore, who lent his aid to expedite the Herculean labour of fquandering a large fortune with rapidity, prefents a claim upon honour^ which if people are faithful to the principles they profefs will be readi- ly accredited, in an inverfe ratio to the real utility of the fervice, or the moderation of the demanded recompenfe.

One word more upon an evil which, on account of its de- ftru^live tendency, fhould be hunted out of the world, by the heavy club of argument, and the miffile ihaft of ridicule : does not this inattention to the diftrelTes which arife from extravagance, refult from the want of more enlarged views in thofe who form the principles of youth ? Education, whether it proceed upon the fhowy or the philofophical plan, is now directed to the formation of a felfifli charadler. Even the minute attention which is beftowed upon children in- duces them to overrate their own importance, and to under- value others. The love of praife, or of diftindlion, to which they are taught to make fo many facrifices, unqueftionably feeks its own gratification •, and when the exercife of benev- olence is recommended as a means of enjoying pleafant and efcaping painful emotions, felf is flill held forth as the pre- dominant feature. But befide thofe whom we may wifh to gain as admirers, or as penfioners, there is a very numerous body of our fellow-creatures to whom people of rank ought to extend their views ; I mean thofe whofe good opinion they do not think worth courting, and whofe ferviccs they cannot command. Thofe who are converfant with the great, know well that they are apt to confider their own do- meftic fervants as fuperior in fituation to refpetStable tradef- men, or profellional people not decidedly in the line of gen- tlemen. A contempt for every thing city, or bourgeois, forms a part of the inftruilion of young people of faihion : this is certainly very blamable, however it may be extenua- ted by the citizen or bourgeois deferting their own charac- ters and afluming the calt airs of quality.

It fecms doubtful, whether manners really have improved by breaking the connexion that fublifted in feudal times be- tween the chieftain and his vafials. It might, now that the fword of civil difcord deeps, and the rage of family animofi-

113

ty has ceafed, be converted into a mofl: powerful means of ameliorating the habits of every order, and correcting the faults of all. But then the nobleman and his dependants jnuft not meet on terms of equality. The yeoman's wife muft not affront the baronefs, by adopting her parapherna- lia, or apeing her table -, nor muft the baronefs invite her ruftic neighbours to laugh at the limplicity which it is her intereft to cherifh.* I am indulging a Utopian idea, that a fpot in this ifland can ftill be found, in v/hich affectation and flalfe refinement has not corrupted the manners of the inhabitants ; who therefore look up to their fuperiors as to their benefactors and friends, without envy, and without any ridiculous intention of imitating a ftyle unfuitable to their ftation, and derogatory to their characters. Could fuch beings be found, furely occafional intercourfe between re- fpetSlful gratitude and generous affability, might afford fupe- rior pleafure to what the beft condu£ted mafquerade ever beftowed ; as the miftrefs of the feaft would enjoy the cer- tainty of giving delir^ht, and the partakers of it would not find it dijpciih to exprefs gp.tincation. Such meetings would alfo prove a noble fchool of inftrudtion to the riling branches of a gentleman's family, who would thus contemplate charac- ters with whom they had no other means of becoming ac- quainted, and pra6life duties for which the ordinary routine of high life, as divided into London, Bath, and Summer ex- curfions, leaves no opening. By learning the purfuits, re- fources, and difficulties of claffes not remotely feparated from their own, they v/ould imbibe a ftrong attachment to the obligations of juftice, and would correct that criminal thoughtleffnefs which impedes the fulfilment of the divine precept, " Whatfoever ye would that others fhould do to you, do ye even fo to them." They would fee (and furely to fee is to admire) that blunt intelligence which forms a predominant feature in the true Englifhman. They would obferve boldnefs of remark, originality of idea, and all thofe peculiar traits of charaftcr which courtly refinement amal- gamates into one mafs. A morning fpent in unmeaning fhopping, would then afford lefs retrofpe<ftive pleafure to in- dolent beauty ; and the forefeen perplexities of a difappoint- ed tradefman would arreft the profufion of the prodigal. Patronage, too, would be thus affifted in difcharging its high-

.* See Letter the XlVth. P

Hi

ly refponflble truft ; and merit would have fome hope of obtaining that attention which would divert the fmiles of greatnefs from paralltes and mercenaries, whom fickly vanity or capricious folly (confined to the partial fphere of domeftic obfervation) felefted as proper objects of reward. But, how- ever the middle orders may fufFer from the cold hauteur, the contrafted views, or the carelefs diiregard of greatnefs, they Ihould remember, that till they fubftitute modcfty, hu- mility, and limpiicity of manner, in the room of that dafli- ing air of equality which they efteem lo genteel, mutual dif- gufl: mufl Increafe that di (lance which it is the intereft of both parties to diminifh by mutual kindnefs. Such condu<St our holy faith inculcates ; and the coniidcration of what this country now is, leads us to confider what it would become, fuppoilng we were chriftians in practice as well as in name. The lukewarm religion of the filhionable world is the laft topic that I mean to difcufs in this letter. I am told, that the afpec^l: of the times improves in externals ; and that, ex- cept a few profefled infidels and notorious demireps, ladies think themlelves bound to confccrate one hour of the Sab- bath by appearing at fome place of public worfliip. But the claims of another world are not to be commuted by fuch a flight penance ; the oiTering of prayer and praife mull not be immediately fucceeded by the facrifice of fools. The de- nunciations of the law, and the promifcs of the gofpel, mufl be meditated upon in private, and the preacher's exhorta- tions muft produce other eftects than a compliment to the elegance of his manner, the perfpicuity of his language, and the happinefs of his allulions. The chrifi:ian mother too> like pious Hannah, lliould take care to bring her young offs- pring to God as foon as they can be taught habits of atten- tion ; and the miftrefs of a fimily lliould refolve with jolhua, that ihe " and her houfehold would ierve the Lord." It muft alfo be remembered, that our church has two fervi- ces, correfponding with the divinely inftituted morning and evening worfhip of the tabernacle. Nor is this all ; religion has her private as well as her public duties ; meditation, prayer, and reading the holy fcriptures, require retirement. She who pafies the day in a crowd, cannot abffraft her thoughts from temporal objetSls ; fimilar fccnes mufl excite fimilar ideas, and the purfuits of vanity will be accompanied by their ufual round of agitations and cares. The lady who thus attempts to divide her Sabbath between God and Mam- mon, feels indeed the fervitude of both, but lofes the re-

115

ward affixed to the fpirltual duty ; I mean the ferenity, the renewed flrength, and the refrefliment, which a Sunday fpent in the bofom of domeftic enjoyment and cheerful piety never fails to beftow.

I fear, my dear young friend, I have wearied you by this long review of abandoned, frivolous, or capricious charac- ters ; who, by obtruding upon public attention, call them- felves the world, and in the clamour of their vices and fol- lies drown the mild voice of retired goodnefs. I am con- vinced, that even in the higheft circle of fafhion the num- ber of really excellent women far exceed the profligate and thoughtlefs ; but as they are not " ravifhed by the whirling of a name," they choofe to let their modeft worth pals iilently along, content with domeftic affe£lion, friendfhip, and cordial efteem. Do not mifconftrue thofe obfervations into a general fatire on birth and affluence, which proceed from a convi£lion that vice owes her moft dangerous allure- ments to a falfe idea of her univerfality, and that flie affords exquifite though temporary enjoyments. In fpeaking of the fafhionable world, I adopt a well known phrafe, "rvhich im- pHes unity and populoufnefs ; but I know that it contains many inhabitants who are difcontented with its laws, and many who, though they are ranked among its citizens, yet never bowed down to its idols. It is my wifh to prevent that which is in itfelf dcteftable, from being adopted as fafli- ionable ; being aware that the unguarded are often cheated out of thofe principles by the magic of a name, which they would not facrifice to paflion, or yield to criminal importu- nity.

Your lenient temper may probably think that I have treat- ed the mere fine lady, the pretty butterfly of vanity, with too much feverity ; but if I could awaken thefe triflers from their dangerous torpor, furely feverity would be mercy. They are probably refponflble for many mifemployed talents, at leafl: they are fporting with that important truft, cxift- ence. While they falfely conceive themfelves fent into the world to difplay their beauty, their accompliihments, and their tafte, life glides from them ; the opportunity of im- proving lofl: time ceafes ; and at the bar of a juft God they will be queft:ioned for flns of omijfion. It is not merely the evil that they have committed, but the good which they ought to have done, that will form the terrible inquifition. A life of felfifli indolence is a life of guilt ; indulgence is that fcriptural unfruitfulnefs whofe punifliment is fo awfully

116

predicted. The attainments to which they fi'crlficed their lives will perifli amid the morbid vapours of the grave j and the naked Tpirit will appear diverted of every graceful orna- ment, unlefs its almfdeeds, its piety, and its works of juflicc and mercy, qualify it to be arrayed in the robes of right- eoufnefs.

I am not fo fanguine as to expert that my efforts will pro- duce an effeft which has been denied to genius enriched by learning, and enforced by thofe ftrong powers of argument which refult from the united bounty of nature and educa- tion. A recollection of the candid treatment which I have formerly experienced from the public encourages me to hope that my motives for this undertaking will apologize for its deficiences. Works on religion and morals, in this country, can rarely pretend to any novelty, befide the title and the arrangement ; but the mere name of fomething new beftows a momentary celebrity on even jejune productions ; while the fterling compofitions which they modernize fleep in the library. But if, while employed in reading a recent appeal to their confciences, one profligate flaould be converted, one prejudiced mind illuminated, one wavering underftanding fixed, or one thoughtlefs being awakened from the dream of vanity, I may hope for more than an earthly reward, pro- vided my admonitions are dictated hyfmglenefs of heart and vpr'ightncfs of intention.

That you approve the inftrudtions which you fo little need, makes that a pleafure which would otherwife be a laborious

talk. Adieu, my dear Mifs M -, may we never wafre

the rich legacy of friendfhip which was fo tenderly becjueath- ed to us, prays your iiacercly affe<5lionate friend, &c.

117

LETTER V.

On Religious Kmnvledgey and the peculiar Notions of Calvin.

MY DEAR MISS M-

V\ E have confidered what our fex was intended to be by nature, and what criminal or ridiculous compliances with the caprices of vanity and affectation would make us. We have examined the inroads that luxury and wealth have made in our manners and comforts, and the temptations to which we are expofed from the celebrity that fafliion often attach- es to folly, and fometimes to vice. We have alfo feen the neceffity of confideration j but conllderation is of no avail, unlefs the mind is prepared by previous inflru6lion to render its own reflcdlions valuable. If criminal defires, vain pur- fuits, and irritable paflions, follow us to our clofcts, they will never become the fchool of wifdom.

The miftakes which the moft fuperior underflanding is apt to fall into, when hurried on by an overweening confi- dence in its own powers, mufh ftrike every obferver of hu- man nature. Genius, indeed, often abfurdly affedls lingu- larlty, and diminiflies both its refpe£lability and its happinefs by z fettled determination to differ from other people. The dangerous miftakes to which this felf-dependance betrays thoie who are fo unhappy as to cheriih it, flaould make us rejoice that cuftom has immemorially confidered humility of judgment to be requilite to women. The general docility of our underftandings difpofes us rather to receive dogmas, than to build fyftems ; and the livelinefs of our fenllbilities rather fits us for the exercife of ardent devotion, than for the indulgence of chilling doubts and perplexing difculGons. We pity the weaknefs of our fsx, when we fee a fifter de- viate into enthuliafm or fuperftition ; but when Ihe turns a declaiming deift or contentious fceptic, we look upon her as an unnatural monfter or frightful prodigy.

From the time that pure religion emerged from the cor- ruptions of papal impoiition, to the middle of the lafl centu-

118

1 y, no one doubtod that the bcfl: method of arming an inex- perienced girl for the perilous confllin: which flie would be called to fuftain ngainft the world, the flefli, and the devil, would be by entrulling her with " the fliield of faith," and teaching " her to wield the fword of the fpirit, even the word of God." Our anceftors knew that thcfe were the weapons with Avjuch the Captain of our falvation defeated the prince of darknefs, when he made that memorable and inftruiSlive aflault upon him in the wildernefs, and vainly hoped that ambition, prefumption, or the Infirmities incident to his afTumed nature, might induce him to defeat the ends of his incarnation. Our anceftors, poor indeed in philofo-> phiftical illuminifm, but rich in heavenly wifdom, did not fufpeck that by imprinting the chrlftian doctrines deeply on the minds of their daughters, they fettered them with preju- dices ; nor ditl they fuppofe that they would make better women, by being kept in profound ignorance of the gofpel terms of falvation, till their underftandings were arrived at maturity, and enabled to meet their fpiritual paftor with the bold objeclions of an expert caviller. They reverenced the book of God, they fincerely reverenced it ; but they never thought that from motives of rcfpedl they ought to with- hold it from childhood, much lefs from youth. They never fufpciStcd, that the awful fimplicity of its narratives could contaminate the innocent ignorance of juvenile modefty j and though the facred volume contained many abftrufe doctrines, they ever found it eafy to reprefs the inquiries of awakened intelligence when they verged on indecorous curiofity, by remarking that in time they would have clearer notions than what their tender age now permitted them to entertain, though the full developement of myftery was referved for another ftate of exiftence.

The indefatigable ailiduity of infidel philofophers has giv- en popularity to other principles of inftruclion ; and, under the pretence of avoiding fuperftitious prepoiTeffions, the minds of young women are now often fiibjecled to every im- prefiion that will prevent them from making revealed reli- gion their future choice ; for, will a rational being ever fub- mit to a code of laws of which it neither fees the utility nor the obligation .'* Aflured that morahty will make her good, that fcience will enrich her with wifdom, and that accom- plifliments create elegance, what is there in the precepts of the gofpel, or in the lives of its profeirors, to induce her to make it a voluntary choice, efpecially when llie is aiTured

119

that file is free to rejedl: it, and to choofe the laws by which fhe fliall be judged. Liberality looks as well as charity; conicious merit has a more impofing air than humility ; a Sunday rout Teems more pleafant than family devotion ; and if faith and holinels are not necelTary paflports to a better liate of exiftence, the woman of the world is for the moft part a more delirable companion than the pious chriftian. if the tallc of religious indruction be not begun while learn- ing is a duty, I know not at what period of life the mind will feel its own deficiencies, and fet about acquiring what it perceives that it can do very well without. The feeds of fcience are {own in childliood, and left to ripen with our years ; and yet we do riot hear of prejudiced geographers, nftronomers, or mathematicians. As the underllanding un- folds, clearer views are obtained ; the rudiments by which we gained our firft ideas are neglected, the eafy but perhaps circumlocutory terms by which we were enabled to conceive obje£ls far removed from our obfervation are difufed, and one comprehenlive v/ord conveys to us the m.eaning which we firft learnt by a long periphrafis. The firft principles of religion are not more difficult to be conveyed to the mind of a child, than the rules of grammar ; and they who affirm that they have a tendency to cloud the underftanding, and limit the bounds of ingenuous refearch, muft urge their falfe tenets to hearers alike deftitute of hiftorical knowledge and perfonal obfervation.

But we will fuppofe a young woman, hitherto uninftnifl:- ed in the precepts and do(ftrines of revelation, pofl^efied of fufficient humility of mind to think all her literary and po- lite attainments infufficient. We will fancy her fo ingenu- ouiiy difpofed, as not to ftart at feveral myfterious palfages in the fcripture, which bear hard upon the pride of reafon, when it has been previoufly nurtured in the fchool of deifm ; and that flie does not fhrink from many pofitive injunctions inimical to the opinions and habits that llie has long been accuftomed to adopt. We will imagine (contrary to the ex- perience of all who have, in latter times, attempted to make adth't converts among thofe who are totally deftitute of re- ligious ftudies) that fhe will find her new ftudies eafy ; and we will even grant that their difficulties will not be increal^ ed by the intended difciples having ever refided in a chrif- tian country, againft the creed of which (lince fhe has not adopted it) fhe muft certainly have conceived either con- tempt or diflike. We muft fuppofe, that her early inftruc-

120

tors have l^een able to give fomc fatlsfactory reafon (which we cannot divine) why this knowledge has been fo long Avithheld, and alfo have convinced her that there is tww an imperious neceflity for lier being acquainted with her title to eternity, though if Ihe had died younger Ihe need not have known it. We muft believe her willing to renounce what appears like fafe ignorance, and delirous to incur the fearful refponfibility which arifes from knowing her duty. After all thefe allowances, we muft ftill aflc how will fhe have time to become a chriftian ? A young woman of fafli- ion has not an hour to fpare, fcarcely one dilengaged mo- ment, in which five can purfue refleccion and Itrengthen conviction ; and young women in humbler life are almoft as fully occupied ; for they muft improve their fchool accom- plilhments, and make thofe ornaments in the morning which their evening engagements will call upon them to difplay. And yet, if they become chriftians from convidlion at this period of their lives, they muft encounter the labours of a philofopher with the courage of a hero. They muft be ar- gued out of the deifm in which they have been tutored, and perfuaded to renounce the motives and habits which they have been taught to adopt. ** It is one thing," fays Dr. Waterland, " to underftand the dodlrine, and quite another to be mafter of the controverfy." A girl with a common capacity, who has received an ordinary education on chrif- tian principles, knov\'s enough to entertain notions that are fufficiently clear to her own judgment, though ihe may not be able to anfwer every objeclion that may be urged againft her belief; but adult converts muft examine ftcp by ftep the evidences on which our faith is built, and muft be able to confute all gainlaying, before their nev/ opinions can be faid' to be confirmed. And after they .have done all this, they will ftill have their church to choofe ; and the pretenfions of every denomination of chriftians muft be examined be- fore they can properly determine. This is requiring more labours from &\ erf private membcrof our congregation, than our eccleflaftical conftitutions impofe upon thole wl-.o arc to be maftcrs in our Ifrael. The longeft life (allowing for thofe interruptions which our new inftruiSlors cannot pretend to exclude) would not be fuflicient to complete thcfc converts of reafon^ who are fuppofed to be fo much preferable to what are fcornfully called hereditary believers. And when they arc completed, what would they do to promote their own hap- pii>el)!, or that of otiicrs ? 'i'he laboux* of acquiring the thco-

121

ry of duty, would occupy that feafon of life which ought to be devoted to the practice ; there would be much fcholaftic difcuffion, and few chriftian graces. Yet thofe who recom- mend this method of difciplining the world, are the loudeft in declaiming againft the effecSls that theological controverfy has upon the heart and underflanding. The dry difquili- tions of fchoolmen and divines (for thefe difputants are al- ways coupled, though nothing can be more diffimilar) is the favourite topic of abufe and ridicule among thofe who feek to form a nation of controverilalifts, and to forbid even a woman from clinging to the mercies of her Saviour, unlefs fhe can refute all the gainfaying of infidels j nay, Ihe muffc herfelf have been reclaimed from deifm by the power of ar- gument. I by no means inlinuate, that fuch a converfion is impoflible. I only maintain, that it will be attended with {o many difficulties that it mufl be too rare to be depended upon as a certain confequence.

We might now appeal to ftatefmen and legiflators, who know the political importance of religious reftraints, whether it be fafe to run fuch a rilk of national infidelity. Our laws are founded on, or at leaft adapted to, our religion ; our habits grow out of both ; our well being as a people is inti- mately bound and connected with the fincerity and univer- fality of our chriftian profeflion. I introduce this motive, becaufe, though a free thinker may renounce his God, his creed obliges him to call himfelf a patriot, and confequently he muft affeft to love his country. It is acknowledged too, that in his individual capacity no hufband defires to have his wife deftitute of principle, nor his daughters atheifts •, however convenient it may be to his paffions, that other women fliould not be influenced by thofe refi:ri(Stions.

We may fafely lay it down as a pofition, that religion inujl be taught in youths left it fhould not be taught at all, or left we Ihould fee the doughty polemic fuperfede devotion, hu- mility, and charity ; the times alfo require that it fhould be thoroughly taught. Let the young chriftian be well verfed in the principles of her faith, and the ground on which it ftands ; fhe will often hear thofe principles ridiculed, and Ihe will fee that foundation fapped. You will not accufe me of contradifting my affertions concerning the bad efFecSts of controverfial ftudies ; for it is very different, to learn doc- trines while aflifted by the fimplicity, humility, and docility of childhood j and to be reafoned into their verity, when you

122

have long been under the influence of confirmed habits and pertinacious opinions. A much wider range of learning mull be gone over in the latter cafe, than when our inftruc- tions are limited by the defign of enabUng our pupils to give ** a reafon for the hope that is in them." We may under- ftand the Copernican fyflem of the heavens, without being able to refute Tycho Brahe's ; and we may adopt Sir Ifaac Newton's theory of gravitation, without knowing how to difprovc the abfurdity of Uefcartcs's vorticesi Blind belief and prefcriptive acquiefccnce have been expofed to much cenfure ; and yet I truft, in times when religious difputation was unknown, and in fituations to which it has never pene- trated, many a fincere and humble foul has found them pafl^ ports to the kingdom of God ; and I fear too many indi- viduals have reafon to lament their natural tendency to doubt and fcrutiny in matters of faith. We, however, admit, that in a general point of view religion has been benefited by the violence of her aflliilants. Her evidences have been exam- ined ; her myfteries cleared of many adventitious circum- ilances ; the errors Avhich had been furreptitioufly introduc- ed into her doiftrines have been exploded ; and her pure precepts have been more clearly enforced, and more beauti- fully developed.

We now live in times peculiarly dangerous to our faith ; yet it feems as if the good providence of God had propor- tionably multiplied our protecftions. Holls of learned, in- telligent, and liberal divines, have rallied around the infult- ed crofs of their blefled Mafter. A woman in humble cir- cumftances, with common abilities and moderate informa- tion, may now know more of the religion ihe profefles, than any but the moft ftudious could acquire three hundred years ago. As fatanical zeal has increafed in violence, fo the pi- ous champions of our faith have roul'ed with frefh vigoin* to the combat. Pernicious doctrines have been multiplied and familiarized in every form j and the moft eminent fcholars of the age have alio, by popular treatifes, and even by ad- dreffes to the loweft vulgar, repelled their afl'ailants. The fubfcribers to a market-town circulating library, when they choofc their novel or their play, may truly fay, " my bane and antidote are both before me." This is certainly confol- atory ; but the afilirance that our principles will be aflault- cd, either by books or converfation, renders it no longer fife for us to reft in that limited information which was once thought fufficient for our fc:x ; and fince we may become

123

enlightened chriftians, without fuch expenfe of time, and hazard of our peculiar character, as makes it unadvifable for us to be in general deep readers, it moft ftriftly behoves us to profit by the judicious inftruiftions which have been adapt- ed to our capacity and leifure ; not in order that we may become difputants, but to prevent our being " tofled about by every wind of doctrine," or feduced by the evil fpirits who are fure to attempt our deflruftion.

The above obfervations, my dear Mifs M , lead us to

conclude, that we muft not reft in what our parents do for us ; but that we fhould in our riper years build upon the foundation which they laid in childhood, in order that our religious knowledge may keep pace with our other improve- ments. I remarked in my laft letter, that the work of ed- ucation is as endlefs a labour, fo far as relates to accomplilh- ments, as the talk of Sifyphus ; for grown ladies and gen- tlemen learning to dance, fing, draw, or even walk, is now too frequent to excite ridicule. But it would be a ferious misfortune, if, while the hoary head muft bend and the ftiff- ened joints relax, to acquire the graces, and to excel in the amufements of youth, the fludies mofl proper for mature and declining life fliould be laid afide the moment the girl is emancipated from the fway of the governefs. If, to en- courage induftry and gratify opulence, we permit the ordef of the feafons to be reverfed, and fuffer the fruits and flow- ers of fummer to adorn winter, Avho in return gives his ices to the fervid hours of July, let the products of reafon be ftill reftrained to their natural periods. The aim of modern ed- ucation is, to make children prematurely wife ; but as the forced plant waftes its vigour by its early redundance ; fo the human mind feldom fulfils that promife of future excel- lence, which an extraordinary degree of early cultivation deceitfully cherifiies ; it generally ftops at a certain point of improvement ; and when we expected our affiduity to pro- duce a genius, the labouring mountain brings forth a cox- comb.* This muft be the confequence of a fyftem, which flops too foon in eflentials, and goes on too long in mere ap- pendages ; which fuppofes a girl of fifteen fufficiently taught in what relates to her eternal interefis ; and that a woman of fifty muft receive leflbns from a falhionable mufic mafter, that fhe may execute a new tune with all its fcientifical flourilhes.

* See Letter XIII.

]24

Religious inftru<ftion, therefore, is of a iwofold nature. It fhould be commenced early, not to inftil prejudices, but to guard againft prepofTcfiions, and to imprefs the learner's mind with a proper conviclion of the importance of the work. This inltruction muft be ever fuited to the age and imderftanding of the pupil, both in matter and degree ; but when the girl writes woman, let the mother deeply imprefs upon her daughter's mind this folemn confideration, that as religion difclofes to us another world, in which the employ- ment of the blelTed, during the circling years of eternity, v/ill be to know and to adore God, if we would enjoy the promifed heaven, we muft in this life cultivate thofe habits. For the foul carries with it the propenfities that it acquired below ; and how Ihall we become meet for the fociety of angels, if we neither underftand nor delight in their occu- pations ?

The fcientifical turn which education has lately taken, in- creafes the necefllty for early imbuing the juvenile mind with a fenfe of the divine authority of fcripture, and of the infufficiency of human reafon to difcover the origin and end of man. Women are feldom very deeply verfed in any branch of philofophy j and a fmattering of fcience is ex- tremely apt to generate that dependence upon fecond caufes, which is one of the ftrong holds of deifm in weak minds. A half informed young woman, when flie has found out the hiimediate reafon of vegetation, congelation, or any elemen- tary procefs, is too apt to think that Ihe has difcovered all^ without extending her views to the great God who at lirft endowed matter with thole wonderful properties which it has pofltfled for many thoufand years, and without whofe continual influence every moment in the Itupendous ma- chine of nature would become confufed and difordei'ed. The danger of the young ftudent's views being thus limited, is increased by the prevalent ufe of terms, adopted, perhaps, from a perfuafion that they are coinprehenfive, but which an ■ eminent fcholar and divine* proves to be unphiloiophi- cal ; fuch as " the power of attraction, the law of vegeta- ♦* tion, the order of the feafons," and the like. Inert mat- *' ter," he obferves, " has no power •, a law prefuppofes a *' law-giver •, and a propelling impetus muft originate in " fomething foreign to the thing thus overruled." Were we fure that tJiefe ftudies would be extended till mind ob-

♦ Dr. Pa!ey. Sec Natural 'i"{ifo!ogj'. Dr. Hey makes the fame remark.

125

tained that link in the chain of fcience, which proves the necefiary dependance of material nature on intelleftual ex- iftence, we Ihould be certain of gaining a lincere, though late convert to revealed truth ; but when we coniider how foon the progrefs of learning will be arrefted by the frivo- lous purfuits or bufinefs of life, let us at leaft take care to run no hazard of unfitting the mind for the reception of what it is moft necefTary it Ihould know.

I have taken for granted, that the books feledted for the purpofe of fcientific inftrudlion, though they may not, like the labours of the pious Ray, be purpofely defigned to lead the reader from nature to nature's God, have yet no covert intention of perverting the mind which they pretend to in- form. But this is granting moi-e than the generality of ele- mentary tracts on the fciences will warrant : a refpedlablc writer has clearly afcertained, by her highly judicious and falutary (though, to herfelf, irkfome) invcftigation,* that a settled defign to overturn the eftabliflied fiith of this coun- try, and to illuminize the minds of the riling generation, arc the chief motives of the multifarious books for the educa- tion of youth which have deluged the nation. In this de- fign of fitting the riling hope of Britain for a pandemoniunx of philofophifls, no branch of information has been fufFcred to efcape untainted. If the young lady read hlftory, fhc will find it queftioned whether the propagation of the gof- pel really was accomplilhed by miracles or by human inge- nuity ; whether the early chriliians were martyrs or fanat- ics ; and whether much good has refulted from the exten- fion of the religion of Jefus ? In biographical Iketches, flie will fmd piety, or at leaft attachment to any peculiar mode of worlhip, coupled with a weak underftanding, or a con- tradled heart ; while heathen perfecutors, deifts, and liber- tines, are adorned with the freihcir flowers of eulogy. If fhe read geography, or travels, fhe will perceive it doubted, or perhaps denied, that the earth is of the age which the Mofaical chronology affirms, or that the events recorded in holy writ could have taken place in countries v/hich it de- fcribes in fuch different colours from their prefent ftate. In natural hiftory, fhe will fmd cavils againfl the miracles re- corded in fcripture ; farcafms on the hiftories of Balaam, Jo- nah, and the prophet of Judah, will be obtruded into de- fcriptions of the natural properties of the afs, the whale, and

* In the Guardian of Education.

120

the lion ; and perhnps the wonderful prefervation of the three pious captives from the rage of Nebuchadnezzar, may hwnoroujl^ illuftrate the fable of the falamander. In chym-. iftry and mineralogy, fhc will be informed of the aftoniftiing effects that various combinations of ingredients, mechanical contrivances, and geometrical properties, can produce ; and flie will be reminded, that when natural preparations can af- fume appearances feemingly miraculous, we fliould fcruplc to call in an invifible agent. Some inllances will be given of fucccfsful cheats ; and it will then be aflced, with much apparent modelly, if the flowering rod of Aaron might not have been a flight of hand illufion, and the cures of Chrift linve proceeded from a degree of medicinal knowledge un- known in a barbarous country ? Aftronomy alfo fupplies a very powerful engine for fhaking the faith of thofe who ex- pefted fcripture to develope the fecrets of nature, inftead of the myfiieries of grace ; and that the infpired narrator of the creation, fhould have prematurely difclofed the laws of plan- etary motion, to gratify the curious ; when his miflion was intended to preferve, in one nation, a fenfe of their obliga- tion to worfliip the " Lord God, who fafhioned the earth and all things that are therein," who made the heavens and all their hoft, who fanclified the clofnig day of creation, and who fufpended the punifliment of difobedient man, and again fet life and death before him.

When a young woman has been duly informed that fcrip- ture narration is defigned to illuftrate moral and theological truths, fhe will not reject it becaufe its language is accom- modated to the prevailing ideas of the times in which it was written. She well knows, that " the pillars of the round world," muft be metaphorically underftood, and that the ro- tation of the fun round the earth is a condefcenfion to pop- ular opinion. She will confefs that the exiftence of deceit is no argument againft the reality of truth ; and ihe will make herfelf miftrefs of the different criteria by which true and fall'e miracles are diftinguiflied. She will fee, that nat- ural properties are no rcftraint on the poffible interpofition of the fupernatural Power who beftowed them ; and that if the Deity vifibly interpofes, he muft a6l by miracle. She will allow, that a difference in government and cultivation will change the natural afpect of countries ; and fhe will pay little refpccl to the pretended data of the high antiquity of the earth, when flie perceives that the allcdged fa(rts are con- troverted, and that no two geologifls draw the fame infers

127

ences from the Tame analyfi^. Laftly, flie will rot feel her faith fhaken by the partial obfervations of infidel hlftorians, or fceptical biographers ; but will pity the fituation of thofc •vvho are refolutely bent to misftate and niiflead. Their fu- tile fpleen v»nll only ferve to confirm her faith ; for fiae muft recollect her Lord's prediction, " that the world would fay all manner of evil, falfelyy of his difciples, for his name's fake."

After this certainlyy^?//;/ fpecimen of the liberal care with which our pretended perfeftionifbs guard the du<fl:ile mind of youth from prejudices and tmfconceptw7iy will they have the effrontery to complain of unfair prepoffellion, if we endeav- our to preoccupy the vacant foil ? Had thefe or fimilar ob- je<ftions to the verity of Scripture any weight, had they never been refuted, or, like the difpofllefled demoniacs, been even forced to bear teftimony to the God whom they refifted, we might for a moment hefitate. But every objc6lion which deills now raife againft the gofpel has been refuted number- lefs times. Our modern unbelievers muft feel the pangs of wounded pride, at knowing that they can only throw the broken lances of vanquLihed cavillers againft the invulnera- ble bulwark of religion. Thefe pigmy opponents have fo often been foiled in the field of controverfy, that nothing is left them but to lurk in bye paths, with the cowardly hope of enfnaring filly women, and kidnapping unfufpe6Hng chil- dren, under the common pretence of extraordinary kind- nefs. We have hiftorical teftimony, that the nefarious Illu- minati gave it in charge to their propagandifts, to ufe every poflible method to rmke female converts ,- well knowing that, though our difpofitions and propenfitles did not fo ftrongly ftimulate us to throw off moral reftridlions as the other fex, our minds were lefs enabled by nature and education to re- fift thefe fophifts, who never could endure the Ithuriel fpear of learning and deep Inveftigation.

Religious knowledge will enable us to avoid this fnare i and from my zeal to recommend this defenfive armour to the youth of boih fexes, I have been accufed of enforcing theological erudition at the expenfe of religious practice. I can only fay, that fuch was not my defign ; the moft guard- ed language, however, cannot prevent intentional mifcon- ftruftion. Many of our firft divines, in the arguments which they oppofe to the opinions of certain fchlfmatics, afiirm, that though our Lord improved morality to its highcft pof- fiblc perfe<Stion, by removing it from external behaviour to

128

the heart, his deflgn, in coming into the world, was not to teach a pure fyftem of morahty, though this fyftem is one of the confequenccs appertaining to his miiTion. They ex- tend this obfcrvation to the Mofaical law, which they affirm, was buik upon, or rather took for granted, thofe notices of right and wrong, of the immortality of the foul, and the being of a God, which are often called natural religion ; but which ought to be referred to the traditionary remains of that firft revelation which God made to Adam in Paradife. When morality is taught upon merely worlcHy motives, how- ever refined and exalted by light derived from the gofpel difpenfation, it is confined to exterior deportment •, let us fuperadd the inducements which chriftianity prefents, and it then becomes that perfetftion of virtue to which we are all commanded to afpire j being aflured, that though it is un- attainable as a whole, yet if purfued with finglenefs of heart, and with a fincere defire of progreflive improvement, the weaknefs of our nature will be pardoned by a God who knows our infirmities, in confideration of the all fuffi^cient merit of a facrifice ordained by himfelf, to prove his abhor- rence of fin, and his mercy to repentant offenders.

The foundations on which chriftianity is built, and its fuperiority to mere moral obligations, fhould be underftood by every chriftian j but to feparate faith from morals is the work of an enemy. It is only " through faith, working by love," that we are made meet for the inheritance of the faints in light. The degree of our refpeclive duties, of knowing and adting, depends upon our opportunity of exerting either faculty. Thofe whofe limited underftandings, er humble iiations, prevent them from acquiring much informatio«» may be truly fincere in the praflicc of chriftian virtue ; but where abilities are granted, and leifure allowed, a more am- ple ftock of chriftian knowledge is indifpenfable •, and for this reafon, becaufe fuch perfons are more expofed to ihoic temptations from which it is the beft human prefcrvative. The readers whom I particularly addrefs require this fah> tary aid. General opinion (except in thofe points wherein it is partially miflcd by fafliion) prefcribes thofe outward de- corums of condu(Sl: which are neceflary to pafs well in the world ; but thoft^ who are thus circumftanccd require to be taught, that, unlefs they found this decorum on inward pu- rity of heart, and a defire of obeying their Maker, bearing the name of Chrift will not determine them truly to belong x<i the fold of which he is the appointed Shepherd.

129

■ Thofe who, \vc muft acknowledge, appear to be merely hominal chriftians, are generally thus unfortunate from ig- norance or inconfideration. Some few, indeed, are preju- diced by infidelity ; but I hope, in this country, this defcrip- tion is not numerous. The generality of people are too much engaged by pleafure, or bufinefs, to pay due attention to the important diftindlions which are implied in the name they bear ; and many are perfuaded, that if they lead regu- lar lives, pay every one his due, and hurt no one, they need not inquire any further. On the other hand, as every vir- tue is bounded by two oppofite vices, fo true knowledge lies in a happy medium between grofs ignorance and inquifitive refearch, and fhould be as much proportioned to the capa- city and ftation of the incipient, as liberality fliould be adapt- ed to the fortune of the giver. A thirft for what is called religious edification has transformed many an indufl:rious fimple mechanic into a vagabond fanatic, empty of every Valuable quality fuited to his rank and education, but fwoll- en by conceit and fpiritual pride into a falfe belief of fuper- natural endowments. A defire to penetrate into infcrutable myfteries has overfet many a weak underftanding, and per- verted many an excellent houfewife into the ufelefs charac- ter of an enthufiaftical devotee. Thefe misfortunes, how- ever, generally proceed from the quality^ not the quantity^ of knowledge which is imbibed. Here, as in the groves of Paradife, the tree produces both good and evil ; and it un- fortunately happens, that what is moft fuitable to our palates is often moft pernicious to our conftitutions. By fome un- accountable propenfity, weak minds are always moft anxiouss to dive into unfathomable depths ; their very incapacity to acquire what others know, ftimulates their eagernefs to di{^ cover what cannot be known.

As right principles are the beft human means of procur- ing right condufl, I would earneftly folicit the young ftu- dent to confult fuch guides,* as will afilft her in founding

* Could the recommendation of an obfcure partially informed woman add celebrity to the names of Gilbert, Weft, Sherlock, Paley, Hey, and Bryant, flie would mention thefe authors as Inftances of that clofe invef- tigation, and full viev/ of the fubjecfts on which they treat, which convey* perfpicuous information to the mind of the reader. The name of Dr. Rogers may be added to the lift, not only on account of his fermons, but of his valuable tratfl on the viflble and invifible church of Chrift ; in which he enforces a duty now too much difregarded, I m.ean fubmiffion to our eccleliaftical fuperiors, in a clear aad convincing manner.

litr faith, rather on the convictions of her unclcrftancHrig, than on the impulfcs of fancy, or the warmth of devotional feehng ; though thi:> lad will be i'uperadded, in proportion as the certainty of faith increafcs, and as habit conlirms piety. I would peculiarly recommend to my own fcx fuch writer* as aim at communicatiufj; clfar ideas. When our under- ftanding is thoroughly informed by thefe, we may with more fafety confuk florid and rhetorical authors, if our relilh for their manner have not been abated by a more improving courfe of lludy. We are charged with being « of imagina- tion all compadl;" and one reafon that is fuggefted againft the expediency of our becoming deep theological readers, is our natural turn to enthuliafm. As the enthuiiaft is gener- ally unhappy in herfelf, and certainly very unamiable ta others, the utmoft care Ihould be taken to avoid this dan- gerous lubflitute for true piety ; by not fuffering fancy to interfere in fo momentous a point, as that of exam'wmg our t'ltlc tofalvaiion. That modefi:y of knowledge, which is alike anxious to cvoid being ignorant of what it ought to know, and of penetrating into " thofe fecrct things which belong to the Mofl High," fhould be efpecially recommended to women. This would be our beft prefervative againft the fallacious reprcfentations of a party, who now dreadfully dif- turb the peace of the church, and (I hope tmiUjtgncdly) alTauIt the foundation of the edifice which they aftedt to reverence. By recommending clear diftin^l ideas to the young members of our ellablilhment, I alfo wilh to diicredit the aflertions of another fet of enemies to our Sion, who reprefent our creeds as formed on confufed notions, and blind credulity y and our hierarchy, as one of the impofitions which priell craft and ipiritual ambition forced upon the fervile mind of half awakened ignorance.

It is evident, however, that while we are encompafled by this wall of flefh, our perception of fpiritual objects mufl: be faint and indiftin^l. Of the perfonality and ubiquity of the Deity, for inftance, the molt learned men confefs that no diftincft notion can be formed. One of the reafons given by our philofophiftical perfe«Slionifl:s, why children fliould not know that there is a Gcd, proceeds from the impofllbility of their forming juft notions of Him. This overftrained re- fpe^t is affeclcd \ for the moft exalted human intellefl; la- bours under the fame defe^Tl. May we not inquire, in what refpeft tlie doftrine of the unity of the triune Godhead is

131

iefs commenilirate to the capacity of his finite creatures, than that God exifts through all time and fpace ?

« Thus far flialt thou go and no farther, and here fliall thy proud waves be ftayed," faid the creative Word, when the foaming ocean firft poured into its prepared abyfs. The limits of human knowledge, though various as our under- flandings, have a fimilar curb affixed, beyond which they cannot pafs. The firft bufinefs, therefore, of tuition is, to draw this boundary line, and to inform the pupil what learn- ing and attention can do, and what it muft leave undone ; how far reafon may develope myftery, and where fhe muft bow her head, and confefs her human fallibility. When an ambaflador afiures us that he comes from heaven, we may call upon reafon to inquire into the nature of his mefllige, and the validity of his credentials. When he preaches *' righteoufnefs, temperance, and judgment to come," fhe muft confefs that he fpeaks the language of his native coun- try ; and when he appeals to miracle and prophecy, fhe al- lows that, according to her own preconceived ideas, the fovereign who employs him would thus accredit his mefl^en- ger. He may, indeed, difcover fomething of the infernal affairs of thofe regions different from what reaibn imagined was the cafe ; and he may propofe fuch terms of peace as flie did not expect or enjoin ; fuch confirmatory ceremonies as fhe did not conceive to be abfolutely neceffary. If the am- bafi^ador only came from an unknown country, he might juftly anfwer the inquiries of reafon, by fiying, " Such are *' the cuftcms cxf the nation to which I belong. With us, *' they are of great utility ; though, as they are founded on *' ufages materially different from yours, I cannot fully ex- *' plain them to you." But if he be alfo the agent of our lawful king, againft whom we have rebelled, and with whoni we feek reconciliation, unlefs reaibn exceed hertruft flie can only afcertain the abfolute verity of the envoy, and advife us to accept the offered mercy on the terms propofed. Thefe may feem to us not {o honourable to the nature of our prince, as fome that we could have fuggefted ; but as we have never fecn him, and do not know the precife rules of his internal government, our own prefumption, in judging when we have not fufficient ground to form an opinion, de- ferves the fevereft cenfure. All that we know of him in- deed, either by his vilible acts, or by the difcoveries made by his ambafFador, befpeaks him holy, wife, juft, and mer- ciful \ but as we cannot difcover how thefe attributes blend

132

with each other, fo that none fhould preponderate, we are incapacitated from prefcribing bounds to any of them. It cannot be faid, that this ambalFador may have mifrcprefent- ed his mafter ; for he has filenced this obje<^ion, by fhcw^ ing what we all know to be the royal fignet ; a vifible une- quivocal interruption of the courfe of nature ; which is, un- queftionably, the method by which God would fpeak to nian.

Reafon, if faithful to her office, will alfo acknowledge, that a direcH: revelation is fuch a folemn interpofition of Heaven, as cannot be lightly and cafually aftbrded. It mufl not only be abfolutely neceflary to thofe to whom it is made ; but it muft difcover truths which could not othcrwife be known.* Had the law and the gofpel taught us nothing but what human reafon could have discovered, we muft then have allowed that fceptics are right in affirming that belief in revelation fuppofes a needlefs interpofition of the Almigh- t}'. Every myfterious dodlrine that fcripture contains is in fact a confirmation of its authenticity. We fliall hereafter inquire, whether, by its analogy to the incomprehenfible parts of vifible nature, we may not further afcertain, that the God whom we chriftians worfliip is moft truly the Creator ;and Governor of the world ; or, to fpeak more fully, that

* The ncceffity of 3. divine revelation may be gathered from vhat the celebrated deiflical writer, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, lays of what he calls five fliort notices imprinted by God on the minds of all men, ifl. That there is one fupreme God. 2dly, 'i'hat he is chi(.tly to be worlliip- ped. 3dly, That piety and virtue are tJie prinrip.d p.irts of his worfliip. 4thly, That we mufl repent of our fins ; and if we do, God will pardon them. Jthly, That there arc rewards for good, and punilliments for bad men, in a future ftate. Our divines, in anfwer to thefe allegations againft the neceihty of revelation, juftly obfervc, th:.: wc muft not judge of nat- xivaX religion, or dcifm, from what we nciv know, fmce even thofe who re- jetTt chriftianity partake of the light that it has diflufird; but from what the world was previous t<^ the coming of Chrift. They propofe the learn- ed age of Auguftus as a fair fpecimen. The i1rft and iecontl notices were tlien difrcgarded ; for no nation, but the Jews, acknowledged orvvorfliip- ped one fupreme God. The moit enlightened men of that period facri- iiced to fenfual and numerous deities. Nor would the third be more re- f;arded ; for the mode of propitiating falfc gods was by abl'urd and bru- tifli rites. In refpecl to the fourth notice, the luathens reproached the chriftians for declaring that God would pardon finners ; and as to the jth, jt was hoped by fome fc<£ls of philofophers, denied by others, and doubt- ed by all. See Hey's Ledliires, vol. i. p. 342.

The mere belief c.f the immortalitv of the foul, is very diftlrent from a perfuafion that this future ft.;tc will be retributive. Modern heathens proceed no furtlier than, in the words of Pope, to expet'l " an ec^ual iitaver, in which tlicir faithf»ii dog will bear them company."

133

the fyftem of the univerfe, the operations of Providence, and the covenant of grace, evince unity of defign, and proceed ijtpon the fame fundamental principles.

The firfl duty of reafon, therefore, is, to examine the ev- idences and credibility of chriftianity, confidered as a whole ; her next care fliould be, to determine to which of its vari- ous fedls and denominations it is moft expedient to belong. Solitary worfhip is always comfortlefs ; and opinions infula- ted from all others are fure to run into feme wild extreme ; beflde, it is moft certain, that the promifes of fupernatural affiftance, which Chrift made to his followers, were given to tliat collective body, or (to refer to our ecclelxaftical affirma- tion of faith) to " that congregation of faithful men, where ** the true word of God is preached, and the facraments du- *' ly adminiftered," which we call a church. By thus con- fecrating community to the purpofe of fan£lity, the author of our religion has not departed from the method which he follows in the ordinary providential government of the world ; where we fee good of various kinds, comfort, fecurity, ftrength, pleafure, wealth, and profperity, all flowing from men combining together ; and mifery, weaknefs, and pover- ty, enfuing from their atSling feparately or in oppolition to each other. That it was the defign of our blefled Lord, that all his followers fliould be knit together in the clofeft bond of concord and amity, cannot be doubted by any who carefully examine the facred records of his life and conver- fation. I will point out one inftance, the folemn commen- datory prayer preferved in the feventeenth chapter of St. John's gofpel, which is particularly in point. Remember, Chrift oftcred it not only for his immediate apoftles, but " for all who fliould, through their preaching, believe in him in all the world ;" and that it was an a<Sl imuicJiateiy pre- ceding his bitter paflion. How urgent is the motive, how hnpreffive are the requefts that are contained in thcfe awful words, " That they alfo may be one, even as thou, Father, *< art in me, and I in thee ; that they alfo may be one in us, ** that the world may believe that thou haft fent me." Are they indeed flncere, who attempt to difFufe the light of the gofpel among heathen nations, and conne(51; their miffionary zeal with reftlefs folicitude to increafe the fchifms and dif- fentions, which our Lord deprecates, as preventives of the

univerfal reception of his faith ? I fear, my dear Mifs M ,

the world will never know that Jef^fs noas fent h^ God^ while regard for truth is facrificed to a bUnd zeal for maftery, and

134

the very name of evangelical is afiunied as a mark of diflinc*! tive preeminence, and a taunting proverb of reproach.

The texts of fcripture that enjoin this duty of unity and chriftian communion, are fo numerous in the gol'pcls, the a(fts, the eplftles, and even in the revelations, that it is diffi- cuh to imagine how this vaft body of evidence can be evad- ed, or rather braved. The primitive church acted upon this principle ; and, with equal firmnefs, dealt her eccleiiaftical cenfures on all who difturbed the peace of the community with new and ftrange dodrines, or difgraced it by their fcan- dalous lives. Different formularies were indeed adopted in national, and even in provincial churches -, but " one Lord, one faith, and one baptifm," were univerlally preferved. Among the numerous difperfed and perfecuted members of our holy religion, the leading principles of all churches were the fame ; the members of all joined in communion. The obligation to this unity and fellowfliip appeared fo ftrong to the founders of the Reformation, that it was with the ut- moft reluctance, and in confequence not only of the fcanda- lous corruptions, but the invincible obftinacy of the church of Rome, that they at length ventured to apply to themfelves the angelic fummons recorded in the apocalypfe, and es- teemed it to be their duty to <* come out of the corrupted Babylon." Many wife and temperate men have lamented while they acknoivledged the neceffity for this feceffion, which doubtlefs opened the door to numerous diffenters, who have pleaded for a licenfe and freedom of choofing, to which that precedent gives no countenance. The hazardous expedient of feparation fhould never be reforted to, unlefs the feceders can prove, that the church, from which they disjoin them- felves, has, like that of " Rome, erred not only in their Hv- ing and manner of ceremonies, but aifo in matters of faith." It cannot be denied, that even in the age of the apoftles, and efpecially from the period when chriftianity received the fanftion of the civil power, herelies, fchiims, and furious dif- putes, have difturbed the peace of the chriftian world. Part of thefe troubles muft doubtlefs be afcribed to the unremit- ting zeal with which the arch apoftate (figuratively Ityled the dragon) oppofes the myftical fpoufe of God. She is fometimes driven into the wildernefs, haraffed by perfecu- tion, and denied repofe. At other times, llie is attempted to be lulled by a fatal fecurity into that lukewarmnefs and indifference, which is ftill more dangerous to her well being. Her affliiStions arc often from without, but yet mere fre-

135

quently irom falfe brethi'en. That the Ah-nlghij fnJWs thefe trials of his people as a community, on the fame principles as he permits individual correclion, was ever acknowledged ; but to affirm, that he tnade men to differ in religious matters, is quite a modern difcovery. He fuffers evil, but he cannot be faid to be the original author of it. He permits calami- ty ; this world could not elfe be a probationary llate ; nor could virtue be perfected without fatlering. Patience is pre- fcribed as the foftener of pain ; pain is neceflliry to prepare us to refign this too much valued life ; but will any one thence afTert, that the Almighty made his creatures on pur- pole to fuffer ?* The dcift, who believes the Creator of the world to be a God of order and unity, would blufii to aflert, that phylical and moral confufion and difcord, were parts of his deiign. The chriftian, who traces the attributes of the author of nature through the courfe of two fucceffive reve- lations, mufi: be abfurdly Impious, if he ferioufly affirm, that God *' made men to differ on fuch an important point as *^ religious belief, on which he enjoined unity by precept, *' and enforced it by miracle."

" It muft needs be that offences will come," faid the Sav- iour of the world. It is neceflary to the conftitution of a probationary ftate, that there fhould be trials to afilidl and punilh vice, and to purify and exercife virtue. " But," he continues, *' woe to that man by whom fuch offence com^ eth." It was determined by the foreknowledge and wifdom of God, before the foundation of the world, that, in the fulnefs of time, Chrifl fhould be offered up as a facrifice for the fins of the world ; but woe to the treacherous, avaricious Judas, who betrayed his meek and holy mafler ! All ages and nations of the chriflian world have joined in exewating the perfidious difciple, who was the immediate means of binding his Lord upon the crofs, at the fame time that they have clung to the benefits of the atonement. Woe alfo to him who, through the pride of reafon, fplritual felf-fuffi- ciency, contempt of fubordinatlon, or ambition of preemi- nence, unneceflarily diffents from the church of Chrift, or attempts to fhake the faith of others, and to alienate their obedience ! His vanity may, indeed, be gratified by the ap- plaufes of thofe who adopt his tenets ; but what recompenfe can he make for giving occafion to the enemies of God to blafpheme j or how can he heal thofc breaches which reli-

*• See Natural Tlieologr, o;i the Goodnefs of the Deity.

13G

gious difputation always makes in chriftian charity ? If he thus offend Hghtly and unadvifedly, or if, from fmlller views, he raife his diforganizing voice againft the fupplications of his dying Lord, the commands of the apoftles, and the ufage of the primitive chriftians, how fearful muft be his guilt ! He will, perhaps, plead fome inward illuminations, forne fenfible and efpecial call of the Spirit of God j as we know, however, that the figns of an apoftle have always accompa- nied any peculiar or unufiial call to the miniiliry, we may well demand fuch an unequivocal proof of extraordinary unftion from thefe felf-commiffioned teachers of'the fecret things of God. But if, recolle(5l:ing the power which enthu- fiafm always aflumes over weak, ill regulated, or ill inform- ed minds, we hope that folly may excufe the faults of ma- ny; let us ourfelves beware of leaving the true fold, to hearken to irregular or unlkilful fliepherds. Of their in* ward illuminations, alTurances, and experiences, we can form no notion, and may only hope that they feem fo far con- vincing to their bewildered minds, as to excufe them on the fcore of fincere ignorance -, but their actions prove them to be amenable to the church of God, whofe peace they dif- tifrb by verbofe declamations, and contumacious difputes, concerning matters, either in tliemfelves unimportant, or ap- pertaining to thofe councils of God into which we dare not pretend to penetrate. It is confidered as a fundamental prin- ciple in politics, that it is better to endure a fmall evil, than to attempt to remove it with hazard of interrupting the public peace ; the church militant is a fociety of human be- ings, and, as fuch, fallible -, fhe muft, therefore, be govern^- ed by coercive laws, fimilar to thofe which regulate other communities ; and provided her errors do not affeft impor- tant points of faith, which might juftify her members in re- nouncing their allegiance, fhe may claim their obedience in things indifferent, even on the fole ground of her own au- thority, without pofitive warranty of fcripture. If fcruples of confcicnce are really felt, on account of fome of her infti- tutions, a candid difcovery of them to fome judicious and religious friend, (let us fay, to the parochial minillcr,) might enlighten the dubious judgment, and confirm the wavering mind. If after thefe mealures are taken, apprchenfions ftill remain, we mull hope that, in fuch a tnfe, diffent is not fin- ful. But let it be remembered, that an ingenuous and fin- cere mind is more apt to veil its difcrepance in modeft fi- Unco, and to luwent it a^ a mibforluiic, ihan by blozomn^ its

137

nonconformity to the world, to communicate its fcruples to others, and thus to make a merit of difobedience. When converts to any new opinions accompany this change by any marks of hoftiHty to the party which they have deferted, fomewhat very different from gofpel iincerity, it is to be fear- ed, kirks in their oftenhbly regenerated hearts.

You will alk me, if I have not acknowledged that good has refulted to the church from thefe internal ftruggles ? Mod unqueftionably, the aflailing weapons of falfe brethren have, like the cenfers of Korah and his rebellious partifans, been converted into " broad plates for a covering for the al- tar." But though thus appropriated by that Providence who brings good out of evil, they were ftill " the cenfers of finners asainft their own fouls."* That the defence and fe- curity of the church fhould grow out of the means that were concerted for her deftru(Stion, is analogous to the fen- lible operations of nature. Thofe violent gufts of wind, which wreck our ftately veflfels, and cover the earth with the ruins of her proudeft ftru6lures, or fairefl: products, are deemed falubrious to the health of its inhabitants, by fcat- tering the conglomerated feeds of peftilence, and reftoring the vital purity of the atmofphere ; yet notwithftanding this happy effedl, the tempeft is ftill a fore calamity. Why nat- ural evil fhould fublift, has perplexed the minds of many philofophers ; and perhaps the beft anfwer tliat has been given is, that the fcale of being is fo extended, and its ram- ifications (efpecially if we extend our views to other worlds, and other orders of rational and dependant beings) are fo complicated, that a great general advantage necelTarily in- volves a particular calamity ;f which calamity, in a proba- tionary ftate of exiftence, is no impeachment of the juftice of God. How moral evil came into this world, we learn from Holy Scripture ; and when the Almighty makes good to ilTue from it, he gives, I may fay, a vifible proof, not on- ly that he is " Lord of the Evil One," but that he does not *'wilUngly afflift the children of men." The advantage, therefore, which has refulted to the church, from being thus continually forced to defend and examine her doctrines, can- not be urged in proof that God made men to differ in re- ligion 5 or that it is his pleafure there fhould be a diverfity

* See Numbers, i6th chap, verfe 38. f This is the opinion of Dr. Palcj,

s

1.18

of worfliip among chriftians. He enjoins concord and uni- ty. That he futlers men to clilbbey this command, is no more a proof that it did not proceed from him, than that the exiftcnce of murder, adultery, and tlieft, nfcind the ol> ligation and difannul the authority of the commandments.

When I fpeak of the church in general, I keep our nine- teenth article in my eye. This church, we are informed, is iVattered over all the chriftian world ; various modes of wor- ihip, and particular tenets, belong to its disjointed parts ; yet I truft, in fpite of the efrorts of ill difpofed men, fome bond of union, fome token of intercommunity, ftill fubfifta between its members ; fufficient to allow us to fpeak of it as a whole, though certainly not as that clofely cemented, well compacted building which its blefied Founder and his apof- tlcs laboured to form j and in point of purity, as well as doc- trine, very different from that glorious church, which (in the language of eaftern metaphor) is denominated the Spoufe of the Lamb, and is to be prefented to her Lord without fpot or wrinkle, holy, undefiled, and glorious in majefty and beauty ; while myriads of myriads join in linging one fpoufal Ibng. Such is the promifed ftate of the triumphal church : if we would partake of it, we muft adhere to her during her militant probation ; and, in the fpirit of the royal pfalmift, «' we fliall be folicitous to heal her breaches j" we " fliall *' rejoice in her profperity ; and becaufe of the houfe of the *' Lord our God, we fhall feek to do her good."

The church of England is that branch of the univerfal church, under whofe lliadow we are invited to take fhelter. However lightly it may be efteemed by various fanatics who have fprouted forth under its mild protection, it is efteemed, by foreign proteftants, as the preeminent fan«^tuary of the reformed religion. I will refer you to the deciflon of an eminent divine, who was highly celebrated all over the Con- tinent for his learning and moderation, and was himfelf a member of the Prefbyterian miniftry. The name of Lc Clerc fandlions his opinions with theological readers. Speak- ing of epifcopacy, he obfcrves, *' I have always profeffed to *' believe, that epifcopacy is of apojlolical inftitution, and con- <* fequently very good and very lawful ; that man has no " right to change it in any place, unlefs it was impofliblc " otherwife to reform the abufes that crept into chriftianity ; *< that it was juftly preferved in Enghind, where the refor- " mation was practicable without altering it •, and that there- " fore the proteftants in England, and other places where

139

« there are bifhops, do very ivroug to feparate from that dlf- « cipline ; that they would do ftill vvorle in attempting to •* deftroy it, in order to fet up prcfbytery, fanaticifm, and «< anarchy. Things ought not to be turned into a chaos, «* nor people feen every where without a call, and without *' learning, pretending to infpiration. Nothing is more pro- *< per to prevent them than the epifcopal difcipline, as by ** law eftabliflied in England ; efpecially when thofe who ** prefide in church government are perfons of penetration, " fobriety, and difcretion." He afterwards acknowledges that it has been fo clearly proved, that the truth of it cannot be denied, that Chrift and his apoftles indituted the epifco- pal form of government •, and that the church never had any other for one thoufand five hundred years, from our Saviour's days downward.*

The teftimony of an adverfary has great weight. From motives of political expediency, Mr. Le Clerc exercifed the fundlions of a minifter in a fociety of chriftians who had rc- jetEled the epifcopal form which he fo highly commends.

Notwithftanding the grateful obligations which we owe to the fathers of the Reformation, we cannot deny that they partook of the paffions and infirmities of human nature. The cruel and perfidious treatment which they had experi- enced from the Romifh church ftimulated the protcflants to an unwarrantable degree of fury, hatred, and revenge. The aim of many of thefe feems to have been, to make the fepa- ration and diftindtion between themfelves and the apocalyp- tical Babylon as marked as pofilble. Thus, inftead of taking the fcriptures for their guide, and the primitive churches for their model, it was fufficient for them to rejecl many an- cient and beneficial cuftoms, merely becaufe they had been adopted by their opponents, whole touch was efleemed to be contamination. Proteftantifm was not without fevers provocations in England, as the reigns of Henry the Vlllth and Mary the Ift amply teftify ; but whether it was owing to the more enlightened fobriety of the nation, or, as I be- lieve, to the good providence of God, who at that time en- lightened our Sion with luminaries of furprifing fpiendour, the founders of our church, as well as its firft eftabliflimcnt under King Edward the Vlth, as at its reedification under Queen Elizabeth, were guided by the molt admirable mod- eration. Nothing was rejedled merely becaufe it was the

* Biblloth. torn. ix. page 159.

140

ufagc of popery, unlefs it was alfo tainted with the errors of that ambitious hierarchy. Nothing new was adopted, un- lefs the utter unfitncis of former cuftoms rendered the in- troduction of novelty unavoidable. Hence we retain not only the conftitution of the primitive church, but alfo many of its ufages. Nay more, our liturgy was compiUdy rather than compofed ; with a refpeftful reference to venerable rit- uals, their doxologies and creeds were adopted ; feveral pray- ers of our fervice were entirely tranflated from the formu- laries of early times, or from the writings of the fathers ; and in others the fenfe has been condenfed, and fuited to our cuftoms, modes of thinking, and the alteration of man- ners and iituation.

Nor is it merely on account of her conftitution, and lit- urgical fervice, that the church of England claims fuch high confideration ; the fame wife moderation which determined her to preferve what was valuable and important in thefe points, kept her alfo in a happy medium between thofe op- pofite errors which at that time diftradled the peace of the world, and which, I grieve to fay, fcill fubfift. Perhaps, our )beft way of gaining a clear notion of the doctrines of our national church will be, to examine the notions of thofe who diflent from her ; and though the antipodes are not wider* from each other, and confequently though our church feems more likely to accord with either, than for them to form an agreement ; fuch is the lamentable animofity with which they purfue her, that they almoft feem to unite their difcor- dant notions in order to procure her downfal. Is not this coalition a teflimony that her exiftence is the firmed: bul- wark againft the ambition of either party ? Unlefs they are mutually infincere in their own religious profeffions, it is ev- ident that they believe they would mutually prove but weak Opponents to each other, fuppoiirig this formidable rival

• Nothing, certainly, can be more pointedly oppofite, than the diflin- guilliin;; tenets of the Sociniaiis and tliofc of the Uriel CalvinifU. The one hoitis CliriQ to have done all for our falvation, by his one oblation of himfelf ; the other maintains, that fuch oblation never was olTcred. One affirms, that wc are mere machines in the hands of God ; the other, that moral virtue entitles us to reward, &c. Yet in numberlefs periodi- cal publications: profefTedly hoftile to our church, we may trace a fufpi- cious forbearance, a tacit' agreement, if not an aiflual approbation, of works of cither of the above defcription, if hoftile to the cflabliliiment ; which hoftility appears to be the rallying point of either party. Does tliis verfatility conliU with that f.'iglcnefs of heart which alone can jufU- fy djiTtnt ?

141

could be overthrown. This is a ftrong argument, to per- fuade every lover of temperate opinions to fupport what is fuch an obje£t of terror to thofe of violent and extreme no- tions.

But before we proceed to the propofed inveftigation, X •will mention one other claim which the national church has to our obedience. It is the eftabliflied form of v/orfliip. I do not propofe to found fpiritual belief on political expedi- ency ; but I aflert, that the religion of our country has a prior right to our attention, fo far as to induce us to give it a ferious inveftigation ; and if her do6lrines are found to be evangelical, and her ufages, as far as change of manners will allow, apoftolical ; if in that human mixture which muft al- ways be admitted into eccleliaftical inftitutions, there be nothing contrary to fcripture ; if flie a£Fe£l no wanton exer- pife of authority, and afTume no high pretenfions to infalli- bility, nor abfolute control over the confciences of men ; it feems as if no reafon can be urged for renouncing her com- munion, except it be the ftrong predilection which arifejj from our having been educated in fome other religious fo- ciety. Had we only nonconformifts of this latter defcrip- tlon to lament, the afpe6t of the prefent times would not be fo alarming to the friends of our venerable eftablifliment, becaufe fuch opponents are the moft moderate, fteady, and refpectable ; but the dreadful opinions that arife out of the abufe of religious toleration, namely, that in this land of liberty every one has a right to choofe his religion, gains ground j and the pride of exercifing a fuppofed privilege, joined to the delire of being diftinguilhed by fuperior intel- ligence and difcrimination, and, I fear I muft add, the arts and allurements of the enemies of all religion, feduce many unftable minds, efpecially in the lower ranks of life ; who renounce the communion of the church from which they have received baptifm ; with the fame inconlideration and indifference as they affimilate their garments to the prevail- ing falhion.*

* That fcliifm is not confidered as a liglit and trivial offence by the regular minifters of the prefbyterian form of worfliip, may be perceived in the following extracSl from the works of an eminent Scotch divine, who indeed does but echo the fcntiments of all well conftituted churches an- cient and modern, not excepting thofe founded by Calvin, or his immediate difciples. Dr. Hill, in his I'hcological Inllitutes, obfervcs, "The name of f fehifm, therefore, is referved for fcparation proceeding upon fome friv- '■^ olous reafon, which is often merely a pretext for gratifying the paffions " of ambition, avarice, refcntment, and envy. When attachments to par-

142

As women are moft difpofed to think fcrioiifly, and to be fincere in their religious profelTions, hence arifes the ne-. ceflity of their not only being well inflrudted in the general outline of chrillianity, but alio that they fhould know the peculiar tenets of the church to which they belong, and the quilt of unneceflary feparation from her ; which church, as far as relates to my readers, I fuppofe to be that by law ef- tablilhed. You, my dear young friend, have had the hap- pinefs of improving the elementary knowledge which you early imbibed of this, as far as human fallibility will admit, excellently well conftituted fociety, into the folid preference which reililts from having inveitigated the propriety of its inftitutions and dodbines. Yet, as I know that your atten- tion has been much engrofled by your favourite ftudy of elegant literature, it is probable you may not have attended to a very Unifter attempt to overturn our church, which has been inveloped in a pretended affection to her original in-

" ticular teachers form chriftians into parties, they fall under the cenfurc * which Paul addrefled to the Corinthians, " I hear that there are con- " tentions and fchifms among you. Every one of you faith, • I am of « Paul, I of ApoUos, and I of Cephas, and I of Chrift. Is Chrift divided ?' " When the feparation proceeds from the idea of forming a more perfedl « eftablifhment, it is feldomduly confidered that no human inflitution can •' be faultlefs, and that the evils which ncceflarily arife from fchifm far " counterbalance any advantages which may be expedlcd from improve- " meats not eflcntial to the conftitution of the church. When chriftians " feparate, bccaufe the difcipHne of the church docs not appear to them " fulFiciently ftridl, they act as if the comfort and benefits derived from " the ordinances of religion depended upon the characSter of thofe who " partake with us ; or as if the purity which the anabaptifts require in *' the church of Chrift could be attained on this fide the grave. And " when their only complaint is with fome regulations of the church con- '• ceriiing matters acknowledged to be in thcmfclves indifferent, they for- " get that it is impoliible to frame any regulations of fuch matters which " will meet the prejudices and ojjinions of all ; that obedience to compe- •* tent authority enjoining what is not unlawful for the fake of order, " does not imply a facriiicc of chriftian liberty ; and that the new con- " gregation cannot exift, and attain the purpofes of its inflitution, with- " out fome cxercife of the fame authority.

" Whatever be the nature of the frivolous or corrupt motives which " give to reparation the character of fchifm, the conduct of all who attain " the name of fchifmatics is blameworthy. It does not correfpond to the •* defcription of the catholic church, which is faid in fcripture to be ' one «' body, in which there ought to be no fchifm ;' it is contrary to the ei- " hortations and entreaties of tiie apoftles, recommending unity and peace; " and in all a<^cs it has appeared to the church deferving of the fame rc- " prchenfion and cenfure which the apoftles diredied againft a fimilar « fpirit in their Jays." A modern author calls fchifm ' a bugbear, that formerly tormented weak confcienccs, but now completely exploded like Witchcraft and magic'

143

ftitutlons, and zeal agalnft a fuppofed pcrverfion of what, it is alTerted, were her fundamental do6lrines. This con- troverfy is fo extraordinary and recent, that I conceive I Ihall be of fome fervicc to my readers, by enlarging upon and refuting an ill founded charge.

The party which thus calumniates our exifting church recommends itfelf to the favour of its readers by arrogating the title of evangelical chriftians. An ephemeral publica- tion is circulated, addrefled to our fex exclufivelyy in which the names of about one hudred and fifty chapels, churches, and meetinghoufes, are enumerated, where the minifters whofe names are fubjoined are faid to preach the go/pel. The inference fairly is, that the gofpel can only be heard in thofe fpecified places. The moft learned, impreflive, enlighten- ed, and, I may add, valuable clergy of the eftabliihment are not in this number ; it is therefore obliquely denied that the gofpel is preached by them.

If we alk thefe pretenders to fuperior light what their gofpel is, they will perhaps anfwer in the language of a charming poet and worthy man, whofe mind was unhappi- ly warped by this prejudice, " It is the divinity of the glo- *' rious reformation ; I mean in contradi<ftion to armenian- *' ifm, and all the ifms that ever were broached in this *' world of error and ignorance. The divinity of the re- " formation is called calvinifm, but injurioufly -, it has been ** that of the church of Chrifl in all ages. It is the divin- *' ity of Paul, and of Paul's mafter, who appeared to him ** in his way to Damafcus."* According to this account, Luther, Melanilhon, Erasmus, and Cranmer, were twt re- formei's.

* See Mr. Cowper'e Life, vol. i. page 374. Does tlie letter from which this extradt is taken deferve praife, either for liberal ideas, enlarged in- formation, or corredl expreffion .' When were the peculiar doctrines of Calvin the religion of the church, unlefs we bound the church to his im- msdlate part'ifans ? and to \)\i Jingular tenets only can the term Calvinifm be juftly applied. Calvin indeed pretended to fliield them behind fome mif- conliru^Eted texts in St. Paul's cpiftles ; but where are they taught by Paul's mafler ? Surely not when he met him in the road to Damafcus ; for if this great apoftle was predeftinated to be faved, that aftonifliing vi- fion was unneceflary. " Saul, Saul, why perfecutcfl; thou me ?" is not a favourable text for thofe who hold unconditional eledtion, and the im- peccability of the eledk. I fliould conceive that Mr. Cowper had only read one fide of the controverfy between the Arminians and Calvinifls ; and, like many others, confounded Calvin's very dangerous and diftin- guifliing tenets, with thofe which he held in common with the other re- formers.

144

If we again inquire what are the tenets of Calvin, they will anfwer (at leaft, they thus anfwer in books held out to enfnare the multitude,) they arc the docSlrine of original fin, of the benefit and neceflity of the -atonement, of the Trini- ty, and of the afliflanccs of the Holy Spirit. But thcfc arc the acknowledged dodtrincs of the church of England, for which fhe has been long afiailed by her other opponents, who, with a degree of unfounded felf-flattery fimilar to the evangelical, call themfelves unitarian chriftians-, forgetting that the firft article of our church is a folemn profefllon of her belief in one God. But to return : to difcover the rea- fon for the controverfy that we are now confidering, we muft fearch deeper, and we fliall then find that, befide the particulars in which Calvin joined other proteftants, the fombrous hue of his imagination, and his impatience of fu- periority, induced him to adopt fingularities in doflrine and difcipline. In the former, by revi\ing the exploded notions of the neceflitarians ; and in the latter, by eftablifli- ing the prefbyterian form of church government, which, ac- cording to the concefiion of Mr. Le Clerc, was an anomaly in the chrifirian church. As the church of England pre- ferved that form of ecclefiaft:ical government which had been univerfal for fifteen hundred years, we might, without going further, infer that flie did not fubfcribe to the ftill more ^eprehenfible parts of a fyftem that has caufed fuch a long, and, it is to be feared, incurable fchifm among the reformed churches. But thefe evangelical teachers affirm that fhe did ; and it is thefe very doctrines, which in their opinion conftitute that purity of the gofpel, and thole ori- ginal principles of our church, which they are anxious to reftore.

To repel this charge, not only from our prefent hierar- chy, but from its venerable founders, many learned divines have flood forward, and manfully encountered a torrent of, not only profefiional but perfonal obloquy. In this conteft, the names of Kipling, Daubeny, and Pcarfon, are efpccially celebrated. The firfi; gentleman, in a finall but irrcfiltible pamphlet, plainly Ihows, by extracts from Calvin's works, what thefe much debated doctrines really are. A tranflation is fubjoined,* which enables even the unlearned reader to

.* They are given in Latin, with references to the works from which they arc taken. Al.uiy cvafory rejjlics have hc.u made to tlxio pamphlet ; but, the author bthcvci, uo clear refutation.

145

determine how far they are fupported by the authority of fcripture, or corroborated by the public acls of our church. I hope the reverend author will pardon me, if, from a wifli to introduce his valuable remarks to thofe to whom they may prove impenetrably defenilve armour againft the aflaults of very vigilant adverfaries, I take the hberty of making a large extract from this work. The knowledge of what ftridt calvinifm really is, muft precede our attempt to juftify our church from the charge of having apoftatized. The opin- ions of Calvin, which the Dean of Peterborough has tranf^ lated, are,

Firft, " That omnipotent Being, who has exifted from all " eternity, after he had decreed to create man in his own. ** image, foreordained his fall from original righteoufnefs, *' by which fall Adam's own nature would be corrupted and *' depraved ; and viewed with the eye of prefcience the whole *' of Adam's offspring as a mafs of corruption and perdition.

2dly, " Among the vaft multitude of human beings cora- *' poling this mafs of corruption and perdition. Almighty *' God decreed, before the foundation of the world, to bring " fome to everlafting falvation, and to damn all the reft *' eternally. This decree or purpofe of God is termed by *' Calvin predtjlltmtion ; one being thereby predeftined to ev- " erlafting happinefs, and others condemned by it to ever- " lafting mifery.

3dly, « The objefts of this decree are, not colle£live *' bodies of men, as Jews, Gentiles, Greeks, Romans ; but *' individuals, as John, Matthew, Thomas, Peter, every one " of whofe fate after death is fixed by it, before he is born, *' immutably and everlaftingly.

4thly, " Adam, agreeably to the preordinance of God (for *' we are now coming to the execution of his decrees,) fell ** from innocence ; and in confequence of this lapfe, the ** whole of man's nature, as the Deity had forefeen and fore- *' ordained, underwent a complete change : it became cor- *' rupt, depraved, vicious ; and every defcendant of Adam, ** through his firft parents' tranfgreflaon, became a loft, a *' damned, and accurfed creature, and fuel for the flame of ** divine vengeance.

5thly, « From the birth of Abraham (if not from an ear-

" licr period) to this prefent time, the Deity, agreeably to

*« his eternal purpofe and immutable decree, hath conftantly

*< been taking, and will continue daily to take, thofe indi-

T

14G

" vlduals, whom he preJeftlnated before the world began to " everlafting Talvation, out of this mafs of corruption and " perdition. All the reft, every one, vliom he pafleth by, " and leaves in this ftate of corruption and perdition, he *' reprobates ; /. e. abandons to wickednefs in this life, and " will torture eternally in the next. Thole, whom he makes " choice of, feledls, and fegregates for falvation, are called ** e/ccl. Thofe whom he leaves in their original pollution, *< abandons, and will eternally torment, are called fometimes *' preterites, but mofl commonly reprobates. By eleftion " and reprobation, is executed the immutable decree of pre- " dcftination.

6thly, " This diftrimination made by the Deity between ** the elect and the reprobates is arbitrary ; in no degree *' owing to any fuperior excellence, worth, or merit in the *' former, either prefent and a^lual, or future and forcfeen, " but wholly and folely to God's will and pleafure. He ex- " tricates the ele^l from dcftru(5lion for a demonftration of " his goodnefs. He leaves the reprobates in their original " ftate of perdition for a difplay of his power and glory.

7thly, " After the ele^t are put under the cuftody and *' protedlion of Chrift Jefus ; do what they •will in this life* " they cannot fail of being finally faved, being under an im- *« mutable decree and guarded by Omnipotence. The re- *' probates, how much j'ocvcr they may exert themfelves for the *' piirpofey* cannot attain everlafting falvation, being hindered " therefrom, and repelled by Almighty God. As the final *' falvation of the elecft is in no degree doubtful, from their " firft entrance into this world to their departure out of it, " but is all that time fixed and certain ; fo neither is the " eternal damnation of a reprobate ever uncertain during his " pafl^ige through this world, but is even before he is born ** unalterably fixed and fure. That he fhould perifta, is the *' very purpofe for which he was created.

8thly, " Neither the beft purpofcs, nor the beft endeav- " ours, nor the beft a£ls of an eledt, even after regeneration, *' are in any way preparatory to eternal falvation. On the " contrary, as the eledt people of God, under the Mofaical *' difpenfation, were commanded to defift from their world- <' ly occupations ; fo, in refpecl of all Ipiritual concerns, the " t\t€t under the gofpcl difpenfation are enjoined to bid

* Tlie advocates of Calvin deny that the woids in italics arc in his writings, Tlicy arc however fair inferences from what precedes them.

147

" adieu to all wills, works, and endeavours of their own, and *' to keep moft religioufly a perpetual Sabbath ; that there «' may be free and ample fcope within them for the opera- *' tions of God's Spirit.

pthly, " God, who of his own will and pleafure predefti- " nated the eledl to eternal falvation, himfelf prepares and fits *' them for it. The means ufed by him for this purpofe are *« the preaching of his word, and the operations of his Spi- " rit ; both which together conftitute what is denominated *' fpecial ca'ling.

iothly,"«The operations of God's Spirit are manifold. *' I ft, He forms in the eledl a new underftanding. 2dly, He " deftroys their natural, and creates in them a new will. *' 3dly, Every propenfity they may have, and every effort ** they may make, to do works pleafing and acceptable to *' God, is liis. 4thly, He alfo it is, who begins, continues, <' and fi,niflies every good work done by them, and who *' makes them perfevere to the end in well doing. In each *' of thefe operations, he does not concur or co-operate witli <* the ele^l, but is fole and entire operator j and they are his ** inftruments or organs.

I ithly, " Though the ele*^: may for a time refift the grace *' of God, they cannot finally overcome it. This grace is *« fovereign and invincible in its operation.

I2thly, "God, who arbitrarily predeftinated the repro- " bates to eternal deftru£tion, himfelf alfo prepares and fits <* them for it. He does this by blinding their minds, hard- « ening their hearts, ftupifying their intelledls, depriving <' them of the knowledge of himfelf, withholding from them *' the influence of his Spirit, and delivering them over to " the devil.

I3thly, "The number of the ele^ is very fmall ; the re- ** probates, of courfe, muft be numerous.

Laftly, " The reprobates, thofe numberlefs rational beings, *' whom Almighty God hath raifed up for the illuftration of " his glory, are hateful to him. He alfo hates in propor- " tion to their naughtinefs the chofen few."*

I think, my dear Mifs M , I fee you ftart at hearing

fuch abominable tenets afcribed to the church of w^hich you are an affedlionate member ; and perhaps for a moment you may wonder how you overlooked their abfurdity and impie-

* Other reformers held the doilrlne of abfohite predeflination, partic- ularly Zuinglius.

148

ty, when you gave your hearty airent to the compendium of her do6trines. But be not alarmed. I hope thei'c blaiphe- mous dogmas do not coiiltitute the gofpel of all the one hundred and fifty meetinghoufes, chapels, and churches, where evangelical minifters deliver their numerous lectures. I am certain, that fuch are not, nor ever were, the tenets of the church of England. Many who call themfelves^Calvin- ifts do not go to thefe lengths ; that is to fay, though they adopt the name of calviniftic, as a rallying point for their party, they really are not difciples of Calvin ; and among his profefTcd followers, it is extremely difiirult to peix^iiade them to flate their fentiments ingenuoufly when engaged in con- troverfy ; though in their extemporary addrefTes to their flock, they infift upon the abfolute depravity and inertnefs of man ; on the fuperiority of preaching, as a means of grace, over the written word of God or the facraments ; on fenfi- ble and immediate converfion, or regeneration ; and on the impeccability, or, as I believe it is oftener called, aflurance of the eleft. On the 8th, pth, loth, and nth dogmas, ex- pounded by fpiritual pride and enthufiafm, depend all the rhapfodies relating to the pangs of the new birth, wrefHing with God, full conviiSlion of future falvation, and entire change of affedlions and difpolitions : this they fuppofe is contained in the fcriptural exprefilon regeneration ; which, with them, is to turn from complete wickednefs to finlefs purity, though the early chriftians confined this term to the facrament of baptifm, and the inward grace therein convey-: ed.* Thefe opinions are founded chiefly on fome detache4 texts of St. Paul's controverfial epiftles ; in which he wag debating a fubjecl very different from that of the arbitrary eleftion and reprobation of individual chriftians, namely, the rejection of the Jewilii nation, and the call of the gentile world. By feparating thefe texts from their contexts, and by difdaining to attend to the general analogy of fcripture, a faturnine imagination compofed that extraordinary fyftcm which Dr. Jortin defines to confift of " human beings with- " out liberty, doctrines without fenfe, fajth without reafon, *' and a God without mercy." 1 v^'

I purpofe, in a fubfequent letter, to folidit your attention to a few inftances of mifquotation ; to fhew that, by the method juft alluded to, fcripture may be made to prove whatever an artful polemic Ihall think fit. I muft firft refr

♦ Sec Hcy's Lc<5lures, vol. iv. page 292.

149

cue the church of England from the charge thus brought againft her ; and, happily, we are enabled to repel it by thofe articles, and liturgical formularies, which it has been fo long the aim of our unitarian adverfaries to wreft from us. Had we been deflitute of thofe authoritative ftandards of confift- ency and verity, and had we had nothing to appeal to but the writings of individuals, or the loofe unweighed prayers and exhortations of private preachers, we could not have ftood upon our defence with fo much boldnefs. For, though the main body of our clergy have always refifted Calvin's do^lrines, a few have leaned to his errors ; and, it is melan- choly to own, men of profound learning as well as piety and goodnefs. This, however, is only a proof of human infir- mity, and no more alFedls the general agreement of our church, than St. Peter's temporizing opinions, refpecling the neceffity of Jewifh obfervances, impeached the validity of the fentence pronounced in that cafe by the apollolical college.

A flight review of our articles and liturgy will be fuffi- cient ; In which I fhall clofely follow the fteps of the vene- rable guide to whom I have juft referred you.* It muft be obferved, that our liturgy is addrefled to the people, our ar- ticles to the learned. In the latter, it was neceflary to men- tion the opinions which were at that time much agitated ; and as it was the wifh of the founders of our church to en- large its pale as widely as poliible, many of thofe articles were couched in terms, to which all who were not abfolute bigots might fubfcribe j if therefore, in this mitigated and prudential confeffion of national faith, Calvinlfm be abjur-? edjf what fhall we fay of the principles of our opponents, who endeavour to fix this ftigma upon us ?

I will firft obferve, that our articles uniformly alTert the univerfal pojjibil'ity of falvation ; which is directly contrary to Calvin's declaration, that much the greater part of the hu- man race are abfolutely and unconditionally excluded from mercy. The 31ft article affirms, "That the death of *' Chrift is a perfect redemption, propitiation, and fatisfac- *' tion for all the fins of the whole world, both original and " aftual ;" which implies, not only that ail chriitlans are of- fered eternal falvation ; but that the heathen world are de-

* Dr. Kipling.

f By Calvinifm, nothing can be meant but the peculiar tenets which Calvin held. They who difown thefe are not Calvinifts.

150

livered from the imputation of the original guilt of Adam, and alfo from the eternal confequences of adiual tranfgrcf- fion, provided they frame their lives according to the im- perfect knowledge which they pofTefs. Unlcfs, therefore, univerfal redemption can be reconciled with the utter re- probation of a vaft majority of mankind, this article might decide the controverfy. You well know, univerfal redemp- tion does not mean that all men will, but that all men may, be fived.

On the do(fi:rinc of original fin, our church, in her 9th article, acknowledges that in every one born into the world, even in the regenerated (or baptized and obedient chrif- tians,) a propenlity to evil ftill remains (the confcience of ev- ery one muft atteft this truth,) which partakes fo much of the nature of fin as to deferve damnation. Between deferi>- ing damnation from the juftice of God, and being damned without the interpofition of mercy, the difference is im- menfe.

Calvin terms good works the fruits of grace ; that is to fay, he afcribes them folely to the overruling power of God. Our 1 2th article determines them to be "the fruits of faith ;" that is, as being produced by our co-operation with our divine Afilftant. This is farther fpecified in the I oth article, where the grace of God " is faid to work luith us."

The 15th and i6th articles decide fo pointedly againfl: Calvin's idea of the impeccability of the eledl, that to refer to them is fufficient to fliow that our church never held tenets fo contrary to fcripture, and fo apt to engender the deadly fin of fpiritual pride. I call it deadly, becaufe tljere is fo little hope that they who have fallen into it fliould ever experience a real converfion and true repentance.

The 17th article, which the Calvinifts chiefly build upon, ufes the term eleffion, indeed ; but not as confined to par- ticular perfons. It fpeaks of the deliverance of the whole Chrifiian world, not only from curfe and damnation, but alfo God's intention to bring them to everlafiing falvation, as vefl!els made for honour. While it encourages godly perfons to rejoice, and to meditate on the high promifcs to which as chrifi:ians they are entitled ; it dilTuades curious and carnal perfons from attempting to penetrate into thofe myfterics of God's fecret counfels, by which the " devil doth either thrufl: them into defperation or into wretched- ncfs of unclean living, no lefs perilous than Jcfpcration."

151

The word reprobation is not mentioned in this article ; in Calvin's fyftem, it ever ftands oppofed to ele<Slion ; the eleftion therefore here meant, cannot 1-^ Calvin's ele(^ion. And fure it was a Itrange abfurdity in our ecclcfiaftical founders, to diffiiade the members of their community from Jludying the doctrine which they publicly afferted, by afTur- ing them that it was one of the arts by which the devil ivould attempt to plunge them in lihertinifm and dejpair, I muft prefs this advice upon your mind ; it is a proof what opinion our primitive divines formed of the tendency of Calvin's diftin- guifliing tenets.*

The proofs from our liturgy might be multiplied to al- moft a tranfcript of its various offices. I will again take Dr. Kipling's pamphlet for my guide. Our abfolution can- not accord with Calvinifm ; for would its compiler dare to affront the Deity, by afcribing to him attributes dire£dy contrary to what he believed him to poffel's ? Calvin's God defires and ordains the death of myriads of fmners, to whom he denies all power <* of turning from their wickednefs." The prayer of St. Chryfoftom, the colletSl for the 4th Sun- day after Trinity, the petition to be delivered from eternal damnation in the litany, the bleffing which concludes it, every fentence which teftifies that at the laft judgment all men fhall give an account of their works, the firft prayer in the office of baptifm, the exhortation which fucceeds the gofpel in that office, the prayer which confecrates the water, and the requefts that ivho ever is dedicated to God by the prieflly office and miniftry, may be everlaftingly rewarded^ are anti-calviniftic ; and, not to multiply examples without bound, every prayer which entreats an increafe of virtue, or prefervation from guilt, is decidedly hoftile to thefe terrible ideas.

The Calvinifts, when hard prefled for reafons to juftify God's juftice in thus arbitrarily foredooming his creatures to perdition, reply, we cannot fay what effedl this may have on probationary beings in other worlds. In anfwer, it is acknowledged the effefl may be powerful ; and the argu-

• It is mofl carneftly to be wiflied, tliat thofe who have Icifure would enlarge their knowledge of the doctrines of our church, by ftudying fome of our later expoiitors of the articles. Thefe would be mofl ufeful, as they treat of controverfies now iu exigence, and agitated with uncom- mon animofity. A very imperfeA abftradt was attempted in another work of this author, which can only be ufeful to thofe who want leifurc to apply to the fountains from whence the derived information.

152

ment would be valid, if thofe beings at the fame time per* ceived that the wicked man periflies on account of his wiclc- ednefs, and not b)' an overruling decree which he cannot withftand.

To thofe who obje«fled to this fyftem, that it renders pray- er not only ufelefs but abfurd, Calvin was accuftomed to an- fwer, that as no individual knows whether he is eleft or re- probate, therefore fupplication mufi: be permiffible. It fhoul J feem as if his followers had not then rifen to that degree of enthufiafm which they have fince attained ; for, to know this, comes under thofe terms of experience and illumina- tion, to which they now {o generally pretend. But what- ever he might urge on this head in refoetrt to private prayer, it cannot reconcile the propriety of fuch general addrcflcs as the confeffion, in which God is im.plored to forgive all linners, or the entreaty that he would " have mercy upon all men, Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Heretics ;" or that the fins of dying men, which, if pardoned at all, have already been pardoned by an eternal and irreverfible decree, " may ** be done away by his m>ercy in Chrift Jefus, and their « pardon fealed in heaven before they go hence, and be no *« more feen."

Thus refuted, our adverfaries ought, in propriety, to have confefTed their miftake, and renounced the charge ; but another fubterfuge remains : they iniift, that our firft reformers v/erc Calvinifts. If the affiirance of their own words can avail, Cranm.er, Hooper, Latimer, and Ridley, were decidedly anti-calvinifts.'* Hiftory confirms their tef- timony by recording their condudl. It is known, that the venerable archbifhop, to whom we look up as the builder of our Sion, rejeElcd the afiiftance of Calvin, and folickcd the advice of Melanclhon, who was the moft mild and candid of all the foreign reformers. It is alfo certain, that the apof- tle of Geneva was dijfatisfied with what he thought our im- perfect reformation. The views of archbifhop Parker and his coadjutors, who, on the acceffion of Elizabeth, re-edified our defolate church, were congenial to their renowned pre- decefibrs. It is acknowledged, that our clergy became af- terwards much tinctured with Calvinifm, having imbibed it at Geneva, whither many of them had fled for flieltcr dur- ing the Marian perfccution. But ftill thofe who adopted fuch opinions were confidered as dijiurbers of the cftablifli-

* See Anti-Jacobin Review for September, iSci

153

ment, not as ajfertors of its original do£trines ; which is a ftriking difference.

In the reign of king James I. this party grew to be fo very numerous, that a conference was held between them and their opponents ; in which the Calvinifts attempted to ef- tablifh feveral new articles, that had been agitated during the latter part of the reign of queen Elizabeth. As a proof that the abfolute predeftinarians in thofe days were more ingenuous than their offspring, by confefling that our thir- ty-nine articles would not fuit their purpofe in their prefent form, I will fubjoin a copy of the celebrated Lambeth arti- cles, propofed by the Calvinifts in the time of queen Eliza- beth, and brought forward at the Hampton court conference in the reign of her fucceffor.

I ft, God from eternity hath predeftinated certain men to life ; certain men he hath reprobated.

2d, The moving or efficient caufe of predeftination unto life, is not the forefight of faith, or of perfeverance, or of good, or of any thing that is in the perfon predeftinated ; but only the good will and pleafure of God.

3d, There is a certain number of the predeftinated, which can neither be augmented nor diminiftied.

4th, Thofe who are not predeftinated to falvation, fhall be neceffarily damned for their lins.

5th, A true living and juftifying faith, and the fpirit of God juftifying, is not extinguiiJied, falleth not away, it van- ilhcth not away in the elect, either finally or totally.

6th, A man truly faithful, that is'5 fuch an one who is endued with a juftifying faith, is certain, with the full affur- ance of faith, of the rerniflion of his fins, and of final falva- tion by Chrift.

7th, Saving grace is not granted, is not communicated, to all men, by v/hich they may be faved if they will.

What horrid bbfphemy !

8th, No man can come unto Chrift, unlefs it fliall be given unto him, and unlefs the Father draw him •, and all men are tiot draiun by the Father.

9th, It is not in the will or power of every man to be faved.

The difference of thefe articles from thofe of our church need not be pointed out, nor will I expatiate on their un- fcriptural abfurdity and dreadful tendency. There is a de- gree of clumfy management in the 8th 5 which, confidering U

154

the care with which they were framed, is furprlfing. It begins with a text of fcripture, which is made to fpcak as they would have it, by an ahj'olute additioti of their own, for which there is not the leaft authority. But to return to hiilorical teftimony : though king James had been educated in tlic Scotch church, he diflikcd thefe harfh fayings j his clergy oppofcd them ; and it was by the advice of arch- bifliop Laud that the royal declaration waS afterwards pre- fixed to our articles, ordering them to be underftood in their *' literal grammatical fcnfe." The Calvinifts of thefe times have a(Sbially appealed to this regal inftrument, to teftify that the king intended our articles fliould be underftood as favourable to their opinions ; though it is pofitively known, that his majefty was influenced by the advice of Laud, a knov\'n (and, confidering the times he lived in, imprudent) Armenian.* In the clofe of king Ciiarles the firft's reign, Calvinifm indeed triumphed ; but the victory was not gain- ed by reafon ; the fword was the terrible arbitrator j the king and the primate bled upon the fcalfold ; the houfe of lords was abolifhed, its members mafTacred, or exiled •, the gentry ruined j the clergy fecjueftered ; and the country be- came the feat of civil wai, the fport of contending factions, the fccne of fraud and oppreflion, where God was infultecl with hypocritical worfliip, and man preyed on man. The prime mover of this vaft machine of mischief clofed his guil- ty career unrepentant for the numberlcfs murders and perju- ries which his ambition had prompted him to commit ; true, to the laft, to the dreadful tenets of his faith, and in full perfuafion that he was an eledt and chofen vclTel, fo entitled to eternal glory, that no crimes could forfeit his claim.

* An explanation of this term may not be unufeful. The following is an cxtradl from the Britifli Encyclopedia : — Armenius was the great op- pofer of Calvin ; on predcftination, he held, that the decrees of God arc conditional, in confcquence of forcfcen faith and virtue, or forcfccn in- fidelity and wickcdnefs. On univcrfal redemption, he fays, that though Chrifl: made atonement for all mankind, none but thole who believe in him can claim that benefit. On the corruption of man, it is his opinion, that we are incapable of doing or faying any thing good, without the re- generating power of the Holy Ghoft ; yet divine grace may be refifted, and rendered inefFeiflual, by the pcrverfe will of the impenitent finner. That it is the grace of God which prtferves us in a re;;cnerate (late ; but that the riglvteeus may lofe thtir juflifying faith and die in their fins.

At the fyiiod of Dort, fummoned in 1618, on account of this contro- verfy, our divines bore public and decided teflimony to the dotElrines of univerfal redemption and free agency ; and the king, with the greatcfl: part of our clergy, difapprovcd the proceedings of that fyuod, and pre- ferred Armenius to Calvin.

155

Allow me to relieve your fatigued attention, by dire(5ling it to the death of a gentleman, who, I, think, was the only eminent inftance of a perfon's taking the dark fide of Calvin- ifm, by believing himfelf to be a reprobate, and incapable of the mercy of God ; I mean the humble, melancholy, and too keenly fufceptible Cowper. In early life when he had juft recovered from a dreaclful mental difeafe, he fell into the fociety of fome well meaning people who had adopted thofe unfortunate notions. The grateful bard, attached by their kindnefs, united himfelf to them by the ftrongeft ties of af- feiStion, and fufFered his enlarged underftanding to be warp- ed by their fyftem. His biographer does not flate at what period of his life the fatal notion of his own reprobation was imprinted on his mind ; but knowing that this was the cafe, we cannot wonder at his frequent fits of dcfpondency, nor at that frightful lapfe into intenfe defpair which at laft fwal- lowed up all his literary and Ibcial talents, and almofi: petri- fied his benevolent heart. The idea of his utter rejection by God, was attended by a belief that every attempt to coun- teradt it would but aggravate the fevcrity of his doom. He did not, therefore, dare to go to any place of worlhip, nor even to pray. The laft of his polthumous compolitioii?, publifhed by Mr. Hayley, entitled the Caft-away, when read with this clue, appears to me the moft affecting lines that ever flowed from the pen of genius ; and it pleads more ftrongly than a thoufand arguments againfi: permitting fuch unworthy ideas of the Almighty to enter into our minds. May the example of a Cowper's defpair not plead in vain ! then fliall we ceafe to lament the years which the amiable, but, in this point, bewildered fuiterer fpent in agonizing woe ; the innocence of his life, and the amiable tenor of his writings, feem to juftify the refplendent vifion of hope whirh depi£lures him as awakening from his long night of wretch- ednefs, at the rapturous found of " Well done, good and faithful fervant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord !"

To return to our hiftorical detail. It is not even pre- tended, that Calvinifm predominated during the reign of Charles the lid. The refignation of the nonconformift cler- gy during that period proceeded no lefs from their abhoi-- rence of epifcopacy, than from their difiatisfa^lion at the doBrines of the reftored church, whofe funds they had ap- propriated to themfelves during the fufpenfion of her lawful miniilers. I believe the temporary favour which King James

156

the lid fliowed to tlie diflcnters was never urged in proof of the prevalence of Calvinifm in his reign ; for this often- llblc countenance was merely a vi/.ard to cover that mon- arch's deiign of introducing popery, under the furreptitious pretence of univerfal toleration. The fubfequcnt reign is accufed of patroni/cing errors of a different fort •, and the llyle of merely moral exhortation, adopted by fome of our clergy, has been urged, as a reafon for the revival of Calvin- ifm, under the name of IMethodifm, about the middle of the laft century. During the period in v/hich our church is charged with having kept the great doctrines of our religion too much out of fight, flie ftill, by her articles and liturgy, i-etained her original tenets and integral conftitution. It is remarkable, that thofe eminent divines whofe vindications of the myfheries of our holy faith have immortalized their own nameSj* and that of their country, flourilhed at this very period, vviien, according to the reprefentations of our enemies, nothing but the oratory of a Whitfield, or the la- bours of a Wefley, couid have faved us from the total lofs of chriftian principles and vital religion.

It is not necefiTary to fubjoin any additional proofs to the above juftification of our church from the charge of Calvin- ifm ; but as partial cleclion is the key ftone on which that fyfiem is built, I will juft mention, as a corroborative tefti- mony, that our church always held the contrary doclrine of univerfal redemption, or that every man has it in his power to be faved. I will refer you to the Homilies, and efpecial- ly to the preface to them, and to archbilhop Parker's pre- face to that tranflation of I'cripture called the Bilhop's bible, publifhcd in the year 1572, iuft after the ratification of our articles. Thefe were both acts of authority ; and, as fuch, may be properly appealed to, in teftimony of the real doc- trine of our church. TVith a few mifcellaneous remarks we will difmifs the fubje£l of ftrict Calvinifm : I willi I could fay to the oblivion that it deferves.

We will firfr obferve, that preaching Calvinifm, as Chrif- tianity, muft leficn the inlluence of pure religion, except in weak and depraved minds. One of the offices of reafon, as we have before remarked, is, to judge by the tenor of the mefi'age, whether it comes from God. Now, whatever di- ininilhes our fenfe of moral obligation, is contrary to thofe

. " Tlllotfon, Sherlock, Seed, Waiburton, Rogers, Waterlaud, Jones, &c.

157

preconceived notions of the juftice and goodnefs of the Deity which revelation is intended to confirm. To fay, thei-e- fore, that the ele£i cannot fin, or, what is nearly the fame, that their fins will not make them forfeit divine favour, or, that the reprobate, do what they will, cannot attain it, im- peaches the attributes of God, and weakens the moral feeling in man. A confufed underflianding may blunder upon this notion, and really believe it to be tenable ; but a depraved heart will cling to it as a defence of its own enormities.

On the other hand, no good can arife from maintaining thefe do<rtrines. If an irreverftble decree fave the eledt and condemn the reprobate, faith and virtue are no ways necef- fary to the future bleffednefs or mifery of either ; and if be- lief in the great doctrines of redemption are not requifite, fuch acquiefcence in the opinions of Calvin cannot be indif- penfable. A Socinian, a Papifi:, a Jew, a Turk, or an Infi- del, if prevloufly ordained to blifs, has the fame title to glory as the mofi: determined propagandifl of unconditional elec- tion.

All controverfies on points which are mutually allowed to be not elTential to falvation are much to be deprecated, as they engender violent animofitles, inftead of that fpirit of brotherly love which was intended to be the diftinguifiaing token of chrifi:ianity. They unfettle the faith of weak minds, who in a variety of opinions know not which to prefer ; and they weaken the influence of our faith among infidels, who may juftly i-eproach us with not fuffering our principles of unity to influence our practice. The feventeenth chap- ter of St. John, which I before quoted, fecins alfo to jufiify me in obferving, that thefe diflTentions retard the extenfioii of our faith among heathen nations.

Some may here aflc, is the blame of controverfy then all on one fide .'* Why does not the church give up thefe dif- puted points, and adopt what her adverfaries require .'' It may be anfwered, that in thefe realms Ihe is the conftituted guardian of the national religion, and is therefore legally empowered to execute the divine command of " contending earneftly for the faith once delivered to the faints." The forcible ai-guments by which fhe proves thefe tenets to be founded on a mifinterpretation of holy writ, and particular- ly on a mifconception of St. Paul's defign in his epiftles to the Romans and Galatlans, which feem by St. Peter's ac- count to have given rife to early controverfies in the church.

158

would take more fpace than I can allow to this fubje<!^» The authors to which I have referred you will fupply them. I have only endeavoured to recapitulate that part of their labours which vindicates our eftabhlhment from having re- nounced her original doclrines.

Before I conclude this letter, two circumftances more muft be obferved. Even if we facrificed truth to peace, unity could not be obtained. The nearer we advance to Calvin- ifm, the further we retreat from Socinianifm. The total annihilation of our church, (may, God, in his mercy, avert that evil !) would not promote the univerfal accord for which all parties afFe<n: to wifli. Indeed, from the moder- ation of her tenets, Ihe is coniidered by impartial foreigners to be the rallying point at which it may be hoped her con- trarlous opponents will one day meet. By extending her influence, we cement the bond of union ; by leiTening the number of her members, we recruit the armies of contention.

An eftabliflied church never begins controverfy. Having gained the delired afcendancy, fhe refts fecure. Her errors proceed from fupinenefs, not from activity. They who wiflx to obtain the eminence that fhe occupies, recommend them- felves to thofe who are impatient of controul, or delirous of change, by complaints againft her tyranny or apoftacy. To the firft of thefe clamours it may be anfwered, that no foci- ety of Chriftians can afTemble without adopting various rules and forms that are not enjoined in fcripture ; that the ma- jority here, as in other cafes, muft have power to bind the minority ; and that the decifions of the former, when fiinc- tioned by the civil power, poflefs the obligation of law, to which every member of the community is bound to yield obedience \ unlefs the required terms of communion are ev- idently contrary to the law of God. A change of fpiritual mailers would only produce a change in the manner of gov- ernment, not in the meafure of fubmillion •, and I quote from a known enemy to our church when I aik, " Would " not the loins of an impofing Independent, or Anabaptift, " be as heavy as the loins of an impofing Prelate, or Pref- ix byter ?"*

With a fentiment \o much in favour of acquiefcence in the preient order of things, from one who was fo little to be fufpedted of partiality to epifcopal fuprcmacy, I conclude

* Henry Cromwell's ktter to Flcctv.'ood. See Elegant Epiftles, page 361.

159

this letter. In my next, I muft notice fymptoms of hoftillty from a quarter, whence, according to their profeffions, we Ihould look for the moll cordial co-operation in the great work of promoting the eternal falvation of our fellow-crea- tures. The tallc in which we are engaged is irkfome ; but the profpedt of the times announces its fad neceffity. In the hope that my labours are welcome to you, and may be ufe- ful to others.

I remain, &c.

160

LETTER VI.

Further Ohfervations on the Calvini/Iic Cofitroverfy.

MY DEAR MISS M-

1N juftlce to our opponents, we muft now acknowledge, that the doctrines of Calvin, arrayed in all their original hor- rors, are too fombrous for the adoption of all who arrange themfelves under his di/lingn'ifJjing banner. A more limited (and we muft add indiftindl) idea of predeftination is enter- tained by many who, in the prefent times, aflume the title of moderate Calvinifts. As thefe feceders feem rather in- clined to difpute with us for words than for things, and are in many refpe6ls highly valuable members of Chriftianity, we are in this inftance rather called upon to lament infirmi- ty, than to reprobate grofs error. A defire of being wife above what is written, a contentious fpirit, and the abfence of clear ideas, are failings which we fliould feek to remedy in ourfelves, and meekly endeavour to reform in others.

Our ablefi: logicians alFirm, that the phrafe moderate Cal- vinifm* is a folecifm ; that this fyftcm mvft be adopted ■wholly, or totally rejeclcd ; that without reprobates, no mean- ing can be affigned to the word elect ; and that without hu- man agency, there can be no virtue. I am not equal to thefe niceties of difputation ; it is fufficient for my purpofe, that the above appellation is adopted by many, who ufe it as the fign of their diflent from the great body of the ef- tablifhed church. To me it appears a diPiinction without a difference ; or rather, that the difputed points are of fuch a inetaphyfical fubtile nature, as to elude the rcfearch of ordi- nary underftandings.

It is not my wilh to lead you into a ma2e of controverfy \ but only to guard you againfl all fchifmatical perfuallves,

♦ Some explain moderate Calvinifm to mean people who hold the doc- trine of ablolute predeftination tlicmfclves, but do not confidcr fuch be- lief to be necefl'ary to falvation, or an eflcntial article of Ciiriflian faitli. Some explain it to be, only holding parts of tliut reformer's fmguh'.r opinion;.

IGl

which may come recommended by the impofing names of ferioufnefs and extraordinary piety, or of more profound goi^ pel knowledge. Inftead of profcribing piety and ferioufnefs, our church requires them from all her members ; flie has appointed offices for morning and evening prayer ; and fhe commemorates every feftival connedled with chriftianity, either in relation to its myfteries, or to the example of its primitive worthies. So far fi-om withholding the fcriptures from the congregation, flie enjoins the frequent ufe of them to all her members ; and flie prays, that they may not only " read," but " mark, learn, and inwardly digeft them." If, therefore, we really are in fearch of piety, virtue, and know- ledge, we need not wander from her fold. • It is true, our Church rejedls all iimilitude to the boaftful merit of the Pharifee, on whatever pretext that merit is fuppofed to be founded. She admits no pofitive judging of the religious ftate of others, further than as their a6lions fpeak their hearts ; and fhe encourages us to direct our at- tention to our own lives as well as principles. She requires great modefty of judgment on abftrufe and myflerious points, efpecially as to what relates to our fpiritual condition, or to the manner in which divine grace is conveyed to the foul ; and it muft be confeffed, Ihe expedls her members rather to be learners and hearers.^ than expojliilators and expounders ; that they fhould be clothed with humility, inftead of felf- fufficiency ; and that they fiiould fubmit themfelves to their *' fpiritual paftors and mafters," inftead of cavilling at thofe who " watch over them in the Lord." What pafTes for fpiritual gifts in the eyes of many, fhe efteems the folly of *' curious and carnal men ;" and to the long tautological ex- temporary efaifions of overweening confidence, flie oppofes her formularies, conceived " in obedience to the fober coun- fels of the Royal Preacher :" Be not " rafli with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hafty to utter any thing before God."

In another point fhe is alfo decided ; I mean as to the independency of her minifters ; who, " being ftewards of the myfteries of God," derive their commiffion from him, and certainly ought not to be amenable to the congregation whom they are oi'dained to inftrutSt, and from whom they are not to withhold what is profitable. The liberty of choof- ing their own inftru6lors, or, what is tantamount, of defert- ing their parochial church if it be occupied bv a clergyman W

1G2

whofe manner of preaching tlicy tlifllkc, is nflcrtctl by mofl moderate Calvinifts ; who, wliile they aftcct rclpctfk for the hierarchy, c\d\n\ a degree of hceiice for its lay members inconfiftent with the regular fubordination on which it is founded ; and degrade a fpiritual function, by judging it with the fame rules of preference and inclination as they apply to temporal occupations. The greatefl law authority in this kingdom has jull given a public opinion on the incxpedi- ence of oHiciating clergymen being ele^^ted by parochial bal- lot; by which means, in the iirll inllance, a ])arilh is fure to be rendered the feat of contention and cabal. And with what lamentable impediments muit the fuccefsful candidate commence his ficred functions, in a congregation among whom he has beeti the engine of difcord before he can at- tempt to be the minilter of jicace ! Can the word of charity •and holiiiefs be received with due efi'e<^t, by thofe whom the eager zeal of a popular conteft has prepared rather to cavil than to obey ? What opinion fhould we form of a fchool, that recommended itfelf to public attention by an afl'urance tliat the boys ihould be permitted to choofe their inftruct- ors,* and decide upon the propriety of rewards and punilh- ments ? A congregation ckilh/g the teacher who fliall diftri- bute to them the word and bread of life, is not lefs contra- di<Slory to the fober notions of ecclefiaftical gradation ; for it muft: be recollected, that, though fome of its members may be in reality enlightened Chriftians, the deciding ma- jority are ignorant, and confequcntly expoled to the errors and prejudices of ignorance. The very idea of needing in- ftruftion, implies the unfitnefs of choofing a teacher ; if we already know, why do we alk; to be taught ; if we are adequate judges of the degree or kind of information that we want, we have advanced beyond the bounds of pupilage. Befide, muft not thcfe fpiritual guides, who owe their eleva- tion to their popularity, feel, that a "breath may unmake them, as a breath has made ?" and will they not lie Imder a ilrong temptation to a<St like the feeble minded prophets of Judah, when the people called upon them to " prophecy unto them fmooth things," antl thus preach the lying words of vanity, inltead of the law of God ? When Ave coniider the manifcfl dantver that muft refult to faith and morals

* Ahfurd as ihis fiiagcflidn nuifl ftcm, it wrs /-//V "y projiofcJ by a philofophiftical refornv.r, as a likely m(;a"s ot improving uur national lyf- tcn\ of cducittion.

163

from thus tranfpofing the fituations of tuition and ohedicncfCj making powerlcfs precept depend on dominating pupilage, we muft rejoice that a very fmall part of the eftablilhnient is at prefent fubjeiSt to this inverted rule of patronage, and fincerely pray that moderate Calvinifm may ever want power to increafe the number of dependetit clergymen.

I will pafs the fubjeiTt of itinerance in public v,or{hip with a brief obfervation.* It is one of the evils that arife from confounding the ideas of the civil licence which toleration has given us, with our fpiritual freedom as Chriltians. The law of England fays, " though offices of high truft and re- *' fponnbility can only be delegated to thofe who are profelP " edly members of the eftabliflied church, you are permit- ** ted to worlhip God in whatever way your confcience dic- " tates, without fear of moleftation." The gofpel enjoins us to avoid " hereiies and contentions;" it prefcribes obedi- ence to thofe who " rule over us in the Lord ;" it bids us mark thofe who " caufe divifions among us ;" and it repre- fents fchifm as a moft ferious oiFence. We may therefore choofe what teacher we will follow : no ph\ftcal inability pre- vents us from fo doing ; nor is any temporal penalty attached to the offence ; but if we choofe unadvifedly, or from any Unifier motive, we exercife this freedom at the peril of our own fouls. Wandering from our parifh churcli in fearch of a palatable preacher, is perhaps one of the leafi: culpable me- thods of exerciihig this fuppofed right ; but the breaking of any mental barrier is like the letting out of waters. When once we depart from that humility and regularity which we are enjoined to revere, no one can fay at what degree of fcepticifm or fanaticifm we (hall finally arrive.

Thefe wanderings are generally juftified on the fcore of a love of edification. When the pretence of edification leads the congregation of a found, learned, and pious divine, to follow thofe who diftinguilh themfelves by the appellation of Gofpel preachers, I confefs myfelf at a lofs to underfiand in what fenfe they apply this term ; for it is well known, that thefe orators delight to expatiate on God's part of the covenant of grace in fuch ftrong language, as to induce a fufpicion that they mean to reprefent man as a paffive agent. The topicks on which they chiefly treat, are thofe refen-ed to in the fccond book of our articles ; which are rather ren-

* This fubjeifl is more copioufly treated in a former publication of the Author's.

164

dered more abftrufe, than explained, by dltTufive expofl- tions ; and which, when taught to unlearned Chriftians, fliould never be feparately enforced, but delivered as a whole ; one tenet limiting and explaining another. Sermons of this defcription are aUo very apt to be myftical and parabolical, full of abrupt tranfitions and rhapfodical addreffes to the paflions of their hearers ; and we very frequently meet a Icantinefs of moral inftruftion, if not a fyflematic exclulion of the obligations of Chrlftian obedience. If we add to thefe faults, the verboiity and repetition which diftinguilh thefe harangues, we mull: conclude that they really are difficult to be underftood by unlearned hearers. A learned divine ob- ferves, " that he never lillened to a preacher of this defcrip- " tion, without reflefling how very different their manner " is from that of Chrill and his Apoftles, whofe diicourfes *' were alio generally addrefTed to the multitude." Clear- nefs, comprehenfivenefs, and perfuallve initruction, were (as might be expelled) the tokens of that peculiar infpiration which accompanied the Divine Founder and firft promulga- tors of our faith ; and if after the lapfe of eighteen centu- ries, notwithftanding the difadvantages which muft attend that diffimilarity of manner, climates, cuftom, and language, under which we now receive the facred canon, we feel our hearts burn within us at the perufal, what muft have been their power of afFecling thofe to whom they were firft ad- drefled ! Well might the word of God be then compared to a two edged fword, piercing the reins and the heart.

The embarraflment which unlearned preachers evidently feel, when they attempt to make abllrule doclrines familiar to ignorant minds, may tempt one to fay to them, " Under- ftandefl thou what thou teacheft .?" A favourite topic with them is, that the righteoufnefs of Chrift is imputed to the redeemed, and our fins to him. This dotftrine, which Dr. Hey rightly terms wholly inconceivable, " is not fiipportcd by the exprejs words of Scripture^'' and is a human refinement up- on the atonement of Chrifb, that great key ftone of our re- ligion ; proceeding upon the fuppofition, that a juft God would not punifh an innocent, or pardon a guilty perfon ; therefore, as mankind were all finners, and are yet forgiven ; and as Chrlfi, though perfc<5tly fpotlefs, was offered up for us, he not only " bore our infirmities and became a curfe for us," but our ofi^ences were adually attributed to him, and our fpotted garments were not only wafihied in his blood, but we are alfo attired in the robes of his righteoufnefs. Your in-

165

timate acquaintance with the facred volume will llievv vou how much human fubtilty has refined upon the llmplicitv of fcripture ; deducing doclrines from the figurative language of ardent devotion or prophetical fervour, which even go be- yond the glowing colours of the enraptured original. The preacher who enters on this difiicult and (I conceive) uned- ifying topic, ought to poflTefs a clear head, a found judg- ment, great precilion of expreflion, and command of lan- guage, in order to convince his unlettered auditors that there is an infurmountable difi:in£lion between imputed and inherent righteouinefs, and that they may as eafily difcard the cover- ing of their Redeemer's merits, as renounce the benefits of his paffion. The orator Ihould alfo recoUefl, that when once he exceeds the limit of fcripture, he is in danger of approaching the confines of blafphemy ; and that while he exalts the humility of the Lamb of God, he muft alio re- member that he was a holy, undefiled, and fpotlefs facrifice. In fpeaking of doiSlrines above our comprehenfions, the lan- guage of Scripture Ihould be preferred : and though this authorizes us to fay the " Lord our righteoufneis," fureiy we exceed our warrant when we affirm that his perfonal obedience is attributed to us. Chrifi: is made unto us " wif- dom," as well as righteoufnefs :"* does this text authorize us to claim the omnifcience of our Saviour ? I fhould an- fvver, in the fame fenfe as it does his holinefs.

Our Church has not admitted this idea of imputation in- to her offices, or articles. Dr. Hey, in explaining the fen- tence, " accounted righteous before God," diftlnguifiies be- tween beincj « accounted" and " belncr made righteous. "4- ... - ^ '

It is a Icadijig idea in many devotional traces compofed as

preparatory to the Sacrament ; but is not admitted into the found and mafterly compofition of Bifliop Wilfon on that fubject. It was much amplified in the woi'ks of the late Mr. James Hervey, who Ihould rather be termed a devotional post than an injlrncllve divine. Indeed, it is more like a poetical idea than an article of belief \ and, though it may warm an ardent imagination, feems incapable of practical application. When united v/ith the Calvlniftic do£lrine of eledlion, it is extremely dangerous, tending to confirm fplritual felf-fuffi- ciency, and all the extravagance of religious frenzy. To know that our Blefi^ed Lord fuffered to redeem us, mufl; fuf-

* ift Corinthians, ill chapter, 30th verfc. f Hey's Leisures, vol. 3d, page 268.

166

ficiently infpire abhorrence of fin, and gratitude to the Re- deemer, without entertaining thofe confuling notions of al- ternate imputation which confound every idea of identity and refponlibiUty. Wlien Jeius poured forth his blood up- on the croj's, he did an adtion highly acceptable to his Heav- enly Father, and was no more guilty than the pardoned thief became innocent by our Saviour's promlling to admit him in- to Paradife. Omnipotence has no power over the pnjl. Sins once committed cannot be unperformed. The penitent was forgiven, on account of his extraordinary faith in the great act of expiation which he was admitted to witnefs, and enabled to difcern. In the language of Scripture, " his robes were walhed in the blood of the Lamb ;" but it is in his own robes of inherent righteoufnefs that Chrift pleads for us at the mercy feat of God.*

Another favourite prad^tice of thefe preachers is, to intro- duce a philippick againft morality, under the term of *' the filthy rags of our own righteoufnefs." This metaphorical expreflion is adopted from the Prophet Ifaiah, who was then lamenting the grofs corruption and approaching defolation of the Jewifli Cliurch. By comparing the 6th verfe of the 64th chapter, with the 57th and 58th chapters, we lliallfind, that the Jews called the outward ceremonial obfervances of the law by the name of righteoufnefs, and expected juftifi- cation from fafts and facrifices, while they went on in the practice of every atrocious wickednefs.f Well might the prophet, in his penitentiary addreflTes to Heaven, call fucli obedience by the name of " filthlnefs j" and all his earneft expoftulations " to put away the evil of their doings, to ceafe to do evil, to learn to do well," clearly point out that he had no intention to decry moral ohfervance. If the con- text were regarded, the text might be ufed as an admonition to thofe who neglccSt their duties, and their honeft callings, to liileu to florid unedifying harangues. When this quota- tioji is introduced without any explanation of the fenfe in which it Ihould be applied, it may be called a declamation

* There is a text in Revelations which feems to difprovc the tenet of imputed rig!ittoufaefs ; but I fpeak as an Englilli reader ignorant of the original iHiignage : it occurs in the 19th chapter, 8tli veri'c, where the Jicavenly IpouJ'c (or the Church) is defcrlbLd as attired "in the right-* counicfs of tlie Saiats."

f Sec .ilfj the ifl: chapter of Ifaiali.

1G7

agninfl: all the foci:il virtues ; and, inflcftd of beinjr an effort to fave fouls from Satan, is indeed an attempt to extend his empire.

They who wifli to have their offences excufed, rather than eradicated, are often allured from their regular minifccr by the exonerating explanations of thofe who enlarge the doc- trine, that man has no power " to come to God unlefs he is drawn by him,"* till they utterly abolifli human refponfibil- ity. That we are " unable of ourfelves to help ourfelves," is a truth which even the dim light of natural religion dif- covered. " In God we live, and move, and have our being." On God we depend for health, life, profperity, and under- ftanding. But as in our natural life our dependance on the Deity does not fuperfede human exertion, fo in our fpiritual exifi:ence our beft endeavours muft co-operate with the di- vine influence. To fay that <* we are unable of ourfelves to help ourfelves," is a devout acknowledgment of the depend- ance of creatures, who feel that the power of motion and ratiocination depends upon the will *of the Creator ; who can in an inflant fufpend the operation of every animal func- tion or mental organ, as eafily as he can interrupt the ordi- nary routine of inert nature. But becaufe miracles have fometimes happened, we are not to expe<fl; their frequent re- currence in the natural world ; nor becaufe there have been iingular interpofitions of divine grace, and extraordinary converfions, are we allowed " to dafh our foot againfl a ftone," in expectation of angelical interference ; nor to " tempt the Lord our God," in aflurance that he will draiv us into the fold of faith.

The manner in which divine prefciencc influences human free will, is an undifcovered myftery, to which probably our prefent faculties are not commenfurate ; but no one ever omitted a duty, or yielded to a vice, wixXxout feelitig that they had a poiver of ohfcrving the commandment, or aimding the tranfgreflion. When a man's underflanding is fo far en- lightened as to know his duty, he may certainly be faid to be drawn of God. A fuperior intelle<51: may perhaps poffefs fufficient acutenefs to difcover a difi'erence between that foreknowledge which difcerns, and. that which propels, and may alio perceive that they feel in themfelves that power of choofmg which is an irrefragable evidence of the juftice of God. Such perfons may not find it dangerous to pufli their

* Sec Remarks on the Lambeth Articles, Letter the 5th.

1G8

inquiries into thefc fubtlle (and wc muft add unprofitable) fpcculations j but the edification of a popular audience can- not be promoted, by confuihig their inftruclion to tlie obvi- ous truth, that they can neither fi:rve God nor Man unlcls God enables thein fo to do. This doctrine (which is but another way of faying, that we can neither walk nor breathe without Almighty permifllon) fliould always be coupled with an aflairance, that God enables all who are fincerely defirous of fo doing " to work out their own falvation," or wc refer our own perverfe courfes to the Author of our exiflience, and make the holy, wife, and jufi: God culpable for our wil- ful reprobation. For, if we had no power to do right, how can we be faid to do wrong ? or how are we refponfiblc for the mifufe of a talent that we never poflefTed ? Surely the perverfenefs of human nature cannot be more ftrongly flicwn, than by thus turning the omnipotence of God into a cloak for fin. If our opponents plead fcripture in I'upport of their opinions, we muft: here, as in other cafes, bid them look at the ivhole fcripture ; for, in order to prevent this truth from being puflied into a dangerous extreme, it is fenced in by every moral precept and perfuafive to holinefs, which imi- formly admit the free agency of man, by fuppofing him ca- pable of " choofing good and refufing evil."

Our abfolute dependence upon God, both for fplritual and temporal good, is inculcated to give ardour to our de- votion and fpirituality to our thoughts ; not to palfy the ef- forts of piety, virtue, and induftry. Saving grace is given to all who implore it ; and they who know this, yet do not aflc for this blefling, " refift the Spirit of God," and deferve the condemnation which w^ill be their portion.

Conncdled with the preceding dodlrines, are the favourite methodiftical tenets, that Chrift has done all for us, and that the human heart is utterly depraved. This laft doctrine is faid to be the foundation of humility ; but hunnlity is de- fcribed as thinking "foberly" of itfelf; and furely, to fup- pofe ourfelves utterly vile and diabolical cannot confift: with fobriety of judgment ; for from fuch a corrupt tree good fruit cannot be expefted. Humility is founded on a confid- eration of our own individual demerits, and not on the weakncfs or imperfc(Slion of the order of creatures to which we belong. But, left you fliould fufpeft the validity of my unauthorifed opinion, I will fan<^ion my fentiments by tliC introduction of a jufily venerated name. " It is lao acl of « humiliation," fays Bifhop Taylor, " to confcfs a crime that

169

<^ all the world are equally guilty of, that could not have " been avoided by our timelieft induftry, and that ferves for " fo many ends in the excufe and minoration of our a£lual ** impieties ; fo that, as Diogenes trampled upon the pride " of Plato with a greater faftuoufnefs and humorous oftenta- *' tion, fo do we with original fin, declaim againft it bitter- ** ly, to fave the other harmlefs ; and are free in the publi- " cation of this, that we may be inftructed to conceal the *' aftual. We charge our guilt upon Adam," continues he, *' to lelTen the imputation upon us, or to increafe the licence " or the confidence ; when every one of us is the Adam, ** the man of fin, and the pr.rent of our own impurities ; *' whatever mifchief Adam did to us, we do more to our- ** felves."*' It will fcarcely be infinuated, that Jeremy Tay- lor was infecled with the Pelagian herefy ; that he infifted on the do6lrine of felf-juftificadon, or doubted the necefiity of a Saviour. But he lived in times which afforded moll: lamentable examples of the effects of pufliing fcriptural doc- trines too far ; an error which the primitive reformers un- queftionably fell into, in their zeal for oppoling the Romifli doctrine of man's merits, which at that age was generlly un- derftood to mean fuch fuperftitious fervices and obfervances as bore a near refemblance to what the prophet Ifaiah juftly decried in his admonitions to the corrupted church of Ifrael. But, as juftification by faith, if it be inforced without its correlative reftriiStion, of the neceffity of good works, muft inculcate Antinomian licentioufnefs ; fo if the preacher in- lifts on human corruption, further than to convince his hear- ers of the neceffity of a Saviour and a Sandtifier, he gives them an exa/fe for their fins, inftead of a motive to vanquifh them. It is true, many paffages in Scripture defcribe, iu vivid colours, the taint which mankind received by the fill of their anceftor •, but it is likwife true, that the fame fcrip- ture as flrongly and clearly reprefents every individual of- fender as the author of his own deftruftion, and the vi(Stim of his own vices. Are we then to employ Scripture to com- bat Scripture, and thus engage the members of Chrifl in eternal controverfy ? No ; furely thefe feemingly oppofite paffages were inferted in the facred volume to pirferve us from falling into extremes of opinion. A text that afferts our free agency, is intended to be our barrier againft believing abfo-

* Life of Chrlft, pages 37 and 38.

X

170

lute predeftination ; and v.'C can have no ftronger proof, that we muft not take the " defperate vvickcdncfs of man" in its ftronj^eft fenfe, than the affurance that wc are capable of " becoming good and faithful fervants of God."

In the heat of controverly (as I before obferved,) m^any of our great reformers made life of cxpreflious, which even the bold iigures of oriental imagery fcarcely juftilied them in adopting. I can no where lind in holy writ, that at the fall " Adam loft the image of God, and became the image of *' the Devil; that, inftead of the citizen of Heaven, he be- " came the bond-flave of Hell, having in himfelf no one " part of his former purity and cleannefs, but being alto- « gether fpotted and defiled ; infomuch that he now feemed " to be nothing but a lump of iin, and therefore, by the ♦* juft judgment of God, was condemned to everlafting *< death."* If this defcription refer to the natural uulividiial Adam, it is moft certainly contradidled by fcripture, where the father of the human race is reprefcnted as a finner, but as a reprieved contrite iinner, depending upon the divine promife,f full of hope in the God who had puniflied him, and favoured (as we may infer from the 4th of Genelis, 14th verfe) with fpeciaf manifeftations of the Deity. And iince fcripture has no where told us what was the final fate of this cmminent offender, with whom the covenant of mer- cy was firft made, it is highly indecorous in us to prefumc to explain " Death" in any other than its temporal fenfe. Rather let us hope that, like all his redeemed offspring, the firft Adam will be made alive by the fecond.

If Adam be fpoken of metaphorically in the above paifage, as the reprefentative of mankind, we have fcripture proof that even the grofs corruption and extreme wickednefs of the antediluvian world did not efface the image of God in man 4 The " Righteoufnefs" of Abel is acknowledged by an apoflle j§ and of Enoch it is exprefsly faid, that " he pleafed God."|| If it be urged, that it was faith which entitled thefe worthies to this exalted eulogium, my argument is not weakened •, for I confider £uth as a virtue which is produc- ed by our co-operating with the grace of God, and not an

• Romily on Salvat'.on. In Rending controvcrfial works, wc fhould carefully diftinguilli between rheti)ric and argument. ■}• Obfeive tlie names of liis children. \ Genelis, 9th chap. 6th verfe. § Hebrews, I ith chap, vcrfc 4th. || Ibid, vcrfc jth.

171

extraneous quality forcibly fuperinduced into a paffive ma- chine by an overruling power. Is it not charging God fool- ifhly, when we give thefe dark colourings to human nature ? for if man be fo utterly vile and diabolical, has not God been partial in excluding Satan and his rebel hoft from the pojfi- bility of falvation ? Why are they referved in chains and darknefs to the judgment of the great day, and man permit- ted to rejoice in the mercies of a Saviour ?

The guilt of feli-righteoufnefs, cannot be charged upon the belief that God has given us a nature capable of obeying him, or in affirming that, notv/ithftanding our hereditary debafement, it is ftill poffible for us fo to do ; for, whether this power of ferving God be derived from nature, or from the affifting grace of God, the glory is ftill his, as he is our Creator and Sanclifier. The moft offenfive fpecies of felf- righteoufnefs muft be incurred by attributing to oui"felves what we deny to our fellow-creatures ; and believing that we are the chofen veffels, into which God's fpiritual bleffings are largely poured ; while others, though their external con- du6b feems as pious and correal as our own, are reprobated as formalifts and flaves of perdition.

We may call upon Calvinifts, and Semi-Calvinifts, to ex- plain how they can expedt the Chriftian grace of humility will fpring out of a foil that tends to engender thofe excufes for fin which prevent the {trSo. of contrition. I cannot be humbled by the recollection of fins which I could not avoid ; but if, knowing that I was " made a little lower than the angels," and intended to be *' crowned with glory and wor- Ihip," I have fold " myfelf to work all uncleannefs with greedinefs," I am indeed felf-degraded, and muft feem vile in my own eyes. " The confeffion of original fin," fays the venerable prelate whom I havejuft quoted, " is no imitation *' of Chrift's humility in fuftering circumcifion ;* but too ** often an a£t of pride, car&lefsnefs, and fecurity."

You fee that in the opinion of this truly evangelical author. It is dangerous, inftead of edifying, to inculcate a belief of origwaly without endeavouring to awaken the confcience to a fenfe oiaEhml depravity. The divines of our Church muft, if they conform to her dodlrines and ofHces, teach their flock, that, with power to ftand upright, man has a natural propenfity to fall j but the confcioufnefs of this weaknefs

* Life of Chrift, page ^f^. Bifhop Taylor is then meditating on Chrift's Circumcifion.

172

fhoukl make us fly to the mercies of Him for whofc fake imperfetSl obedience will be accepted, if it be the willing fer- vice of a fincere mind ; but lince we are unable even to do this of ourfelves, we fliould, " by diligent and fervent pray- er," implore that " fpecial" or peculiar grace which will make us " continually given to all good works •," which fup- plications we are encouraged to oiler by the aiTurance that God " is ever more ready to hear than we to pray." Tljis view of human agency, and divine afliftance, correfponds with experience, and is fandlioned by fcripture. Every ter- ror or unealmefs v/hich wicked men feel when they commit fin, tells them that they might have avoided the crime at which they Ihudder to look bqf k •, they are alfo proofs, that even in its moft faulty copies human nature retains fome remnant of its original purity ; and that when we break through the barriers of confcience, we participate in the guilt, as well as in the punifhment of Adam •, v/ho like our- felves was " free to fland or fall," though it is luppofed that his inclinations did not fo powerfully incline him to evil> nor did his paffions rife in fuch ftroiig oppofition to his in- telledlual faculties. Every exhortation in the New Teftament which enjoins us "to make our calling and ele£lion fure," to walk " worthy of the vocation whereunto we are called,^* and <♦ to ftrive for the prize of our high calling v/hich is in Chrlft Jcfus," alike proves the n:ixcd nature of man, and that the merits of Chrill v/ill only be applied to thofe Avho (do not relift the Spirit of God.

The extravagant exprefiions by which Calviniftic teachers dilguft fober hearers, and captivate or afloniih weak minds, often proceed from an injudicious imitation cr erroneous application of fcriptural phraleology. Allegorical allufions, types, and parables, formed a mode of inftruction which was ufed by our Lord with remarkable clearnefs and effedt. It was peculiarly fuited to the cuitoms of Eaftern nations j but our great dillimilarity in manners renders the propriety of fimilar apologues in this kingdom queftionable ; I mean as a popular method of inftruc^ing the ignorant ; for there can be no doubt of the fuitability of appolite ailuhon, and pictur- cfque fimiiitude, Avhen we addrefs our difcourfcs to thofe who are competently informed. Whenever the allegorical and figurative ftyle is adopted, perfpicuity, precifion, and appropriatenefs, are inclifpenfable, especially when it is ap- plied to a pafTage of fcripture j otherwife the text is dark- ened, not clucidi'.ted, by the defi^jncd explanation. A voU

173

lime of fermons lies before me, from which I will quote an inftance of what I call ftrained fimiUtude and perverted al- legory. The author fancies that at the remarkable appear- ance of the Almighty which is recorded in the nineteenth chapter of the flrfh book of Kings, *' the fmall ftill voice" in which God only was to be found was an emblem of the vir- tue of humility •, and that ftorms and tempefts, earthquakes and lightnings, were the ante-types of moral commotions, bluilering paffions, and political revolutions, becaufe thefe latter were brought about by the agency of the prince of the power of the air. This is imng'matmi^ not hijlrnclion. Who can grow wifer or better, by lillening to fuch reveries ?

It is moft certain, that the coming of our blefTed Lord, and the great events of his life, were typified by many anal- ogous events that are recorded in the old teftament. This iimilitude was intended as a preparatory mode of inftruiStion, to fit the Jews for the appearance of the Meiliah. It is ob- fcrved, that chrifcianity makes no ufe of types, becaufe it leads to no future difpenfition. A flrong fancy, when it is not refirained by an equally found judgment, may multiply refemblances between the Old and New Teftament, or what is ftlU more prejudicial, between the important events which they record, and the common incidents of life ; till what was in itfelf ferious and awful becomes ludicrous, and a theme for profane wit. Le6lures on fcripture chara^lers appear to me not v/holly free from the cenfure of overftrained allulion, or from the charge of fentimental refinements on the noble fimplicity of holy Avrit. When the humour of typifying and allegorizing is unrefirained by learning or genius, the con- fequences are moll: lamentable •, for fcripture is thus convert- ed into a bye-word of reproach among the profligate. We ihould reflect, that though fantaftical hearers always think that fermon the beft which they can leaft underftand, it is impofftble that they can be edified by what they cannot com" prehend. What imagination can figure to itfelf any idea of Death and Hell concjuered, as being one of the difhes that Ihall be ferved up " at the feaft of fat things," which the prophet Ifaiah mentions as prepared by God for his chofen people ? Who can fuppofe, that Abigail falling at the feet of David, prefigured Mary anointing the feet of Chrift ; or, that the two thieves between whom Chrift was crucified were types of Lucifer and Adam ?

I once queftioned a rather intelligent perfon in low life, refpedling the purport of a difcourfe which had been juft

174

delivered by a clergyman who aiTecled to be diftinguifticd as a Gofpel preacher, I was told, that they were ordered to *' kick away the thorns and briars which lay in their road " to Heaven." I inquired whether thefe thorns and briars were fuppofed to mean their cares, their forrows, or their fins ; and was anfwcred, that the gentleman *< did not tell them what they were." This is a proof, that whoever ad- mits thefe forts of decorations, fhould take care that the comprehetifton of their hearers keeps pace with the fallies of their own imaginations.

I ihall here perhaps be told, that the Holy Spirit will af- fift the influence of the word of God, and caufe it to ope- rate on the heart and life of the true believer. I anfwer, that iince the miracles which eftabliftied Chriftianity have ceafed, the method by which God feeks to convince us of facred truths is by an appeal to our underfkandings. The fenfible and apparent influences of the Holy Ghoft, are a favourite theme with Calviniftic teachers. That the Divine Comforter aflift:s all true worfhippers, is a certain and moft confolatory truth ; but that we can diftinguifh his workings from the ordinary fuggeillons of our own minds, is an uti- ivarrantable inference* Dr. Law, prebendary of Carlifle, in a fermon on the Limits of our Inquiries, obferves " Much << perplexity and infidelity have refulted from too minute in- «* veftigation, efpecially of three points, which reafon muft ** ever in vain attempt to refolve : Firfl:, concerning the in- « fluence and operation of the Holy Spirit. < The Com- ** forter,' lays Chrift, is to abide with ye for ever.* " Yet ** is there no paffiige in fcripture which, Vfhcnjciir/y interpre- ** tedy will afford any countenance to the opinions of thofe «* who pretend to a fenfible experience of the Spirit, an ir- <* refiftible impulfe, an immediate converfion, and who at- ** tempt to point out the exa<5t line of partition between hu- " man efforts and divine illumination. This fpecies of ig- •* norance our Saviour feems to intimate in his difcourfe with " Nicodemus. The wind blovveth where it lifteth, and ye *' hear the found thereof, but cannot tell whence it cometh,^

• The venerated name of Gilborne fancftions the above affertion. In a fermon on Religious Comfort he levercly arraigns the methodiftical te- net above referred to, and afks, " Where is your warrant to place your " conlidence on an inward feehng; to regard an indeterminate impulfe <• as an impreiiion from the Holy Choft, as a token aud fcal of for<jive- « ncfs i"

175

« nor whither it goeth : fo is every man that is born of the "Spirit."*

The other points, on which this learned divine cenfures the folly of too minute inquiry, are, attempting to reconcile human liberty with God's foreknowledge, and the myftery of the Trinity.

We muft regret, that the defire of being wife above what is written, iliould induce many well meaning people to per- plex themfelves, by endeavouring to difcover the manner in which this myflerious limllitude to a rufhing wind adts upon the human heart. No fubjecl has afforded an ampler field for ridicule, than thofe pretenlions which go under the name of calls, experiences, and converlions, and which are fo fre- quent among enthuflafts ; and though I cannot allow, that even fanaticifm, when really accompanied by lincerity, is a proper fubjedl for ridicule, I cannot afcribe any merit to the wounded feelings of thofe who may rather be faid to pro- voke obloquy by their abfurdity, than to endure perfecution for their piety. This is not enduring the crofs as a difciple of Jefus Chrifl, but Jnatching at it like a partizan of Swift's Jack. Whoever appeals to his inward feelings, removes the matter in debate from the jurifdi£tion of real on, and leaves it wholly dependent on his own veracity. Let him take care that his character will endure the fcrutiny which his af- fectation of fuperior fandlity provokes. Let him remember too, that he is not now contending for the great truths of the gofpel, in which difpute he would be fupported by Scrip- ture, but about an inward confcioufnefs refpecling v/hich Scripture \%Jilenty or (judging from the acknowledgment of the great apoftle to the Gentiles) hojlile to his pretenfions. Though St. Paul was favoured by vifions and revelations, and guided by the Spirit of God in a fupereminent degree,

* It is verjr evident, that the Apoftles and Prophets were fenfible of infpiration ; but the above obfervations only extend to thofe ordinary- gifts of the Spirit w^hich are promifed to all Chriftians : fnch as enable us to bring forth the fruits of faith, and to fccure our individual falva- tion ; not fuch as gave the founders of our religion power to convert heathen nations, and to fpread the knowledge of the Lord over all the earth.

By the continual fuperintendancc of the Spirit, the facred penmen were furnillied, in the gofpels, in the doctrinal parts of the epifUcs, and in the prophecies which they delivered, with that meafure of infpiration which the nature of the fubjecfl required ; io as to render their writings sn in- fallible ftandard of Chriftian faith. As chofen miniHers of the grace of God, their actions alfo were governed by a more immediate and overrul- ing providence, than others can prefume to expedl.

176

thefe diftlnfllons were not vouchfafeJ him for his own fake; His converfion was miraculous ; but it was fo ordained, in order that his authority among thofe to whom he was to preach the Gofpel might be unqueftioned. Even when he was near the clofc of his glorious labour, he appeared not to confider his own falvation as certain, but that he might ftill forfeit *' llie prize of his high calling," and, " after having preached to others, become a caft-av^ay." Previous to his appearance before Nero, he implores the prayers of his con- verts, that utterance m.ight be given him ; at other times he confeffes himfelf uninfpired ; and in his exhortation to the Centurion, that the foldiers fliould be prevented from efcap- jng from the wreck, he intimates that even in miraculous interpofitions the Deity works by the powers of nature, or by human agency. At other times St. Paul writes like one who was lifted out of the body, fenfible of infpiration, glo- rying in unutterable vifions, confident of future bllfs, and anxious to depart this life, that he might be with his Lord< This is a lively and juft picture of a pious mind, in which human weaknefs and religious fortitude alternately prevail ; in which we fometimes fee the perfecuted and afflicted man, and at others the infpired Apoftle. But to return from thefe, in fome degree, digreffive remarks (which will apply to other points of the ccnteft that v/e are at prefent con- fidering ;) when we allow for the deceitfulncfs of our own hearts, and the defigned my fiery in which the awful fubjecft of fupernatural affiliance is involved, we muft own that the brighteft underftanding may err, if it attempt to afcertain when and where it a<^ted under the immediate guidance of God ; to expatiate, therefore, on our capability of fo doing, can no way edify a popular audience. The general ftate- ment, that God puts into our minds good delires, and that the Devil, our own corrupt inclinations, and the fedu(Slions of the world, tempt us to fin, appears to be as clear an ac- count of this intricate bulinefs as it is requifite for us to give. If we would employ the time fpent in fuch unprofitable dif- quifitions, which can only end in uncertainty and error, in earneft prayers to God that he »vould enable us to improve all godly motions, edification would be efFedlually promoted. I proceed to another obfervation on the conduct of many difl^enters from the eftablifliment : I mean the comparatively little importance which they afiix to the duty of prayer, efpecially if ofi:'crcd in a prefcribed form of devotion. The lermon is the attrin^ion to molt itinerant hearers j and if

177

they can hurry into the diftan-t fan£luary, where their favour- ite orator harangues, time enough to catch the honey drop- ping from his Hps, they are content to omit their own indif- peniable duty, of offering the Chriftian facrifice, by praying to the Lord God, Creator of Heaven and earth, the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, who fandlified the fabbath for kis nvorJJjip. The number of thofe who go to church totally ig- norant of Chriftianity, or of moral duty, is comparatively fmall ; yet tlie duty of publicly afTembling ourfelves togeth- er is incumbent upon all. Our better informed ancellors knew, that bearing was not the principal occupation of the day of reft ; but, that inftrudlion ought to be preceded and fan<?tified by holy fupplication. The advantage of a fet fornx of prayer, in which all may join with premeditated attention, is too obvious to be denied j and when fuch a compolition as our liturgy, for fenfe, copioufnefs, fublimity, and piety, folicits our preference, a compolitioa compiled from the beft devotional tracts of the ancient fathers, and from the pure rituals of early churches, aided by the labours of thofe ex- emplary founders of our own who became martyrs and con- feflbrs to the truths which they maintained ; fui-ely it muft be no ordinary felf-fufficiency, no common portion of vanity and conceit, that can decry this admirable fervice as formal and cold, and prefer to it the rhapfodies of an extemporary preacher, who, in defpite of Solomon^s caution, pours forth, a torrent of words before his Creator. It is evident, that the congregation cannot join in thefe unpremeditated ad- drefles ; for deilre muft precede requeft, and knowledge muft go before aflent. Edification, therefore, cannot be promo- ted, if prayer, the means by which God has promifed to convey his Spirit to them who afk it, be omitted, or only performed by one perfon. Thofe who liften to the devo- tions of the preacher may be called hearers of his luord, but not the IVord of God. They imbibe the words of a man, who has confidence and vanity enough to think himfelf able to fpeak better things than the moft diligent refearch into paft times can collect. Here, again, we are called upon to lament that unfortunate rage for novelty which characlerifes the prefcnt times.

If you will truft my judgment, edification cannot be pro- moted by that ftyle of enamoured familiarity which appears in the hymns, the ejaculatory addrefles, and often in the fer- mons of difienting congregations. Allowing Calvin's idea Y

178

of the Deity to be juft, and believing ourfelves alfo (as his modern difciples often do) of the number of the eleft, thofc fond and paffionate epithets, which are borrowed from the amorous foftnefs of fenfual attachment, muffc be iiiapphcable to the unpitying and remorfelefs power, who, folcly from his own determination, wills the greater part of his creatures to defi:ru(^ion. Our fex has been charged with being pecu- liarly apt to confound the very oppofite charatSters of their Redeemer, and an earthly lover ; and it is laid, that the Church of Rome has reconciled many a virgin vidlini to nio- naftic fcverities and feclufion, by captivating her imagination with the fallacious title of the Spoufe of God. The poeti- cal latitude of Eaftern literature has certainly beflowed this name, among many others, on the Church ; and the meta- phor, when taken in this general fenfe, is as appropriate and beautiful, as it is dangerous and abfurd when lowered by in- dividual application. The compofitions that I reprobate profefs to take the Song of Solomon for their model ; which is known to be an Epithalamium addrelTed by that uxorious monarch to one of his brides. It is preferved in our canon of fcripture as the produdlion of an infpired writer, and on account of its containing feveral prophetical allufions to the different ftates of the Jewifli and Chriftian Churches, which (as I have before obferved) were often poetically defer ibed under the images of a beautiful and fpotlefs, or a faithlefs and rejected wife, according as they have abounded in graces or been degraded by impiety. The Church of England re- ceived it, as fhe did all the other Jewifli fcriptures ^ but by palling it over in her rubrics, and offices, we may conclude that flie confiders it to be of too allegorical and myftical a nature to be fafely recommended to the ftudy of her ordinary members. That it is particularly unfuitable to the younger part of our fex, who are apt to mingle the idea of lovers and conquefts with fubje(Sl:s extremely diffimilar, muft be appa- rent to every fober minded perlbn. A particular recom- mendation of this poem to the young and inexperienced, ac- companied with an analyfls of its contents, in which the mif- intcrpretation that I have juft objefted to is adopted, and the Redeemer is dcfcribed as making love to the foul in the charafter of its bridegroom, is furely a difgrace to the party that has admitted it into an annual pocket-book, calculated to allure the well meaning by its plaufiblc title, and which muft mijlead thofe readers whom it does not difguji.

179

The Song of Solomon is juftly admired by all lovers of exquifite poetry, beautiful allegory, and fplcndid didlion j but the work itfelf (much lefs its grofs and almoft blafphe- mous imitations) does not feem calculated to enlighten the ignorant mind, or to amend the depraved heart. So much previous information refpedling the defign of the compofl- tion, fo much knowledge of oriental cuftoms, fuch clear judgment, and, ought we not to add, fuch a chafte and cor- rect imagination, are necelTary for underftanding it rightly, that the fong of fongs appears beft fuited to be the cabinet companion of a Horfley, a Bryant, or a Jones. Allegories addrefled to the paflions have done infinite harm in unlkil- ful hands : I will not abfolutely fay that they have occafion- ed grofs vices •, but they have bewildered the weak under- ftandings of many, who, under the tuition of fober paftors, might have become fincere humble cliriftians and valuable members of fociety.

The ideas which are generally promulgated refpe^ling in- nocence, guilt, and holinefs, by this fpecies of dilTenters, are very oppofite to the tenor of fcripture exhortation, and argue great ignorance of the human charafter, and the ordinary affairs of life. Moft unqueftionably, in the eyes of an infi- nitely holy and pure God, we mufi: all, even the beft of us, be confidered as offenders ; yet comparatively, and with reference to one another, the diftinftion of virtuous and vi- cious behaviour becomes fuitable. No notion can be more prejudicial to the caufe of religion, than that we muft be called from a ftatc of indifference or depravity, by the ter- rors of an alarmed confcience, to a fuppofed affurance of ho- linefs and falvation. The Gentile world was indeed " call- ed from darknefs into light ;" and the Apoftles, with great propriety, enlarge upon the amazing change which the pure precepts and rational doftrines of chriftianity made in the lives and fentiments of thofe, who had been taught to pro- pitiate brutifh deities by moft infamous actions. But this contraft between paft- and prefent morals can rarely take place among the members of a Chriftian Church, Vv'ho have been educated in the knowledge of the true God, without fcandal to the faith that v/e profefs. Every exhortation to early piety contained in fcripture, every inftrutftion which is be- ftowed on youth, even our dedication of infants to God by the initiatory facrament of baptifin, implies our being in a ftate of grace, and proves innocence more acceptable to the Almighty than repentance. Our Lord, indeed, is faid to.

180

have preached the docbine of forgivenefs of fins ; but it mufi: be remembered, that the Almighty's difpofition to be recon- ciled to finners was till then unknown. Natural religion never difcovered this truth.* The law promljed it, as far as refpedls the temporal remiffion of national puniihments j but only typically flaadowed out the hope of eternal mercy to in- dividual offenders, under the promife of a future prophet, whom the Jews were commanded to hear, and the annual commemoration of an anticipated expiatory facrifice. Well, therefore, might he, in whom the fulnefs of the Godhead dwelt, rejoice the hearts of his hearers by his beautiful par- ables of the loft fliecp, and the returning prodigal ; but the ftray charge is not defcribed as being dearer to the heavenly fliepherd, than the ninety and nine who had not wandered from the fold j nor was the weeping fpendthrift preferred to his induftrious obedient brother, who, though tinctured with jealoufy and envy, is yet pronounced heir to all his father's ivealth. Indeed, as our divines juftly obferve, one of the proofs that Jefus was more than man conlifts in his perfect developement of human nature, which could only arife from his knowing the fecrets of all hearts. Except the blefTed author of our religion, fcripture delineates no perfect por- trait. The Saint and the Sinner are intermixed, and alter- nately prevail, in every character that is minutely detailed. In the fame chapter our Lord addrefTes the fervent, irrefo- lute, yet fmcere Peter, with " BleCed art thou Simon Bar- " jona ;" and. Get thee behind me Satan, for thou favour- " eft not the things that be of God." Our own hearts can teftify, that this is the cafe with us all. At times we feem to rile above the corruption of our nature ; at other times, to fink beneath its acknowledged imbecility.

We fhall not, therefore, make any progrefs in real edifi- cation, by endeavouring to afcertain cur afTurance of having received faving grace, or to ftate the time when we felt a callj- to newnefs of life. I hope that I am addrelling read- ers who have never been ignorant that they were accounta- ble beings, and commanded to " work out their own falva- tion witk fear and trembling." I truft they have ever avoid-

* Hey's Ledlures, vol. ift, p. 316.

f The wor<l called, or converted, is indeed always ufed by the Apof- .tles ; but fcripture offers no iuftancc of a pcrfgn burn of chriflian parents, and regularly educated in chiiftinn knowledge. The cafe of Timothy comes ncarefi ; and tlie cliildren of the elccl Lady (fee the ad epiflle of Johu) were probably tuucaied in chrilUanity.

181

cd grofs enormities ; and I fear that they have found, and ever will find it difficult to reach that ftandard of perfection to which they know it is their bounden duty to afpire. If their minds are properly fortified by found principles, found- ed on that clearnefs of idea, and humility of inquiry, which becomes our finite but improveable faculties, they will frart at the prefumption of attributing an inftantaneous converfion to the florid declamation or theatrical geftures of a popular orator, while the written w-ord of God has failed to effedl it, and which did not refult from an humble and fteady ufe of thofe means of grace that are of divine appointment ; I mearr prayer, and the holy eucharift. Should the preacher whom we attend attempt to iilufa'ate his profelyting labours by tell- ing his auditory, that from a grievous finner he was meta- morphofed into an eminent inflrument of God's glory to convert others from carnal formality to vhal religion., I truft we fliall rather feel dlfgufted at the egotifm of felf-praife, and the effrontery of avowed wickednel's, than induced to believe that we are liftening to a repentant Peter, or a mi- raculoufly converted Paul. Contrition weeps over its crimes, and confefles them to God in fecret ; but true contrition will never glory in its ihame, by fuch a public contraft of its paft and prefent life as adds to the number of its offences the fins of vanity and prefumption ; vanity in boafling of its prefent fcate, and prefumption in publifliing the tranl- grefiions which unfitted it for the office that it hai; af- fumed.*

You will not, my dear Mlfs M ^ infer from thefe ob-

fervations, that I wilh to difcourage you from a fincere and frequent examination of your growth in grace. To com-»- mune with our own hearts, is not only an import.mt but an indifpenflible duty ; but it muft not be performed under the guidance of enthufiafm. We are not to examine ourfelves in order to determine whether we belong to the clafs of faints

* We are forbidden to fay our prayers flanding in the public comers of the ftreets ; farely then we are retrained fruin publilhing our former fins, as a contraft to our prefent purity, efpalally In th: fatiB'.:ary. The Mo- faical law required pcrfonal fymnietry and decorum of manners from its otBcials ; the rehgion of Chrift alters thefe qualirications, to the utmoft polTible purity of life and morals. See Timothy, 3d chapter, Titus ill: cliapter. Our Church requires tefHmonials of fobrtety and regularity from every candidate for holy orders ; a pious, or at leail an iaofleniivc previous conduit feems indifpenfable to all v/ho Vi'ould become teachers of the gofpel. What iliall we hy, then, oi^ thoi'e fclf-convi^inJ reprobatfs, who prove their prefent light by their former darknei's ?

182

or finners ; the mixed nature of man only allows us to ufe thefe terms in a qualified fenfe ; and if we read our own hearts aright, we Ihall dii'covcr many things partaking of both thofe characters. If, by being born again, we are to under- fland perfect holinefs in thought, word, and deed, the church tnumphant can receive no addition in numb^T from her militant aflbciate. It is certain from fcripture, that the fame perfon does in the courfe of life many times of- fend and be forgiven, and is alternately at peace or at enmity with God. " If the finner departs from his evil ways, his " oftences fhall be remembered no more ;" again, « if the " upright man forfakes his integrity and does evil, in the " fin whicli he committed he fliall die." When fcripture ufes this plain language, to what purpofe is it to perplex our- felves by an inquilitive fcrutiny, whether we have ever felt the ajfurance cf falvation^ or, in the w^ords of the evangeli- zers, been horn again ? If we feel in our hearts a lively faith, and a fincere purpofe of obedience to the divine laws ; if in our converflition and actions we feek to promote God's glory, and the good of our fellow-creatures ; if, denying all ungodlinefs and worldly lufls, we endeavour to go on from grace to grace, fubmitting ourfelves and all our concerns to the divine will, may we not hope (I fay,) when we find our minds fo difpofed, that we are in " that flate of falvation" to which, in the language of our church, we ivere called by baptifm ? But fince, owing to the infirmity of human nature, we can rarely continue flationary in our Chriflian duties, felf- examination becomes necelTary, to difcover whether we are progreffive or retrograde in faith and virtue. If we perceive an 'improvement in our habits of piety and goodnefs, let us rejoice with that humility which becomes thofe who cannot be confident that " they fland, without being in danger of falling." If we difcover that our conflitutional bad habits have gained ground upon us, or that fome new fin afTails us with powerful and fuccefsful temptation, let our repentance be as fincere and profound towards God, as it is unobvious and unobtrufive to man. Long indulged habits are apt to return ; the ftrongeft motive by which we endeavour to de- ter youth from tranfgrevTxng God's laws is, the extreme dijE- culty of weaning the mind from finful courfes ; f^lf-exami- nation will difcover to us our natural propenfities, and teach us to place guards where tliey are moft required.

I have ever thought, that the difputcs fubfifting between \\\Q. fteady members of the Church of England, and moderate

185

Calvinifts, on the fubje^ of regeneration, have proceeded more from the want of clear ideas and definite language, than from any material difference of opinion on the fubje<Sl. Both hold falvatlon to be the free gift of God by Jefus Chrift ; and both, I truft, acknowledge that good works are required to be the fruit of Chriftian faith j by which, though we cannot in ilridlnefs be faid to merii falvation, we difcharge our part of the chriftian covenant, and become capable of it. Our adverfaries cartainly mifreprefent the Church of Eng- land, when they defcribe her as diftinguifliing between bap- tifm and regeneration ; the very anfwer in the catechifm to which they appeal confutes them ; as it makes the facra- ment of baptilm (like that of the Lord's fupper) to confift of two parts ; of which " water is the outward lign ;" and " a death unto fin, and a new biith unto righteouinefs, the inward and fpiritual grace." To fay that we look only to the external fprinkling, is to charge us both fallely and fool- ifhly ; but we fay that we cannot judge of the heart, and therefore the Church fuppofes all on whom this outward lign is impreffed to be called to a flate of falvation, regene- rated, received as the adopted child of God, incorporated into the holy church, dead to fin, living unto righteoufnefs, and partaker of the death of Chrift.* Of another determi- nate pofitive new birth, fubfequent to baptifm, we know nothing jf though every time that we turn from fin, to ferve the living God, we may be faid to rife to newnefs of life, but not, as I before obferved, to impeccable holinefs.

I have never been able clearly to underftand what Meth- odifts, or moderate Calvinifi:$ (for I confider thefe terms as nearly fynonymous,) mean by regeneration. They feem to intimate, that a fenfible change takes place at fome period of a perfon's life, almofl: fimilar to what heathen converts formerly experienced ; and, if I am rightly informed, a young perfon is required to give proof that this change has paffed in his mind, before he is admitted to break bread. A de- fcription of this perceptible call, and of the manner of God's dealing with his foul, is to bs repeated to the elders of the congregation, who are to judge, by the anfwers given to their inquiries, whether the candidate for full communion has experienced a coriverfton. This, in my opinion, is open- ing the door to loquacious prefumption and hypocrify, and

, * Sec the Thankfgiving after Baptifm.

f See Bifiiop Taylor's Life of Chrift, page 31 4-

184

iiuitting it againn: dlfiklencc, which is mol-c likely to prove the cnlket in which genuine piety is inflirincJ. But to pro- ceed : After this regenerating operation has once taken place in the mind, the liinclified convert appears, in their opinion, to be placed in a much greater ftate of fecurity than he was before ; contrary to the tenor of experience, and the words of fcripture, which alike \varn us to beware of thinking that

wc ftaiid. You will perceive, my dear Mifs M , that

no rule is, or indeed can be, laid down, to fhew us when and how this work Ihould be performed ; and I am perfuaded, that perfons who hold thefe notions muft find their opinions as to their being effectually regenerated vary with their differ- ent difpofitions of mind, and even the ftate of their nerves ; being fometlmes difpofed to think themfelves the " children of wrath," and at others " born from above •," I mean that if fpiritual pride have not entirely vanquiflied humility, the backflidings of a regenerated Methodift muft wear, in his own eyes, a moft formidable afpeft.*

Far more confolatory, and fcriptural, is the avowed opin- ion of our Church, Avhich holds, that though we are all made in baptifm "the children of God, members of Chrifr, and inheritors of the kingdom of Heaven," we xi\x^ forfeit thefe privileges by fin, and recover them by repentance. Far more charitable and juft is the judgment by which fl:ie determines on the conciuft of her members, whom, if fiie fees them reg- ular in their religious and moral duties, flie fuppofes to be in a ftate of grace, and does not terrify nor offend them by an inquifitorial examination as to vvhat peculiar fancies and opinions they may privately indulge, provided thefe do not affe<ft their outward condufl. To notorious ill livers fhc denies the euchariftical feaft as long as they continue in their fms. An externally fober, honeft, and religious perfon, has no right to be thru ft from the Lord's table by a fellow-crea- ture, who does not poffefs the gift of omnifcience. Such a one ma-j be a hypocrite ; and a ftrong perfuafion that he has been regenerated, will not prefcrve him from the crime of dijfimulation. To the Searcher of hearts we muft leave that offence which walks unfeen on earth, and can alike affume the lawn of epifcopacy, or the ftiff garb of Puritanical fin- gularity.

* Whoever wiflics ftir a fpccimcn of the nrgumrnts of ov.r oppnnenf j on this head, may confult two fcrn;ons on Original Sin_, and tJu; New Birtli, printefl by J. Paramore, at the Fonndry, Moorfulds, ijSi, an<l which arc faid on the title p^ge not to be fold, but given away.

185

The laft remark which I mean to malce on that pretend- ed defire of edification which leads many to defert their church, or at leaft, while they abide within its pale, to ex- hibit a compound of hoftility and conformity, iliall relate to that objedtion of " moral preaching," which is often brought againft the fermons of our regular divines. We might pro- perly enough reply, that as the temptations to offend God are more apt tQ fpring up in the way of our practice, than in that of our faith, our fpiritual guides are right in fixing their ftrongeft guards in thofe places where their flock may be moft eafiiy aflailed. The liturgy of the church is doc- trinal, as well as fupplicative -, fo are her articles ; and the manual in which they are contained is in the pofTeffion of nearly all her members. She has provided efpecial offices for the education of her youth ; and if parents and fponfors did thqir duty, our knowledge of the myfteries of religion could not depend on the difcretionary infl:ru£lions of our paf^ tors. We might further obferve, that knowledge, once ac- quired, is not in danger of being foon loft ; but that the de- ceitfulnefs of fin fo difguiles darling vices and fafhionable indulgences, that we need more impartial obfervation than our own to refcue our inflamed paffions from the fatal fafci- nation of habit, authority, or importunity. Nor are we on this point compelled to ftand merely on the defenfive : did not a fear of widening the breach that is between us enjoin a degree of caution which almofl exceeds the prefcribecl bounds of moderation, we might afk thofe who urge this: charge againft it, if they think that depreciating a life of comparative innocence is the beft method of recommending our religion to infidels. The loth chapter of the A6ls teaches us, that though morality is not fufficient to falvation, it is the likeliefl means of difpoling the mind for the recep- tion of Chriftian graces. We have an apoftolical command to add to our faith virtue ; and the inquifition at the great audit will proceed upon the principle, that righteoufnefs is acceptable to God. "Well done, good and faithful fer- vant j" and *' Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity ;" are words addrefTed to free and moral agents, who come to re- ceive the reward of good deeds^ or the punifhment of evil anions.

It Is, however, by no means true, that the preachers of our national church are, generally fpeaking, mere moral ef- fayifts. Some few fpruce chaplains may indeed, like Pope's

186

foft Dean, avoid " naming hell to cars polite *," as fbme few among the more ignorant of our opponents preach open An- tinomianifm ; but in a very numerous majority of our church- es, virtue is always recommended on Chriftian motives, and enforced by Chriftian hopes. A fermon is a popular and brief addreis to a mixed auditory, who are fuppofcd to be previoufly inftru^ted in the elementary knowledge of their religion. On particular feftivals, the myflcry then efpecial- ly commemorated is judicioufly fele£ted as the prevailing topic, either by commenting on the fcripture narrative, {hew- ing its connexion witli preceding prophecies, and refuting the cavils of fceptics ; or, by drawing fuch practical inferen- ces from the difpenfations of Almighty God, as may induce us to add to our faith that " holinefs without which no man fhall fee the Lord." Thofe who reproach us as mixing per- fuafives to moral purity with the doctrines of the gofpel, furely forget that the moft perfe6l ethical compofition was fpoken by our BlefTed Lord to the multitude who flood around the Sinai of the Gofpel, and heard our High Prieft extend the precepts of the Decalogue to univerfal holinefs and purity of heart. He condemned particular vices -, he pronounced the beatitude of particular virtues ; and fhall they who labour in the fold that he has fet up in this king- dom, be blamed for following his example ? By a mofl live- ly allufion to an ill erected building, he illuftrated the im- portant truth, that profitahle attendance on the word of God confifb, not merely in hearing, but in doing his will ; and if they built but upon a fandy foundation, who only Itjlened to the Son of God, what term fhall we find appropriate to the bafelefs fabrics of thofe who negleft their ufeful voca- tions, and fuppofe that religion conflfts in colle£1:ing a crude undigefted mafs of confufed ideas, perplexing their minds with vain inquiries and minute diflindtions, preferring the faflidioufnefs of the critic to the docility of the pupil, and complaining of iinivholejome doctrine, bccaufe their lawful teachers ftrive to ameliorate t\ie\r Jiubborn hearts^ and to cor- reEl their vicicus lives y inftead of gratifying their itching ears, or foothing their fantaftic imaginations ?

Were we to follow the brainfick inconfl:ancy of enthufl- afm in all its deplorable changes, we might lament that the hungry wanderers from our epifcopal chiu-ch are often fed with the meagre ebullitions of flrained metaphor, forced conceit, colloquial impertinence, and irreverent, or I might fay, frequently blafphemous applications of fcriptural Ian-

187

guage or events to familiar occurrences ; fuch as the fuppoC* ed converfion of the gifted mechanic who harangues them, or the providences and experiences that have befallen a re- cent convert. It is particularly obfervable, that this fpecies of feceders from the eftablifhment avoid enforcing the du- ties appending to the fifth commandment. The reafon is evident j for, were they to be explained as they are in that admirable comment upon them which is contained in the church catechifm,* they would bear fo hard upon the diflent of thefe felf-appointed teachers, as would convince their fol- lowers that they greztXj fimied by that fchifmatical pertinaci- ty to their true fpiritual paftors, which they are now taught to confider as their duty. To preach the fame doftrine with thofe from whom we wifh to gain hearers, is but to open a new feminary upon an old place. Novelty of manner is not fufficient ; there muft be novelty of matter too. The reafon which illiterate people generally give for deferting their reg- ular minifter, is, that he does not teach them how they are to be faved. Afk them, if he has never faid, that by God's mercy, through Jefus Chrift, and through faith in his merits, their lincere though fallible obedience to his laws will be rewarded with life everlafting ? and they generally anfwer by a hefitating yes ; and then add, that they want to know more. What! more than our liturgy teaches .'* Yes. More than the Holy Scriptures, which our Church exhorts all her members to read diligently, reveals ? I am grieved to fay, that I was once, by implication, anfwered yes ; and that too by a perfon who has fince officiated as a lay teacher. What poifonous herbage muft that flock devour, whofe fhepherd fancies that man can relate more than God has told him. This morey when ingenuoufly difcovered, proves to be the dangerous do£lrine,f that a finner's acceptance with God- does not reft or depend on the conformity of his will to the divine law -, but that, as Chrift has done all for us, and as his righteoufnefs is imputed to us, we have nothing to do but to lay hold on him. It muft be apparent to you, my dear Mifs M , that rigid Calvinifm is fo totally adverfe to

* " To love, honour, and fuccour my father and mother ; to honour " and obey the king and all that are put in authority under him ; to fub- " mit myfelf to all my governors, teachers, fpiritual paftors and mafters ; « to order myfelf lowly and reverently to all my betters."

f That this doflrinc is eminently dangerous, fee Matthew, 7th chap- ter, vcrfes aift, 22d, and a3d.

188

imman refponfibllity, that it will be difTicult to Uifcovcr any motive which a teacher, who profefTes thofc opinions, can confiftently ufe to difTuade his auditors from the moft atro- cious crimes ; and even the more moderate adherents to the apoftle of Geneva, who hold man to be merely pafllve in the work of falvation, certainly deprive thcmfclvesof the ftrong- eft arguments that can be urged on the fide of virtue, name- ly, the promife of its future reward ; which term, though aftually ufed by our Saviour, they frequently cavil at in the difcourfes of our clergy. We may generally obferve, that no ftyle of preaching can promote Chriftian edification which diminifhes the fenfe of human refponfibllity, and makes eith- er our Maker or our nature anfwerable for our acftual oft'en- ces. I believe we have examined with fufficient minutenefs that pretended love of edification, which draws many weak people from the church in which they received baptifm, and from whofe pale it is crhninal for them to depart on light and frivolous pretences. We have {^ttw how little reafon they have to expe(ft fuch advantages, either from the matter or the manner of their new inftruftors ; but, on the other hand, how much danger there is, that the light within them will be quenched by a fupcrincumbence of words without knowledge, and opinions without argument. It is moil: earn- eflly to be wiflied, for their own fakes, as well as for the peace of our Jerufalem, that thefe, perhaps well meaning, but certainly blamable wanderers, would be content to fee what is plainly their duty, and to avoid fuch curious myfte- ries as human intellecft can never clearly explore.

Sometimes, dillatisfacSiiion proceeds no further than cen- fure and complaint againfi: our ordinances and officials, and docs not amount to that breach of communion which con- flitutes the offence of fchifm. I would earneftly exhort per- fons thus circumfijanced, in the words of a very learned and amiable divine, ** You are haunted with fcruples and mif- ** givings ; purfue your own courfe, and fee what will be " the refult. You are difcontented with fomcthing in your « own church ; look out for another : fuppofing you found *« one perfectly to your mind ; yet even then you ought not " to join it, except the change will compeni'ate for the mif- " chiefs of fchifm, and for any accidental inconveniencies, " fuch as increafe of diftance, <?<c. But the fuppofition of a ** church perfecftly unexceptionable is not to be admitted ; *^ fuch perfe(Slion is ib improbable, that, guiding ourfclves by ** experience, we muft expect that if you find any number

189

«' of errors or faults in your own church, you will find fome « in other churches ; perhaps as many as in your own, or " more : you cannot then be conllftent in that cafe, except «* you quit them all : the queftion then would be, whether «' you may quit all religious focieties, and worfhip God in " folitude ? We anfwer, every thing in the nature of the <' thing, every thing in the expreffions of fcripture, is againft « fuch a meafure. If you are alone, you muft lofe moll of *' the benefits of religion ; infl:ru6tion and fympathy wholly, " and aflbciation in a great degree ; even reading and med- «' itation grow either dead or extravagant. And the pre- ** tence is trifling ; nor are you at liberty to acTt upon it, ex- ** cept you alio determine to retire from civil Ibcicty, and to <* fix yourfelf in fome defart or uninhabited ifland, becaufe *' in monarchies you have found fome oppreflion, in democ- ** racies fome turbulence, and in every form of civil govern- *' ment fomething inconfiftent with your ideas of perfec- « tion."*

I have been thus copious on what I feel to be a very pain- ful fubie(Sl, on account of the rapid progrefs which ccclefi- aftical infubordination is making, efpecially among the hum- bler walks of life. I have not ufed the name of evangelica*, aflumed by our opponents, out of reproach ; nor yet by any means as acquiefcing in the arrogant pretenfion, that they have a fuperior right to the title, or that the light of the gofpel is no where difFufed in this ifland, but where they have raifed the ftandard of feparation from the church, or furreptltiouily attempted to pafs for her only genuine off- fpring. Lefs danger refults to our eftablifliment from open foes, than from thofe who excite difputations under the pre- text of zealous duty. I call upon thefe, in the name of God, to fay why, if they really teach the fame dodlrine as their clerical brethren, they affect to confider themfelves as a diftinfl body ? Why do they treat their fellow-labourers with contempt and obloquy ? Why do they lay claim to fu- perior knowledge, illumination, and purity, and prevent the advantages which would refult from mutually labouring to promote the interefts of unity and holinefs ? Difcord is not only the natural impediment, but the prediBed hindermice to the progrefs of the gofpel of peace. Are they difputing about words only .'' Can vague expreffions, or peculiar ftyle in the preacher, be a juftifiable caufe of contention ? Or caa

* Hey's LetStures, vol. sd, pages 119, 120.

190

nice points and fubtilties, which few can comprehend, and all muft ufe much circumfpection and precifion to ftate with accuracy, be a defence for fchifm ? Can fuch pretences jufti- fy them at the day of judgment for all the mifchiefs which angry difputations occafion ? If worldly motives influence their condu6t ; if they clamour for fame, eminence, or val- uable preferment, they muft rellgn all pretenfions to lingle- nefs of heart. If they really imagine, that the interefts of true Chriflianity can be promoted by inflaming the imagi- nations, perplexing the undcrftandings, and unfixing the principles of their ignorant auditors, by their continually ex- patiating on obfcure and diforganizing topics, we may pity the cohiuilon of their minds, and give thofe allowances to their fincerity which we detracfl from their fanity.

I may poflibly alarm the well intentioned part of fuch fe- eeders, by tranfcribing the opinion of the learned tranflator of Moflieim. Speaking of the dangers to be apprehended to the Proteftant religion, he obferves, " If Popery fliould " any way be re-introduced, it muft be through the means « of fanaticifm ; which by difcrediting free inquiry, decry- « ing human learning, and encouraging thofe pretended illu- V minations and impulfes which give the imagination an un- « due afcendant in religion, lays weak minds open to the fe- •' du(ftions of a church which has always made its conquefts *' by wild vifions and falfe miracles. Cry down reafon, « preach up implicit faith, make inward experience the teft; « of truth, extinguifli free inquiry, and the main barriers to *' Popery will be removed."

Supported by fuch authority I will venture to give my opinion, that itinerant Calvinifts* little fufpedl how far they are advanced toward the moft odious dodlrines of popery. But, indeed, thofe who fet off with a violent refolution to get as far as poffible from what they hate, are ever doomed to run in a circle, and thus finally meet what they determine to avoid. For, not to draw the obvious parallel between the lying wonders of the Rornifh church, and the extraordinary interpofiticns of Heaven which they ftyle providences and experiences, is not their paflion for gifted preachers, that is for cnthuiiarrical coxcombs deftitute of learning, exactly iim- ilar to the Romilh doctrine, which holds the power of the prieft to te not only declaratory and minijlcrialy but ejfentiai

• By tills phrafc is nitant all who leave their rcgulur teachers.

191

TXiA conciufive ? a tenet that our church folemnly abjures.* How fhall we elfe account for the inconveniencies to which thefe eager hearers expofe theralelves, by deferting the more regular minifter of their own perfualions, to follow him who has had the late/i call F It is certain, that among thefe people popularity is never lading, and the benefit of holy worfhip always fcems to depend upon thofe who adminiftei* it. The merit alfo which they feem to attach t6 the long journeys and fevere privations that they undergo to hear a fine new man, favours greatly of the fuppofed benefits that were formerly afcribed to penances and pilgrimages. Do thefe profefled haters of anti-chrift and lovers of liberty know, that their favourite dodrine, that no one fhould fubmit to the civil inftitutions of any ftate unlefs he had firft given liis confent to them, was invented by the agents of the pa- pacy to raife the power of the Pontiff over fecular princes, ■and was found eminently ferviceable to the clergy of that hierarchy, who, having an unbounded fway over the con- fciences of the people, by making popular authority para- mount to regal dominion, cunningly eftablifhed their own Supremacy ?f

« Herefies," as the venerable Bifliop Home obferves, ** however defeated, however triumphantly anfwered, are " only conquered for a time. They feem to make their pe- " riodical revolutions in the church, like comets in the hea- •* vens, now difappearing, and now appearing again in their " erratic courfe." Can this be wondered at ? It is the fpirit of the myllery of iniquity, which always fpeaks ; and whea the old embroidered fuit of popery is worn thread-bare, it will difpute in the quaint garb of puritanifm.

Theological controverfy, confidered in its befi: light, I •mean as keeping alive a zeal for religion, is even then a moft humiliating proof of human imperfe^Siion, and fliews that we are fi;ill at an immenfe diftance from polTefiing that peace which Chrift bequeathed to us. *' The wolf cannot dwell *' with the lamb, nor the leopard with the kid ; the lion ** will not eat ftraw with the ox, nor the fucking child play ** with the afp ;" while the trumpet of difcord founds ** in " the holy mountains j" nor " ihall the knowledge of the

* Article 26th-

f The cuftom among Diflcntcrs and Mcthodifts, of teachers changing congregations with each other, is more political than pious, and turns re- ligion into an entertainment.

192

" Lord cover the earth as the waters. cover the fea," till m'lC- iions are no longer founded in fchifm, nor children taught that a diverfity of opinions in rehgion is acceptable and pleaf- ing to God. Contention is always a punifliment, unanimity a bleffing \ and never was difcord among lincere Chriftians more to be dreaded than in thefe times, ^when irreligion and •licentioufnels wear fuch a formidable afpe<fl:. Let us hope, then, that the truly devout, aware of the evils of affecfled fingularity, and controverfies on points which both parti^ confefs are not ejjential to fahntion^ will avoid the fxn of caufe- lefs reparation, by cheerfully facrificing their private fcruples to the great blefllng of public uniformity. " And may the « God of Peace fo compcfe our minds, that if our brains " differ, our hearts and tongues may agree." At leaft, may all who profefs to have the fame God, Lord, faith, and bap- tifm, in their individual capacities, iliew forth that meek and holy charity " which feeketh not her own, is not eafily provoked, thinketh no evil, and vaunteth not itfelf." The wounds of our Sion would then be fpeedilj healed.

Before I clofe this letter, I will remark, that in this difli- pated and licentious age, the charge of methodifm is often unwarrantably urged againfi: many valuable and fteady mem- bers of our church ; merely en account of the extraordinary piety and ferioufnefs of their behaviour. Pretenfions to fu- perior fandlity are always dangerous, as they provoke a fcru- tiny which human rectitude can rarely fuftain. God forbid, however, that becaufe there have been devotees and hypo- crites, we fliould therefore deny the exiftence of geiiuine de- votion. It is much to be wifhed, that perfons w^ho have a regard to religion would never deviate into morofenefs of manner, nor, by a total feclufion of themfelves from the world, negleft the precept of letting their light fhine before men. Might we not hope, that if the truly good would oftener mix in the public haunts of men, their prefence and union might awe the effrontery of the licentious, and correct the frivolity of the diffipate^ ? Might they not (for 1 do not confider this body to be inconfiderablc either in rank or number) introduce fuch a change into public amulements, and general cuftoms, as would produce the happieft effedts on public morals ? The undertaking, I grant, would be ar- duous -, it would require great exertion of fortitude, perfeft command of temper, and above all, fuch an alTumption of confequence, and avowal of merit, as is mod repugnant to the modcit feelings of real defert. Virtue, then, mufl: gc-

193

nerally refide in the fhade : it is the region in which fhe beft flouriflies. Yet, confcious of her own fallibility, let her ex- amine herfelf there, and be cautious of acquiring peculiari- ties that will lefTen her influence. On the other hand, let us make allowances for natural temper, for the preflure of fevere calamity, for difappointments, or, poffibly, for the lively feelings of remorfe, in a really contrite and renovated heart ; nor let us ftamp with the opprobrious ftigma of fchif- matic a devout Anna, who fpends her time in the temple ; an attentive Mary, who liftens to the voice of her Lord ; a repentant Magdalen, who bathes the feet of Jefus with tears ; or a charitable Dorcas, who makes garments for the naked. The Church to which we belong interdicts no degrees of virtue or piety. Serioufnefs is not feparation ; flridtnefs is not nonconformity. If a few of her community feem to pay too little attention to things of this world, the majority of her profeffors are too indifferent to that which is to come. That the divine Power, who enables us "both to will and to do" what is good, may ever preferve you in the happy medi- um, prays your finccrely affe^ionate, &c.

104.

LETTER VII.

0/t the Tenets of Rat'minl Ckrijlians, or Unitarians.*

MY DEAR MISS M-

nlNCE you permit me to purfue the courfc adopted in a former publication of a limiiar nature to my prefcnt attempt, I {liall now call your attention to a fct of Diflcnters, who err in the contrary extreme from what we lail confidered. For, as thofe generally decry the guidance of reafon, and the ad- vantages of human learning, thefe latter maintain the fu- premacy of our limited faculties, and are too apt to difcard every tenet of revelation that cannot be lowered to the^r^ of our fcanty intellect, or which can in any way be fuppofed. to contradi(^ the difcoveries of fcience. While the Calvin- ifts tell us, that Chrift has done all for us, and that we are mei"e machines, unrefifting recipients of the overwhelming grace of God ; the Socinians reje<ft the atonement and me- diatorial office of the Redeemer, depofe him from his exalt- ed rank of filiation, and lower him to a created being, nay even to mortal and peccable man. Proud of the dignity of their nature, they aflert our free agency, at the expence of divine fupremacy ; and they make our falvation to depend fo entirely on ourfelves, as to limit, if not annihilate, the co-operating affiitance of the Spirit of God. You will per- ceive, that thefe opinions are rather addrefled to the pride of philofophy, than to the paflions of the multitude ; they are, however, difl^minated with great zeal amongft all ranks of fociety ; and they are combined with fuch pretentions to

* Here, as in the cafe of tl)e opponents whom wc have juft difmifTed, \vc may compluin of the unfainicfs of the diftinguilliiiig terms tliat arc adopted by our advcrfaries. 'I'he Calvinifts liivc no more claim to the term evangelical, than churchmen ; and when we are as rational and as true believers in our God, as the Unitarians, thefe denominations are af- fiimed for liuifler and political purpofcs. The uninformed always feci a great charn^ in word*.

195

free inquiry, the right of private judgment, and abfolute im-^ punity in matters of opinion, as are moft likely to enfure their popuUiriry Much mental ftrength is enrolled in the ranks of thefe dilputants ; and a periodical work, efteemed by many to be unique in wit and vigour, is the avowed cham- pion of this caufe, and the vigilant and mercilefs caftigator of its adverfaries. It is believed, that a moji decided majority of the people of England refufe to be laughed, or reafoned, out of what they have long conlldered to be the pectdiarly dijlingn:j}nng tenets of their religion. I cannot help fufpe£t- ing, however, that the amazing pains which were taken a few years ago to inftill into the unfufpicious mind of youth a firm perfuafion, that modes of faith are uneflential, and fettled religious principles another name for bigotry, have not been without efFe£l, though they may not have added to the numbers of the fe^l by whom this laxity of faith was pe- culiarly recommended. Whence is it, that this age is fo fertile in new and ftrange opinions } How comes it, that the auftere but fincere piety of former periods fliould lapfe into lukewarm acquiefcence with eftablifhed forms, of the mean- ing of which we rather glory than blufli to be ignorant ; or elfe evaporate into the frothy ebullitions of whimfical en- thuliafm .'' It is certain, that the latitudinarian and the fa- natic mutually prepare profelytes for each other. When once the mind is loofened from the fteady anchor of fixed principles, it is ready to drive with every wind of dodtrine, and never knows the comfort of fecure repofe.* The re-

* There cannot be a fairer fpecimen of the ftyle of criticifm whieh is employed to fnake the foundations of reiigious principle, than the follow- ing remarks on the maternal inftru6lioiis which a lady of fafliion ad- dreffed to her fon. The refpedlablc author had the hardihood to exchange vague and indefinite admonitions, for an cxprefs recommendation of the national faith. " With refpccl to the doSirines of Cirijiianiiy, without com- " bating the pofitions here laid down, we confefs we fliouid have been " better pleafed, if the orthodox faith of the fair writer had been offered to " her pupil in a more modeft and Icfs decided tone. When an author'* " tenets are founded folely on the authority of the Englifli tranflation of " the New Tcftament, which may chance to convey more or lefs than the " original fairly implies, a certain degree of diffidence fhould furely ac- " company aiTertions, efpecjally on points which are yet conteflcd among " the learned divines of the reformed churches. A fingle text may be •' good 'verbal proof, and fuch as may prove fatisfacflory to fair divi/ice ; but " there are others who would hefitate to eftablifb their faith on fuch " flender grounds, and they would recoiled: the remark of the poet : In »' rel'gion

" What damned error, but fome fober brow

" Will blefs it, an^ approve it with a text.

«' SHAKEg?tARE."

196

peated admonitions that have been given to parents, to avoid making their children bigots, or teaching them myllcries before their reafon ripened, has caufed young people to be trained up in fuch ignorance of the faith which they pro- fefs, as would have aftonifhed every age fince the Reforma- tion. To this, I am perfuaded, we muft afcribc the recent progrefs of Calvinifm ; and not, as it is invidioufly ftated, to the ncgleEl of our regular clergy. Elementary inftruttion is a branch oi parental duty ; it is the foundation on which the fuperftruiSlure of Chriftian knowledge muft be raifcd ; and we might as well cavil with Eton and Weftminfter for not teaching the primer, as condemn our fpiritual paflor for not^ publicly teaching " the firft principles of the doctrine of Chrift." If, under the idea of being an enlightened and liberal parent, we fuffer our children to remain in ignorance of the terms and obligations of their baptifmal vow ; if we tell them, that they are fr^ee to choofe the way in which they will worfhip the univerfal God, who is alike pleafed with the homage of " the Saint, the Savage, and the Sage," let us not feek for the reafon of their future maladies in the unwholefome nutriment that they receive from their paro- chial minifter, but in our having neglected to feed their in- fant years with the milk of Gt>d's holy word, left we ihouid thereby prejudice them in favour of what the wifeft of man- kind have pronounced to be ten thoufxnd times inovt pre- cious than the riclies of Ophir.

There is fomething fo formidable in the term higot, efpe- cially when coupled with its ally peyfecutG-y that I do not wonder our latitudinarian fectaries have found thefe names nioft ufeful artillery to drive weak mothers from performing their duty, and to intimidate difndcnt people from avowing the principles that tliey profelied. What if I fliew, that thcfe alarming epithets are not appropriate, if afcribcd to the confcientious members of a church conltitutcd upon fuch principles as. that to which we belong ! But I muft appeal from the judgment of thofe who do not acknowledge the di-

Mi,<Kt not one aflc the author of this ingenious mode of rumbatinjj fair dvlMs, on wliat finglc text liHs our church founded :<ny of its dod:rints ? Is it inipoirihle for a mere Englilli reader to ohtain fiicli a view of the con- troverfy, :is to dilcovcr which party brui^^s the ftrongefl: fcriptural evi- tl:-nce, or mofl ably fiipports its opinion ? I prelunie, tlic conductors of tiiis review only mc m to prohibit orthodox females from ufuig a dicidcd tone ; for I recollect tiiat the daring aflertions «>f an audacious advocate of impiety and revolt received no liarlli reproof; but the public were in- vited to read /aj- writings, by callin\^ tiieni lp!rit(.d and original.

197

vine authority of our whole Scriptures, and only ufe a mu- tilated and garbled edition of luch parts of the facred writ- ings as fuit their own purpofes. I might advert to the epif- tles of St. Paul, who authoritatively denounces various here- fies, and excommunicates heretics in the churches which he founded, and governed, either by himfelf or his immediate agents. I might bring forward the examples of St. Peter and St. Jude, who exhorted their converts to " beware of " thofe who privily bring in damnable herefies, even dcny'nig ** the Lord who bought them ;" and " to contend earneftly for *^ the faith once delivered to the faints," becaufe certain men ** have crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained " to this condemnation ; ungodly men, turning the grace *' of God into lafcivioufnefs, and denying the only Lord God ** and our Lord Jcfus Chrift ;" but I will reft my proof on the doftrines of the beloved difclple St. John. As he was moft honoured with the friendfhip of his mailer, we have reafon to believe that his character was moft ailimilated to that perfedl model of all excellence which the incarnate Deity prefented. In his writings we trace two dlftlnguifliing features j a fublime and clear view of the facred myfteries, and an ardent afFe^lion for his fellow-creatures. His Gofpel opens with a full and unequivocal teftimony of the divinity of his Mafter ; a text which, according to the conception of the learned German commentator Michaelis, has never been in the leaft affected by the moft diligent inquiry, and minute critlcifm, of thofe who would baniila that doctrine from the articles of religion. Inftead of its authenticity being Jhaken by the collections of two celebrated collators of manufcripts, Mills and Wetftein, it has been rendered more certain than e-v- er.* When we coniider that the numerous manufcripts of this gofpel which are preferved have been made by tran- fcribers dliiering in fentlments, and for oppofite purpofes ; that they lived In countries and ages remote from each other, and ufed different languages and idioms •, we muft look up*- on the authentic identity of this text as a peculiar interpo- iition of the fame Holy Spirit, which firft infpii-ed the ven- erable apoftle to pen this important truth, to refute the fal- lacies of heretics who, even in the flrft ages of the church, refufed to bow the pride of human reafon to thofe attefting miracles which wltnefted the Incarnation and fufferings of the Son of God. It is generally acknowledged, that the

* The fame is obfervcd of Romans, 9th chapter and jth vcrfc.

198

gofpel of St. John was written at a. time when herefies had crept into the church ;* and every attentive reader of this facred trcatifc mull acknowledge, that it is diametrically op)- poiite to the notion of the mere humanity of our Lord. It feems fingular, that the Socinians iliould venture to afTert, that their opinions were what was anciently eireemed to be orthodox, in the very teeth of an aportolical hiftory, com- pofed for the efpecial purpofe of afierting the doctrine which is maintained by every Chriftian community but their own. I fear that I have been led to digrefs a little from my pur- pofe. It was rather my defign to propofe to you the exam- ple of St. John, than at this time to enlarge upon his docirine. The proofs of thofe fundamental articles of our faith (the divinity and atonement of Chriil) are more numerous in the writings of this apoftle, than in any other of the facred pen- men \ yet none of them appear to have glowed with fuch ardent, fuch univerfal benevolence, as this evangelill. He even makes our love to cur brother the pledge and criterion of our boalled love to our Maker. His firft or catholic epiftle is generally believed to have been written in extreme old age, when he was on the eve of beholding his friend and mafter in the full fruition of uncreated glory. How pa- thetic, how energetic are his admonitory adieus to that flock which he had fo long attended ! He falutes them with the epithet of « beloved j" he calls them " his little children j" he conjures and entreats them " to keep fteadfaft in the faith ; and he admonilhes them " to love one another," as the mark of their religion. Did he, who leaned on the bo- fom of Chrill:, believe modes of faith to be immaterial^ or that the charadl;ers of a firm champion of the truth, and a genuine philanthropic, are incompatible ? Did I fay philan- thropy ? Let me reject a term io often perverted to the baf- effc purpofes, and fubllitue !he chriftian epithet of charity. Shall we accufe the beloved difciple of inconflftency or big- otry ; and can the mafter, who felected him from all human beings as moft worthy of the glorious title of his friend, be fere ned from the charge of Aveak partiality? We will not tax God fooiithly, nor lightly impeach the conduct: of the moft diilinguiihed of mankind. True benevolence extends to the fouls as well as to the bodies of our fellow-creatures ; and what greater kindncfs can be ihewn to the former, than in fteadily refilling dreadful and fedu£tive do(Strines ?

• The lirfi denlcrs of Chrift's divinity were the GnoQics.

199

From the teftlmony which the writings of St. John aiFord of his charatfler in advanced life, we may difcover'the efhca- cy of ills mafter's leiTons on his naturally vehement and vin- didlive chara(5ler. In the warm enthufiafm of early youth, he was anxious to " call down fire from Heaven" on thofe cities that would not receive his Lord ; but the un(5tion of that blefled Spirit, of which he received fo copious a fhare on the day of Pentecofl, taught him the manner in which he was to enforce his million. He now knew, that he was not appointed ruler of the Afian churches to ufe the arm of the flefh, or to affli£l and torment others. But, as no two things can be more oppofite, than tacit acquiefcerice in falfe opin- ions, and cruelty to erring brethren, he has left us a flaining example of zeal for truth, without that bafe alloy of unchar- itablenefs, which human paflions are fo apt to intermix in whatever deeply interefts the mind.*

Bigotry and prejudice are as much the bugbears of this age, as the Pope and the Pretender were formerly. It is impoffible to defend what is right, without danger of en- countering the obloquy annexed to tyranny, perfecution, ig- norance, fanaticifm, and narrownefs of foul. Yet it feems as if few were fo bigoted as thofe who loudly declaim in praife of unbounded freedom of opinion ; which, when nice- ly analyzed, is generally found to mean a reftlefs delire of eftablilhing our own fentiments as the univerfal do(Slrine. Surely, when we praife the liberality of our own notions, we difcover too much vanity to bring the fentiments of our ad- verfaries into difcredit with any intelligent reader.

* T am unwilling to mix with the certain authority of fcripture, the doubtful atttftation of liuman teflimony ; yet I willi to repeat two anec- dotes of this apoftle, authenticated by Irena;us, a fatiier of the fecond cen- tury, who profefled that he had thcni from Polycarp, the immediate dif- ciple of St. John. Whatever may be their authenticity, Irenseus muft have thought that they corrcfponded with the then well known charadler of this aportle. The one is, that coming into the bath at Ephefus, and hearing that the noted heretic Cerinthus was then there, he immediately left it, warning his followers to do the fame, ItR the place which contain- ed fo great an enemy to the truth fliould fall upon their heads. Tlie oth- er anecdote is, that when age difabled him from preaching at every pub- lic meeting, he exhorted his flock with thefe words, "Little children, love one another." His auditors, wearied with the repetition, inquired the reafon of it ; and received for anfwer, "This is what our Lord com- manded ; and if we can do this, we need do nothing elfe." I have quoted this account from an excellent work, once ftudied by every family ; 1 mean •Nelfon's Companion to the Feafts and lafts of the Church of England. It may be found iu various authors.

200

To apply this remark to that fpecles of Diflentcrs which is moft vehement in charging the eftabliiliment with bigot- ry : According to their acknowledged tenets, modes of faith are vnmnter'ml in the eyes of the Deity. The Romanifts, who believe falvation to be circumfcribed within the papal pale, are juftifiable in their zeal for making converts ; but what motive can we affign to thofe, who teach that " God made men to differ in points of faith," and who yet purfue every method, and move every engine, to bring the world to a conformity with their own opinion ? Is not this ufing one meafure for our neighbours, and another for ourfclves, and crying out againft tiie intolerance that we praftife ? Does this proceed from zeal for truth ? No ; with them, ** the confcious mind is its own awful world j" and what feems right to a man is determined to be right to him. The motive muft, therefore, be, either the love of contention, or that ambitious dciire of fuperiority, and bigoted attachment to their own notions, which they charge as heinous offences againft us ; who dreading the threatenings denounced againft thofe that mutilate the facred volume, dare not erafe a truth which pervades the whole feries of fcripture, from the brief but awful and inftrujSlive narrative of the formation and fall of man, to that prophetical clofe of the facred volume which lifts the myfterious veil of futurity, to fhew us the final renovation of the human fpecies in the city of the living God.

I need not inform my dear young friend, that the truth to which I have alluded is, the atoning facrifice of the Son of God ; by which the Almighty Father was pleafed at once to fliew his hatred to fin, and his compaflion to finners. I do not intend to purfue the long feries of promifes, analo- gies, ceremonial inftitutions, and prophecies, by which the world was prepared for this great event ; a volume devoted to the fubjeifl would give but a brief view of the types and prediftions which announced its unexampled importance. To this point all the promifes made to Adam, Noah, Abra- ham, and the reft of the Patriarchs, preeminently tended j even thofe which appear to us to be merely of a perfonal, temporary nature, to them (as we may lear)i from other parts of fcripture) difclofed views which extended beyond this tranfitory fi:ate, and the temporal concerns of their offspring. To prepare mankind, by previous conceptions of the manner in which the offended juflice of the Almighty muft be pro- pitiated, fi'.crifices were introduced (and it is believed by di-

201

vine appointment) Immediately after the fall ; they were re- vived in the renewed covenant made with Noah after the flood ; and pofitively enjoined to the Patriarchs during their various migrations. When the Mofaical law was given by God to the Jews, it was efteemed of fuch confequence, that the regulation of it forms one entire book of the Pentateuch ; and during the whole of the Jewifh ceconomy this ceremo- nial was regularly obferved, though often contaminated by idolatrous intermixture.

Conlidered in itfelf, flaying a beafl in honor of a fpiritu- al being, muft appear an abfurd and indecorous mode of homage. There is no natural connexion between fliedding of blood, and pardon of fin ; thefe purple libations, there- fore, muft originally have been of fuperhuman appointment, and intended to prepare the minds of men for that event which was to happen in fulnefs of time. It is evident, from the numerous reproofs of the prophets, that the Jews were apt to look no further than to the mere viflble ordinance ; the 50th Pfalm, and the ift chapter of Ifaiah, are .lively in- ftances of an endeavour to fpirituaU'ze the minds of the peo- ple, and to convince them that it was not the blood of calves and of goats that was really acceptable to God.

If it be aflced by our opponents, why Go* would not grant the pardon that he intended, without requiring fo fe- vere a ranfom as the precious blood of Chrift .>* we may an- fwer, " it was not his pleafure fo to do." To argue on this point from what we fhould fuppofe to be noble in the con- duct of a human creature, is to produce a parallel which fails in all the known points of refemblance. It is to com- pare finite with infinite, in every point of view in which we can fuppofe prefcience, purity, juftice, mercy, power, and. remuneration to a6l. The king, who fhould offer the heir of his throne as a facriflce for the critnes of his-fubje£ls, muft have the power of railing him from the grave, before he can be produced as a comparifon for the Almighty ; and he muft be himfelfji^ilefs, before he can conflftently thus exprefs his irreconcilablenefs to gt/iit. From our confeft incapacity of judging of any thing fo remote from us as the Deity, acqui- efcence in what he has revealed becomes not only expedient, but our bounden duty. All that we know of God is from the works of his hands, and the book di£lated by his Spirit ; and from both we may learn, that " he feeth not as man *' feeth ; that his ways are equal, though ours are unequal ; Bb

202

<* and that his purpofes-are part: finding out." At pvefcnt, *' we fee through a glafs darkly ;" becaufe our faculties are too limited to give us a juft and adequate idea, either of his attributes, or of the laws of that inviilble ii.x^e m which he is more confpicuoufly revealed. Is it fo extracrdinary, that the creature cannot comprehend the Creator .'' Does fuch a defcription of the God whom we Chriftians worfhip, prove him to be any ways different from that author of nature, for . whofe myfterious operations philofophers cannot fatisfadlo- rily account in many minute inflances, though the general refult of the vilible creation compels them to confcfs that he is, and that he is infinitely wife and benevolent ."* In the moral government of the world, docs not Providence fre- quently permit afili£tion to fall upon virtue, and fufter vice to profper even by the means of its own wicked machina- tions ? This correfpondence between the character and con- duct of the Aimiglity, as described by his word and his works, opens a very copious field for obfervation, upon wliiclx we will prefently touch, though my 'knowledge of natural philofophy and fcience is too limited to enable m.e to do it the juftice that I wifli.

IJut let us firft purfue our obfervations on the teftimony of holy writ on thefe two momentous points, the redemp- tion of the world, and the plurality of perfons in the God- head. The opponents with whom we now contend admit Jefus Chrift to be a prophet fent from God ; and by their lately afcrlbing to him the term Lord, I hope they have ge- nerally rejected Dr. Prieftley's impious notion that .he was mere man, and acknowledge him to be a great preexiftent fpirit, probably the fir ft of created beings, and the delegated head of the Chriitian church. As they mufi, therefore, have got over what was to them fo long a {tumbling block, the miraculous incarnation, it is much to be lamented that they could not bring their minds to receive the w/^o/e truth ; for how we can addrefs prayers to or through any created being without being guilty of idolatry, or having mean and unworthy ideas of God, they muft explain j and if he be our Lord and fpiritual head, it \sfrom him, as well z^for his fake, that we muft expert blcfllng and protection. They ftill deny the atonement, or that the world was reconciled W5 God by the death of Chrift ; but they admit that Jie re- ally was' crucified, and rofe from the dead in proof and con- firmation of the truth of the dodtrine that he was fent into the world to teach j n-dincly, the refurreftion of the body,

and immortal life. They fay, it is inconfiftent v/ith the ideas that we ought to form of divine jufticc, to fuppofe that God would not pardon the guilty, vnthout feme innocent perfon paid the ftipulated ranfom of their fouls, by fubmit- ting to temporal death, to refcue the world from eternal punifliment. As they make fuch a point of explaining all the actions of the Deity on human grounds, they muft tell us how they juftify God for fuffering this innocent perfon to die, in order to convince a ftubborn and incredulous world of the truth of his million. We may tell them^ that God could have made ufe of means more fuited to onf ideas of rectitude, to convince fceptics who had refifted the pow- er of unexampled mlraclgs, with as much applicability of ar- gument to their notions, as they can urge againft our creeds, that a lefs exceptionat'Ie mode of pardoning linners might have been adopted. If they plead, that the refurrecStlon of Chrift removes all idea of Injuftlce from their explanation of this proceeding, we may reply, that, that event is equally juftificatory of the righteous dealings of God in our fyftem. According to them, the Refurre^Ion of Chrift merely told the world that he was a true prophet ; we have the words of an apoftle on our fide when we add, that it was alfo the joyful confirmation of our own reftoration to divine favour. *' Chrift is rifen from the dead, and therefore our faith is *' not vain ; we are no longer in our iins."* The Unitari- ans generally allow, that Chrift intercedes for us in Heaven. Is it not as derogatory to the divine attribute of mercy, as meafured by our finite reafon, that finners Ihould need an advocate and remembrancer to move the Almighty to pardon their failings and relieve their wants, as that their offences fliould require a rafifom ? Into thefe abfurdlties and contra- diftions men are apt to fall, v/ho open the facred volume with a predetermined idea of making it bend to their own notions, not of humbly learning, and ploufly fubmitting to what they are there taught.

If thedodtrlnes of the Trinity,-]' and the atonement, reft- ed upon a few particular pailages of fcripture of doubtful

* ifl: Corinthians, 15th chapter, 17th verfe.

f The Socinians ftrongly objecSl to fevera! of the terms and exprcffions that are ufed in our church, as unfcriptural ; efpecially to tliis of the- Trinity. It is acknowledged, thr.t this word, or any aggregate epitome of this dodlrinc, is not to be i'ound in holy writ. It is a compendious ex- preflion adopted by the early fathers in their controverfy v/ith the Her- etics who denied this doclrinc, as more convenient than a long periphra-

204

interpretation, as is the cafe with the pofitive decrees that we lately confidcred,* it would be incumbent on us to re- flect, whether we are not called upon to make conceflions for the fake of unity, and even to enter upon a careful re- vilion of our national belief, that we might cxi'cind what was unfcriptural. But the reverfe of this is fo far acknow- ledged by our adverfaries, that as they cannot by the moft minute inveftigation, the moft fubtle arguments, the moft ftrained conceffions, and every varied rule of interpretation, get rid of the numerous and ftubborn texts which not only prefs hard upon, but adlually annihilate their notions, they have been forced to fay, that fcripture vv^as early inteypoluted for the purpofes of the Trinitarians. No attempt at prov- ing the time or place when this was done has ever been made \ indeed, as there is not the fmalleft hiftorical teftimo- ny to fupport this alTertion, they are forced to reft it upon conjedlure. They tell us, that marginal notes, written by fome partizan of our caufe, may have been foifted into the original text, through the ignorance, carelefsnefs, or bigotry of the tranfcribers. But then all tranfcripts of the bible muft have had thefe marginal notes, and all tranfcribers muft have a6ted in concert (a fuppofition that would prove all the early Chriftians to have been Trinitarians ;) for it is difficult to conceive how thefe faults in any particular copy, or fet of men, could occalion an exactly fimilar change in the thou- fands of thoufand manufcripts of the New Teftament that certainly had been in exiftence previous to the difcovery of the art of printing.

The Unitarians again aflert, that thefe myfterious doc^ trines are often contained in pafTages evidently parenthetical. Is the parenthefis only ufed by facred writers ; is it not a common licence adopted by all authors, efpecially early ones •, and has the genuinenefs of the text of any ancient claffic been difputed, merely becaufe of the involution of his fen- tenccs ? We might further afli, if all, or even the greater

fis. It would not be too great a facrifice for peace to give up this word, if another equally conrtprelienlive, and of as acknowledged and determi- nate import, could be fubftituted by mutual confent. But it is well known, that this is not what our adverfaries defire. Their oppofition glances from the expreffion to the docflrine, which is fo plainly inculca- ted in the New Teftament that we dare not relinquifh it, left we fliould incur the curfe pronounced on thofc who diminiili from the book. Set Rev. lath chap. 19th vcjfc.

* Letter V.

205

part of texts averting the divinity and the atonement of our Lord are of this defcription ; but the grofs abfurdity of a charge, of which they do not attempt to give any proof, fcarcely deferves confutation.

Another mode of evafion has alfo been adopted. We arc told, that our prefent received gofpels, &c. are " far from <' being unchanged, or the only ones given and ufed here- *' tofore on equally alloived authority." This affirmation muft indeed conflderably alarm the unlearned female chriftian, who may well tremble with the apprehenfion that what fhe coniiders as her charter of falvation, is only a mutilated frag- ment full of errors and unwarranted dodlrines ; in fliort, the compolition of prieftcraft and fraud, or the melancholy wreck of a clearer and more inftrudtive title to the kingdom of her father. But let her be comforted ; this is an ajfertioriy not zfacl. Other hiflories of the Life of our Saviour have indeed exifted, and other compofitions have been attributed to the apoftles ; but they were only human imitations of di- vinely tutored originals j or the pious, though unauthenti- cated, compofitions of well meaning, but uninfpired men ; which never had any authority in the church, though they might be occafionally read by individuals, as we read literary forgeries, or continuations of the works of different authors by inferior hands. Our learned divines have proved, by unanfwerable arguments, that though early heretics forged fpurious gofpels to fupport their falfe doctrines, the primi- tive church detected and difowned them. The quotations made from the gofpels and epiftles which we now poflefs, are fo numerous in the works of the fathers of the fecond and third centuries, that they almoft amount to a tranfcript of the New Teftament. The interpolation of paffages, or change of treatifes, which our opponents pretend to have happened, muft therefore have taken place in the firft cen- tfh'y •, that is to fay, during the life time of Saint John, who is known to have furvived till anno 94 ; and his own gof- pel, which on the earlieft calculation was not written till 70, niuft have been more interpolated and altered than any other part of fcripture, and this even during his life. Till we are Ihewn an hiftorical record which proves when and how this was done, we will iimply anfwer, the crime luas impof- sibJe.

Another fuppolition has been ftarted, which It is to be feared may open a new door for controverfy ; this is an opin- ion, that the firft three evangelifts wrote from fome com-

. 206

mon document, from which they paraphraftically tranfcribcd their refpc<5i;ive gofpels. Tliis is the fuggcftion of a very learned commentator, who, in his defire to produce a perfect harmony among the facred writers, and to account for every leiTer difficulty which a critical fcrutiny may find in their' narratives, hazarc^ed an opinion, probably without fully ap- preciating the alarming conclufions that might be drawn from fuch a conceffion, lanctioiied by fuch a name. No ftronger proof can be given that fuch a document never ex- ifted, than that for eighteen centuries the Chriftian church has never heard of it. The preface to St. Luke's gofpel, about v/hich fo much has been lately faid, far from warrant- ing the idea of one fanilioned original hiftory of the life of Chriil:, nofitively afTerts that many had even then " taken in *' hand to fet forth in order a declaration of thofe things " which are moft furely believed." Spurious gofpels, there- fore, exifted at that time, as well as the genuine compofitions of St. Matthew and St. Mark. The fimilitude of expreffion between the evangelifts, which induced Mr, Marfh to form this novel and unfatisficlory hypothefis, may, as a periodical writer juftly remarks,* be eafily accounted for, by admitting ** that they really did all draw from one common fource ; ** but that this fource was no other than the remembered ** converfations and miracles of their Lord, which they had " often difeufled among themfelves, and which alfo the Ho- " ly Spirit was promifed more efpecially to bring to their « remembrance."

With regard to the verity of the fa(fl:s recorded in fcripture, we may obferve, that from what we now know of the fpu- rious narratives of our Lord's life, they all joined in defcrib- ing the fame fort of character, and relating the fame great out' "he of his birth, habits, doftrine, and fufferings. The early enemies of our religion alfo lend their unwilling tef- timony to the fame events. When Conftantine the Grftt eftablilhcd Chriilianity as the religion of his extended em- pire, the works of thofe who had v^rftten againft it funk into gradual contempt, and, it is certain, foon difappearcd. Of all that wit and fcience compofed againfi: the verity of our faiih, ncthing remains, but a few fcattered fragjuents of Cellus iind Porphyry, two philofophers, and of the emperor Julian, furnamed the Apollate; and thefe are pre- Ibrvt'cl in the writings of thofe fathers who refuted their er-

■* ^\nti-JacobiQ Review fo:- June, 1S05, page 125.

207

rors. Their arguments are fo completely puerile, that they would not now unfettle the weakeft Chriftian ; but their teftimony to the general truth of our religion is invaluable. For'thelc bitter enemies of Chrift, who were delirous that his name fliould never more be heard among men, and who lived within two, three, or four hundred years of the events recorded in our gofpels, acknowledged the identity, fufferings, and miracles of our Lord, and teftifi- ed the general promulgation of his religion. But the point, which I now wifh more particularly to obferve, is, that« they quoted out of the Gofpels, the Acts, and many of the epiftles, which we nonu polTefs, and not out of any of thofe fuppoiititious gofpels, &c. which we are now told were of equal authority.

I have mentioned to you the name of Michaelis, a mofl laborious commentator on the original text of the New Tef- tament, which he was anxious to bring to the greateft poffi- ble degree of verbal purity. After the moft minute invefti- gation, and collation of manufcripts and verfions, he obferves, *« That though the number of paflages which afTert the <f myfterious doctrines of Chrifi:ianity may be leflened by the <* various readings which occur, the proof is not weakened, *' when we remember that the manufcripts now in our pof- ** feffion are of various dates and nations, and poflefled by •« perfons of various fedts and herefies, as well as by the or- « thodox." He adds, " That the moft important readings *< v/liich make an alteration in fenfe, relate in general to fub- *' je£ts that have no connexion with articles of faith ; by far *' the greater part are trifling, and make no alteration in the " fenfe." His general conclufion is, " That the facred writ- " ings have been tranfmitted to us from the earlieft times *« to the prefent age, without material alteration ; and that « our text, if we except the palTages which are rendered ** doubtful by an oppofition in the readings, is the fame *' which proceeded from the hands of the apoftles."

You will, I doubt not, cordially rejoice in this teftimony, which you muft recollect does not 'come from the pen of a fair divine^ or the devoted bigot of any fe6t or eftabiilhment ; but from a man of uncommon erudition and eager inveftiga- tion, who feems to have brought to the important ftudy to which he devoted his life, a mind open to conviftion, arid ready to acquiefce in whatever concluiion truth fliould com- pel him to adopt. We unlearned Chriftlans may enjoy the benefit of labours to which v/e are fo unequal ; and with

208

due reverence to the venerable repoCtorics of apoftollcal in- fpiration entruftcd to our care, let us ftudy the facred code of life and immortality with double dilligence. " To throw ** away notices frnm Heaven, becaufe v/e do not underftand ** them, i'; like favages throwing gold and jewels into the " fea. -It is the fame, if, in order to avoid dilllcult difcuf- « lions, we loiucr them to what we think common fcnfe. *« Whether we underftand God's meflage or not, it is our " bulinefs to record it faithfully ; and by prayers, fermons, " hymns, &c. to imprint it on our minds."*

We muft not, therefore, out of affecled refpecl to the fcruples of others, prefume to difpute the terms on which we are ofi'ered the c^ift of eternal life. Nor can a Liturgical fervice be framed fo as to fuit Socinian fcruples, with which we ought to be contented. It is melancholy, therefore, to difcover, that with this fociety, who call themfelves by the name of Chrift, we w.v// not be in communion. There can- not be " one Lord, one faith, one baptifm," with thofe who may rather be faid to fabricate' than receive their creed ; who deny the mod: important fenfe in which Chrift is our Lord ; and who, in baptifm, do not admit that dedication to the blefled Trinity, which, as enjoined by the higheft au- thority, we dare not omit.f With them, the facrament of the Lord's fupper is merely a commemoration of a benefac- tor j with us, it is a feaft upon a facrifice, or the fetting forth of our Lord's death until he come ; being as truly deilgned to indicate and flxew our faith in, and reliance on the merits of Chrift's death, as the anterior facrifices of the Mofaical law were defigned to convey, to the fouls of all who fincere- ly offered them, the benefits arifing from the death of the Lamb of God, llain in the counfels of the Moft High before the foundation of the world. The change therefore, to which we arc invited in the moft fpecious terms, is not light and trivial ; it is not to abandon " a few obfolete creeds, mufty articles, and unmeaning forms." It is, to reject the

* PIcy's Lectures.

f The Monthly Reviewers for Odtober 1804, page 216, inquire " what " adx'antagc the pioiis author" of a work then under conlitleration " can " fuppofc tlic youtliful reader will derive, trvm being told that the IVin- " itv created the world ?" 1 fuppofe tJie youthful re-idcr is one v,ho has been dedicated to the Trinity in baptifm. He mufl therefore derive feme valuable information in learning (if he has never before been tauolit) that the God whom he has vowed to obcv is the Creator of all thiiij^'s viiibie and inviliblc in Heaven and in Earth.

209

inward and fpiritual meaning of thofe outward and vlfible figns which were inftituted by Chrift himfelf. It is obferv- ed, that the two great dodtrines, of atonement, and the Trin- ity, form the moft marked diftin^ons between the Mahom- edan and the Chriftian faith.* May the Ahiiighty expedite the fulfilment of thofe prophecies, which, from prefent ap- pearances, feem to be rapidly unfolding ; and may we, v/ith our miftaken brethren, who have long believed in the lying teftimony of the Arabian impoftor, meet in focial worfliip" before the altar of the true God ! but this event cannot be forwarded by our renunciation of the truths which are com- mitted to our charge. Whenever the feven golden candle- fticks fhall be replaced in the defolated cities of Aiia Minor, and the feven angels, purified by affliclions, return with ren- ovated ftrength to their reedified churches, the fong of the thrice holy Lord, and the praifes of " Alpha and Omega, the firfl: and the laft, who was flain and behold he livcth," muft echo through the long filent walls, as it did in thofe early times v/hen true Chriftianity flouriflied in thofe beautiful re- gions, under the fbftcrino: care of the beloved dlfciple.

You will perhaps be told, that as the Scriptures were writ- ten in the eaft, the lively metaphors, bold allufions, and ftrained fimilitudes, which are fo congenial to oriental idioms will be made to imply more than was originally intended, if literally tranflated into our vernacular tongue ; and you will be particularly fliewn, that the term Son of God has been applied to many created beings. Three pafi^ages of fcripture will be fuiEcient to enable you to efcape the danger of this cautionary fuggeftion. Is there any fcriptural evidence, that a created being v/as ever joined with the Almighty in the folemn aft of dedication or benedidlion ? The archangel Michael is faid to be the guardian angel of the Jews ; he is alfo defcribed as high among the heavenly hoft, if not the higheft. Mofes was the moll honored of the human race ; he was the mediator through whom God made the firft fol- emn covenant with mankind : in this, as well as in his per- fonal and intimate intercourfe with the Deity, and in his prophetical and legiflative capacity, he is no unfit comparifon to our Saviour. Were the infant Ifraelites dedicated to God, Michael, and Mofes ? Did God, Michael, and Mofes, blefs the people ? The form of our initiatory facrament was pre-

* See Lady W. Montague's Letters, vol. ad, page 6, 3d Edition. C c

210

fcribcd by Chrid: lilmfclf : " Go yc, therefore, and teacli ** all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and " of the Son, and of the Holy Gholl."* The apoftoHcal benedi<n:ion is as decifive : " The grace of our Lord Jefus " Chrift, and the love of God, and the communion of the " Holy Choft, be with you all. Amen."f

Our Lord's reply to the High Prieft, as recorded in the fourteenth chapter of St. Mark gives a ftill ftronger attefta- ■ tion of his right to a peculiar and dt'lfyi/ig fonlhip : " Art thou the Chrift, the Son of the Bkfled," is the queftion ; to which our Lord anfwcrcd, " I am," and appealed to the laft judg- ment, at which time they fhould fee him villbly enthroned In divine majefty. On which the fanhedrim condemned him to death, as being guilty of blafphemy. If the title that our Lord here afTumed only meant, as the Socinians fay, Meffiah or prophet, the Jews would not have condemned him for blafphemy, but impofiure. The pretended crime, therefore, for which our Lord was doomed to die, was the declaring himfelf to be the Son of God in that fenfe of the word which the moft learned of the Jewlfh nation (who were ac- cuftomed to its other definitions) conlidcred to be hlafphemous ; that is, as afiuming the divine nature.:]:

But, fay fome, " Reafon can never aflure nor ftrengthen " a faith which is contradictory to it \ nor is it poffible to ** induce an unprejudiced mind to believe, that a wife and " good Creator will ever offer a mode of faith, to regulate ** the conducft of his dependant creatures, wholly inconfiftent *' with, and repugnant to, that faculty with which he has In ** a fupreme degree endowed them, In order to guide and *' dlrcdl them In judging of right from wrong." If Chrlf- tianlty, as taught by our national church, really were fuch a mode, we might doubt how It could be defended. But myfterious, or, as they are fometlmes called, unintelligible doctrines, are of two kinds •, one of which Is above our com- prehenfion, the other contradiftory to our experience or our feelings. It Is contradi«5lory to all our received opinions, to make God the author of evil, and delighting in the deftruc- tion of his creatures, or willing their damnation from arbi- trary motives. It is contradI<n:ory to our fcnfcs to fay, that

» Matthew, i2tli chapter, 19th verfc.

f ad Ciirinlliians, ijtli cluipter, 14th vcrfc.

\ See tlie 3d chapter of John, ijlh verfc, which afcribcs ubiquity to our Lojd.

211

three are one, and that one is three ; but we do not violate any natural or moral fenfe, when we fay, fcripture has re- vealed to us, that with the mo ft perfect unity of counfel in the Godhead, there is a diverfity of perfon ; or that the wil- ful difobedience of Adam fo far debafed his nature, that it is impoffible for his offspring, of thcmfelves, to attain fuch degrees of piety and holinefs, as would gain the approbation of a perfectly pure and righteous God. I am perfuaded, that many a fceptic, who ftarts at thefe propofitions, admits many fa<fls in natural philofophy equally myftei-ious j I mean equally beyond the clear comprehenlions of our limited fac- ulties ; and I greatly wonder, that thofe who rejedl them on the fcore of their being contrary to reafon and analogy, can yet profefs their belief in the properties of magnetifm and electricity. If we were commanded to tell why or how thefe things are fo ordered, we might allowably ftart at what would then really be " a hard faying :" but we are only re- quired to acknowledge that fuch things are^ and this on the weight of fuch evidence as luas never before offered to the world. Added to this, we are alfo afTured, that as the underfrand- ing of an infant by a gradual progrefs ripens in to the know- ledge of the man : " fo we, who now can only know in part, fliall hereafter know even as we ?.re known."

The evidence on which Chriftianlty is offered to our ac- ceptance, is not difputed by our prefent adverfaries, becaufe they alfo affeft to receive it as an originally divine, but fince falfified, revelation. It may, hov/ever, be expedient to re- mind you, that, befide its antecedent attellation, prophecy, and its accompying teflimony, miracle,* the inimitably con- ceived and exquifitely original character of our Saviour, fo perfectly fimilar in all the gofpels, and fo unlike every other that has been exhibited to our view, is to us, in thefe latter ages, a wonderfully corroborating proof of its divine origin. The fufferings of the firft preachers of our faith, its fpeedy promulgation in defiance of all human methods to oppofe its courfe, the dignity of its fentiments, and the unrivalled purity and preciiion of its moral precepts, are all circumitan-

* The miracles of the New Tcftament, it fliould ever be remembered, were a feries of fadls tending to eflablilli a fupernatural miffion. What is in itfelf incredible, becomes a proof of divine interpoiition when referred to Ibme important end. It is thus that the miracles of the gofpel were diftinguillicd from all other lyin-; v.'onders, wliich are defcribed as tending to no end at all, or to a criminal or tricing purpofe.

212

ces which, when minutely inveftigated, atteft " that this work

and counfel came from God."*

The praife which is juftly due to the exahed morality of the gofpel, brings me to the point wherein wc differ both from the Calviniftic and Socinian fchool. The former, by fuppoling man to be fo wholly dependant that it is impofll- ble for him even to ajjijl in working out his own falvation, by implication accufe our divine inflrucStor of inconllrtency, in prefcribing a law which, on the one hand, it was impolli- ble for us to obey, and on the other, if we did, would not have rendered us more acceptable to the Deity. The latter, by reprefenting Chrift as a mere moral teacher, or the proph- et of the refurre^tion and life everlafting, omit the real pur- pofe of his coming upon earth ; namely, the redemption of the world. It correfponds with what we fliould fuppofe of the infinitely wife and holy God (as our church always ac- knowledges,) that ChriiL fhould infiru^l his followers in the laws of righteoufnefs ; but that this v/as the ultimate end of our Lord's million is denied by our beft divines \ v/ho juftly obferve, that no ncnv dijcovcries can he made in morals. Our Lord perfefted the natural notices of reafon and confcience, and increafcd the knowledge which the Ptlofaical law had diffuled of moral obligation •, removing the obligation to purity from vifible adlions, to the unfeen, and almoft un- acknowledged, intentions of our hearts •, teaching us to eradicate the feeds of thofe evil inclinations which are within us, when they firil begin to germinate ; and ex- citing us to holinefs, not fo much by any particular fpe- cific compliance with any prefcribed rule, as by a general determination of doing every thing to the glory of God. Yet our Lord did not teach thefe fublime ctliics as a regular fyftem, or as the exprefs purpofe fcr which he was come in- to the v/orld. Except in a few pallages (the fermon on the Mount for inftance,) moral improvement feems to rife, inci- dentally, from refleiStlons that VA-ere more intimately connecl- ed with his chara<Sler as the Redeemer of the world. The beautiful parable of the prodigal fon was not intended to en-

• The juniy celebrated work of Archdeacon Palcy, on the Evidences of Chiiftianitv, and the Treatife on the Authtnticity of the Scriptures by the learned Mr. Bryant, may here be recommended to the attention of young women, as ptrfpicuous and latisfacVory, capable of ftrengthening their faith, without engaging them in a maze of controverfy. Some ex- ctllcnt remarks on tiie incidents, manners, fentlments, and expreflions of Ehc Cofptls, may be fouaJ iu Key's Ledturco, vol. ift, page 138.

213

force relenting tendernefs to offended fathers ; but to incul- cate the do£lrine of forgivenefs of fins, then firft authorita- tively preached to the Avorkl. To us, the good Samaritan teaches univerfal benevolence •, but it was originally meant to fhew the prejudiced Jew, that the partition wall between him and the Gentile was about to be broken down ; and that even the hated Samaritan, the impoftor* who reviled his religion, the enemy who cruelly triumphed in his difi:refs,-|- was virtually his neighbour.

It will appear, that moral inftru<Slion was not the princi- pal purpofe of our Lord's miffion, by attentively confidering the preparatory miniftry of the baptlft. This extraordinary perfonage had all the marks of a reformer of merely human origin. Auftere in his manners, blamelefs in his condudl, fingular in habit, bold in reproof, fuperior even to the inno- cent indulgences of natural appetite, unawed by danger, un- feduced by flattery, he " preached in the wildernefs the baptiiin of repentance for the remiffion of fins." No fyf- tera of ethics could be more flricSt than the Baptifii's, no re- prover of vice could be more free from finifter defigns or criminal indulgences. From the defpifed, and almoft infa- mous publican, with w^hom the meaneft Jew fcorned to alTo- ciate, to Herod on the throne of tributary royalty, his pen- etrating eye difcovered vice, and his energetic voice boldly reproved it, and enjoined the oppofite courfe of virtue and integrity. When we confider that this new Elias was fore- told by prophecy and prefigured by type, that his birth was miraculous, and that he too died in confirmation of the doc- trine he taught, why, may we not aflc, did v^re need another moral teacher to repeat the fame precepts and endure fimi- lar fufFerings ? Yet we have all the teftimony that the pofi- tive alTertion of fcripture can give, to fhew that the baptifm of John was infufficient to filvation. Himfelf acknowledges the inferiority of his introductory office. With all the no- ble candour fuited to his exalted merit, he anticipates and rejoices in the future triumphs of him who was to eclipfe his fame and fuperfede his office. " He it is," faid the mag- nanimous Afcetic, " v/ho, coming after me, is preferred be- ** fore me. He mufc increafe, but I muft decreafe. He " that hath the bride is the bridegroom ; but the friend of ^' the bridegroom, %viiich frandeth and heareth him, rejoiceth

* St. John, 4th chapter, 3:d verfe. f Nehemiah, 4th chapter 8th verfe.

214

" grently becaufc of the bridegroom's voice. This my jor, " therefore, is fulfilled." He refers every inquirer to the true Meffiah, whofc coming he was merely to announce ; and fo entire was his conqueft over the mofl; lively paflions of human nature, that he fends two of his own converts to Chrift, with this fublime intimation, « Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the fins of the world."* The infuf- ficiency of repentance, without faith in Chrift, is clearly af- firmed in two pafliiges of the Afts -, namely, the i8th chap- ter, 25th and 26th verfes; and the 19th chapter and 2d verfe ; where it is judged neceftary, that thofe converts who had only received the former (or John's) baptifm, Ihould have the way of God expounded to them more perfectly, and receive the initiatory rite of the Chriftian faith.

The eternity of hell torments, is a fubjeft upon which we differ from the Socinians j and many perfons, who reject the other errors of that fe<St, entertain a hope, that after a cer- tain period, when the punifhment of linners can no longer anfvver the purpofe of deterring offenders, it will not be con- tinued as a means of vengeance. Dr. Hey obferves, that it is owing to the moderation of our Church, that her minif- ters are not called upon to fubfcribe to this dodtrine of eter- nal torments, which was part of the original articles in the reign of Edward the fixth.

The terms everlafting death, everlafting fire, and other fimilar expreflions in our liturgy, are taken from fcripture ; and whether they are to be confidered in their full tremen- dous import, or in the more limited fenfe of long duration, I prefume not to determine. I think (with fubmiffion to the learning and piety of thofe who have defcanted upon this awful fubjedt) this is one of thofe fecret purpofes of God in- to which it is prcfmnptuous to attempt to penetrate. Our in- terpretation of his decree in this point will not affeft its na- ture or duration ; and if the terrors of eternal punifliment are found infuificicnt to deter finners from guilt, or to awak- en them to repentance, furely holding forth more lenient profpe6ts may tend to encourage them in fin ; and what ex- cufe will they, who fuggeft thefe falfe hopes, make at the day of judgment, if they Ihall then be found to have pro- ceeded without the warranty of fcripture, and only on thofe notions of reafoiiahlenejs and expediency which muft be futile when oppofed by the exprefs word of God ? We may fur-

* See Bifliop of London's Le<flures on the Gofpel o( St. Mattluv.

215

tlier obferve, that thefe thrcatenings to finners are couched in the fame terms, in refpe(5t to duration, with the promifes of eternal Hfe to the righteous \ and as we hope that millions of years will not diminilli the happinels of the blefled, may we not fear that the fufterings of the impenetrably wicked will be commenfurate ? At leaft, let us reft alTured, that the wrath of a long fufFering and placable God,, when roufed by obftinate and determined guilt, muft be infinitely terrible. We do not limit his mercy by exhorting all men to fear his vengeance. The charge, that we take delight in gloomy doctrines, and deliver our fellow-creatures to endlefs damna- tion without remorfe, is equally falle and injurious. Our voice at the day of judgment will be lifted up in imploring pardon for ourfelves, not in imprecating punifhment on others ; and if our Clergy refufe to difguife or to palliate the threatened terrors of the Lord, and diffuade men from dan- gerous fpeculations, it is not from cruelty or bigotry, but from that chriftian charity which feeks to enlarge the king- dom of the blefled. No man was ever driven from religion by believing the threatenings of the Almighty.

The future ftate of the heathen world, is another fubje£t on which much difcuffion has arlfen. I know not that it is properly connected with the prefent controverfy •, for I be- lieve our church has not officially declared any further opinion on the fubje^V, than what is contained in the eigh- teenth article ; namely, that " we cannot be faved by obe- *' dience to the laws or religion we profefs ; but, folely, by <' the merits of Chrift." This moft fcriptural dodlrine has been ftrained by our adverfaries into a pofitive fentence of damnation to the whole heathen world •, but the charge on- ly proves, that they who bring it are tyros in theology. Why we are faved, and by what we fliall be judged, are very diftinfl inquiries. ** There is no other name under Heaven by which men can be faved but that of Jefus Chrift j" but it is certain, " he died for all the world ;"* and we are alfo afTured, "that the Judge of all the earth will do right." At the great day of audit, we Chriftians fhall be judged by the holy law that we have received ; the Jews,f by their preparatory covenant j the Gentiles, by the law of nature.

* Article 31 ft. This article fliould be compared writh the i8th, which it illuftrates.

+ This is only meant of tliofc Jews who lived before the coming of Chrift, or who have never heard of the Mefliah.

216

"\Vc are only concerned with what relates to our own ftate ; but if curiofity prompt us to fcarch further, the nth of St. Matthew's gofpci 21II vcrle, the 12th chapter 41ft and 426. verfes, and Romans the 2d chapter nth and following verfes, will fhew us by what rules juflice will be meted to the heathen world. Our reformers were too well vcrfed in fcripture to overlook fuch plain tefHmony j but we cannot wonder that the Socinians Ihould endeavour to mifreprcfcnt the eighteenth article ; it being framed againft the Pelagian herefy, of which their's is a branch.

I will now requeft your candid attention to a few remarks on the wonderful coincidence between the covenants of grace, the ordinary dealings of Divine Providence, and the works of nature. I make them with a full confcioufnefc of my own inadequacy to the fubject ; which yet appeared to me to be too Ifriking and appoiite to be wholly omitted in a work of this kind, intended for readers to whom popular topics are moft ufeful. What I fay, may probably induce others to meditate on what mnft confirm their faith, and to purfue the inquiries which muil prefent themfelves to their minds, till they fliall become able to give fuitable anfwers to gainfayers, who are generally more competent to fnake than to anfiuer objeftions. I am convinced, that if this fpecies of argument were purfued with the learning and ability necef- fary to give it full force,* a deifl: would find it difHcult to decry revelation on the ground of its being oppofite to the divine attributes ; and he mufl either take refuge in the deep gloom of atheifm, or acknowledge that, -as the moft High, fpeaks the fame language in his revealed will, as he does in the vllible creation, the holy f:riptures bear indubitable marks of proceeding from the Creator of the world.

It has been aflced, why, if fo many bleffings and privileges arc annexed to the proftiTIon of Chriftianity, it has been fo limited in its extent .'' why do not all the nations of the earth, why did not all pall generations rejoice in the rifing of this Sun of righteoufnefs ? It has been anfwered, that if Chriftians are blelTed with a purer law and better promifes, they alfo incur a more fearful refponfibility. They are the fervants entrufted with ten talents, while only one is com- mitted to the charge of pagan ignorance. But may not the natiu-aliil afk thefc fceptics to account why the earth is not

* Thr Author hat Iicard that Butlcr'$ Analo^;^ nrocccds on tliii pla». S!ic rci^rcti not havinj.'; read it.

217

J'

one temperate zone ? why the vegetating powers of light and heat are unequally heftowed ; fo that the inhabitants of Africa fcorch beneath a vertical fun, while the human ftat- ure flirinks to dwarfifh deformity, and the mind chills into idiotic infenlibility, in the polar regions, where the fummer fun, enveloped in mii% and fhorn of his golden effulgence, creeps in a narrow circle along the diftant verge of the hor- izon,* and gives a long protrafled day, that affords neither variety, plenty, nor that fweet viciffitude of reft, and toil, which the quick fucceffion of day and night beflows on hap- pier climates ? Are the Efquimaux and the Greenlanders offspring of another Creator ; or, is <« the God of all the families of the earth," to them only a fevere and cruel Lord, inflead of a kind and indulgent parent ? The naturalifl will receive a fimilar anfwer to what the vindicators of Chrif- tianity have given. Thefe apparently miferabie beings have their peculiar joys. The flory of the Greenlander who pined in captivity, and repeatedly attempted to efcape from, all the comforts of a milder climate and civilized life, proves that we do not indulge a merely poetical fancy, when we defcribe them as attached to " their long night of revelry arid eafe." Yet we mufl allow, that to our judgment there is a great apparent inequality of bleffings ; and if we be wife, we fliall not purfue this fubjedl into infolent cavils againfl the impartial juftice of God, but refl in faying, *« fecret tilings belong to the Mofc High."

Correfponding to this is my next obfervation. "Why, it has often been afked, was the feed of Abraham fele£led as the peculiar people of God, and honored with a clearer no- tion of the divine nature than other nations who appeared to be more deferving ? Ingenious Greece, martial Rome, learned Egypt, and refined Perfia, ferved gods of wood and {lone, images of the moft licentious of mortals, or even re- femblances of brute beafls and creeping things ; while *' a ftiffnecked flubborn generation," undiftinguiflied in the hif^ tory of the world, the illiberal prejudiced inhabitants of a narrow flip of land, without power, arts, or commerce, were made the repofitories of the laws and promifes of God.

We might anfwer, that, as the Jews are the only early nation

• See this circumftance beautifully defcribcd in Acerbl'a TraT^els, who viewed this awful appearance of the fun from the lofty promoatory that forms the northern extremity of Lapland.

Dd

218

of whom we polTefs an impartial hiftory, it is very probable that they were not fo much inferior to their cotemporaries as is fuppofed •, but, on the contrary, as their prophets vre- corded their crimes and difgraccs for example's fake, while other hillorians chiefly dwelt on the renown and the virtues of their countrymen, we have rcufon to think tliat thefe de- ipifed people really might pofTefs more merit than thofe who have been fo highly extolled, though they fell far fliort of that holinefs which their peculiar endowments required. Martial celebrity, in particulai", it is well known, rarely in- creafes the moral virtues of any people. But, waving this defence, we direct the objector's attention to the ordinary difpenfations of Providence, and aflc him to tell us why are wifdom, ftrength, beauty, learning, tafte, riches, power, and any other endowment of mind or body, or any relative ad- vantage, (o diverfely, and, as it Ihould feem, capricioufly be- ftowed ; hnce often they neither reward nor accompany de- fert, but, on the other hand, frequently fcem to be more of a trial than a bleffing to their immediate poflelTor ? Few men were moi-e eminently endowed with graces and talents than our illuftrious Cranmer ; yet from the period of his attraft- ing the notice of the capricious and tyrannical Henry, till, at the mandate of that bloodthirfty monarch's more cruel daughter, our venerable archbilliop expired in tortures, his days were confumed by continual anxiety, peril, and forrow ; for he held his domeflic comforts, and even his life, by the moft dubious and uncertain tenure. May we not fay, that he was raifed up by Providence as an .extraordinary inftru- ment to forward the work of reformation in this country ; and that his v/onderful endowments were more a bleffing to others than to himfelf, at leaft fo far as relates to this ftate of exiftence ? This is one inftance, but thoufands might be given, of fuperior abilities irjlrumcntally beftowed, from which the pofTtlTor reaped little individual advantage or enjoyment. Other equally numerous cafes might be fuggefted, in which, though the gift was evidently mifapplied and ill bellowed, it was not withdrawn ; efpecially the gift of power, of which we have ktn in thefe days a fearful example ; the ability of doing further injury, appearing to increafe with the mifap- plication of the means of doing good. If all thefe inftances do not impugn our belief in tlic general government of a wife and gootl Providence, why (laould our faith be flagger- cd (allowing the Jews to have been as unworthy as their en- emies reprefent,) becaufe the lively oracles of God were en-

219

trufteJ to a people who reaped comparatively few advanta- ges from the facred depoiit ; and who, though they were al- ternately rebellious apoftates and miferable captives, yet ap- proved themfelves equal to the talk that was required of them, by faithfully preferving their facred truft.

The analogy between all the various parts of animated and inanimate nature ; the fuitability of parts to the whole, and of the whole to parts j the fitnefs of each element to the creatures that inhabit it ; the admirable appropriation of la- bour to day, and refl to night ; thefe and various other co- incidences in the works of God are admirably delineated by a Chriftian philofopher, with whofe inilrudlive and popular work on Natural Theology every young woman above the lower clafles would do well to be intimately acquainted ; for it teaches us, that God is the God of order, and that delign, minute intricate delign, pervades every branch of creation. And fhall the fceptic fcofiingly qi3,efi:ion the divine authori- ty of the Jewifh ceremonial law, becaufe it feems derogatory from his notion of the dignity of the high and holy One who inhabits eternity, to fpecify the forms and dimenfions of the curtains, the rings, the candlefticks, the fockets, the bars, the fliovels, the flefhhooks, and the firepans, that were to be ufed in his fan6luary ; or the ephod, breaftplate, em- broidery, and mitre of his confecrated high prieft ? Idle re- viler of what thou dofi: not underhand, this is the fame God who formed the probofcis of a bee with fuch jufl propor- tion, and who painted the tufted creft of a gnat with fuch diverfified colours. It is by a thoufand imperceptible, yet nicely adjufted, mechanical contrivances, feemingly as unim- portant in the wide fyftem of univerfal nature, that thou art now able to raife thy voice againll hiin who endowed thee with ability to employ the exquilltely organized mufcles which conftitute that property.

I will here flop to make a remark rather than a compari- fon. Scientifical obfervations generally afcend in a climax from the leaft perfecft to the mod highly finifhed. Is it in imitation of the order of creation, or is this coincidence (as I fufpecfl) an undefigned analogy ? The book of Genefis was written before fyftem and arrangement were efiablilhed among the learned ; yet let us obferve the gradation in which the various produclions of the earth appeared ; firft grafs, then herbs and plants, trees, fifhes, birds, beafts ; and laftly, man. The fcale gradually rifes in importance, and ends in the delegated Lord of animated nature.

220

It is afked, why was God's defign of redeeming the world fo long enveloped in oblcurity, and at laft lo partially and cautioufly revealed ? Should it not, inftead of being darkly iliadowed in metaphor, type, and allegory, imparted in pro- phetic vifions to a few individuals, and, as it iliould feem, shrouded in myftery from the generality of mankind, have been proclaimed by angels, announced by aftonifhing prodi- gies, ^nd forced by inconteftable atteftations on an aflenting world ? We may anfwer, that faith, like virtue, mufl have its trials ; and that when incontrovectible evidence bears down oppofition, acquiefcence has no claim to approbation. But very high authority* permits me to recognize a fimiii- tude between this gradual developement of the Chriftian covenant, and the flow perfetflionating of the natural Avorld. I fhall confine my obfervations to the progreilive ftate of the human underflanding from childhood to manhood. Why are we brought into the world lefs perfect in refpe<5l: to our nature, and more dependant, than any other creature ; fee- ble and helplefs in body j imbecile, and almoft idiotic, in mind ? Who, in the irritable and tender infant, which ap- pears to be only alive to animal fenfations, can trace the dawning genius of a Milton, or the clear intellecl: of a New- ton ? and when the underflanding begins to unfold, how flow is its progrefs ! A fifth part of the a^live period of our lives is confumed in the mere acquifition of elementary know- ledge, and another fifth nearly tranfpircs in connecting and methodizing thofe acquiHtions, in gaining a complete know- ledge of the trade or profefHon by which v/e are to earn our livelihood, or in obtaining that acquaintance with men and things which is called experience. Would it not have been more fuitable to the dignity and happinefs of a rational crea- ture, at leafl would it not have conduced much more to the improvement of the arts and fciences, if we had come into the world with all our faculties perfect:, and capable of being immediately exerted on the flage of trial ? It would be im- poflible to doubt but God cou/d have thus formed us. We are alio fure, that if he had fo pleafed, the obedience of the fecond Adam might have immediately fucceedcd to the of- fence of the firft. In either inftance, it feemed good to the Almighty to determine othervvife. And as the wants of hu- r>ian nature in inf mcy exercife the tendernefs and patience of mature age ; fo may we fay in rcfpedl to the promulga-

• The Bi/liop of St. David's.

221

tion of Chriftlanlty, fuch a degree of evidence has been im- parted as is fufficient to exercife the faith, not to cverwhelm the underftanding, of probationary beings.

It is univerfally allowed by thole who have thought deep- ly upon the fubjecV, that the pure and fublime doctrines of Chriftianity are mofl fuited to a highly civilized and improv- ed ftate of fociety. It was therefore withheld from the dark eyes of the early world, when man firft felt the fatal confe- quences of " that forbidden tree, whofe mortal tafte brought, death into the world, and all our woe." Abandoned in a great meafure by fupernatural aid, and left to his own mif- rule, man llowly and by painful experience gathered thofe fruits of knowledge for which he had forfeited the tree of life. Our religion (we urge this in triumph to our ene- mies) was produced to mankind at a time when human in- tellect had exerted all its capability, when fcience, learning, acutenefs, and curioiity, had reached its height. Like the more abllrufe and recondite parts of learning, it was adapted to the manhood of the world. Whether, from fome lubtile mechanical arrangement that has eluded human refearch, it is a necefiary part of the prefent formation of our fouls to unfold their powers flowly, and expand with the extenlion of the corporal frame in which they are incafed, it is im- probable that any anatomifi: will be able to difcover while he himfelf is in the body ; but, allowing (as moft political ob- fervers do) that the rtages of fociety correfpond with thofe of the individual in gradual amelioration and decay, we muft acknowledge that our Saviour, by appearing in the Auguftan age, chofe the period moll: fivourable to the invefligation and reception of his dodlrines. The text that terms him *' the Lamb flain from the foundation of the world," will here be prefent to your mind ; and you will remember it is exprefsly revealed, that the benefits of his facrifice were ret~ rofpeclive as well :isft!tufe.

The apparent diffolution and revivification of feed in the earth, is compared to the refcoratlon of man from the grave, by the infpired Apoflle of the Gentiles, with all the bold il- lullration of fublime fimplicity. No comparifon can be more juft, no analogy more convincing, and (we may alfo

fay) confolatory. Thofe precious relics, my dear Mifs M ,

which ws have feen committed to the earth, would, if now expofed to infpection, difguft our loathing eye, and excite at once grief and horror. But they contain the apparently perilhed, though really unfolding, feed of immortality. Or,

222

to change the figure, the exuvia of (in the hiftance to which I allude, the flrongeft expreflions of chrillian hope are per- miffible) a glorified being, who at the hour determined in the counfels of the Moft High Ihall burft from its incrufting mafs of corruption, and rife to its promifed bleflednefs. You have often watched the torpid chryfalis, which is another expreffive fymbol of the ftate of mortality. Could you, un- lefs experience had prepared you for the event, expedt a beautiful v/inged animal to burft from that fliapelefs and in- ert mafs ? When you fee the earth defolate and difconfolate in winter, could you, without previous notice, conceive that its prefent dreary and inanimate appearance was only a fuf~ penjion of its productive powers, or that the great work of vegetation was even then proceeding in the feemingly with- ered fibres of the naked plants that furround you ? We are fo prepared to expe<St thefe events, that we ceafe to think them furprizing ; but their conftant recurrence fhould teach us to reft with undoubting confidence in the promifes of that God, who has alTured us, that, like the grain we caft into the earth, our mortal bodies will moft truly live after they }x7X\e feemed to die.

My next obfervation rather relates to the difpenfations of Providence in the relative fituation of mankind, than to an exprefs doCb-ine of revelation ; but as the conditions of high and low, rich and poor, are fanctioned by the authority of holy writ, which propounds to each rank its refpe(Stive and diftingiiifliing duties, and alfo by the teftimony of our only authentic account of the infant world, which afllires us that fuch diftindtions have taken place from the earlieft times ; it will not be foreign to my purpofe to call your attention to the various gradations, both in rank and value, that are vif- ible in the creation, and the clofe connection between the refpeCtive orders, v/ith the advantages which are mutually derived from this difference of deftination and diverfity of faculties. If our obfervations commence in the celeftial re- gions, we fhall not only perceive, in the language of St. Paul, that " one ftar differcth from another ftar in glory ;" but we Ihall alio, by means of the mechanical inltruments that have afiilted the wonderful difcoveries of aftronomy in latter times, afcertain that they differ alio in fize, quality, and ufe. One ftar is a globe of ignited matter ever burning, yet never confumed j another, a denfe opaque fubftance, re- fembling (as far as our diftant infpc^Ttion can difcover) the orb on which we x-elide. Thefe latter revolve (fliall we fay

223

duteoujly or a^vantageotijly PJ around the vivifying centre from v/hich they in « their golden urns draw hght." Again, as the moft perfect order is obferved in their motions, fo there feems to be a difference in the properties beftowed upon them, which points out their relative rank in the creation ; for while the comparatively diminutive orb of Mercury fcorches in the vicinity of that immenfe luminary which en- forces his near attendance by a more powerful exercife of the magnetic influence of attra<Slion ; Saturn, and the newly difcovered Georgium Sidus, fixed near the outer verge of the fpace which our Sun illuminates, as diligently perform their ftupendous rotations around a fpheroid, which, if their worlds and the vifual organs of their fuppofed inhabitants, are conflituted like ours, affords them but little more light and comfort than we derive from the-" fcintillations of the dog-flar. Yet are thefe folitary and cheerlefs regions gov- ernors (may I not ufe this term to indicate commanding in- fluence ?) of feveral opaque attendants, who refpedlively await on them, and afford, by their mutually refracted light, thofe advantages which their remote fituation from the com- mon centre would not otherwife allow them to enjoy.

The fame law of diflinilion of degree, and reciprocity of benefit, extends through every rank of created being. The benefits which we derive from the animal creation are too many, and too well known, to need any enumeration. Nor can it be doubted, but that, while man fulfils his original de- iign of being the ruler, not the tyrant of the vifible world, all domeftic creatures who have fubmitted to his government derive many comfor,ts from his prefcience and humane at- tention to their wants and misfortunes. You will, perhaps, think me degenerating into fophiflry, or trifling, and quote againfh me the couplets of Pope, "Man exclaims, fee all things for my ufe ; See man for mine, &c. ;" but certainly it is not merely for his own fpecies that man labours. '' The birds of heaven will vindicate their grain ;" and in a well cultivated country the mofl valuable and ufeful, as well as the moft happy tribes of irrational exiftence receive an amaz- ing increafe. Do we not alfo fee, in ail animals fubmitted to our minute obfervatioh, degrees of beauty, fymmetry, fLrength, fwiftnefs, and, in many, diverfity of underftanding .'' The inference is plain, and flridlly applicable to the variety of talent, fortune, and happinefs which is proportioned among the human race. In this refpeft, certainly, God made men to differ ; fince by their diverfity of rank the world is made

224

capable of containing a larger number of inhabitants, and all are bound together by that chain of mutual convenience and dependancc which, if rightly confidered, muft prepare our minds not only for mere benevolence, but for the exer- cife of that fublime virtue Chriftian charity. I will conclude this obfervation by reminding you, that as revelation always prefuppofcs natural religion, this order and cohefion of all the parts of creation w'as one of thofe ftriking notices of the Deity which St. Paul often reproves his heathen converts for not having regarded.*

I wifla here to introduce an idea that floats in my mind, but of the philofophical or theological precifion of which I dare not be confident. I will preface it with a remark of Dr. Hey's, who obferves,f that " he recoUedls nothing in ** the account Mofes gives of the creation, that is contrary to «' modern difcoveries in the planetary fyftem." This feems a wonderful confirmation of the divine origin of the penta- teuch, efpecially confidering the.ftate of fcience at the time he wrote, and that revelation was not intended to improve it. I offer it as my humble opinion, that tlie modern con- clufion refpecting the probability of a plurality of inhabited worlds, is rather ftrengthened than weakened by holy writ. Near two hundred generations of men have finifhed their mortal courfe fince the creation of this earth. We are aflur- cd, that the fouls of all thefe exift either in happinefs or mifery, waiting their reunion to their fsemingly annihilated bodies \ the particles of which muil, after having paflTed through a variety of mutations, now form no inconfiderable part of this terreftrial globe. Of the. nature and wants of ipiritual exifi:ence, we know very little. Scripture informs us, that angels are fpii'its, and gives us frequent accounts of their 'uifibly miniftering to mankind. Whether they aflum- ed the appearance of a bright glorified body, in compliance with our limited organs of perception ; or whether fuch a body be a conftituent part of their exillence, we know not. We generally find, that the defcription of an angelical vifion includes the circumflrance of their being clothed in white or fhining garments ; and they are frequently faid to have par- taken of thofe earthly aliments which contribute to the fup-

• See Romans, ift chapter, i9ih verfc.

f Hey's Lciflures, vol. ill. paje 196. ThU obfervation maybe extend- ed to wliat St. Paul I":iys of the apparent glory of the ftars; it being e4i1.1l- ijr true of their real fupcriority of purpoic. '

225

port of our grofs and material bodies. " Angel's food" is more than once mentioned in fcripture, efpecially as a de- fcriptive epithet of that fuftenance which fed the children of Ifrael in the wildernefs. Thefe may be all fymbolical al- lufions, or affumed properties adapted to our prefent percep- tions, or they may be real notices of the ftate of the invifible world. SuppoUng them to be the latter, I do not fee how we can oppofe them by thofe conclufions of any effential difference between matter and fpirit, which arife merely from our having only analyzed the former quality as far as we can difcover its inherent principles in this world. He furely would be a hardy chymift who fliould alTert, that ma- terial fubftance may not be fo modified in other parts of the tiniverfe as to conduce to the prefervation of fpirit or glori- fied matter, and that (according to the fublime painting of the apocalypfe) " the trees of heaven may not bring forth fruit" meet for the fuftenance of its bleffed inhabitants. The fine poetical ufe which Milton makes of this fcriptural de- fcription is too well known to require quotation ; efpecially as I am cautious of warming your imagination, where I wifh to recommend the utmoft humility of devout inquiry.

The conclufion that prefents itfelf to my mind is, that many worlds like our ov/n are neceHary for the inhabitude of paji generations of the human race. Suppoling that there are more probationary beings than ourfelves, we fhall foon. find inmates for the numerous globes which we have every reafon to believe roll their fully peopled regions through the immenllty of fpace, befide thofe happy glorious beings who neither die nor are born, and thofe depraved fpirits, who have fallen from their original purity, and are become the accufers and feducers of their fellow-creatures, and who pro- bably may be allowed to wander from orb to orb till confin- ed to fome fearful region of punifhment by the fentence of the lall: day. It feems to enlarge our conception of the im- menlity and coincidence of the Almighty's defigns, and of the primitive dignity of man* (which is never v/holly oblit- erated, and is capable of being completely reftored by the divine mercy,) to confider this minute point of the vaft cre- ation as a mother country fending out her colonies to people the flarry regions. But I am fo well aware of the danger

* True piety will not cavil at this eiprcfiion ; It was for man that the King of Glory died.

Ee

226

and mifchief that arifes from ^ defirc of ftarting new ideas, And I am fo little capable of appreciating the conclufions that may be dr?.wn from this opinion, that 1 merely fuggeft it becaufc it feemed to me to be capable of filencing fome objections againi^ the fcripturcs, on the fcore of their being contrary to philofophical deductions.

I am indebted, for one analogy, to a writer with whofe works I have already taken great liberty. After acknowledg- ing that the original autographs of Scripture do not exift. Dr. Hey obferves,* " Let no one be difcouraged by this : «* the Author of nature may be, neverthelefs, the Author of " the gofpel ; for we are left to take the bad confequences " of the carelefTnefs of mankind in the things of nature, as ** well as in the difpenfations of grace. Thofc who are dif- " couraged by human accidents happening to the facred " writings, feem to miftake the nature of what is called a " particular providence." You will permit me to dilate this comprehenlive idea. Conformably to the covenant with Noah, fummer and winter, feed time and harveft, have never ceafed fince the flood ; and thus God preferved a witnefs of his exiftence during the night of Pagan ignorance and de- pravity. But to compel men to improve thefe difpenfations with induftry and intelligence, would have been to bind ** human will, as well as nature, flift in fate." The feafons return in their accuftomed courfe ; but plenty and famine are often made to depend injlrumentally upon human exertion or fkill •, and thus, though the original promife has remain- ed unbroken, its confequences have been partially fufpended. The earth has never experienced an annihilation of fecundi- ty by a fufpenlion of its produ£ls. She feemed but to wait for the neceiTary contingents, to command *' her vallics to laugh and fing" beneath the burden of her plentiful crops. Hufbandmcn can tell you, that Ihe proves a moft trufly de- poiit to whatever fpecies of vegetation has been committed to her care. A ftate of pafturage is fo unfavourable to the growth of fome fpecies of plants, that they are never found in grafs grounds ; but let the plough be introduced, and the torpid feeds that have lain beneath the furface perhaps for a longer period than the life of man, exert their germinating powei*, and in a few harvefts they will produce a crop that fhall almoJl equal in quantity the lately introduced grain. Your attention to horticulture has taught you the extreme

* Hcy's Ledturci, vol. i(V, page 37.

227

difficulty, If not abfolute impoffibility, of eradicating indige- nous plants, which, though never fuffered to reach maturity, are continually threatening to overpover the flowers that you wilhed to cultivate. Thus careful is the God of nature of all even her meaneft productions, which are very rarely deftroyed either by the careleffiiefs or the purpofes of man. The obfervation extends to animal life : thofe tribes of crea- tures who, from their minutenefs, defenceleffiiefs, or difguft- ing qualities, feem moft in danger of being annihilated, are preferved by fuperabundant fecundity.* It has been quef- tioned, whether any fpecies of plant or animal has entirely difappeared iince the creation. If we contraft this doubt with the difcoveries or inventions of man, how vaft is the difference !

We will not fall into an error that we condemn, by giv- ing identity to a quality. The prefervation of all the numer- ous tribes of animal and vegetable life does not depend upon the care of nature y but on the power of God. Scripture and ecclefiaftical hiflory afford us equal proof, that he is the fame God who fays all his " counfels lliall fland, and that he will do all his pleafure," by the extraordinary prote<Slion he has afforded to his luritten word and vifiMe church. In your biblical fludies you Avill meet with ample occafions to remark, how often the true church has been fnatched like a burning brand out of the fire, when the malice of her enemies, or the corruption of her members, threatened her immediate deilruCtion. The remark of Michuelis on the almoft mirac- ulous prefervation of every effential point of faith and doc- trine, amid the numerous tranfcripts of fcripture that have been made by ignorant, prejudiced, or carelefs tranfcribers, leads me to refiecl on the extraordinary continuation of Chriftianity, amidft the general wreck of arts and learning which follow ed the overthrow of the Roman empire by the northern barbarians in the fifth century, when every thing elfe that was ufeful and elegant was obliterated by thofe fierce conquerors. We may again obferve, that the reform- ed religion, emerging from papal corruption and tyrannical reftraint, was truly analogous to the revification of feed that has been long buried in the earth ; and though the greater part of thofe who then laboured in the Lord's heritage feem- egl more defirous to burn the wheat than to red out the tares, the care of the celefiiial Sower was wonderfully exemplified.

* See Paley's Natural Theology, page 385.

228

Amid the terrors of perfccution, renovated Chriftianlty grew and flouriflied, and feemed, as in her early trials, to be re- frefhed and enriched by the blood of mr.rtyrs. In thefc times of peril, when the enemy tempts us with external prof- perity and internal difcord, it will be confolatory to us to recollect the pofitive afllirances of fcripture, that the church of God, when founded on the rock of Chrifl:, cannot be overthrown. Vain are the machinations of infidel adverfa- ries, vain are the wicked devices of falfe brethren. " The counfcls of the Holy One of Ifi-ael are from everlafting." I need not inform you, that here, as in other parts of fcrip- ture, the epithet lirael does not imply the defcendants of Abraham ; but the ancient church, to which the firft cove- nant was addrelTed, and which, on the death of Chrift, gave place to the Chriflian.

We might extend our inquiries very far ; but, however inftrudlive the refearch would prove, the fpace that I am called upon to allot to other fubjedls will not permit me to extend this topic. Enough has been faid to prove the fimil- itude which I wiflied to enforce. The Creator and Gover- jior of the world is the God of revelation : a God of order, wifdom, juftice, and mercy ; but a God who " hideth him- feif, and whofe ways are pall: frndiog out." To this fcien- tific philofophizing age he fays, as he did in early times to the Arabian fages, " Shall he that contendeth with the Al- '■'* mighty inftruft him ? He that reproveth God, let him *' anfwer it. Where wert thou when I laid the foundations *' of the earth ? declare, if thou haft underitanding."

When all the mylleries of vifible nature are fatisfactorily folved, not by the ufe of ahjlraci indejiinte terms, not by al- cribing power to inert matter, nor by a reference to the laws of qualities that are adled upon, inftead of a6ling ; but by explanations fuited to the comprehenfions of plain under- f irandings •, v/e may then debate upon the expediency of re- jecting the rnyfteries relating to that part of revelation which " eye hath not feen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it en- *' tered into the heart of man to conceive." When we know why the loadllone attract only one metal, why a thin covering of lilk repels a fubtile fluid which can penetrate the moil denfe bodies, nay even when we can analyze ourfelves and name the organ of confcioufnefs, or diffctft the minute veffels of intellectual perception, we may with lefs apparent audacity talk of the fupremacy of fovereign reafon, an^ re- fufe to adn-;it as truths what fhe czxinot fully comprehend.

229

In many Inftances, we fee only the immediate agent by which God a£ls in the material world. In many things we difcov- er infinite care and pains employed for apparently a trivial purpofe ; but as we enlarge our refearches, and extend them into the more abftrufe parts of nature, we become convinc- ed that means and ends are fo blended, that nothing can be faid to be independent ; and that what appears in itfelf un- important, really is a neceffary part of fome fuperior con- trivance, which alfo fills a fubordinate ftation in a yet more confeqiiential defign. Providence a^ls by the fame rules in human affairs. No one (uniefs, like Mrs. Wolftonecraft's lawlefs planets, they rufli madly from their fphere) lives for himfelf. We are formed for fociety ; and in fociety we muft a£1:, or be wretched. Nothing but incurable, and, I may- add, criminally indulged forrow, or the ftrong enthufiafm of abftra6ted devotion, can fupport the miferies, the deftitution, and the privations of total feclufion.

And is not Chriftianity, as taught by our church, a hu- manizing, a focial, and benevolent theory ? Admitting the confequences of Adam's tranfgrefllon to imply that total de- pi-avity which is afcribcd to us by thofe of our divines who have leaned to Calvin's notions, and that thefc really were the original tenets of our church* (a fade which our prefent, as well as our former oppofers would find it impojfible to prove,) even here we fliall find, that a remedy has been pro- vided commenfurate to the difeafe. The hatred of the Al- mighty to fin (fo ft:rongly marked by the vicarious facrifice of Chrift) is not more alarming, than the proof of his mercy to finners, which that event confirms, is confolatory : what right then have thofe, who afi^ecl to be difiiinguifhed by the name of Unitarians, to fay, as is done in the periodical work which is confidered as their organ,f " that as long as the " prevailing religion of a country is blended with gloom, it *' will be no eafy matter to induce parents to bring up chil- " drcn under convidlions contrary to their own impreflions ?" Equally infidious is their more recent declaration, " that " they thought the quefiiion of the divinity of Chrift had " been fet at reft for ever." Their fubfequent critic on a learned work, which adds frefh confirmation to this doc-

* The church of England is not founded in cxacl conformity to the doctrines of any reformer. The errors of Luther and Calvin v/ere alike rejecSted, as was the rigid fyfiem of Zuingllus.

f See monthly Review for Auguft i8o2, ptige 413.

230

trine, by fhewing the peculiar ufe of the definitive article in the Greek language, forbids us to look upon the preceding remark as a confeffion of their having recanted their former opinions ; and they certainly are not ignorant, that this doc- trine has received the ftrongeft confirmation by refearches into Afiatic antiquities j by more acute inveftigation of the feptuagint copy of the pentateuch ; by the labours of Mich- aelis, who has fo carefully infpected the various verfions of the New Teftament ; and by the mafterly difquifitions of many of our own divines, efpecially by feveral eminent or- naments of epifcopacy who have lately turned their attention to the fundamental do6b-ines of our church. It is by fuck bold remarks, and unfounded afl'ertions, that they often fhake the principles of the uninformed ; and it is by decry- ing the utility of orthodox inftrudlion, that they hope to recommend their own fyllem of faith to the eafy aflent of the credulous.

Our difpute with our prefent opponents about church gov- ernment, and eftablifhed forms of worfliip, proceeds upon the principles that we had before occafion to difcufs. We may briefly repeat the remark, that as union is enjoined by Chrifl, difunion is a breach of his command. The diredt form of Chriftian worfliip is not abfolutely ftated in the New Teftament ; but numerous ceremonies were pofitively com- manded in the Old ; and we know that the orders of our hierarchy,* and many of our liturgical forms, ufages, and. cuftoms, exprefiily correfpond with thofe of primitive times, to which the apoftles in their epiftlcs frequently allude. No fociety can exift without government j and God has not only biefled fociety for the ordinary ufes of life, but it is to a Jinnly united fociety y that his go/pel promifes are efpecially made.

We will fum up all that we have faid in anfwer to thofe who rejecl our eftabliflied faith becaufe it contains myfteries which are above our compi-ehenlion, by repeating the re- mark, that this is the ftrongeft internal teftimony that the revelation on which it is founded proceeds from the Author of Nature. Incomprehcnfibility may, in this fenfe, be con-

* Dr. HIH, who writes in Support of the Scotch Prcfoyterian church, argues ftrongly in favour of tiie union of churcli and ftatc. lie admit^y tbHt in the Itcond century tiic oiiice of bifliop was fcparatcd from that of prefbytcr, and applied as epifcopalians now ufe it. In the firft century •wi can name, as bifliops, Titus at Crete, Timothv at Eplicfus, Epaphro- ditus at Philippi, and the fcven angtls of the fcven churclics of Afia Mi- nor. None of thefc were apollles.

231

iidcred as the attefting feal of the Moft High ; for could wc have received that manifeftation of our Creator as being re- ally of divine origin, which lowered the ineffable and infi- nite nature of the Deity to the bounded capacity of fallible man ? It is true, our reafon is capable of progrefhve improve- ment ; but by that very circumftance it is confelTedly unfit, in our prefent infancy of exiftence, to contain ideas com- menfurate to the unbounded eflence of the Power who be- ftowed upon us this wonderful faculty. In the management of this our prime diflindtion from the brute creation, the humility of a true Chriftian is exemplified ; for a mind duly imprefTed with fentiments of piety and veneration will alike fear to reje<Sl the notices of Heaven, or to pry into " thofe fecret things" which mufi: in this world remain unknown.

Believe me, my dear Mifs M - , your mofl affedlion- ate, &c.

232

LETTER Vni.

On the Duty of JIudying the Script nrcsy and on Religious Conformity.

MY DEAR MISS M-

JlIISTORY prefents fuch numerous examples of the dif- gufting extravagancies into which religious fimaticifm has betrayed probably well intentioned people, as are fufficient to deter a prudent and confiderate perfon from venturing to forfake " the old paths," by adopting or inventing new and jftrange opinions. The word of God does not countenance that rage for novelty which is a marked chara6lerifi:ic of thefe times. In the hiftory of four thoul^ind years, only two changes in the religious fyftem of the world are recorded. Both were predicted by prophecy, both were confirmed by miracle -, and the former was exprefsly prelufive of the fec- ond, which is as plainly declared to be final.

Inftead, therefore, of there being any real reproach in the terms " obfolete," " antiquated," and, " mufty," which I have feen applied to the do(Slrines and conftitutions of our Church by fome of her enemies, who polTefs more zeal than elegance or argument, fhe claims a fuperior fhare of confid- eration on the very ground of her being a faithful rcpofitory of old do(n:rines, and of having fafliioned her conftitution to as clofe a refemblance of primitive rules as the prefent hab- its of the world will admit. For, though fcriptural know- ledge is moft eminently requifite, it fhould not be the only qualification of thofe who undertake the arduous ofllce of uniting a mixed multitude in one afibciated congregation, for the purpofe of Chriftian worfhip and edification. How eminently our reformers were diftinguifhed by thefe efTential ingredients, knowledge of the human heart, and political wifdom, need not be Hated to any who are in the leaft verf- ed in the hiftory of thofe times. They had indeed two pe- culiar advantages j they were affifted in their efibrts by the civil power, and they v/cre warned by the previous mifcar- riages of feveral reformers on the continent, who, concciv-

233

Ing zeal to be the one thing needful In the great work that they had undertaken, difcarded expediency ; and, being heated by perfecution and oppoiition, fancied that pulling dowK an old fabric was fimilar to eredling a new one. For- getting that all human focieties muft be accommodated to the imperfedllons and neceffities of the fallible beings of whom they are compofed ; in their attempt to fabricate a religious eftablifhment on the bafis of ideal perfedlion, and uncomplying auftere fimplicity, they opened a door for the grofleft enthufiafm and wildeft mifrule. Their notions of Chriftian liberty led them to exclude the authority of the civil maglftrate ; and thus they ruflied Into the enormities of open rebellion. They extended their notion of the ob- ligation of charity to that communion of goods, which, ex- cept in times that are guided by the extraordinary Influence of the Holy Spirit, muft produce Idlenefs, extravagance, and txtreme poverty. They conftrued the prohibition of fwear- ing fo literally, as to refufe taking an oath In a court of juf^ tice, which has been confldered by the wifeffc law givers as the fureft guard of the life and property of ourfelves and others. They denied the lawfulnefs even of defenfive war ; and thus, by laying themfelves open to the aflaults of every enemy, virtually furrendered to aliens that liberty which they fo fcrupulofly guarded from the regulations that their lawful rulers fought to impofe ; and by an erroneous and flralned Interpretation of the fixth commandment, they de- clared agalnft the legality of capital punlfhment, even for the moft atrocious crimes. Our laft three articles, which oppofe the notions of thefe would be perfeftlonlfts, are dic- tated by th(3 moft found knowledge of fcripture, combined with the jufteft Ideas of civil government.

A prefcribed form of liturgical fervice ; a fixed compen- dium of doftrine, to which every officiating minlfter muit fubfcrlbe, and promlfe to teach nothing contrary to the con- tents thereof; and a minlftry independent of the congrega- tion to whom they are to impart the faving truths of the gofpel ; which minlftry, rifing In rank and fortune In degrees nearly fimilar to the gradations of civil foclety, is governed by laws not wholly dependent upon, but yet amenable to, the legal maglftrate ; muft have powerful recommendations to the favour of all who do not. In their rage for chriftian liberty, overlook the duties of chriftian fubmiffion and hu- mility. But, befide private benefit, there is one great pub- Ff

234

lie confideratlon, which I mufl: beg to repeat. While thft nation is faithful in its allegiance to its ecclefiaflical inftitu- tions, it is " not blown about by every wind of doctrine." Not to mention lefs numerous or more equivocal feceders, we maintain (as I hope I have proved) a happy medium be- tween two extremes of opinion, that are contradiflory to the general tenor of fcripture, and highly prejudicial to moral and chriftian improvement.

I muft here admit, that all our fcdliaries (except the Socin* ians, who make reafon paramount to revelation, and refolve to difcard what they cannot fully explain) plead fcripture as the ground of their opinions j and this leads me to confider the mifchiefs that have arifen from private interpretation of difficult pafl'ages of holy writ by illiterate and enthuiiaftic, and fometimes by learned, but uncandid and obftinate peo- ple. Has not the Reformation, it is alkcd, reftored the fcrip- tures to the common people ; and docs not our church au- thorize, nay enjoin, all her members tojiudy them ? Moft un- queftionably, fo far as moral improvement, or the funda- mental I'ules of faith, are concerned. I believe too, that every Englifhman has a right, and is required, to fludy the laws of his county ; and 1 think it the duty of all to knovr fo much of them, as to avoid infringing them. But I do not conceive that every underftanding is capable of difcern- ing the exact bounds of regal prerogative, of comprehend- ing the law and ufage of parliament, and the origin and foundation of our civil and political rights. Few people have leifure to ftudy the flatutes at large ; and though you and I ought to know enough to be good fubjedts, it would be advifable in us both, in cafe of a lawfuit, to be directed by the advice of an able folicitor. We may have fome little notion of the phyfical organization of our bodies, and may even dabble fo far in medicine as to prepare a few com- pounds, and adminifler them in trifling indifpofitions ; but in cafe of a ferious illnefs, we Ihould think it madnefs not to call in fuperior judgment. And fhall we controvert thofc religious principles which are eftablifhed by laborious inves- tigation and profound learning, with the knowledge derived from flight inveftigation and fuperficial refearch .'* I will not afk yoiif whether we fliall refign our national creed tranfmit- ted to us from apoflolical times, and adopt the fancies of il- luminated coblers, bruinfick weavers, or philofophiflical half educated fceptics, whom we fliould ridicule for coxcombs if they prefumed to give an opinion refpecting the temperature

235

of our pulfe or the management of our fortune, and yet are willingly fubmttted to, as expounders of the oracles of God ? This qucjftion is to you happily unappropriate ; but it is real- ly neceiTary to many, who, but for this ridiculous mixture of pride and fervility, this ftrange proftration of the liberty of which they are fo tenacious, to the quackery that they would defpife in the common affliirs of life, might pafs for intelligent people.

The hiftory of the Reformation affords us fo many Inftan- ces of the evils which arife from mifinterpreted texts of fcrip- ture, and promifcuous preaching,* that we cannot be too grateful for living under an eftablifhment which limits and difcountenances thefe dangerous licences. To underftand God's word aright, I mean fo to comprehend it as truly to expound its difficulties, a knowledge of the original language is abfolutely necefTary, To this fhould be added, a thorough acquaintance with the cufloms and hiftory of the nation of which it treats ; for, %vithout this, the allufions that oriental writers abound in cannot be underftood. Other requifites might be mentioned : but I mean chiefly to dwell upon one. The interpreter ought to have a clear comprehenfion of the general defign and plan of the ivkole fcripture. Such an en- larged idea is required from every commentator on an an- cient clafKc ; and certainly, as the New and Old Teftament, though disjoined into parts, are connc<fled as a whole, we cannot here be fatisfied with the omifRon of what is deemed indifpenfable in other interpreters.

A text taken without its context, or without reference to the main defign of the fpeaker or a<5t:or, may be brought to recommend falfehood, herefy, blafphemy, or any other « damned error." I promifed to give fome explanatory in- ftanccs of fuch mifapplications ; and we will caft a curfory glance over the firft chapters of St. John's Gofpel. Did we look no further than Nathaniel's reply to Philip, chapter ift, verfe 46th, " Can any good thing come out of Nazareth ?" we fhould determine that this inquirer, inftead of following, rejeBed the Mefliah, and that he was an example of preju- dice, inftead of finglenefs of heart. The next verfe contains the higheft eulogium on this man's charafter, pronounced by the voice of Omnifcience ; the context fhews that he be«»

* It is moft certain that Luther, in the heat of his oppolition to Rome, affcrted the right of private judgment in religion, in an indefinite way^ «f which he afterwards repented.

236

came an immediate difciple and follower of our Lord ; and he is generally fuppofed to have been the fame as St. Bar- tholomew, and one of the chofen twelve. Does not this re- mark apply to thofe who, from fome expreflions occafionally ufed by our Saviour with reference to his humanity, over- look or deny the force of thofe paflages in which, in his di- vine nature, he claims to be equal with God ?

At the 4th verfe of the 2d chapter of St. John, we have what many have called a harfh anfwer from the blciTed Je- fus to a friendly intimation of his mother's •, which might be blafphemoufly explained, as if that rude independent de- portment to parents, which is fo marked a feature in thefe times, was fanftioned by the conduct of this our perfecl" Ex- emplar. That the words were not intended to convey an abrupt refufal, is evident, by our Lord's immediate compli- ance with her wiflies. We muft conclude, therefore, that they were either proverbial, or alluded to a particular idiom which in this remote time and nation we cannot fully un- derltand. But to clear our Lord's chara^er from this afper- iion, we muft look further. The 5 ill verfe of the 2d of Luke, and the 26th and 27th of the 19th chapter of St. John, prove, that they who feek to juftify filial impertinence, or difrefpe^l, by the above paflage, contradicl inftead of ex- plaining fcripture, and miftake the charadler of him who, though Lord of all, was eminently diftinguilhed by his du- tiful condudl: to the fource of his mortal being.

I have heard the difcourfe of our Lord with the woman of Samaria fo explained (and that from the pulpit of inftruc- tion) as to reprefent it to be immaterial where and how, that is to fay, in what place and v^^ith what forms, God is wor- Ihipped. The words thus mifapplied were *' The hour com- « eth, and now is, when the true worlhippers Ihall worfhip *< the Father in fpirit and in truth \ for the Father feeketh ** fuch to worfhip him." Was the preceding verfe inteiition- alh or accidentally overlooked ? John, 4th and 2 2d verfe, *' Ye worfhip," fays our Lord to the fchifmatical Samari- tans, " ye know not what ; but we know what we worfhip, iov falvation is of the Jeivs." It will be difficult to find a plainer teftimony in favour of a faith founded on divine rev- elation, or of an authorized ecclefiaftical eftablifhment.

I will give but one more exprefs inftance of the poffibility (or rather the probability) of fuch miilnterpretation of fcrip- ture by wiJhUful or dijhonejl hands. It is the behaviour ot our Lord to the woman taken in adultery, which is record-

237

ed in the 8th chapter of this gofpcl. When flie tells him that no man had condemned her, he replies, " Neither do I condemn thee ; go, and fin no more." What ! did not our Lord condemn this heinous crime ? how, then, could he fay- he came to " fulfil the law and the prophets," which with one voice condemn and reprobate this grofs violation of per- fonal purity and folemn obligation ? It may be anfwered, that the words are plain, level to every underftanding ; and that the fact correfponded, for the woman was difmtjfed. Sinning no more, therefore, cancels the preceding otFence ; and thus the bands of wickednefs may be loofed, and Ger- man morality founded upon a literal confl:ru6tion of our Lord's words.

But we muft not refl: in fuch partial examinations of fcrip- ture. We muft look at the hiftory of Jefus, and at the de- figns of his enemies. The Scribes and Pharifees wha brought this offender to our Lord, were defirous of enfnar- ing him by fome action v/hich they might conftrue into an exercife of regal or magifterial power, and -thus find a pre- tence of accufing him to the Roxnans as an infringer of the authority of Cxfar. Their laws (obferve, they were alfo the laws of God) condemned the adulterefs to death ; and they infidioufly brought this acknowledged culprit to Chrift, in the hope that if he merely ratified the juftice of the fentence which Mofes had pronounced, they might fo pervert his words as to turn them into conftniBive rebellion. This in- cident, therefore, is recorded as an inftance of the extraordi- nary ivifdom with which our Saviour fruftrated the intrigues of an infamous cabal who fought his deftruclion ; and can- not, without raifapplication, be adduced for any moral pur- pofe, except to check that cenforious fpirit Mdaich is eager to punifli others, while unrepented tranfgreffions rankle in their own bofoms. It is not as the omnifcient Judge of man, but as one who was expefted to zSt as the temporal ruler of Ifrael, that he refufes to condemn the guilty creature who flood trembling before him. As a teacher of pure morals, he difmifies her with an exhortation to fin no more \ which, if her heart was not entirely hardened, would be the means of obtaining forgivenefs for her at the tribunal of Heaven. A reference to the 27th and 28th verfes of the fixth chap- ter of St. Matthew's gofpel, will fhew you the rule of inward purity by which Chriftians muft regulate even the fecret af- fections of their hearts. The Redeemer of the world was no inconfiftent teacher ; he had no alternately loofe and

238

rigid morality, no convenient doflrines fuitcd to times and feafons, no palliatives to fcrcen the mighty, no ftimulants ta goad the unprotecSled ; no popular morality for the mob, no fpecious difquifitions for the learned. They who attribute fuch incongruity to him, look at a part, not at the whole. It is from luch partial and confined views of fcripture that diflentions and herefies arife. The Calvinifts build their notions on a miftaken conception of St. Paul's defign in his cpiftles to the Romans and Galatians, wherein the words election and rejeftion are mentioned ; but certainly in ge- neral terms,* and with application to the calling of the Gen- tiles to occupy that place in the church of God which the Jews forfeited by not acknowledging the MefRah. Yet that tliis great body of unbelieving Ifrael would not be finally reprobate, or fhut out from the Chriftian covenant, the eleventh chapter of Romans, and many prophetical parts of fcripture, unequivocally declare ; and its whole tenor pro- nounces univerfal redemption. Equally confined are the views of thofe who, denying the divinity of our Lord, ad- duce thofe expreffions in the gofpels to confirm their no- tions, in which he acknowledges inferiority to the Father, which in refpedl to his human nature is unquejliofiably true. Confidered in this view, their favourite reference to the Sent and the Sender, and even the text of " My Father is great- er than I," are eafily reconcilable to orthodox opinions. But as a learned Prelatef obferves, ** the texts that afiirm " the divinity of Chrift are too plain, and too pofitive, to *« bend to their expofitions ; they muft therefore erafe them, *« or receive the doctrines they contain." Contrary to all evidence or probability, they prefer the latter.

To guard againft thefe and many other evils, I ftrongly recommend to my fex an early and thorough intimacy with their bibles. I wifh them to be fo verfed and grounded in fcriptural knowledge, that they may comprehend the whole feries of hiftory and prophecy, as well as the moral inftruc- tion which the facred volume contains. Such blefled advan- tage OTer the prefent age was polTefled by our anceftors at the time of the Reformation. Thus did the primitive Chris- tians digeft and underftand the nvhole word of God j and at

* Commentators have agreed that no inftance of individual clcdlion appeara in fcripture.

f This remark, is taken from the Bifliop of Lincoln's Elements of The- Qlogy ; but not having the work to refer to, the page caouot be fpecificd.

239

both thcfc periods, it was this thorough conviction of the truth and purport of holy writ, which fupported timid beau- ty and feeble youth through the torments of martyrdom with more than manly courage. We are not called to mount the blazing pile, nor to ftep into the bloody amphitheatre, for the love of Chrift. Blefled be his name that we are not I for could we be expedled to die for him of whom we have fcarcely heard ? But we are called to endure that trial, of mocking and fcofEng, to which the dodbrine (now, as once the perfon) of our Saviour is expo fed. It is a moft perverfe and wicked wit, which can attempt to debafe the charter of falvation by profane or ludicrous allufions. In this country, the New Teflament at prefent is feldom open- ly traviftied •, but fome unguarded expreffions ufed by a pop- . ular divine, only intended to aflert that, from the clearnefs of its internal and hiftorical evidence, the go/pel of Chrift may reft on its own fupport, without recurring to the Old Teftament for proofs, feem to have been hailed as an aufpi- cious fignal by »* filthy talkers and jefters," proclaiming that the firft covenant may be lawfully turned into ridicule. Can .a public corrector of tafte and morals be juftified for defcrib- ing, as an " exquifite addition" to a poem, " a droll tranf. ,« formation of the ftory of Nebuchadnezzar and his fiery ** furnace, with the three Hebrew falamanders who could *< not be burnt ;" owning, " that for this burlefque exhibitioa *' of his Majefty of Babylon they owe to the playful poet a *« hearty laugh ?" Was the editor of this critique aware, that the book in which this aiFe<Sling narrative is contained was authenticated by two exprefs quotations of our Lord ;* in one of which he acknowledges Daniel's prophetical charac- ter ? Does a jocular parody of a folemn and inftru<Stive event, recorded by one whofe prefcience is divinely attefted, be- come him who, as a Chriftian, muft defend the verity of all our Lord's affertions ?f

* Sec Mattacw, 13th chapter, 43d vcrf<r, a4tk chapter, 15th verfc.

f The following anecdote is given on ncvrfpaper teilimony, with a wiflt that it may have had no foundation in truth ; for it will then acb as a caution, iaftead of a cenfure ; A New Jerufalem teacher furreptitioufly obtained an appointment to a meeting belonging to fome regular diffent- crs. A trial at law enfued ; and the preacher, who had been an itinerant mufic-mafler, and petty fliopkeeper, was defended by his very elaborate counfel, who is faid to have introduced David's fkill upon the harp, and the humble profeffions of the apoUles, ai a parallel that was applicable to this fchifraatic's change of occupation. Did this learned gentleman not know, or did he purpofely forget, that thcfe apoftles were miraruloufly

240

A thorough acquaintance with holy writ will Infpire fucli habitual reverence for it, as a whole, as muft prevent us from encouraginiT thofc degrading parodies of any detached part of it, which fome voluble unprincipled rhymers brought into fafhion, whofe works are now happily Unking into the oblivion which they deferve ; I hope, never more to be re- vived or imitated. In the writings of a certain florid ge- nius, whofe richly drefled poetry for fome time directed the national ton (I will not call it tafte,) there are feveral allu- fions to the narratives of holy writ, which, though ferioufly worded, are degraded by being applied to petty limilitudes. Since we are affured in the New Teftament, that " all fcrip- ture" (by which the Jewilh fcriptures only could be meant) *' is given by infpiration ;" fince the two moft extraordina- ry, and, it fhould feem to us, improbable occurrences which, they contain, the hiflories of Jonah and Balaam, are con- firmed, the former by five comparifons in the difcourfes of our Lord, the latter by the inferences of St. Peter and St. Jude ; " droll transformations of narratives," or even light ^allufions to biblical hiflories, muft be confidered not only as criminal in thofe who thus abufe their talents, but as argu- ing great ignorance of the foundation of their religion, and. its connexion with Jewifli hiftory, in every admirer of thefe perverted efforts of wit and ingenuity.

The ftudy that I fo earneflly recommend will, if afSfted by the invaluable labours of found and able expofitors, en- able you to repel many oblique attacks which may be made upon your faith, on account of the feeming incongruity of particular incidents. The miracles of our Lord have not efcaped the petulant criticifm of fhort fighted cavillers. They are faid to have been limited and puerile ; and certain- ly they were upon a lefs grand and awful fcale than the im- preflive wonders which freed the Hebrew captives from Egyptian bondage, and prepared them for the reception of the Mofaical covenant. Our Lord came to a people who were in expectation of a wonderful perfonagc •, to a natior^ by whom it was preordained that he was to be rejected and facriliced ; yet among whom he was to meet with many

endowed by the Spirit of God with all knowledge, all faith, and the pow- er of curing all difcafes ? What refembhnce then can poffibly exift be- tween theJ'e fiipernatiirally inftru<ftcd teacher?, and an ignorant and (as was clearly proved) knavifli mechanic .'' Surely the wit of this abfnrd comparifon is too Qr.iined to pafs, even in a carelefs auditory, a an ex- cul'e for its fallthood and irreverence.

241

converts, and from whofe narrow region his gofpel was to burft like a refiftlefs torrent, and overflow the world. The power of working miracles, which was in the firft inftance confined to the Jewifli Lawgiver and High Prieft, was in the latter, with great propriety, extended to every ambafFa- dor who bore this high miflion to any part of the world. As in the Afiatic and Grecian cities, fo on the barren rock of Melita, and in the remote confines of imperial Rome, St. Paul difplayed the unequivocal atteftations of accompanying Deity. Eccleflaftical hidrory afTures us, that the like eftefts attended the yet more diftant journies of the other apoftles.

In number therefore, though not in individual importance, the miracles which ulhered in the gofpel exceeded the fu- pernatural evidences of the law. They were alfo ftridlly applicable to the different natures of the two difpenfations. For recalling the world to the almofl: extinguiflied know- ledge of one God, terror and majefty were awfully combin- ed. Benevolence was the charaderiftical feature of thofe mild wonders, which announced the purpofe of the Almigh- ty to be reconciled to his offending, but repentant creatures. " Thus, though the whole fyftem of Chriftian miracles was " intended to convince men that Jefus was fent by God, and *' not to confer extraordinary benefits on particular perfons 9 ** yet their incidental benevolence, this going about doing " good, is a ftrong atteftation of the divine origin of that " miraculous power which Jefus Chrift poffeffed."*

May we not expeft that this general enlarged attention to the whole defign of fcripture will confiderably abate the virulence of that religious animofity, which is moft apt to arife from contradled views, and partial attachment to fome few peculiar doctrines ? We fometimes adopt erroneous opin- ions from pertinacity, or intentional Angularity j but oftener through that infirmity of judgment which will not permit an ardent imagination to rell: within the fober bounds of truth, or to confine itfelf to the prefcribed limits of revela- tion ; which, it muft ever be remembered, is calculated to comfort the faithful, and to fupport the weak ; not to fatisfy *< curious and carnal perfons." Charity has received as much injury from exti-eme refinements and minute fubtilties of expreffion, as myfterious doctrines have from diffufe expla-

* This remark ij taken from Hev'» Lectures.

Gff

242

nations, or injudicious and unwarrantable applications. Thus people are often brought to differ in words, who agree in things ; and to attach confequence to merely fpeculative dif- tin<n:ions, which they do not under<"^and. Hence arofe thofc miferable and unaccountable diilenlions (which may be juft- ly termed theological quibbling) that perplexed the fchool divines ; hence the difputcs between Friars of different or- ders, the quarrels of Jefuits and Janfenifts, and the numer- ous altercations that have divided and fubdivided all clalTes of dlfTcnters from our efbablilhment. But if, inftead of thus infpedl:ing a part of our religion with microfcopic attention, of lifihig tip cm text as our banuer^ and fighting under it againfl all our fellow-chriflians, we applied ourfelves to ifudy the beauty and confiflency of all the facred volume, our zeal for peculiar tenets, and all that criminal defire of being An- gular which makes men hazard the welfare of their fouls in vindication of fuppofed rights, would be abfbrbed by the anxious deiire of truly obeying what we felt to be fo excel- lent, and knew to be fo divine. Then might we hope that the profefTors of the faith of Jefus would, as in early times, be marked by this flattering dillinelion, " Behold how thefe Chriftians love one another."

At the time when the impoftor Mahomet promulgated his bloody and voluptuous do<Slrines, the eaftern part of the Chriftian world was torne by miferable contention, and the weflern was wafted by war and deprefTed by ignorance. All hiflorians concur in fiating, that the hatred and animofity which Chriflians bore to each other expedited the triumphs of the cruel Arabian and his profelyting banditti. The fchifms which then rent the church difpofed many to be- come his converts ; to flate what they were, is to give an awful lefTon to thefe times ; many then queflioned the d'lvin- ity of our Saviour ; and the do<n:rine of ahfolute predtjlhiation was inculcated with great zeal by the adherents of St. Au- gufline.

May we not now inquire, what are the figns of the times in which v/e live ? Within our church there is a fchifm, in which the old Pharifaical fupercilioufnefs, of " ftand apart, I am more holy than thou," is too apparent. Beyond her pale, we fee new modes of worfhip multipled, and difunion engrafted on difTention. The church of Scotland, which was one of the firfb to reje<ft prefcription, and to venture boldly in untried paths, terrified at the unwarrantable licence

243

aflumed by her refra^^lory members,* is forced to refume the renounced reftraint of ecclefiaftical coercion. With us, the bleffing of toleration has let in the curfes of fanaticifm, fcep- ticifm, and licentioufnefs. Holls of ignorant felf-fufficient preachers are yearly licenced to miflead the weak and irres- olute, and to infpire the illiterate with contempt for their proper paftors. Among the higher ranks, the latitudinari- an gains many converts to the attractive found of liberality, and enlarged opinions ; and from the latitudinarian the fcale of error mounts to infidelity. But indifference is the more prevailing charafteriftic of this age ; and it is fo very preva- lent among the higher circles, that ferioufnefs and devotion are conftantly confounded with fetflarian enthufiafm. The duty of worlhipping the God of our fathers is made to de- pend upon convenience, upon fafhion, upon a warm chapel, or upon an agreeable preacher. From the lives of thefe nominal Chriftians, or from the repulfive manners of thofe who " make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the hem of their garments," the well bred deift, and mere moral man of the world, afl'ecl to form their notion of the influence of religion upon the heart and mind. Alas ! that the many thoufands, who in this ifland have *' never bowed the knee to Baal," nor omitted that " worfliip in fpirit and truth" which our Creator prefcribes, would fometimes emerge from their beloved retirement, and fliew an admiring world, " Virtue in her own fliape how lovely."

It muft however be acknowledged, that the lives of too many lincere Chriftians will not bear a comparifon with the pure and holy rules which they profefs to receive as the guide of their conduCl ; and I am informed, that our prefent race of delfts juftify their rejection of religion by faying, '* Why do not you believers lead better lives ? I entertain ** no fuch hopes refpeCling futurity as you do ; I reje<Sl your ** creed ; I difavow the divine affiftances which you pretend '* to receive ; yet my moral reClitude challenges a compari- *' fon with your's. I acknowledge no laws that debar me ** from thofe gratifications which you folemnly renoiwce as *' fins, yet frequently pradlife. Allowing, therefore, the ver- " ity and reality of your religious obligations, my offences " muft receive a lefs fevere condemnation than your's."

The reply to this juftificatory recrimination is fo appar-

* For this account of the ftatc of the prefbytery in Scotland, fee Dr. Hill's Theological Inftitutcs.

244

cnt, that, had I not been afTured that fuch exprelllons are tlxe common apology of deifts, I Jhould have thouglit it deroga- tory to their aciitenefs to attribute to them fuch mean and jejune fubterfuges. Here a remark of our Saviour's muft recur to your remembrance, and you will again feelingly acknowledge that he knew what was in man : " Men" llill ** love darknefs better than light," and for the fame reafon as when Chrift was upon earth, *< becaufe their deeds are evil." It is the purity and holinefs of the gofpel that make the flaves of Mammon and Belial cavil at its authority. It is not becaufe it rcfts on infufficient evidence, that they de- ny its divine origin ; but becaufe it will not accommodate itfelf to a darling vice, or a predominant paffion, that they determine not to let it rule over them.

But whether we reject or acknowledge the government of the bleffed Jefus in this world, v/e fliall all ftand at his judgment feat hereafter. The pleas that will be admitted in behalf of thofe to whom the evangelical tidings of a Re- deemer were never proclaimed, cannot be urged in favour of Pagafis by choice, who, though born, baptized, and educa- ted in a Chriftian country, preferred the darknefs of Deifm to the light which flione around them. Whoever lives where Chriftianity is profefTed, is by birth a fubject of the Lamb of God. He may renounce his allegiance, he may infult and defpife his Sovereign •, but thefe frantic acts do not transform him into an alien, but a rebel. Born under the legiflation of the gofpel, it is againft that difpenfation that he lins, and it is by that he will be judged. His boaft- ed liberty, of being free to choofe his mafter, extends only to the grave. Even if his moral conduct were fuch as to fuggefh hopes of efcaping future Vvfno;cance, the penalty will attach to his principles. The gaudy fliow of benovolence, integrity, or liberality, which proceeded not from the dciire of pleafing God, and were not offered to him with the fweet fmelling lavour of faith in Chrill, only conllitute that defec- tive righteoufnefs which, we are afTured, will not be accept- ed by God from thofe whom he has called to the knowledge of his Son.

It is certain, that the " infecHiion of man's nature,'"* as our church terms it, remains in fome degree in us all ; fo that, even in tlie moft iincere Chriftians " there is a law of ihc flsili that is continually warring againft the hw of God."

* Article 9th.

245

The Church of England makes no pretenfions either to ag- gregate or individul perfection. In conformity with the fa- cred code from which fhe derives her ordinances, fhe ac- knowledges her mihtant ftate j and, confcious that her mem- bers " are befet with fo many and great dangers, that by *' reafon of the frailty of their mortal nature they cannot al- " ways ftand upright, Ihe implores fuch fupplies of ftrength *' and protection as may carry them through all tempta- ** tions."* The allulions to a Chriftian's life on earth are not taken from a ftate of triumph, fecurity, or even repofe : it is ever defcribed as an arduous race, a painful conflict, a day of labour and forrow, a ftruggle with the powers of darknefs. We have fcripture and our maternal church on our iide, when we fuggeft an opinion, that the fpiritual en- emy is more bufdy employed in aflailing the liege fubjeCts of the King of Heaven, than in fecuring the condemnation of thofe who, by their anti-chriftian prejudices, have furren- dered their minds to that infidelity which is the parent of every vice. Thefe the prince of darknefs can leave to work out their own deftruCtion ; but he muft penetrate into the retirements of piety, and endeavour to difturb the prayers, corrode the temper, or feduce the integrity, of thofe who he fears are becoming " meet for the inheritance of the Saints in Light."

But beiide thofe who, though not exempt from human error, yet on the whole appear to " walk" worthy of the vo- cation whereunto they are called, there are many who, with iincere intentions of keeping the fear of God always before their eyes, do occalionally fall into great and aggravated fins. Oftenders of this defcription furnifii the infidel with much feeming occafion for exultation ; but the triumph is merely vifionary. When we fearch into the hiftory of thefe un- happy culprits, we fhall find many natural reafons for their infirmities ; either they have ftrong paflions, or defective tempers j perhaps their education has been injudicious, or their relative fituation in life is attended with fome peculiar- ly irritating or dangerous circumftances. The fceptic's pre- judice againft religion leads him to confider it as the caufe of thole errors which it is conftantly endeavouring to cotm-

* " A good Chriflian, not being one who has no inclination to fin : but " one who, through the grace of God, immediately checks, and fuffers not " fuch inclinations to grow into evil habits." See Bifliop Wilfon's fliort and plain inftrudlions for the Lord's Supper, page 50.

246

ieraB. I muft exclude from the pale of true Giriftianitr, (that is, from the number of fmcere fervants of the blefled Jefus) all who live in the habitual practice of what they know to be vice ; but they who divide their time between finning and forrowing, who promife with the impaffioned and confident Peter, and like him offend and weep, exhibit, though not fo glorious, yet as ftrong a proof of the power of religion on a weak but ilnjere mind, as the dying Stephen did when he prayed to his Lord in glory, amid his mortal agonies. Though the certainty of another world has not eradicated the bofom infirmity, it makes " the ftrong man tremble," and compels the rebel inclinations to fall proftrate for pardon before the throne of Mercy ; by whom, we truft, though they may be correHed as offenders^ they will not be fetitenced as apojlates.

Deift, doft thou inquire what religion has done for thofe who continually tranfgrefs and reform ? I anfwer, it is the powerful attradtion which prevented them from flying off, as thou haft done, into the dark and cheerlefs regions of chaotic doubt and terror. What would thefe half emanci- pated flaves of furious paffions, irregular defires, and pervert- ed inclinations have been, if they had alfo denied their God, and rejected the faving mercies of their Saviour ? " He who ** knows whereof we are made, and remembers that we arc ** but duft," will not be extreme to mark what is done amifs by thofe who maintain a conftant ftruggle with an ill regu- lated ill tutored mind. Leave them to the mercy of the mafter they have cliofen. But if, in the pride of moral rec- titude, thou prefumeft to fet thy fpecious goodnefs in oppo- fltion to the contrite Publican who weeps befide thee ; be- ware, Sinner ; thou too art weighed in the balance and art found wanting. Doft thou pofiefs a native fweetnefs of dif- polition ; this is the foil in which thou fhouldft have plant- ed the Chriftian grace of charity. Haft thou a keen percep- tion of what is perfedl, fair and good ; this talent was given thee to be improved into a " knowledge of the ^\tays of the Moft High." Do thy well regulated paflions obey the curb, of dilcretion, convenience, and regard to character ; this is not enough ; thou fliouldft have fubjeCted them to that in- ward purity, without which " no man can fee the Lord." Is thy reputation unfpotted ; doft thou feed the hungry, and clothe the naked ; art thou exacl in thy dealings be- tween man and man, and guarded in thy words as well as iix thy actions ; n;;ture and habit have done much for thee, but

247

thou haft not foHcited for that grace which would have done infinitely more. " The wifdom that is from above" would have told thee, that the praife of men is not ahvays compatible with the praife of God, and that they who idol- ize reputation muft often facriiice confcience to her man- dates. " They who do their good deeds to be feen of men, receive in the praife of men their reward." But it is an apoftle who tells thee, that thou mayeft « beftow all thy goods to feed the poor, and yet it fhall profit thee nothing." Honefty and puncStuality are the virtues of prudence, on which induftry and convenience depend for many temporal advantages : the outward obfervance of them is enforced by human laws ; but in the fight of God they are of no value, unlefs they are rooted in the inward man of the heart, and confirmed by the affiirance that with " whatfoever meafure we mete, it fhall be meafured to us again." Thou, who haft hidden thy numerous talents under the cold inveftment of moral fitncfs, inftead of applying them to the purchafe of the ineftimable merchandize of chriftian graces, fcofF not at him who, confcious of infirmity, clings to the rock of his falvation, and fupplicatesyor^z-y^;;^-, not reward. The world cannot judge between the good deeds that thou doft, to be feen of men, and the fecret afpirations of the foul of the penitent ; for the world is not endued with omnifcience, and can only determine by what it is permitted to fee. But it is by thy inward motives, not by thy oftenfible deeds, that thou fhalt be fentenced at the awful tribunal of him, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who will fearfully reclaim the apoftate v/ho rejeded his authority, in the clofing fcenes of his mediatorial kingdom, before it emerges into the full dominion of paternal Deity.

The prevalence of fuicide is another inftance by which wc may judge of the ftate of religion in this kingdom ; for un- queftionably, unlefs it proceed from mental derangement, we muft pronounce the felf-murderer ignorant of the obliga- tions and pon^fr of Chriftianity. If he really believed in God, would he dare to rufh uncalled into his prefence, or make the laft action of his life a crime of which he never can re- pent ? The prevalence of this offence among the Pagans of old times is indifputable ; it was even confidered as fome- what of a brave and commendable a£lion, by which their greateft and wifeft men, and their moft virtuous women, he- roically refolved to efcape from pain, difgrace, and forrow. Equally indifputable is the fa6l, that the religion of Jefus

248

conquered this daring propenfity ; fincc its mofl: eminent profeflbrs deemed it lefs infamous to expire in excruciating tortures as public criminals, than gently to languilh away with the mock dignity of a Seneca, or to tear open their own bowels with the ruthlefs frenzy of a Cato. The revival of this humour of felf-deftrudlion in France is fo notorious, that it is lamented even by thofe who ftill fee, in that athe- iftical revolution, much to admire, and who fruitlefsly wifli to palliate all its enormities.*

Self-murder, when it is not a fudden a£l of madnefs or paffion, muft proceed from the fullen rcfolve of wounded pride, confcious of merit and impatient of difappointment. How oppofite is this temper to the felf-abafement, the lowly refignation of a chriftian foul, wdio receives temporal calam- ities as the deferved chajlifemcnts of his Father and his God, and who hopes, through his mercy, not only the pardon of his fins, but the promifes annexed to patient fubmillion ! It is thofe who prefume to think highly of their own deferv- ings, who depend upon merit, who detnatid reward, and who limit their views of happinefs to temporal poiTeffion on this fide Jordan, that are mofl: inclined, like treacherous centi- nels, to defert the poft which they deem unworthy of their high defervings.

Suicide, therefore, is moft frequently the fl:ern determi- nation of indignant deifm, warring in its pride againft the will of the Higheft. It often too proceeds from the keen tortures of accufing confcience, or from a poignant fenfe of the embarrafl^ments and anxieties to which a life of guilt ge- nerally expofes the offender. Divines have remarked, that as, in this life, the natural confequences of fin often con- tinue to purfue the offender, in the fliape of bodily pain or calamity, long after he has become fincerely penitent for his faults, the heathens had no chance of difcovcring, from what they faw of the Almighty's providential government of the world, that the eternal confequences of fin would ev- er be remitted. As Chriflians have brighter hopes on this Important fubje£l, penitence is now bound by ftrongcr bonds to endure the temporal afHidfions, which it is confcious of defcrving, from the hope that its prefent refignation may cancel its former mifdeeds, and, in the language of the apollle, that it " may live to bring forth fruits meet for repentance."

* It is afTirmctl, on an average calculation, that five Frenchmen pcrifH in two d:m hy their own hands. See Holcroft's Travel* into i'ramc.

249

There are yet other reafons which bind the Chriftian even to a joylefs and miferable exiftence. In a probationary ftate^ the time of trial cannot be over till our Mafter bids « us reft from our labours." The dying flame, which feems expiring in the focket, may yet caft out a light fufiicient to recall fome wandering connexion from the broad road of deftruc- tion. Are we not in the hands of a merciful God, who ' willeth not the eternal death of a linner ; and may we not hope, that if we patiently abide his fummons, he will not remove us hence, but " with all due advantage for eternity, " when we fhall be in a holy difpolition of foul, in a perfedt ** renunciation of the guife of this mad and finful world ?"*

That the crime of felf-deftru£tion by aftual violence has not yet made fuch progrefs amongft us, as it has done amongft our revolutionized and illuminized neighbours, affords great folace to the refleiSling mind, anxious to difcover fome grounds for confiding in the protection of the Moft High during our prefent arduous conflidl. But the frequency of that felf-defl:ru(ftion which is accomplifhed by diflipation and vice prefents a lefs confolatory profpedt. However, as this fpecies of fuicide does not alTume fuch determined hoftility to Heaven in its afpedt, we may charitably hope that a death bed isfomethnes the fcene of true repentance.

Poffibly I fhall here be arraigned, for limiting that un- bounded mercy and compafRon of the Deity, which is fuch a favourite topic among our new expofitors of the Chriflian religion. I acknowledge thefe qualities to be infinite ; all the attributes of the Godhead are fo ; their only limits arc thofe other attributes which we alfo know to be eflential to his nature. Whenever we enter on the iiicomprehenfible theme of Deity, whether our attention be turned to his at- tributes or his nature, we ought to advance with trembling fteps ; and, confcious of the awful difficulties by which we are furrounded, we fhould be alike careful of touching the myflerious palladium with irreverent hands, or defending it by injudicious means. Uzzahf muft not officioufly attempt to fupport the ark ; a power unfeen refides within, who will as furely repel the obtrufive aid of ignorance and folly, as it will punifh the wickednefs of blafphemous impugners of the

* See the admirable prayers in the fervice for Eafter Eve, ia Nclfoa'g Companion to the Fafts and Feflivals.

t Sec 3d of Samuel, 6th chapter, 7th yerfc.

Hh

250

truth. In one in fiance, the inconceivable union of pfrfefl juflice and perfecl compaffion was levelled to the comprehen- fion of man. In the facrificc of Chrift, the Almighty fhew- ed his hatred to fin and his mercy to finners. Let not the ^vicked man, therefore, go on in his wickedncfs, left he fliould experience ilie terror of infinite juflice, who would not be reconcilcil to nn oiFendir.g v/orld without an expiato- ry offering of incftimable price ; and let not the contrite heart defpair of being forgiven by Him, " who fo loved the world, that he ^ive his only fon for us." Even in the eleventh hour, if true repentance knock, the door of mercy will be opened j but the application muft be made. Religion now, as ihe did of yore ;* crieth without and uttercth her voice in the fireets. Infinite are her blellings •, but ftill they are only found of thofe who feek them. " If we fcarch " for them as hidden treafures, then {hall wc underftand " the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God."

This knowledge differs fo eflentially from the worldly >virdom which men of intrigue, ambition, and bufinefs pur- fue, inftead of the true riches ; and from the inquifitive fpeculative philofophy which fports upon the furface of the material world j that we cannot wonder at a period, where- in a long continuance of temporal fecurity and profperity has engendered a dependance on fecond caufes, an undue re- gard for this life, and an indifference to future profpefts j that the ordinances of religion, which afe riot recommended by their relation to political confiderations, fliould fink into negle<rt ; cfpecially if we (mighty difputants) cannot difccrn the reafon of their inftitution, owing to their abfiract and fpiritual nature. To this muft we afcribe the general difufe of the facrament of the body and blood of Chrift, the dear remembrance of his meritorious death, and which is not on- ly the memorial of a benefadlor, but the appointed means of conveying his mercy to us, and of exprelling our gratitude for the benefit. Of this duty it may be remarked, that the difclples w^erc prepared to obferve it by a prophetical admo- nition. A year preceding that memorable feaft, which de- termined that the Chriftian fhould fuperfede the Jewifli Paf^ chal fupper, our Lord, as we find by the fixth chapter of St. John's gofpel, informed his auditors of the nature and fign of the future facrament of the new covenant. The Jews, interpreting this communication as they did their own

* Proverbs, ift chapter, 20th verfc.

251

law, according to the letter and not the fpuit, exclaimed with incredulous aftonifhment, "This is an hard faying. Can this man give us his flefh to eat ?" And the facred nar- rative proceeds to inform us, " that from that time many of his difciples went back, and walked no more with him." So exa£lly do the infpired hiftorians adhere to the truth of chara<^er. A myfterious ordinance, painfully appealing to the paffions, repulfive of the pride of human nature, ab- ftradled from every fcheme of policy or worldly advantage, and requiring total refignation, and dependance upon God, to fandlify the means whereby he choofes to convey his promifed graces to us, was likely to prove a ftumbling block to thofe who looked to temporal profperity as the end of re- ligious worfhip. Our Lord did not then inform thefe gain- fayers by what fign, or vifible medium, this living bread was to be reprefented. He properly referved this difcovery for the vigil of the facrifice which it was to commemorate. The facred rite was then folemnized, and the command given for its perpetual obfervance. The three evangelifts who firft publifhed their gofpels having recorded this aBion of their Mafter's, St. John, who wrote with a defign of fupplying their omiffions, pafTes over the hijlory of the inftitution, and enlarges on the doBrinal part. Nothing can be more author- itative and obligatory than the foiemn declaration which our Saviour made to the amazed Synagogue at Capernaum ; ** Verily verily I fay unto you, except ye eat of the flefh of ** the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in ** you. Whofo eateth my fiefh, and drinketh my blood, ** hath eternal life, and I will raife him up at the laft day. *< For my flefli is meat indeed, and my blood is drink in- <* deed. As the living Father hath lent me, and I live by « the Father ; fo he that eateth me, even he fhall live by " me." If we combine this explanation of the benefits of the facrament, with the narrative of our Lord's breaking the bread and blefEng the wine, and delivering them to his apof- tles, commanding them to " do {o in remembrance of him," we mufl difcern the pofitive obligation which all Chriftians lie under to partake of this memorial of their redemption.* We know, from infpired teftimony, that the primitive church was conftant and frequent in the ule of this outward vifible fign of the inward fpiritual grace ; for there are many allu- lions to this holy rite in the A<Sts and the EpifUes, befidQ

* Sec Bifliop CIeavcr'8 fermons on the nature of th« facrament.

252

dircftions for the orderly management of the eucharlftical feaft contained in the eleventh chapter of the firft of Corin- thians. How grace and pardon are conveyed to the fouls of thofe communicants who, with fincere faith and devout minds, partake of this holy ordinance, remains among the fecrets of the Moft High. It was no more neceflary that we fhould penetrate into this myftery, than that we fhould comprehend all God's part of the covenant of grace ; but though the reafons on which his purpofes are founded arc hidden from curiofity, his determinations, and the promifes annexed to his commands, are plainly difclofed, to excite faith and to ftimulate obedience. The humble arc inftruft- cd, the wife in their own conceit are left uninformed.

It is true that our Lord has declared, *' Except ye eat the *' flefh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no *• life in you ?" Is it alfo an acknowledged fa6l, that imme- diately preceding the laft fcenes of his mortality he took bread and wine, blelTed them, pronounced them his body and blood, and commanded his difciples to receive thofe con- fecrated elements in " remembrance of him ?" How dare we then, knowing thefe things to be true, omit the rite, difobey the command, and brave the threatening ? Alas ! being uni- ted with the Saviour of the world in fpiritual communion, is of far lefs confequence than being admitted into a fafhion- able circle, or ranked in a certain fet. In fpite of the ge- neral levity with which facred things are treated, the eucha- rift ftill exadls fomewhat of awful reverence, even from thofe ■who relifh " droll transformations" of holy writ, and, under the feemingly modeft plea of unworthinei's, decline under- taking thofe duties of examination, confeflion, and ferious exclufion, which they ftill think ought to precede this more immediate approach to the prefence of God. But have we not pofitive aflurance, that the fins and negligences which unfit us for the Lord's table will effectually bar the everlaft- ing doors of Heaven againft us ? The wedding garment, which we are required to put on for the facrificial feaft at the altar, is the fame robe which we muft wear in the New Jerufalem, at the marriage fupper of the Lamb. And fure- ly, every wilful omifllon of the enjoined memorial of " the *' exceeding great love of our Mafter and only Saviour Jefus " Chrift," muft add to the number of thefe excluding offen- ces. For the cafe of the negligent Chrijlinn^ whofe attach- ment to worldly pleafurc or bufinefs operates more power- fully Qn his mind than obedience to his Lord's commands,

253

and that of the deijy living in a Chrifiian country y are fimilar j they will be judged by the laws which they kneiuy but refufei to obey.

That eagernefs of inquiry, and laxity of performance^ which is another fign of thefe times, is forcibly defcribed in the facred pages by the epithet of ** having itching cars, ev- ** er learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the « truth." Again let me prefs on the attention of every fe- male into whofe hands thefe pages may fall, to confider fe- rioufly how much this reftlefs fpirit t)f curiofity, this fcepti- cal doubt, this diflatisfadlion with the religious knowledge of paft times, is inimical to the diffident and retired charac- ter which our fex fhould conftantly preferve. From the; partial rejedtion of doubt, the mind eafily Aides to the con- tumacy of difbehef. A female politician is the favourite theme of fatire ; a female deift, if not fo ridiculous, is more alarming and deteftable. Devout dependance on a heavenly protestor, is,fo congenial to the apprehenfions of weaknefs, and the privations of fubmiffion, that to renounce religious hope appears to be a far more mafculine a<Slion, than to take the command of an army. In all the peculiar fufferings to which our fex are expofed, notwithftanding all the mortifi- cations, difappolntments, and forrows, which the predomi- nant controul of man necefTarily occafions us, our peculiar fitnefs to embrace the truths, and to obey the precepts of the gofpel, gives us advantages that far exceed the boafled privileges of our temporal fuperiors. Let us not renounce our high hopes, through the fpecious allurements of the agents of the Prince of Darknefs, who, in a new form, again invite the inquifitive daughters of Eve to pluck the forbid- den fruit of knowledge. Infidelity pofl"efles no real advan- tage over faith ; it can only " know in part j" there are myfteries in nature which will elude penetration as long as this world endures; and if we reje6l the myfteries of grace becaufe we cannot lower them to our finite comprehenfion, we only ftart new difficulties, and difcover the infignificance of our boafted penetration.

I have little hope, that my humble lucubrations will influ- ence the judgment of thofe whofe fituation enables them io promote the beft human means of preferving true religion among us •, I mean the maintenance of our national church ; which may be juftly entitled a hiding place from the tem- pers of falfe and contrarious do6lrines, as Avell as the firm ally and niox'al fanftioner of our civil rights. I know, that

254.

coercive laws, and fevere reftriclions, are generally found to defeat the purpofes for which they are framed ; and my wifhes extend no further, than that our rulers and legiflators would, in their private conducH:, as well as in their public ftation, evince their fincere reverence for that fpiritual parent into whofe arms they were received at baptifm, and alfo uni- formly confult her welfare, and recommend her doctrines. Taking fcripture for her guide, and acknowledging God as the foundation of all civil authority, fhe repreffes the ebulli- tions of violence and fadtion ; yet, as Ihe annexes no infalli- billity either to her fpiritual or temporal rulers, fhe not on- ly prays for them, but admonifhes them of their high refpon- libility, and inculcates no tenets that are inimical to the tem- perate exercifc of Chriftian liberty. Her explanations of thofe myfterious doiSlrines which are necelTary to be believ- ed, are couched in reverent and modeft terms ;* and in her anathemas againft unbelievers, {he proceeds no further than fcripture authorizes.f On doubtful, obfcure, and compli- cated opinions, fhe delivers her judgment in fuch a manner as might rather tend to reconcile than widen the differences between Chriftians. She expreffes a juft fenfe of the merits of the Redeemer, and the neceffity of divine revelation, without opening the door of communion to Antinomian li- centioufnefs and fceptical morality, or barring the gates of Heaven on thofe to whom the glad tidings of falvation have never 'been made known ; and after having declared her confidence in the promifes of God, fhe cautions her mem- bers againft curious nicety of inquiry on points which are rather fpeculativc and dangerous, than pradlicable and prof* itable.:|:

The ceremonies inftituted by the church of England are few and impreffive ; conne^ed on the one hand with the apoftolical command, " that all things fliould be done de- cently and in order ;" and on the other, with the imperfec- tions and wants of thofe fallible creatures of which every af-

"* I belitve the beginning; of our firft article has never been obje(5led to: it is wonderfully lublimc and imprefTive. Yet the underftanding that can form clear conceptioni of a Being without body, parts, or paflions (as God certainly inuft be.) muft pofTcfs fuch an acutencfs and profundity of intellccl, as will prevent it from finding the latter part of this article in- comprehenJlbU.

f Sec Dr. Hey on the Athanafian creed ; which is confidered at the molt objvcHonable part of our liturgy.

\ See articles iitix aud 17th.

255

fembly of militant Chrifiians inuft be compofed. Our lit- urgical fervices afford the itioft fublime uninfpirfd examples of devotion in all its various branches, of humiliation, ado- ration, thankfgiving, intercefiion, and petition, that any na- tional ritual can prefent. The litany, both in its deprecato- ry and fupplicatory claufcs, breathes in an extraordinary de- gree the fpirit of glory to God and good will to man.* As our entrance into life is marked with a religious ceremony of divine appointment, our church has judicioufly prepared a moft pathetic fervice to diflinguilh our return to our pa- rent earth with decent folemnity. It feems impoflible for man to compofe a form of words, in which plaintive condo- lence is more happily blended with religious confolation, or which more ftridly correfponds with the idea of not for- rowing as men without hope. The concluding prayers, in which the minifter bleffes God for taking " the deceafed out of the miferies of this iinful world," and entreats him to raife the witneffes of this fad fcene from " the death of fin <' to the life of righteoufnefs, that when they depart this " life they may all reft in him, as they hope the fpirit of him <« whofe mortal remains they have depofited in the earth <* doth," exprefs a triumph of piouS confidence over human V anguifh, which I truft feldom fails to convey a more than momentary confolation to the agonized bofom of bereaved affedVion ; while the dejected eye is raifed from the grave at the exhilarating found, and purfues the holy confolation to the Heaven from which it defcended. Thus is that com- mon event, which happens to us all, improved, by our church, into an opportunitiy of diftributing the moft admir- able inftruclion to her members, who, either as fpe6lators or mourners, are frequently called to behold the laft fccne of the ruined exuvix of immortal man. It is to be lamented, that this pious defign is often counteradled ^by the cumbrous pomp and unfenfonable parade which oftentatious wealth an- nexes to this ceremony, and thus converts the moft impref- five leflbn into " a gaze for fools." When the minifter of

• To thofe who objedl to the frequent repetitions which occur in our liturgy, wc can plead, not merely primitive and apoftolical, but alfo di- vine example. Otir bleffed Lord, oa the fame night that he was betray- ed, thrice retired to prefent hi* forrowful petitions to his Heavenly Father, ufiag the fame words (Matt. »5th ehaptcr, 44th verfe.) And furcly our frail nature, and vain wandermg imaginations, muft perceive the advantage of having more than one opportunity of addrefling our great Creator, cfpecially in thofe comprehenlivc words which have been confecratcd by the injun<5lions of filial Deity.

255

God receives the plain and fimple, but decent pfoceffion, at the bounds of the confecrated precindls, how does the unaf- fected tendernefs of real afFection, filling up the paufes of the folemn fervice with the half fmothered burfts of heart- felt forrow, exceed the trappings of pompous magnificence, with its numerous retinue of venal mourners, who feel no other intereft in the corpfe that they attend, than that the fhow fliould be very great, and the expence very enormous I Allow me here to introduce the modeft funeral, which evetl refpedtable affluence would do wifely to prefer, as defcribed by fraternal love di<51:ating to the pen of genius :

" I fee the hearfc, " With fable plumes and fullen footed ftecds, " The village church approach. I fee the corfe, " From its dark cell releas'd by many a hand, " Uplifted heavily. I hear the bell " Toll to the dull and melancholy found " Of mute procellion ; the white priell before, " The mourners following ; and in the midft " Thee my delight, my treafure, and my hope, " Borne through the portals of thy native church ; " Thence never to return. I hear a voice « Confign thee to oblivion ; dud to duft, « Aflies to allies."

Tears of AffeSlloni by Hurdlst

A fimilar regard to our relative fituations in life has de* termined our church, in her feleftion of offices appropriate to momentous changes in our connexions, to the ignorance of childhood, the precipitancy of adolefcence, and the ap- prehenfions of ficknefs. Marriage is not, with us, merely a civil contract, as was the cafe with the republican Calvinifts during the CromwelHan ufurpation ; nor is it elevated into a Sacrament, as the church of Rome ftill confiders it. It is fandtioned by a religious ceremony, at once inftru<ftive and fupplicatory, to ftrengthen the obligations that affeftion con- tracts ; and the vows, which death or enormous guilt alone can dijfolve^ are pledged in the prefence of God. A brief com- pendium of the conditions of the Chriftian covenant with refpedt to faith and morals, together with an explanation of the advantages and duty of prayer, and the nature and de- (ign of the initiatory and commemorative facraments, is com- manded to be taught to the young members of our church, as foon as they are able to " learn what a folemn vow, " promife, and profeffion, they made at their baptifm to " God." It would be well for our civil, and alfo for our

257

ccclefiaftical Sion, If all who have the care of children would tcio^i fcrupuloujly attend to this pofltive duty, by giving their charge not merely a verbal., but a practical and intelligent ac- quaintance with that excellent compofition the church cate- chifm. The anfwer to the queftion refpeiTting our duties to our neighbours, would, if deeply engraven on the heart of the learner, be found a fure prefervative from the errors of the times. Even in nurfery compofitions, children are now taught to decide on the functions and obligations of fitua- tions which it is not only improbable, but impoffible, they fho«ld ever fill. The evil fpirit of infubordination, thus eaidy acquired, accompanies the pupils in their progrefs through life. The fubjedl firfl ftudies the duties of a king ; the fcholar learns what his teacher out to be ; the flock are taught to fcrutinize the defeats of their paftor ; the fervant proclaims his maftcr's improprieties j the inferior fees every aggravation of his fuperior's faults ; and yet, at the laft day, we lliall only be queftioned, whether we ourfelves have done «< our duty in that ftate of life to which it pleafed God to ** call us." Our crimes as fubjects, fcholars, fervants, or in- feriors, win be proclaimed before men and angels. Our cruel oppreflbrs, or negligent infbrudlors, will anfwer for their oivn offences.

When the feeds of ihorality, and the words of found doc- trine, are thus incorporated with the firft imprefllons of memory and dawnings of refle^lion, we muft watch them while they ripen into perfect holinefs. Supposing we fcould not plead apofrolical* or primitive practice in favour of the rite of confirmation, what better or more probable means could we ufe, to implore the ftrengthening and dire^li ng grace of God, than to lead the catechumens to the altar, and there to require of them a folemn avowal of their religious obligation ; concluding the fervlce with epifcopal benedic- tion, and benevolent interceflion, that t;he " evei'lafting God ** would for ever extend his fatherly hand over thefe (felf- ** devoted) fervants ; that his holy fpirit would fo lead them *' in the knowledge and obedience of his word, that in the " end they might attain eternal life ?" Such a fervice our Church has provided •, and both for its venerable antiquity, and excellent intention, it deferves far better than the ridi- cule and contempt which it too generally experiences frona

* See Hebrews, 6th chapter, ad verfe. li

258

inveterate enemies or tliouglitlefs neutrals. The Romanifts crroneoufly rank confirmntion among their fiicraments -, we do not prefume to fay that " it was given and ordained by Chrift himfelf."

The pecuhar trials of our fex have not efcaped the benev- olent attention of tlie compilers of our liturgical ferviccs. Befide the petition in the litany for thofe undergoing the pains of parturition, an office is prepared to rewelcome the joyful mother to the conr^regation, in which the Levitical oblation and fin offering of a iamb, and a young pigeon, is commuted for the chriftian facrifice of praife and intercef- lion. In this fervice, the pious intentions of former times are preferved, and the fuperjl:itious idolatrous pomp which the Church of Rome interpolated is wifely rejecSted.

With equal wifdom of difcrimination, the v/ants and for- rows of ficknefs are fupplied with a fpiritual comforterc Interceffion, exhortation, and examination, precede confef- iion of fins ; and in cafe of the humble and hearty defire of the fick perfon, the officiating priefl is permitted to ufe a more authoritative form of abfolution, than our church pre- fcribes in her other fcrvices. Still, however, this form is confidered as merely declaratory and conditional, afcribing no efficacious power to the minifb*ing inftrument, fave v/hat our Lord bequeathed to his church in St. John's gofpel, 20th chapter, 23d verfe. This abfolution, therefore, de- pends as much upon the faith and contrition of the penitent, as thofe that are couched in the petitionary form, which our church probably changed upon this occafion, to comfort the feeble minded in the hour of extreme diftrefs. The pray- ers that follow this abfolution, rank among the mof\ pathet- ic and impreffive compofitions of human fympathy, yearning over the Icverefl trials of mortal man. As at fuch a period the moft folemn rite of religion fhould never be omitted, a fhort communion fervice, fuited to the occafion, has been provided ; but the ceremony of extreme unction, which the Romifli Church engrafted on the practice of the primitive Chriftians, has been properly difcarded. We learn from St. James, that while miraculous powers were vefted in the dif- ciples of Jcfus, the elders of the church were accuftomed, at the requeft of difeafed perfons, not only to pray over them, and affiil tlieir fpiritual neceffities, but alfo to " anoint them " with oil in the name of the Lord ; and the prayer of faith ** would fave the fick, and the Lord would raife him up, *' and if he had committed fins they Ihould be forgiven."

259

The continuance of this un£lion, after the fupernatural en- dowments from which it originated had been refumed, is one proof, among many, of the reftlels avidity with which the Romifh hierarchy exercifed domination over the con- fciences of men ; fince they could not pretend to work bod- ily cures, they extended the fuppofed efficacy of their min- iftry to a world from which no telltale traveller could return to complain of impofition ; and they have had the audacity to give a foiuxe of emolument and aggrandifement the name of a facrament j that is to fay, of " the outward vfible fign of an inward fpiritual grace ordained by Chrift himfelf ;" none of which eflential diftinftions are to be found in the Romanics anointing a dying perfon withr-oil, as an aflin'ance of forgivenefs of fins.

The offices for the ordination of priefts and deacons, and for the confecration of Bifhops and Archbirtiops, form a mofl fublime and inftrudlive part of our ritual. It feems perfect- ly confident with every preconceived idea of decency and order, that the minifters who are deftined to wait upon the altar fliould be prepared by education, diftinguifhed by hab- its, feparated from the common mafs of fociety by a partic- ular provifion, which excludes the neceffity of their applica- tion to any ordinary calling ; and alfo that they fhould be dedicated to, God by exprefs and folemn appropriation. The Old Teftament fan(5lions all thefe fuggeftions, by the rules therein laid down for the infi:ru<ftion, attire, endowment, and confecration of the Levitical Priefthood. The folemnity which fubftituted the faithful apoftle Matthias in lieu of the traitor Judas, is recorded in the firft chapter of the Adlrs. From many other palTages of that moft inftru<ftive treatife we may gather, that an exprefs defignation, or fetting apart, preceded the affiimption of minifterial powers ; and from various parts of the epiftles we difcover, that the cuftom of imparting the office of Deacon, Prieft, or Bifhop, by the impofition of hands, was continued as long as we pofl^efs any infpired record of the practice of the primitive church. It is true, in thofe days the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit of God precluded the neceflity of human learning ; and the liberality and zeal of the early converts fupplied the want of a pecuniary provifion for thofe who watched over them in the Lord ; for a fixed maintenance could not be completely and regularly provided for the Clergy, till the predicted time fo rapturoufly anticipated by prophecy, when " Kings « and Queens were to become the nurfing fathers and mo-*

2G0

" thers of the Church of God." The comfort and recip* rocal benefit of an indcpcndetit miniftry, v/ho may fpcak the word of God with 'all boldnefs, has been difcufled. The utiHty and importance of human learning for expounding the truths, and clearing the difficulties of fcripture, is too obvious to be difputed by any but fanatics, diftcmpered by the inflated deceits of fpiritual pride : and furely the decent regularity of a prefcribed form, deftined to imprefs the mind of him who is thus awfully feparated from the common mafs of mankind, niufl: be apparent to all who wifh to be able to confider previoufly what they promife to perform, and to join with intenfe purpofe of fupplication in the petitions that are to be offered j^ vyhich cannot be the cafe, vin\ck forehioiu- ledge precedes utterance. Here again we are called upon to remark the moderation of our rnother church, while fteering her courfe between two oppofite errors : alike avoiding the llovenly negligence which difcerns no difference between facred and profane funtStions, and the idolatrous prieftcraft of Popery, who, as fhe exalts her minifters into infallible teachers of truth and workers of miracles, confiftently with her own dodlrines, numbers the ceremony of their confe-^ cration among her facraments. General readers may de-^ rive much ufeful information, refpecling the degrees and authority of the Chriftian Priefthood, from Nelfon on the Ember Fafts. Every member of the Church would do well to fortify his mind againlt the errors of the times, by acquir- ing a competent knowledge of his relative duties as a mem-i ber of that fociety of which Chrift is the head. The tenets now too generally fcouted, under the opprobrious term of high churdi doftrines, would be found fafc prefervatives from that predifted " gaini'aying of Korah," which ha? fo long diflurbed the peace of the Cliriftian world.

We have now briefly reviewed the offices of our church, except five fervices for particular days. To the firft day of Lent a folemn form of humiliation is appointed, preceded by denunciations of God's vengeance againft impenitent fin- ners ; repeated verbatim from fcripture, and introduced by an explanation of the defign of the ceremony ; namely, " that <* the congregation, being admonilhed of the great indigna- < 'tion of God againft finners, may the rather be moved to « earnefi: and true repentance. This fervice has been flan- Qcroufly named curling our neighbour. Reading the inv precatory plalms, or the 27th chapter of Deuteronomy, from whence this part of the fervice is taken, as juftly de»

261

ferves fuch a cenfure ; which, en the fame forced and fafti" dious pretence, might induce us to pafs over all moral pro- hibitions of the New Teftament, left fome individual offend- er fliould rujh to our minds, when we read over the black catalogue of crimes which St. Paul affures us will prevent our inheriting the kingdom of God.

Three great national events are made the diftindl fubjc<fls of folemn commemoration. The deliverance of the three eftates, affembled in Parliament, from a ferocious confpiracy, intended to reftore the horrors of papal tyranny and fupei*- ftition, formed a fubject of devout exultation to our anceftors, who remembered the blazing piles of Smithfield, and ab- horred the idolatrous worfhip of the mafs and crucifix. In thofe times, they had not learned that " God made men to differ" in their way of worlhip, or that diverfity of religions was of no confequence. A fubfequent deliverance from the fame enemy, and the eftablifliment of regal power upon a more defitied and drcumfcrihed yttfecurer balis, excited the devout gratitude of the lucceeding age ; who, in the landing of the *' hero V/illiam," on the fame day as " quenched the fiery mine, and ftill'd the tempeft under ground," difcover- ed the fame providence which had preferved our Sion from all her enemies, and fruftrated their devices.

The murder of a religious and well principled (if ill ad- vifed) Prince upon the fcaffold, by a party who had over- turned the civil and religious conftitution of the kingdom, fown the feeds of difcord in the courts of the Lord's houfe, and broken the bands of that juftice which they pretended to revere, was coniidered as a deep national difgrace by all ranks of people, as foon as the phrenzy raifed by the cry of King Jefus, and the viiionary dreams of a Utopian republic, had fubfided into the chilling convictions of fhame and fol- ly. Let us hope, that the erafure of thefe reminifcentiae from our calendar is yet dlftant. The mementos of the ma- levolence of our two ancient enemies fhould not be fwept from the public mind, while indifference to an eftablifhment which neither fan6tiiies murder, nor authorizes rebellion, is taught as a liberal rudiment of enlarged education. The creft fallen hierarchy of Rome need not be infulted in this day of their humiliation ; but as we have {^tn^ that what again appeared " like the deadly wound of the beaft" has been healed, and its temporal annihilation fufpended, by its union with apoftacy and infidelity, we fliould be affured, that the fpiritual pretenfions of the papacy are lowered, and that

262

it has renounced its fyftem of perfidious hoftility, before we again leave thcin at lib(^rty to fharpen their blunted weap- ons of offence. And wc Ihould alio know, from incontef- table evidence, that the attachment of Calvinifm to the lim- ited monarchy of this realm, proceeds fi-om more than re- gard to expediency, or refentment at having been deceived by thofe airy vows to liberty, which a fortunate marauder long finee gave to the winds, before we can permit her to ftand (as ihe demands to do) by the fide of Epifcopacy, as a twin fupporter of the Englifli throne.*

Another fervice was appointed, to welcome the re-eftab- lifliment of regal and ecclefiaftical authority upon its ancient balls. The manners of the prince under whofe reign this was accompiifhed, have given occafion to many, befide the champions of republicanifm, to doubt whether the Reftora- tion of the fecond Charles was indeed a blefiing. The evils which his adminifiiration and debaucheries introduced have paffed away •, the good which his reftoration confirmed ftill remains. The nation welcomed the prepojpjfwg fon of their murdered Prince with frantic rapture ; and, as was natural, rufhed from the extremes of four grimace and infolent per- tinacity, to licentious gaiety and fawning obfequioufncfs. Rebellion was changed to fervility ; profanenefs occupied the place of hypocrify ; arbitrary meafures on the part of the court, rendered the neceffity of a better check in the conftitution apparent ; and this happy alteration known by the name of the Revolution, was appointed to be commem- orated by thofe additional prayers and praifes to " Him who reigneth, be the earth ever fo unquiet," on which we have before remarked, in treating of the fervice for the fifth of November. Let our enemies explain, on what grounds they can pretend to charge with fandtioning arbitrary power, a church which has thus folemnly aflerted the expedience of fober and judicious refinance to tyrannical and unconflitu- tional meafures. She who blefi^es God for a deliverance from arbitrary power, cannot be a preacher of the docb"ine of paflive obedience ; though, with true Chrifiian piety and found political wifdom, flie refers every extraordinary event, whether humiliating or joyful, not to the agency of man, but to the overruling will of God, and founds obedience to Kings on fubmiflion to the Molt High.

* The author alhides to the attempts to abolifli theTcft and Corpo- ration Ads in England.

263

The fifth office is intended for the day on which the reigning Sovereign afcends the throne of his anceftcrs. We, who have been lb long blefled with the paternal fv/ay of a mild and virtuous monarch, muft join in this fervice with fentiments of peculiar gratitude ; for we muft ardently im- plore the prolongation of his valuable life, and that he may be protected from every foreign and domeftic enemy. But tliis form of prayer is not of fuch a limited and local nature, as to depend upon the perfonal virtues of the fovereign for its propriety. A regular government is a blefling ; it is a bleffing to be under the protedlion of wife and beneficent laws ; it is a bleffing to enjoy perfonal fecurity, to poflefs political rights, and to have full power over our lawful pro- perty, or honeft earnings ; " to fit under our own vine, and to pluck the fruit of our ovim figtree." By commemorating the acceffion of a limited monarch, we hail the confirmation which thofe bleflings derive from the renewal of that regu- lar adminiftration. In praying for the duration of the pre- fent royal race, we pray againft anarchy and confufion, and all the evils that attend revolutionary interruptions of the fucceffion, and the infirm and capricious government of a new dynafty with a doubtful title to fovereignty. The Church of England is too fenfible of her heavenly truft, to adopt the mean adulation v/Iiich afpiring fe6ls pour into the greedy ear of ufurped or dubious greatnefs, to gain the long defired, long envied fupremacy. An eftablifhed religion has nothing more to afk from the ftate, and readily acqui- efces in the modeft dignified obedience of a contented Tub- je6l. The fawning whine of the fycophant, or the bafe arts of the Have, would degrade the purity of refpedlful loyalty. She renders to her Caefars the tribute and the honour which are their due. She calls them gracious and excellent ; and fhe has fcripture on her fide, when (he addrefies perfons of high eminence in terms of refpect and honour ;* but fhe confiders even her prefent beloved and venerable King as moft honoured by the title of " the fervant of God." She requefts " that he may be endued with wifdom and ftrength, *' that juftlce, truth, hollnefs, and peace, and all other chrif- *< tian virtues, may flourlfla in his days." She implores << Heaven that he may rightly difcharge his high duty, and *' that the work of God may profper in his hand •," and fhe carneftly fupplicates for that unity of « mind and dodrine"

* See A(fls, 26th chapter, z^tli verfc; Luke, ift chapter, 3d verfe.

264

which the Prince of Peace fo ftrongly enjoined. She re- quefts " that all her members may obey their King cheer- fully and willingly, for confciencc fake ;" and thus, dividing her attention between the fafety, honour, and welfire of the. prince, and the huppinefs of the fubjecl, flie implores for the one " immortal life, after a long and profperous reign," nnd for the other every bleffing that religious peace and virtue can beftow. Though worldly profpcrity may refult from the fuccefsful machinations of crooked policy, immortal life can only be given to fincere worfliippers and faithful fervants of God. It will be difficult in thefe, or any other addrtfies of our Church, to trace that fervile fpirit of adulation, that paffive fubmiffion to mere domination, with which our ene-» mies reproach us.*

We will now paufe. The importance of religion to eve- ry human charafter is generally acknowledged ; the peculiai* comfort and fupport which it affords to our fex is equally indifputable ; the obligation to Chriftian unity, and com- munion of worfiiip, is plainly aiTerted in fcripture •, it remains therefore to inquire, to what fociety do we belong ? If we have been baptized into the eftablilhed Church, our choice was decided by that adt in our infancy •, for unlefs we are conviticed that flie is unfcriptural, we cannot ivander from hef pale and be guiltlefs. We have examined her doftrines, as contrafted with the oppofite tenets of her moft confpicuous opponents ; and, from their yet more marked diffimilarity to each other, we have feen, that, fo far from promoting the caufe of union, the deftruclion of our hierarchy would de- ftroy that rallying point at which we truft contending par- ties may one day meet : her prefervation, therefore, ought to be the wilh of all v.'ho ixally pray for the peace of the Chriftian world.

In a fecondary, but not vniimportant point of view, we have confidered the eftablifhment, not only as being a faith- ful expounder of the word of God, but as accommodating herielf to the charadler and habits of fociety, cfpccially to the conAitution and fentiments of this nation ; her claims to our preference, confequently ftand upon very high ground. She is fandlioned by the word of God, and fupported by the

* I have not been able to find, in our ritual, more than one epithet that can be confhued into a pcrfonal compliment to a fi)Vfrei;;n, and thyt is "relij'i>.lus" in the jirayer for tlie lugh court of parliament. In the prefcnt reign, every one will acknowledge it* peculiar appropriitcutl* ; yet it fccnu only gr'ncrully dcligned to denote protVinug Chriftiariity.

265

hws of the realm, general advantage, and individual feel* ing. A willing obedience to wife and falutary inftitutions, is the nobleft and the happieft ufe that we can make of the liberty of choice, of which we are fo juftly tenacious. In the ark which refts on the fure promifes of God, we fhail be preferved from being tolTed about " with every wind of doftrine ;" a vaft advantage in times like the prefent. But let us not attribute to our church the talifmanical powers of an impenetrable y^z^r/^j?. The pureft conftituted fociety can- not beftow impeccability on its individual members. Ma- ny who drank inftruftion at the fountain of all truth, and received the words of life from the lips of the Son of God, will, we are affured by indubitable tefbimony, be command- ed at the laft day to " depart as workers of iniquity." Sataa ftlU continues to range to and fro through the earth, feeking to accufe the brethren ; and no feverer charge can he bring again ft them, than that they have neglected to improve thofe means of grace which have been amply afforded them.

The fruit of right principles is a life of piety and virtue. Chriftianity is the leaven which imparts its fan^ifying ener- gy to every aflion of this probationary exiftence. No re- quired duty is too humble to be precluded from intermix- ing with evangelical graces. The cup of cold water, kindly and devoutly offered to the thirfly lip of want, will, like the widow's mite, be meafured by the ability and intention of the giver ; while the pompous alms of oftentation will receive their reward in that praife of men which they fought to obtain.

We will, in my next letter, difcufs thofe amiable virtues of womanhood which flow from, and are fandlioned by, a fpirit of true religion. The fhort remains of the prefent epiftle fhall be devoted to a confideration, which ought nev- er to be banifhed from theological controverfy ; I mean Chrifliati, not philofophijiical liberality. As the latter holds all forms of faith indiiTerent, the former determines that if we would work out our own falvation we muft not reft in form. As the latter conceives difputation to mean the art of ef- tablifhing your own importance by the defeat of your adver- fary, the former feparates the caufe from the advocate, and mingles compaffion for deceivers, with abhorrence of decep- tion.* With one, all means are lawful that fecure conquefi ;

* " Though Ghrift hath no fellowfliip with Beh'al," fays the feraphle Taylor in his life of Chrifl ; « yet the confideration of the crime of her- " efy, which is a fpiritual wickedncfs, is to be feparated from the perfoQ

Kk

26G

with the other, truth itfelf muft not be defended by unwar- rantable meafures.

Again let me repeat, that as there were offenders under the old law, and yet the law was "holy, jud, and good;" fo in the pureil congregation in point of doctrine, there may be the moft corrupt and barren members. Our church urges no general or particular claims to infallibility. She is a ** congregation of faithful men, in which the pure word of " God is preached, and the facraments duly miniflered ac- ** cording to Chrift's ordinance, in all things that of necefll- " ty are requilite to the fame."* But " as no congregation " can be alTembled in unity of worfhip, without many pre- *' vious forms and binding rules, not abfolutely prescribed " by Icripture,"]- it follows, that as what is human muft be imperfe(ft, there will be fome defeats in the conftitution of the fociety, as well as faults in the practice of its members. xVllowing that thofe who feek to remedy thefe errors are re- ally influenced by llnglenefs of heart, thefe renovators are ftill not angels, but men, finite beings, not the unerring wif- dom of God. Whoever knows the world, will confefs that more mifchief is done by defective judgment, than by pofi- tive depravity. The wifdom of paft ages has erected for us a noble pile, under which we may fafely flielter. Its archi- tedlure is conftructed by thofe eftablifhed rules which enfure beauty, ftrength, convenience, and durability. In the orna-

" of the heretic, who i» material;" page i8S. He proceeds to Rate the danger, to weak minds, of coiivcrfing with fubtle heretics ; and, quoting the ftory of St. John and Cerinthiis from Irenaus, commends the apoftlc in fuch an extreme cafe, but cautions us againft fcverity of judgment on Jtight grounds. The name of Bifliop Taylor having been mentioned, it may not be improper to obfcrve, that though his fervent piety, acting up- on a lively and brilliant imagination, fometimes tranfports him into the bounds of niyflicifm and fancy, yet he appears rather inclined to afcetic than puritanic errors. He borrows his illuflrations from pagan hiflory, or popilli martyrologies. On the difputed points of dodlrine, he appearj fteadily in oppolition to Calvin's diftinguifliing tenets. He was himfelf a prelate, and a found friend to epifcopacy. He determines predeflination to be " God's great fecret, not to be inquired into curioufly ;" (ibid, page 313.) His opinion of original fin has been already noticed. In oppofi- tion to the dodlrine of affiirance or certainty of falvation, he quotes the ftrong cafe of Judas, to whom a throne in Heaven, and the judgment of a tribe, were promifed. In oppolition to the dodtrine of invincible gr*ce, fee page 216. Thefe references are enough to difprove what fome of our opponents would perfuadc the uninformed to believe, that this great lumi- nary of our church was a Calvinift.

• Article ipih. •{• Key's Lc^urts.

267

ments, the builders have fomewhat indulged their fancy j and neglect has not only obliterated Ibme of its exquifite carvings, but the injuries that it has received from external violence make it necellary to repair its parapets, and to ftrengthen its walls with additional buttx-elTes. Yet all who feel the comfortable proteflion of this venerable fandtuary, will equally guard againft the admiffion of new zndfantajii- cal embellifliments on the one hand, and thofe retrenchments ^ that would eventually weaken the building on the other ; even though they were recommended by the plea of render- ing it more light and airy, and better adapted to the prefent times. The errors and the pertinacity of the papacy impofed an awful refponjtbllity on our anceftors. BlefTed be God ! we are not called upon to build a church, but to defend one. Let us fight her battles with the holy weapons of Chriftian charity, and endeavour by tJie livelinefs of our faith, and the innocency of our lives, to prevent her from becoming that adulterous and barren fpoufe, who fhall be finally rC' pudiated by her long fuffering but righteous Lord.

While one defci"iption of our adverfaries accufes us for negledling morals, another charges us with being cold for- malifts, and dependers upon our own righteoufnefs. I truft thcfe censures are, generally fpeaking, unjuft. But the ap- peal mufl be made to the Searcher of hearts, not to the par- tial imbecile judgment of man. Much induftry has of late been ufed, in obtruding upon popular attention, the biograph- ical charafters of fchifmatics and nonconformifts. I mean not to queftion the verity of the high qualifications afcribed to them. I fincerely wifli their virtues may be fuch as will ftand the fcrutiny of the great audit. But as a warning to others I muft remark, that the diftinguifning feature of their characters, which feems to be the reafon for giving them this celebrity, was a faidt or a raisfortttns, not an excellence or advantage. While their dilTent from the eftablifhmentHs placed in the moft prominent point of view, are we uncan- did in fufpe^ling that thefe worthies are not removed from ** the cool fequeftered vale of life," and held up to public eflimation, to recommend the pradlice of Chriftian or do- meflic duty ; but to give a preponderance to the party which they efpoufed, and to feduce thofe by example, who cannot be convinced by argument .'' The. true method of parrying fuch aflaults is, not to rake into the fecrets of private fami- lies for petty anecdotes of detraction ; but to remember, that we alfo are inhabitants of "a city that isfct en a hdl andcau"

2G8

■not be hid." Though we are forbidden to " do our good works" purpofely " to be feen of men," or to look to the praife of our fellow-mortals as an adequate and fubflantial re- ward ; yet we are commanded to avoid all occallon of re- proach, and to " let our light limine before men, that they *' may fee our good works, and glorify our Father who is *' in Heaven."

But if the force of our arguments, or the fan£lity of our manners (which are the true Chriftian weapons of contro- verfy,) will not avail to enlarge the courts of the daughter of Sion, we muft not adopt the Satanical warfare, of unjuft coercion or illiberal invedlive. You are not compelled to em- brace the fcruples and conceits of your neighbours, to whom you are required to render all the common offices of general benevolence or particular good will. Though the abfurd or vicious confequences of their fingularities of opinion may ftrike you forcibly, their intelledlual perception may be too indiftinct to difcover their own backflidings ; and thus, what in you would be ftn^ may in them be only error. To con- clude : let us be efpecially careful, never to render railing for railing, nor to charge our adverfaries falfely, nor to tranf- fer the fayings or vices of any individual to the whole party to which he belongs. To ufe the words of an eminent or- nament and champion of our church, " As we know not *' what degrees of incredulity will exclude men from Heav- *' en, let not Chriftian zeal overthrow Chriftian charity. •* The Searcher of Hearts alone knows the circumftances *' which may diminifh the guilt of infidelity ; and to his un- ** covenated mercies let us leave the rejecter of his revela-» *' tion, and the impenitent breaker of his laws."*

I remain, my dear Mifs M , &c.

* Bifliop of Lincoln's Elements of Theology.

269

LETTER IX.

On the Virtues more efpecially feminine.

MY DEAR MISS M ,

JLT has often been obferved, that principle fpeaks in prac- tice ; right opinions, faithfully adhered to, will operate in virtuous and fteady condudl ; otherwife they muft increafc the condemnation and confirm the mifery of the mind that lives at variance with its own determinations, and fuffers its judgment to fatirize its adlions.

If we look at the general manners of the age, and partic- ularly of our own fex, fince fixed religious principles were voted to be the cumbrous brocade of illiberal bigotry j wc mufh acknowledge, that indiiFerence has drefled out the world in a very airy fummer fuit of changeable levity. Novelty prefcribes the mode which negligence adopts \ and provided there be but a change, no matter whether we vary from bad to good, or from bad to worfe. We plume ourfelves on having renounced the ftubborn pertinacity of our anceftors \ but, alas ! our attachment to our new cuftoms, new difcov- eries, new virtues, and new religions (don't fmile at my fup- pofed miftake ; "virtues and religions now fprout like mufli- rooms, and are of as equivocal a generation,) makes up in warmth, what it wants in duration ; and thus, like Drydcn's Zimri, we continue

" Stiff in opinions, always in the wrong; " Every thing by ftarts, and nothing long."

To commence our obfervations with the cardinal virtue of our fex. General opinion has undergone an amazing change within a few years on the fubje^l of chaftity : I do not fpeak of thofe who have really violated her laws, but of the indif- ference or playful farcafm with which untainted characSlers fpeak of the moft flagrant derelidlions of decorum. I am not one of thofe rigid cenfors, who would bar an unhappy woman's return to virtue, by excluding her from every cheer-

270

ing profpeft of compaffion and hope. The punifhrnent of iufprits fhould in this, as in every other inftance, be deter- mined by- what ifr due to the umffend'mg part of fociety. It

•was formerly thought, that with rcfpect to women, a forfeit- ed reputation iu this particular could never be regained. It was not from enmity to real penitence, but from an anxiety to prefer ve innocence, that a woman was fuppofcd to have {o fir degraded herfelf by unchaftity, as to be rendered in- capable of ever more filling her former rank in foclcty. To hide herfelf from the world, or to fly to fome fpot where her fliame was unknown, ufed to be the wifli of humbled, but not abandoned frailty ; and while her weeping compan- ions pitied her forrovv'-, they were roufed by her difgrace to more vigilant circumfpeflion j and thus the mournful con- fequences of one fedudiion prevented many.

* How pathetically, and with v/hat delicate rcfpedt to the charinefs of female reputation, has Shenftone pourtrayed his lovely, deluded, and repentant Jeffy ! She is, indeed, the artlefs maid, *' fuftain'd by virtue, but fubdued by love." She falls, as a really innocent girl is mofl: likely to fall, not by the temptation of vanity, avarice, or ambition ; but by the defire of removing from the mind of the beloved objedl, •^ affeiSted fcorn, artful doubts, and pretended rage." She will facrifice herfelf, rather than fufFer her infidious feducer to fufpect the reality of her affedlion. The facrifice is made, and fhe becomes, not as a poet would now paint her, more jnterefling, more amiable, by her credulity ; " but, fcorn'd by virtue, Itigmatlz'd by fame," and compelled to fly from a deriding world, fhe implores the compaflion of the traitor by whom Ihe had been undone. But what, fhall we afk, is the purport of her appeal ? Is it to call upon him to fulfil the prouiife which enfnared her weaknefs, or to threaten him with public punifhment ? Does an ohjlrcperous abufive

' father accompany the vindicative oiiender ; propofing, by his overwhelming infolence, to found the future aggrandife- ment of his family on his daughter's fliame ? No, the de- jcdled Jefiy, deeply confcious that Henry's arts could not have completed her ruin had not her treacherous heart been his ally, comes, without thofe v/hofe cheeks Ihe had tinged with fhame, to folicit fuch a pittance as migfit preferve her from mingling in " the vulgar crew," or begging " her fcanty bread," and allow her to hide her woes in fome re- mote corner, where, " banifh'd from the form fhe " lov'd, her weeping virtue would relaple no more." With a deli-

271

cacy of fentiment which could only enter Into the mofl: re- fined imagination, flie appeals to no other pafllon than his pity. The name of wife, which fome artful female might endeavour to acquire, would, fhe juftly obfcrves, " neither footh her grief nor clear her f;\me ;" iince it could no long- er be the free gift of generous love, but the reluclant bond of reproachful compaffion. With all the mildnefs of genu- ine modefty, fhe rather confiders the pangs that her miferies may give her betrayer, than the woes which fhe herfelf en- dures ; and though every object that fhe beholds fpeaks re- proach to her fufceptible heart, and tells her, ** we are fpotlefs, Jefly ; we are pure •," fhe dares not a(k for the death for which fhe languiflies, " left her fad fate fhould nourifh pangs for" her ftill beloved Henry.

If we form an opinion of the prefent ftate of national man- ners from the moft favoured productions of the theatre, how great muft be our falling off; not in verbal decorum indeed, but in what is far more important, virtuous principle. In what we now confider as the licentious period of Britifh com- edy, vicious women were introduced ; but it was in the light of degraded and difgufting obje^s. It is true, even the he- roines often talked indelicately ; but , they always adted chaftely. The times were then unrefined, and blunt* coarfe- nefs of exprcflion v/as not confidered as an offence againft morals or manners. I am unwilling to admit, that the charadler of our fex is really as much debafed as their theatri- cal portrait perfuades us to fuppofe. I rather hope, that the magic of the fcene, and the attra<Slive colourings of fa- vourite aiTtors, have made exceptionable paflages pafs unre- garded, and diverted the attention of the audience from the tendency of the plot, to the fprightlinefs of the exhibition. Yet it is an extraordinary coincidence, that in the three pieces that have been of late moft honored with public fa- vour, the Stranger, Pizarro, and John Bull, the heroines are women of loft charadter.f The firft of thefe plays has al- ready encountered the juft reprehenfions of an admirable moralift.i: I think this Lady obferves, that Adelaide was the firft adulterefs who was ever exhibited in a favourable point of view to a Britiih audience. It efcaped her recol-

* Examples of what we fiiould now call inelegant bluntnefs may be taken from tlie juUIy admired letters of Lady Rachel Ruffell.

\ The fame remark applies to Lover's Vows. -

^ See Mrs. More's Siriiflurcs ou Education.

272

lc£tIon at the moment, that Rowc had contrived to givfi our fex an excellent lefion in his hiftorical play of Jane Shore. But though we pity and forgive this real penitent, and though (he is by far the mofl: intcrcfiing charafter in this captivating tragedy, we return from feeing it exhibited, with very different fentiments from thofe with which wc have witnefTed the efforts of its German copyift. By the one, virtue is confirmed, from feeing the predi<fted " ruin, re- proach, and endlefs ihame," dreadfully exemplified ; by the other, her foundation is undermined, and conjugal infidelity feems not fo fad or fo irreparable an offence ; fince it appears hkely that Adelaide and her injured Lord will be very hap- py after all that has paffed.

Elvira, in the play of Pizarro, does not lay claim to our favour by even the pretence of repentance. As a profeffed religioniil, ihe is perjured ; as a daughter, difobedient •, as a woman, indelicate ; as a miftrefs, furious and vindictive. She follows a foldler of fortune in queft of adventures ; her love, ftung by negledl, changes to hatred : and flie endeavours to inftigate a man, whom her gallant had injured, to commit the murder which her heart dictated, though her arm want- ed courage to perform. Yet fhe is, after all, a moft benev- olent creature, and by much the beft of the Chrifl:ian groupe in this avowedly Pagan compofition. Cora, the all attrac- tive favage, only alludes to the former part of her hiftory in this piece •, but if we trace it through the firft part of Kot- zebue's Peruvian Drama's, we fliall find her equally quali- fied, by liberality of idea, and freedom of conduct, to fecure the applaufe of a German auditory. I muft felicitate my country women that the Virgin of the Sun, Stella, and the Robbers, are flill thought too ftrong to be fubmitted to the decifion of an Englifh audience ; the inference, that we arc lefs corrupted than our neighbours, would prefent fome con- folatory ideas, did not a play of native growth call for fevere caftigation.*

The fedu^ion of Mary Thornbury, in John Bull, is fo uncjfmtial to the plot, that many believe it was gratuitoufly introduced, to conciliate the favour of the frail lifterhood, who form fo numerous and confpicuous a part of the audience. A broken contradt would have ferved the author's ends quite

* There is fo much genuine humour in the low characters in rliis play? that it is mortifying to fee it fophiftitatcd by a mixture of niawkift icnt'x- Bicat and pfeudo morality.

273

as well as peiTonal violation, and given (in the opinioi? of fome people) a better pretence for that fine ftage efFeft in which a IBritifh handicraftfman blackguards a Britifli magis- trate, to the infinite fatisfaftion of the roaring galleries. That a young woman's being a ftrumpet gives her a right to be a wife, is 7jen.u docVrine ; but it muft be in perfedl unifon with the fentiments of all the pretty houfemaids and fmart abigails in the kingdom ; and muft induce them to perfe- vere in that ftyle of drefs, and mode of behaviour, which is beft calculated to convince the young heir of the family that they may be prevailed upon to qualify for the title of *' My Lady." It is fo evidently the author's defign to compliment the mobility, at the expence of the privileged orders, that I fuppofe he confidered the very moderate fhare of intelleft which he has allowed to Mary, as giving her fuch a decided fuperiority over h\s fools of quality, that it would have been invidious fupererogation to have added the difcretion and innocence of a Pamela. Are our gentry and nobles then fo very corrupt, that a brazier's daughter is too deferving to be adopted into a great family, unlefs proftitution has lowered her to the level of their contamination ?

But would not the libertine's being compelled to marry the vi6lim of his treachery be a means of checking the crime of fedudlion ? It might, indeed, make men more guarded through y^'^r ,- but is there not great reafon to conclude, that it would render women proJUgate^ from cunning and ambition ? The fex of the offence might be changed, but the frequency of feduclion would be increafed. Let women (efpecially thofe in humble life) fufpedl that modefty and innocence are no longer their chief recommendations to a creditable eftab- lifhment, and inconceivable mifchiefs will enfue. The con- trary opinion has already gained ground. Seduftion, ftri6t- ly fpeaking, is now a rare offence. Jealoufy for the honour of my own fex makes me wifh, that the Henrys of the pre- fent day did not find us too eafy a conqueft, to need " that expence, and art, and toil," which conftitute the fuperior guilt of the betrayer of unfufpe6ting virtue. I fear the crim- inals of either fex now meet on more equal ground ; for in that rank of life in which the prowling debauchee ufed to look for his bafhful and retiring prey, I fee the wanton lure of artifice, and the bold front of invitation.

An examination of the tendency of that clafs of literature which meets with the moft numerous readers, would prove LI

^274

very derogatory to tiiofe pure elevated ideas of virtue by which we ufed to eftimate the character of Englilh women. Not to dwell on the tenderncls with which moft novel writ- ers treat female uachallity, let us advert to the recent pro- ducTtion* of a fair illuminati, as a proof of the melancholy juftnefs of the remark, that loofe morals, difguifed in guard- ed language, are more dangerous, becaufe lefs alarmingly ob- vious, than the warm colouring of Congrcve and Farquhar, or the grofs indecency of Vanbrugh. Nothing can be fo dangerous to virtue, as the foft names that are given to vice. Dreiled in the engaging Ihape of " amiable indifcretions," and " venial errors," or perhaps in the bolder attire of ** thofe frailties which honour the heart," we muft take fome time to reflect, before we can difcover that we are fpeaking of Sin, the daughter of Satan, and mother of Death. /

I have already cautioned you againft the phrafes of liber- ality of fentiment, enlarged ideas, and univerfal philanthro- py, as far as relates to your religious opinions. I have ven- tured to afliire you, that principle is not prejudice, nor ftead- inefs bigotry. Thcfe cautionary fuggellions will extend to the fubjeft of v/hich we now treat. At a period wherein the diftant motives oj^ a future flate of exiftence have fo lit- tle hold upon moft people, the opinion of the world, and general behaviour, ought not to relax in any point which may be favourable to innnorality. I know of nothing more likely to do this, than the turn which the public mind has taken on the fubjecl of female profligacy. It really feems as if beauty could not be made engaging, nor fimplicity amia- ble, unlefs relieved by the dark fliade of illicit love. In the high walks of fociety, how few hefitate at vifiting blajled char- acters, or fliewing them the refpeft to which only untainted reputation was once thought entitled ! and thofe who ftill avoid them are fure to be ranked among the outrageoufiy virtuous, who, piquing themfclves upon one good quality, commute, by their feverity to a fallen After, for every fordid or fplenctic inclination. Opinion (I know not on what fta- ble ground) has eftablifhed a fantaflic alliance between light behaviour and benevolence, and a good heart is always plead- ed in excufe for vile condu(Sl.

But fhall not the penitent be forgiven ? Unqueflionably ihe fliall. Let kindred and friendfliip haflen to lead home the wanderer, aiid act, as nearly as frail mortality can, the

* Dclphine, by Madame Slacl.

• 275

pa"i't of thofe pure and blelTed fpirits who rejoice over the contrite finner. Let her home be made as comfortable as forgivenefs can make it ; but let not kindnefs, with miftak- en zeal, feek to divert the mild dejecStion which ought to accompany remorfe, by Tcenes of diffipation, or by giving ce- lebrity to what requires to be concealed. The interefls of virtue cannot be promoted, by permitting thofe who have wandered from her path to prefide at fcenes of public feftiv- ity, or to dictate amufements. The penitent Jeffy had no wifli to fliew the face \\ hich grief had furrowed, among the happy and the innocent : concealment and forgetfulnefs bounded her earthly views.

Humanity t9 the broken hearted victim of confcious er- ror, differs 'fo widely from the fervile court which we every day fee paid to profperous vice, that nothing but an invidi- ous deiign of lowering all moral diftlntftlons could confound the two principles. If we rightly analyze the opinions and practices of thefe advocates for indifcriminate mixture of company, we fhall find, that it is not for the fake of the fad reclufe, that thefe tender hearted apologifts foHcit us to be kind to a frail fifter's faults ; but for fome moft engaging creature, the " ornament of foclety,"" who it is " millions of pities" fliould be loil: to the world. It is fome faded cour- tezan, fome elegant accomplilhed genius, who has rather de- viated from the ftraight path of virtue, and who now, find- ing herfelf deferted by lovers, v/Iflies to acquire patrons and friends. It is fome one who forrows^ not repents ,• and let us obferve, that this diftin61:ion is important. The one, like Julia In Meafure for Meafure, " repents her that It is a fin, and takes the fhame with joy." The latter, like the volup- tuous Cleopatra, laments that flie has loft " her curled An- <' thony," that the juice of Egypt's grape no more ihall moifl *' her lip," or, " that fhe fliall be Ihewn In her fallen ftate " to the flioutlng varletry of cenfuring Rome."

It is not uncommon for women of this latter defcriptlon to complain of cruel ufage, and to cenfure the world which they have fcandallzed by their condu^l. They once indeed enjoyed celebrity •, but it was the celebrity of guilt and ex- travagance j and where is it promlfed, that thefe fliall poflefs ** an abiding city" even In this world ? The treafures which thefe daughters of licentioufnefs fquandered were not only the wages of fin, but purloined from the funds of juftlce or benevolence ; or, pofiibly, the long accumulated depofit of fome noble family, whofe thoughtlefs heir eafily fell ioto

276

their net, and facrificed to their caprice the honourable re- ward of the labours or heroifm of his anceftors. The par- afites and followers which thofe treafures purchafed were nothing but a fwarm of fummer infects, who prey upon the foflering carrion. The winter of affliction or neglect ever fends " thefe flaves to thoufands" to feek a new idol, who then " flames in the afcendant." We have all of us but too great reafon to fay with the prophet, " Wherefore fhould a *' living man complain ? a man for the punifhment of his *< fins ?" But furely the exculpatory ftyle of flighted merit, or injured defert, is peculiarly unfuitable to thofe polluted lips, whofe voice fhould never be publicly heard, but in fup- plications for mercy and forgivenefs. Women of pleafure have formerly publifhed their hiftories ; but I believe thofe licentious compofitions were then thought only calculated for their own impure meridian, nor did they pub/lc/y lie on the toilette of high born uncontaminated beauty. As a pFOof that gentle words and infinuating addrefs increafe the dangerous attradT:ions of vice, let me remark, that no woman now bluflies to own that fhe has read the apologetical nar- ratives of the courtezans of thefe days. Infamy is fo dif- guifed, fo drefTed, fo tricked out with falfe colours, that ev- en chaflity ftops to inquire whether any thing really was wrong ; perplexed by the well founding fentences of " mar- riages made in Heaven," " attachments of the heart," and *' interefting friendfhips."

Severe cenfors are apt to complain, that the freedom of modern manners borders upon a degree of levity inimical to decorum. As the ftarched formality of our anceliors feem- ed better calculated to be the flate cloak of defign, than the every day attire of artlefs innocence, I do not lament that fomc of the lines of circumvallaticn, which fage fagacity drew around heedlefs beauty, are demolifhed j and that the youth of both fexes are permitted to enjoy the pleafure of eafy fo- ciety, without the eternal reftraint of the prying duenna, or fufpicious maiden aunt. But this relaxation in manners more flrongly enforces the neceflity of defending the heart by a yet ftronger horror of vice. Unlcfs principle guards the mind, bars and bolts cannot protetSl the perfon. By fill- ing a young woman's ideas with fuppofed plots againft her honour, you teach her intrigue and cunning, inftead of dif- cretion ; and it is very probable, that you may infpire the generally fatal wifh of fpreading her net to entrap the imag- inary feducer, and thus really expofe herfelf to the fnares

277

which her own folly has created. A prudent young woman, who is deflitute of any finifter defign, unlefs befide the treacherous gift of beauty jQie happen to be placed in a lltu- ation of confpicuous danger, or uneafy dependance, has little caufe to fear the arts of a libertine ; who, like the felon kite, rarely pounces but upon certain prey.

The decline of what are termed gallant attentions to the younger part of our fex, and the yawning indifference with which our fine gentlemen endure the fatigue of talking to the girls at public places, befpeak a ftrange revolution in man- ners, which our grey haired fpinfters attribute to the relax- ed deportment of the prefent race of belles, befpeaking them ready to be won before they are ivooed. I feel more apt to transfer the cenfure to the married part of our fex, who too often fet an example of freedom of carriage, and improprie- ty of drefs, which cuflom has not yet warranted a young woman to adopt. Chaftity is finely defcribed, as a beauti- ful form, " With bluflies reddening as flie moves along, dii^ order'd at the deep regard flie draws ;" not becaufe her pure imiagination has converted every beholder into a tremendous giant, who is preparing to enmefh her in his ponderous net ; but becaufe obfervation hurts her retiring delicacy. Should fuch a gentle pafTenger fall into any of thofe deep abyffes which are fcattered in her path, it will not be from her cu- riofity to explore thofe i-egions of darknefs, nor from hav- ing her attention diverted from her own fteps, by a defire to captivate the bye-ftanders with her foft attradtions. Her danger will, however, be materially increafed, if the mouths of thefe caverns are firewed with flowers j the peril becomes more imminent^ if thofe warning memorials, which were in- fcribed with the narratives of paft misfortune, are infidiotijly removed ; but if the witneffes of this fair lady's pilgrimage unite to afiure her, that thefe fearful caves are in reality on- ly pleafant agreeable grottos, and that if (contrary to their expe<Station) Ihe Ihould happen to diflike the fociety and ac- commodations which they afford, fhe will not be detained a prifoner in thefe fubterraneous dwellings, but may revifit the light of day, or, like the famous twins of Leda, alter- nately inhabit the infernal and celeftial regions, partake of the impure banquet of Proferpine, or drink nedlar with the gods -, to whom fhall we afcribe the fault, if the fair travel- ler no longer paffes on with " unblemiihed majefty," but yields " to pride or to prefumption ?"

278

Allegory is a pleafant mode of lUuftrating our opinions. Let us fuppofe another pilgrim journeying through the wilds of life, whofe character rcndei's thefe mementos of danger ftill more nece0ary, though certainly her fall would be Icfs lamented. The manner; of the times, and the prevailing ftylc of education, tend to render women at once exti'.ivn-Tant and dependant -, girls can do nothing to maintain thcmfelves ; they muft therefore at all events get hujhands ; it requires a conllderablc expcnce to fupport them in ftyle *, there is no living out of ftyle •, a rich hiijhand therefore is alfo neceffary ; I grant, that a good eftablilliment in life has been the point at which young women always have aimed ; but as, formerly, they were not quite reduced to fuch a ftyle of helplefsnefs, as to be merely a peg on which you are to hang finery, it was not necefiliry that hufbands fliould be fo very rich ; and then, as there was more of the commodity in the market, the intended purchafers were not forced to look lb very fliarp. As adventurers of this latter defcription are more likely to fall jnto ambufcades, and as I fear their number is far more numerous than that of thofe faintly maidens whom ^ we have juft noticed, furely, inftead of cutting down the di- recflion pofts, they fhould be multiplied at every corner. In that conteft between the fexes, which coniifts in the lady's endeavouring to entrap a wealthy partner who will let her dafti, and the gentleman's wilhing to feize upon fome pret- ty girl who will look fmart in his phaeton, fuccefs (as it is called) generally croums the hero. Let not this combat of artifice be rendered yet more unequal on the heroine's fide, by her being preafTured that to yield is to conquer ; nor let the fmiling fophift of falfe compafllon alTure her, that fo lit- tle difgrace is attached to defeat, that people go on juft as well ivithout as ivith a charaffter.

It is fuperfluous to ftate how ftrongly religion recommends the virtue of which we have been treating, or how pofitively it denounces the wrath of God againft all who live in a courfc of thofe fins, which are now adorned in fuch foft col- ours by our pfeudo fentimental moralifts. It is only by a dereli<Stion of religious principle, that the world can lofe fight of the enormity of thofe vices which are oppofite to purity. I will therefore only repeat the obfervation, that our Lord has extended thofe pcrfonal reftraints, which the jaw of nature and the Mofajcal covenant enjoined, to " the inward man j" and, having baniftied fin from its fecret holds,

- 279

he pronounced the fublime beatitude of the pure In heart, namely, that « they Ihall fee God."

The next feminine quality on which I mean to offer a few remarks is benevolence. This is a plant which, if not of native growth, is fo congenial to the foil of this country, that there is no period of our hiftoryin which its fruits have not been copious. Wealth, like a rich manure, has produc- ed a yet more redundant crop ; and in thefe times of com- mercial profperity, it feems only neceflary to publifh diftrefs to procure liberal aid. To ftimulate the hand of affluence to ihake its funerflux to want, is therefore an unnecefTary talk ; faihlon has lent her aid to beneficence ; and avarice is with one confent hunted from fociety, and forced to hide in contempt behind his heaps of gold. Shall I be clafTed among his latent votaries, if I lament, that in the rage of crying down parftmofiy^ a very valuable houfewife of paft times, who affifled our anceftors in diftributing their frugal bounty, has been fent to Coventry, after that " curfed carle hated of God and men ?" And yet, without ceconomyy benev- olence can have few difciples. To give what you fcarcely know how elfe to apply," can hardly be called an exercife of that charity " which feeketh not her own." It is by the facrifice of our pleafures, or by the limitation of our defires and accuflomed comforts, that we fulfil the two injunctions of " letting our moderation be known to all men," and of ** doing to others as we would they lliould do unto us." Beneficence^ like *' mercy, is blefi!ed in him who gives and in him who takes," when, by exercifing this quality at the ex- pence of a favourite inclination, we prevent our paffions from gaining domination over us, and obtain a real conqueft over ourfelves by the adt which adminifters fuccour to the atfliiSied. The pleafure of giving, is never fo exquifitely felt as when, by experiencing fome privation, we can mere forc- ibly contrail the different fenfations of enjoyment and want. In proportion as the cravings of felf-love are forced into a narrow fphere, the generous feelings of good will expand. Nor is the advantage limited to this one point ; by thinking lefs of our own wants and defires, the real , evils of life are rendered more fupportable. I have feen (and your recol-

lecSlion, my dear Mifs M , will enable you to identify

the inftance I allude to) the pangs of an excruciating difeafe diminiihed, by the attention of the fufferer being diverted to the wants of the fick villagers ; and when food failed to ftrengthen her owa languid frame, and medicine had noth-

280

ing to offer but the Lethean draught oi fufpendcd fenfe, \vc have both beheld the pallid countenance lighted up by the benevolent intentions of a heart pradlifed in the duty of con- fidering the neceffities of its fcUovv-creatures.

Unlefs benevolence chance to be the adopted child of af- fluence, it muft acknowledge fclf-denial and oeconomy for its parents. If it have the Chriftian grace of charity for its in- ftrudlor, and the love of God for its motive, it muft prefer but not affcB privacy. It fpeaks in all the anions of focial life, and it brightens the fmile of conjugal or maternal affec- tion. As a daughter, it is attentive and dutiful ; it is liber- al and confiderate as a iifter. It exercifes its heavenly mind- cdnefs in various ways, befide the mere a£l of giving ; and among its valuable endowments we muft reckon the meek- nefs with which it endures the reproach of parhmony, from thofe who only difcern its care to avoid unnecefTary cxpencc, but not its appropriation of its little hoards. It is not anx- ious to be known as the firft patronefs of any new infthu- tion ; but if the wants of thofe who have a claim to its af- fiftance leave any furplus, it drops its dole unobferved into the treafury of fome approved inftitution. You will obferve, I am here fpeaking of that ftyle of beneficence which fuits a woman of a private ftation and moderate fortune. When rank, power, or afRuence, enlarge the fphere of our influ- ence, our efforts to ferve our fellow-creatures jhould tak« a wider range, and confequently muft attradl celebrity. It is the confideration, that limited powers cannot do much, well -, and that a little^ well performed, is better than a lame partial execution oi great defigns, which makes me recom- mend to the generality of my fex the regular performance of known virtues, in preference to that eager purfuit of dif^ tant theoretical good, which is likely to expole them to the afTaults of vanity, or the mifcry of clifappointment. In the ftation where Providence has placed us, our exertion is moft required and will be moft beneficial.

Contra ftcd with the character of inborn, and often unob- ferved benevolence, let us next exhibit that flaowy liberality which pafTes fo extremely well in the world. It has been humoroufly identified, by a perfon's anxioufly foliciting to carry the plate at public contributions, as the only way of efcaping from fubfcribing his mite. Great zeal for the indi- gent, is adopted by many as the readieft pafTport to the ta- bles of the great ; where, by a willing facrifice of time, and a little adroit management, they gain the name of " mol^

281

tirorthy creatures." If they have no near connexions to re- proach them with inattention, I have only to hope that their judgment and integrity are as unqueftionable as their zeal is confpicuous ; they may then prove fafe and expeditious channels to convey the overflowings of profperity to the thirftv foil of want. Yet, unlefs circumftances impofe a ne- ceffity for fo doing, I would, on many accounts, interdidl the intervention of an almoner ; and this on more general motives than the mifapplications which fometimes occur. The giver fliould not lofe the benefit of that perfonal ac- quaintance with forrow, which ftrengthens the focial ties, corrects the caprices of faftidious felf-importance, and turns the narrow aims of individual gratification, into gratitude to that Providence who appoints wealth as the Jleward and d'tf- pertfer^ rather than the confumer of its accumulated bounties. I might alfo add, how much this benevolent intercourfe be- tween the rich and poor, the great and lowly, enlarges the mind and improves the manners of both parties. When a lady of rank furveys a healthy groupe of young cottagers, vying with each other for fkill and adroitnef< at their vari- ous occupations, and watching with anxious glance the hour- glafs, which, if nearly exhaufted, upbraids them with hav- ing previoufly loitered, and reminds them of the probability of their dame's inflicting an additional tafk, fhe may form, fome notion of the value of the moments which fhe is anx- ious to wafte. Or when fhe fees the care-worn mother di- viding the brown loaf in equal portions among her children, whofe countenances brighten with the glow of pleafure as they fucceflively relieve the cravings of hunger, fhe may learn to compare the expences of vanity and benevolence, and to efl:imate their fpecific gratifications. But the bed of licknefs, efpecially when attended by its frightful concomi- tant, penury, v/ill afford her the beft ieflbn to check the re- pinings of difcontent, and all the various pangs of envy, am- bition, and pnde, which teach the fickly daughters of fpleen to quarrel with profperity. On the fide of the indigent, this focial intercourfe with their fuperiors would prove the beft check to the democratical fpirit that is let loofe among them. They would find themfelves often called upon to obferve the attractions of graceful manners, and the advan- tage of fuperior information. The narrow, but too general prejudice, which has been excited againft the apparently more favoured part of our fpecies, would, be abated j and M m

282

grateful attachment to friends and benefactors, would foon eradicate the idea that lords and ladies are but poor crea- tures, were it not that they have got the upper hand in this world.

Much previous knowledge of humble life 's neceflliry, to enable the liberally difpofed heart to diftribute its bounty with difcretion. Indifcriminate relief is worfe than injudi- cious j it is prejudicial. Knowledge of what a poor family ought to earn, and what they muft fpend, fhoukl (except in extreme cafes) precede relief. Much public injury is done by increafing the luxurious habits which are become fo very prevalent in the lower clafTes. High wages and great earn- ings are, in general, the parents of diliipatlon and want. As a trading nation, thefe exorbitant demands muft ulti- mately ruin our manufactures, by enhancing their price ; and if we confider the cafe as relating to a Chrlftian coun- try, we have only to compare the morals of the poor in a flourifliing manufa<Sluring town, and in an obfcure country village, to fee the evils that enfue from profufe gains.

Society, therefore, cannot be benefited by introducing ex- penlive refinements into humble life 5 and it is melancholy to reflect, that habitual eleemolynary relief, if very liberally bcftovved, often corrupts the manners of the individual whom it particularizes. Induftry Ihould be (ijftfted and Jlimulaiedy not deadened ov fuperfeded ; and, except in cafes of urgent ca- lamity, a moral preference fhould be obferved. This is cer- tainly contrary to the inverted climax, by which falfc phi- lanthropy afcends "from the crufli'd beetle," to " poor fuf- fering guilt," and excludes from its fympathy only thofc objects which fhould moft powerfully attract it ; but falfe philanthropy is the puling offspring of fentiment and feeling, not of principle. Beneath its influence, a Peregrine Roch- dale, who has rim away from his father without any provo- cation, iliall only be anxious to preferve the ten thoufand pounds which he capricioufly deftines to reward an acciden- tal benefaction ; but fliall exprefs no folicitude to know whether his deferted family are in exiftence, or need his af- fiftance ; though he certainly muft have owed them infi- nitely fupcrior obligations, which he does not even pretend were cancelled by unkiiidiiefs. A Charles Surflice, directed by the fame tutor, fliali defraud a creditor, and beftow a large fum on an unknown petitioner. But thofewho dirc(St the feelings of humanity by the liglit of the gofpel well know, that they arc firft required to ihevv "piety at home,

283

" and to requite their parents ; for that Is good and accep- « table before God ;"* becaufe « if any provide not for his « own, and efpecially for thofe of his own houfe, he hath " denied the faith, and is worfe than an infidel." Thus ex- prefsly does the religion of the blelTed Jefus ftrengthen and confirm that evidence which nature bears to the primary ob- ligation of domeftic duties, and efpecially to the filial and parental, which our philanthropifts, in their rage for im- provement, call the " blindeft modification of felf-love," and determine, that ** the mind fhould be fteeled againft the ab- *' furd prejudice of obeying a parent, merely becaufe he is a *' parent." And with refpedl to our allowing liberality to precede honefty, fcripture records a decided prohibition, by exhorting us to " pro'vide things honeft in the fight of all *' men," and " to owe no man any thing, fave to love one ** another." Thefe are plain contradiftions to the tenets of the new Lyceum, which here, as in every other cafe, decrees that pleafure fhould precede duty.f

We muft not, however, argue from thefe pofitive precepts, that becaufe we have relations or creditors, we may fiegkEt- the general exercife of benevolence. One fcripture rule muft be expounded by another ; and every virtue kept in its right pofition by a clofe contadt with its neighbouring good quali- ty. " Whofo hath this world's goods, and feeth his brother <« have ne<^d, and fhuttcth up the bowels of compaflion from «' him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ?" Compaflion and lenity are placed in the Gofpel on a much more ftable ba- fis than fentiment or feeling could provide. We are to for- give our offending brethren, becaufe " God has forgiven us ;" we are to relieve the diftrefTes of thofe who want our aid, *« becaufe of the exceeding great kindnefs which our heaven- " ly Father and our only Saviour have fhewn to us." If our limited means will not keep pace with our wifhes of doing good, we muft not enlarge them by an unjuft appropriation of what is not lawfully our own, but by the cheerful retrench-, ment or facrifice of individual enjoyment. We muft hujhand our little modicum with more care, beftow it with more cau- tious feleftion ; and endeavour to add to its value by fuch an appropriation of time or talents^ as our confcience fhall tell us

* ift Timothy, chapter jth, 4th and 8th verfes.

f Who ever beftowed aa alms,\vitlicut fecHngthat giving v/as tlic mofi cx^uiiitc of pleafures ?

284

will bcfl anfwer the end of promoting the glory of God and the good of our fclIow-creaturcs.

As a contrail to the random or difhoneft fchemes wliich falfe hberality prcfents, in fantaftic arbitrary rewards of mere favourites, accidental benefactors, partizans, or interefting fufl'crers, ^vho have only local or capricious claims to atten- tion, permit me to recommend to your ferious confideration, that example of difcreet bemvolefice, which the fccondary pur- pofe of the parable of the Good Samaritan prefents to all fubicquent ages of the Chriftian world, as forcibly as 'w^firjl intention fpake to the hearts of its immediate hearers. This truly beneficent character does not neglect his own immedi- ate concerns, and fet off on a romantic; pilgrimage in fearch of people in diftrefs. lie is quietly journeying, when he meets with a man lying on the road, robbed, ftripped of his raiment, feverely wounded, and half dead. A prieft and a Levite, the interpreter of the law and ofiiciating minifter of religion, have not only fcen the fuffercr at a diftance, but have actually gone near him, difcovered it to be no cafe of pretended calamity, and having thus gratified their curiofity, Avith unnatural indifference they " have paffed by on the other fide," and left him to the care of chance paffengers, regardlefs whether thefe will affifl his miferies, or imitate their own inhumanity. But in the heart of the Samaritan companion is an innate principle, which only waits to be cal ed into adlion. He ftays not to inquire, whether the fuf- ferer be a countryman or a ftranger, a friend or a foe. He haAens to him, *' binds up his wounds, pours in oil and <' wine, fets him upon his own beaft, brings him to an inn, " and takes care of him." A fentimental philanthropift of the- new fchool would have confidered this delineation of the offices of benevolence as very cold and vifp'id. The Samari- tan, with them, would have devoted himfelf to the fcrvices of this unhappy unknown j every plan of bufinefs, every tie of private affection or early connetftion, would have hccn fuper- seded, if not annihilated. We ihould have feen the kind ben- efactor inceffantly watcliing by the bed of the wounded man, who, if he recovered, would have become from thenceforth his dearefl friend, or if he died would have been the object of his perpetual regret. The fcripture, however, informs us, that the Good Samaritan departed on the morrow in pur- fuit of his own affairs ; but, not fatisfied with having brought the mifcrable being whom he had faved from death to a place where his wants might be fupplied, he depofited a fum

285

of money, fuited either to his own moderate ability or to the probable wants of the fufxerer, with an injuniSlion to the hoft to take care of him ; afiurlng him that if it fhould be necef- fary to incur more expence, it fhould be faithfully repaid. Any long comment on this inftrudlive parable (which many have fuppofed to be a real hiftory) is unnecefTary. The prejudiced Jew learned by it, that the bond of neighbourly good will and affiflance was intended to comprize all man- kind ; and while it reproves the ftony heart of apathy or av- arice, to the remoteft ages of the world, it will alfo injlriift the foul of melting tendernefs fo to regulate its feelings, that one virtue fliall not encroach upon another.

Candour is a virtue clofely allied to benevolence ; and here alfo the humour of the times makes it rather neceflary that we fhould define its reftraints than encourage its un- bounded exercife. It is moft true, that every virtue is fitu- ated between two oppolite vices, into one of which we arc fure to fall the moment we exceed the limit of moderation. To define what that moderation is, we mull: take fcripture for our guide •, and here, as I before obferved in points of dodlrine, we are not to force a particular text into the fer- vice of a preconceived opinion or ruling pafRon ; but by a faithful examination of the vv^hole tenor of the facred pages, endeavour with finglenefs of heart to difcover how far our own belief and pradlice accords with the revealed will of God. As it is certainly contrary to the purpofes of the Al- mighty, to confound the difi:in6lion of right and wrong, truth and falfehood, vice and virtue, we are not required, in cur manner of fpeaking of thcfe oppolite qualities, to forget that they are not only dijVmcl but irreconcilable. When we read or hear of monftrous crimes, the equivocal expreffions of " we hope all is for the beft," or " whatever is, is right," do not imply candour, but imbecility, indifference, or even a latent prepofTeflion in favour of what we ought to condemn in pofitive terms ; unlefs we further explain our meaning to be, that we entirely rely on the fecret counfels of that Di- vine Being, who makes even the ftubborn wills and unruly defires of men advance the defigns of his overruling Provi- dence.

The foft extenuating tone which is often ufed when we defcribe the licentious vices, is as ofFenlive to true candour, as it is to genuine purity. We may (nay, indeed, as Chrif- tians, we muft) pity the flaves of fin ; but then we mufl pity them zsjlaves zndi Jltwers. Apology for great offences is not

286

•nly undue lenity to offenders, but it Is uncharitablencfs to innocence, whofe danger (as it has been before obferved) is thereby incrcafcd. I cannot, liowevcr, allot the praife of fn- perior candour, or even gentlenefs^ to thofc who thus profcfs themfelvcs the excufers of vice. They arc fcldom unfkilled in " taunting provei-bs of reproach," which are beftowed with little mercy on all the venial errors of the friends of order, decoruni, and religion, if not in the fhape of perfonal invedlive, at leaft as an aggregate body. Abftradl abufe is here very ferviccable j bigotry, rigidity, formality, faftidiouf- nefs, and fcrupulous punctilio, may, by that latitude of in- verted meaning which the new fyftem of elocution permits, be converted into moft powerful engines to batter down re- fpe<ft for all ancient inftitutions, and even for the laws of God, which candour (a heavenly emanation from the pure fpirit of charity) may thus be made to deftroy.

Is candour then to be totally baniflied in thefe cafes ? By no means. When we read a controverfial work, or one that oppofes our own principles, we mufb not flrain the au- thor's meaning, by fuch Inuendos and inferences as an im- partial umpire would pronounce to be unfair, I do not fay, as the author would himfelf difclaim ; for ingenuoufnefs is not the charaiTteriftic of literary difcuffion ; or do they who are fmitten with the wifla of making converts, always difcover the yoke to which their pupils are to fubmit. Do not, with- out fufficient evidence, believe that a reafonable creature can coolly juftify the horrid deeds which anarchy and atheifm have recently committed j but if you perceive the leaven of democracy to work in the mafs, a few condolatory exclama- tions at the ihd extremes to which good intentions have been hurried by cppofitiony muft not cheat your fimplicity. And with refpeift to flagrant breaches in moral redlitude, your fentiments muft principally be determined by the proofs on which the acculation refts. To detect flander is the pro- vince of candour •, yet if the guilt be indifputable, you muft not let the confideration of the beauty, fweetnefs, elegance, benevolence, or local fituation of the oftender, make you in- fenlible of the enormity of the offence ; for candour does not confift in mitigating crimes, but in diftrufting their re- ality, or in hoping that the culprits retain fome good proper- ties which may ultimately lead them back to repentance.

Our chief opportunity for exerciUng candour is with the leffer errors and imperfections of our fellow-creatuers, and cfpecially of thofe with whom we arc inoft nearly conneded<

TTie allowances that \vc are called upon to make for humaa infirmity, whenever our minds become painfully imprefled by a feiiie of ill ufage, mifcondudl, unkindnefs, negle<51:, or fe- verity, will be moft properly confidered under the head of f weetnefs of temper ; a quality which our male partners con- fider as fo indifpenfably necelTary to our fex, that they fel- dora will allow any other virtue, however preeminently ex- cellent, to be an adequate fubftitute for this fundamental principle of female worth and utility.

I am one of thofe who think, that a predilection for un- relifting fweetnefs may be urged to an extreme that is unfa- vourable to the virtue and happinefs of both fexes. The primeval delign of God in the creation of woman, that flie fhould be the help-mate of man, certainly extended to his fpiritiial as well as temporal exiftence. If, from mixing left with the bufy fcenes of aftive life, flie be lefs capable of de- ciding with propriety in points wherein acutenefs, penetra- tion, and what is termed policy, are neceflary, her principles> it muft be granted, are for this I'eafon lefs likely to be con- taminated by coilifion of intcreft, and all the crooked machi- nations of overreaching ambition. This fubje6t might bd beft confidered, when v/e come to that moft intimate connex- ion with men, of which obedience forms our diftiniEtive ob- ligation. But as, with fev/ exceptions, fubfervience is claim- ed from us by all our male relatives, it m.ay not be improper to obferve, that whenever they err, either in morals or prin- ciples, a mild yet marled difapprobation is not pertrnacityy but fortitude. It is, perhaps, the moft dilSrult inftance which a really amiable woman can give of command of temper ; fincc nothing can be more contrary to her feelings, than to find herfcif called upon by confcisnce to prefer contention to ac- quiefcence, or conftraint to cordial intercourfe. You will readily fuppofe, that I am not claiming a licence to defend the vanities, the punctilios, or the difiinftions, which weak or wayward women deem of fo much importance, but for !T~ which the wife would never rilk the blefiing of domeftic concord. I am fuppofing the occafion which gives rife to oppofition to be i-eally important, and to proceed from a fenfe of duty to a parent, juftice to an injured lifter, affection to an ill treated child, attachment to a defcrving friend, or a full conviction of the bad confequences of the errors that we wilh to check. The lefs the queftion in uifpute is con- nected with felfy the lefs fufpicious will be the conteft -, and as the ohjeB for which we contend fhould be indubitably im-

283

portant, the meatis by which we endeavour to gain our pomt Ihould be l^lamclefs. Loud keen invective, known by the name of fcolding, is not only blameable, but injudicious ; for it is the fureft means of defeating the purpofe which it feeks to fecure. Sullen morofcncls is ftill worfe ; and tears of anger or dilllain, affected indifpofition, and every fpecies of art and trick, though more generally fuccefsful than the ftraight forward method of the blunt virago, conftitute, in the opinion of every ingenuous perfon, a far more deteftable character.

I muft here obferve (though with fome degree of appre- henfion, for I feel that I am treading on very tender ground, and tremble at the thought of leaguing every fon of Adam againft me in defence of their darling prerogative,) that when men elevated fmiUng acquiefcence into the firft of female excellences, they indulged their humour at the expence of their underftandings. This preference indicates a confciouf- nefs that they themfelves are wayward childreti^ who require to hefoothed -Andjiatteredy and not the guardians and hijlruc- tors of the inferior fex ; the Have of their own paffions, and not the " offspring of heaven and earth, and all earth's lord." Are a fycophant and a flave really more valuable than a monitor and a friend ? They muft not pretend to urge, that they need no monitor ; for in that cafe they would be defti- tute of thofe capricious humours for which they claim in- dulgence, and which they fay it is our chief duty and defti- nation to attend to. Is not fidelity, I would alk, valuable ; is not difcretion a pearl above price, and pure afFeftion a blefling which makes earth like heaven ? And can fhe be faithful, difcreet, or affectionate, who fees you totter on a precipice, or madly fport with your reputation, health, or fortune, and can yet prcferve the fmile of tranquillity, and forbear to warn you of your danger ? But I muft ftop this excurflve expoftulation ; our prefent defign, my dear Mifs

M , is with the charadlers and duties of women ; and as

the latter often fpring out of the faults of men, we fliould confiiler how we may beft adapt our minds to our lot, rather than fpend our time in ufelefsly lamenting that this *' lot is not always caft in fair ground."

The right (I fliould fpeak more corre^ly In faying the duty) of refiftance, upon really important occafions, being admitted, and the cxercife of it limited within the moft c:.- zOi bounds of prudence and ingcnuoufncfs, I muft now ob- ferve, that as our relative fituation caufe.s us many trials from

289

the coercion of onr wills, and from oppofition to our inter- efts, we fliould be careful of adding to the number, by in- troducing domeftic traitors into our own bofoms. For a very fliort period of our lives, during the reign of youth and beauty, man afFedts to compliment us with an oftentatious fhow of preeminence ; I fliould rather have faid, ufed to offeEl to compliment us ; for fafhion has now almoft annihilated our fantaftic empire, by confining the attentions of gallantry to that part of our lives when they muft either be unmean- ing or criminal. Many (may I not fay moft ?) of our fex, from their cradle to their grave, fcarcely know the exercife of free will, either in the difpofal of their time or their for- tunes, in the choice of pleafures or purfuits, in the feleftion of friends or acquaintance, or even in determining the fpot of earth on which they would refide. I am far from insin- uating, or believing, that this dependant ftate is really a mis- fortune ; I acquiefce in the fapient concluiion, that to a con- fcientious mind " Command is anxiety, and obedience eafe ;'* yet as obedience is our lot, how ought we, from early youth, to cultivate the paiSive virtues ; how carefully fhould we re- strain and check thofe ftormy paflions, irregular defires, and eager wifhes, which will in our future lives prove to us like the ftream which increafed the confuming thirft of Tanta- lus ! Since there is a probability that we fhall never be per- mitted to fet out in fearch of adventitious pleafures, at leafl not to feledt fuch as we fancy would be moft gratifying to our tafte, how careful fliould we be to make our own bo- foms the feat of that peace which, as *< the world cannot give," fo, moft happily, " the world cannot take away !" I , am not here recommending melancholy abftradion, or mor- ' tified indifference to fublunary things ; the difpoiition of mind that I would inculcate, is humble refignation and cheerful content. It is a rejoicing in the good that we pof^ fefs, and a quiet furrender of our own wills ; which temper refults alike from a firm confidence in the goodnefs of God, a proper fenfe of our own unworthinefs, and a juft eftima- tion of terreftrial objects, whether confidered with refpedl to their value or duration, as they affe6t ourfelves or our fel- low-creatures. When fweetnefs of temper is thus founded upon principle, I will not fuff^er any male orator to be its more devoted panegyrift. It deferves every epithet of heav- enly and angelical ; for it is, indeed, the temper of angels, and the frame of mind which predominates among the bleff^ Nn

290

ed inhabitants of Heaven. Yet, notwithftanding this holy elevation of foul, and benign compofednefs of chara£ler, I muft fuppofe it polHble, that a woman thus endowed is not an indifferent fpe(ftator of the pafling fcene. She cannot meet the man, to whom Ihe is linked by the tic of kindred or af- fection, with a gay good humour, when he is difguifcd by paffion or deformed by vice. Sincerity (I muft repeat) is a prime ingredient in the chara(Ster of real fweetnefs ; and when pained afFcdlion forcibly wrings the heart, the fmile of gentlenefs can but feebly break (not through the cloud of paffion but) through the night of woe.

Little merit fliould be afcribed to that fort of animal good humour, which coniifts in being infenflble to the finer feel- ings of morality. If we analyze this quality, we fliall per- ceive that it is really nothing better than mere fclfiflinefs, which, provided no immediate ill affects itfelf, is willing (in the well known phrale) to " let the world flide." I allow as little credit to that exterior polijlj^ and ground down y/w^/^- nejs of deportment, which fubftitutes command of temper for real fuavity. The known predilection which men entertain for eafy partners, has made many female hypocrites, and (cfpccially in the fecond clafTes of fociety) has introduced an unvarying foftnefs, a guarded acquiefcence, a cautious equa- nimity of manner, as remote from real gentlenefs, as the drawling fentimental whine by which it is accompanied is fi-om true benevolence. A remarkably low tone of voice, and an unfwerving quietnefs of manner, are the difguifes which the confcious termagant would naturally afTume, who, fearing her own vehemence, dares not permit her feelings the leafl indulgence in public ; and atones for thefe occa- fional reftridtions, by fuffering the accumulated load of fpleen to burft in a torrent on her near connexions or dependants. But as the eafy elegance of the true woman of fafhion, is cafily diftinguifhable from the overcharged finery of vulgar imitators, who endeavour to awe you into admiration of their coftly attire j fo a difcerning eye will foon dilcriminate be- tween the artlcfs eafe of real meeknefs, and the guarded evennefs of aflunied gentlenefs. The confcioufnefs of hav- ing nothing to difguiie, will give an honeft animation to the countenance of the former ; while every feature of the lat- ter remains fixed in the icy coldnefs of frigid propriety ; for it dares not venture on the honefl blufh of kindling fenfi- bility, or the fpontaneous exclamation of generous indigna- tion. The whole deportment of the iludied chai-ader will

291

be fo very right, as to be In reality wrong ; fo very obliging, as never to oblige ; and fo uniformly amiable, as to excite the diftrufi: of all who give themfelves time to refledl, that where fo much care has been beftowed upon tnannersy the inward difpofltions of the heart are likely to have remained unregulated. Yet fo many refolute bafhaw batchelors, {kill- ed in the theory of connubial defpotifm, have furrendered at difcretlon to thefc piratical fhrews, cruifing under the falfe colours of unrefifting fuavity ; that I am perfuaded, an in- verfion of the plot of the celebrated comedy of, " Rule a Wife and have a Wife," would prefcnt a juft refemblance of the interior oeconomy of many families. I can only account for its nonintrodu6lion on the ftage, at a time when novelty is fo much required, by fnppofmg that John Bull's high at- tachment to his ov/n prerogative would not patiently permit an exhibition which would difcover " the fecrets of his pri- son houfe."

Having removed the feat of Gentlenefs from the features and manner to the heart, let us now attend to her condu£V, and enumerate her attendant graces. She is nearly allied to Chriftian charity, or rather fhe is fuch an integral part of that celeftial quality, that it cannot exift without her. In the eye of the world, her attention being diverted from her- felf, ingenuoufnefs often precedes conlideration ; but in the privacy of retirement, and amidfl: the narrow circle of do- meftic duty, fhe walks with circumfcribed attention. She does not permit difdain, envy, pride, or malice, to intrude into the hallowed facriily of her bofom. Shrinking from every tendency to tyranny, caprice, or petulance, fhe confld- ers the wants and errors of all with whom ilie Is connedled j flie allows for human infirmities ; and if her refentment be roufed by flagitious offences, fhe remembers the apoflollcal precept, znd fms not in her anger. She is particularly ob- fervant in her condufl to all who are in any way dependant upon her humour j and the claims of an inferior are in her eye facred. She cannot only endure, but obey, the way- wardnefs of an aged friend •, and fhe can fubmit without murmuring to the privations wiiich miftaken tendernefs, or too officious care, unwarrantably impofes. For patience is one of her handmaids, by v/hofe Inftru^ions fhe not only fuftains difappointments and vexations, but endures the fHll more difficult trial of perfonal fuffering. This paffive for- titude, fo highly becoming to our fex, is generally found to exiit in its higheit perfedlion in thegentlelt 'tempers and

i292

nioft delicate conftitutions. Indeed, as it is the cxaft re- verfe of pride and felfiflineis, where flaould we look for it, but in the foil in which humihty and benevolence generally abound. From whence proceed all the irreverent complaints againfl the difpenfations of Providence ? Who are they that are perpetually quarreling with their lot in this world, and who have always fome fbory of extreme diftrefs, or cruel ufage, to weary the good natured ear of thofe who long to blend reproof with pity ? Are they not the felfifh, the proud, and the envious ? Have not their difappointments proceeded from an extravagant opinion of their own deferts •, and may we not oftener trace the unkindnefs of which they complain, to a previous infenfibiUty of the claims and expeiStutions of others ?

Contentednefs is fo genuine a feature of good temper, that, unlefs in cafes of very peculiar diftrefs, it rarely fails to be the predominant diftiniiion of a placid well difpofed mind. It is unqueftionably a branch of that charity which *' feeketh not her own, and endureth all things -," but, un- lefs it be the refult of natural apathy and colducfs of difpo- fition, it alTumes many more of thcfe glorious epithets which difcriminate the exalted character of the true Cliriftian. A confcioufnefs of our own unworthinefs, leads us to confider every blefling that we enjoy as the undeferved favour of a liberal benefaclor : and every pain that we endure and every privation that we feel, as the merciful correftion cf a wife parent and juft mafler. Thus contentment becomes united with humility, refignation, and devout gratitude -, and how truly proper are thefe fentiments to this fallible and militant ftate ! Where, my dear young friend, fhall we find the un- happy wretch who has no endowment of body, mind, for- tune, or connexion, for which he is not, with refpect to the donor, an infohent debtor ? And where lliall we meet with that unfullied virtue which does not require to be pcrJiFu'd through affliBion.

There is a placid calm contentednefs which is even prac- ticable in fevere fuffering ; but when our temporal affairs are profperous, cheerfulnefs muft be confidered as a moft agree- able addition to compofure and placidity. Its attradlions are fo powerful, efpecially to the majority of men, that mere- ly on prudential reafons, I would urgently advife every wo- man to endeavour to embellifli home with this ftrong al- lurement. It is moft certain, that the loi'ds of the creation •re in general Icfs diipoled to acquiefcc in mortifications and

293

uncomfortable fenfations than women ; their a£live natures prompt them to fubdue difficulties, and tojly from trouble ;. and few men require a better excufe for a habit of diffipa- tion, than that their own firelides prefented nothing that was agreeable. To the mothers, fifters, or wives of young men, this admonition is efpecially feafonable. The words <f a dull evening," have a magnetic influence upon the im- petuous paffions and quick animal Ipirits of youth ; and it is generally in the early period of life that thofe habits are formed, which determine man to be the domeftic compan- ion, or the bon vivant. I fear there are fome natures {o very erratic, that even the wit of a Sevigne, or the elegant archnefs of a Montagu, would not detach them from the circling glafs and its noify merriment ; but I wifh fuch peo- ple to be left without excufe, and that the deferted female fliould never accufc herfelf, during the lonely hours of watchful folicitude, of having hunted her ftray turtle from his neft with the fcream of difTonance, or the hum of melan- choly. I dwell more ferioufly on this fubje^l, as I am con- vinced that many valuable women fall into this error, efpe- cially thofe who ftill belong to the diminifhing order of do- meftic induftrious houfewives. The crofs events that are continually occurring in the little monarchy of our own houfeholds, though individually petty and trivial, become important by accumulation, and teazingby frequency. One confideration fhould here be attended to ; if we find that our attention to good management materially affedts our tem- per or harafles our fpirits, we may be aiTured that we arc giving an undue weight to worldly concerns, and are purfu- ing a duty till we advance into the confines of error. A recoUedtion of our motives for thefe exertions, and an efti- mation of the intrinfic value of all temporal things, will re- cal us within the prefcribed limits of what is right. Wc cannot ferve our family, if we make home difgujling to the members of which it confifts ; and we cannot be faid to * fet our afFeclions on things above," if we furrender our whole mind to the encumbering cares of Martha.

Nothing Is more unjuft than to confound cheerfulnefs with levity ; their chara6teriftics are efl^entially diftindt. The one is perfeddy independent, or at leaft requires nothing but the abfence of pain, calamity, and ill humour ; the other can only live in a crowd, where it meets with the food on which it fubfifts, admiration and amufement. Cheerfulnefs is felf- amufed ; all nature, in its eftiination, wears a fmiling afpedt ;

294

and it goes forth, like the child in the fable, inviting etery objec^t "to play with it," and partake of its hilarity. Ler- ity has fmiles for its ball-drefs, and tears for its dilhabille. It is not unufual for cheerfulnefs to feel overpowered in a crowd, diftrafted by clamour, and fatigued by a fucceffion of V hit are generally termed nle.ifures, which do not leave it Icifure rn commune v/iih the agreeable inmate in its own boiom. The cheerful woman feels more fatisfaclion from defcribing gay fccnes to a friendly circle, than from the ab- folute enjoyment of them. The diffipated female languifh- es at the recolle<fi:ion of part delights, and can only be faid to live while fhc either participates in, or plans fplendid amufements. She who can remain at home without im- bibing melancholy or morofenefs, who can contrive diver- fions within the precindls of retirement, who never com- plains of ennui, and can at all times exert fufficient mental flrength to throw a ftone at the Goliath fpleen,* gives furc indication of poflefling that " peace of mind which pafieth all underftanding." But fhe who hurries from one crowd to another, and wafle's in public that time which is themoft precious of our entrufted talents, and thofe animal fpirits which were ffiven her to exhilarate the labours of focial du-

o

ty, difclofes the mournful fecret, that (he is flying from a hated enemy, whofe converfation is injupportable ; I mean, herfelf

Befide the prudential value of cheerfulnefs, as it affedls our connexions, or our own eflimation with others, allow me to prefcribe it as one of the beft noftrums for the prefer- vation of health. Cheerfulnefs, unlefs incapacitated by fome infirmity, is always adlive ; and the value of an agile body, and energetic mind, can only be eftimated by thofe who have e::perienced an accidental fufpenfion of thofe enjoy- ments. How much may the comforts, and indeed the ani- mal ufes, of food be augmented or diminished, by devoting the focial meal to cheerful and inftrucflive converfation, or by rendering it the chofen feafon of debate and complaint ! A hearty laugh after dinner, has been prefcribed as a me- dicinal recipe to promote nutritive concoction ; and, thank God ! every family may occafionally enjoy the luxury of this ivhokfome deffert. Very little is necelTary to compound it, fuppofing (as I before obfcrved) the abfence of fevere pain

" Thro-vY but a fione, the giant dies."

Greens Poctr. en Spin

295

or calamity. It is but endeavouring to be pleafed ; it is on- ly giving agreeable anfwers, and avoiding long mournful narratives of trivial diflrefles j a ftyle of converfation more infeiSlious than the influenza, and always fure of heaping up fuch a mountain of miferies, as the moft fprightly difpoii- tion muft fink under. I am not here endeavouring to ban- ifh improving and ferious converfation ; for the latter, there ^re due times and ftated feafons, in which mirth would be not only unbecoming, but criminal. I only want to exile thofe tmedifying dolours, which make a party uncomfortable, they know not why, and mopifh inllead of intelligent. It is a falfe idea, that improvement mull: fpeak in a tone of pu- ritanical folemnity. Wit is a more ufeful ally to wifdom, than fpleen ; and humour has vanquifhed many a foible, againft which gravity remonftrated in vain.

But tlie bounds of cheerfulnefs muft be defined ; it muft never attempt to triumph over the forrows of a dejedled broken fpirit ; for then it is no longer the child of benevo- lence, but of oftentation and malignity. When an effort to exhilarate would be unfeafonable, it mufb gently try to amufe forrow or to foothe defpair. In its gayefl fallies, it muft ever preferve the fan£lities of decorum ; for it has no allbnce with indelicacy, profanenels, malice, or flander. Its raille- ry fliould be the light tickling of a feather, not the excori- ating lafh of punifhment. Defirous to pleafe others, not fedulous to difplay itfelf ; carelefs of admiration, playful, eafy, and difcreet ; obfervant to ftop the laugh when the jeft is grown vapid, and to fufpend the jell: when the inclination to laugh is exhaufted : in fine, always remembering the wife King of Ifrael's admonition, " that there is a time to *« weep as well as a time to laugh, a time to dance, and a *' time to mourn."

I know no furer indication of a happy difpofition, i:ior ar more likely means to promote the comfort of thofe around us, than the habit of attending to little obfervances, and avoiding petty contradi£lions. No minutiae are undeferving of ferious confideration, which contribute to the peace and good will of the little kingdom over which we exert vicere- gal dignity. Goldfmith proved his intimacy with human nature, when he made his engaging Dr. Primrofe afcribe the harmony of his family to his ilridt enforcement of the laws of good breeding. It was obferved, by one who well knew hov/ to appreciate the excellences of your revered mother, that flie poiTefTed the amiable and fingular quality of "nev-

296

cr dirappolnting any one by her replies." It rras not meant by this, that ihe never refufed an improper requeft, nor checked an impertinent obfervation ; but that her anfwers were always fuch as the reconfideration of the party to whom they were adJrcflcd could not fail to approve. Thofe who have obferved, how often the happinefa of a party is inter- rupted by an untoward or contradictious anfvver, will ricrht- ly value this happy fuitability. But I am wandering from the quality of good temper, to that outward expreflion of it which properly belongs to another department.

Amufement and occupation are fo necelTary, in order to preferve our minds in a happy contented ftate, that idlenefs is ever rightly denominated the parent of fpleen, ill humour, and caprice. To anfvver the delirablc ends of employment, it is neceflary that our purfuits, whether of buiinefs or plea- fure, fhould be innocent. Nor is it an improper reftricHon (at leaft to the generality of my fex) to add that they fhould be unexpenfive, as well as rational. Some fpecies of employ- ment is effential to every flation ; but in amufement (after duty has determined the portion of time that it fliouid claim) tafte may be allowed in fome degree to make thd fele<Sl:ion j I fay in fome degree ; for our connexion with, and depend- ance upon, the other fex, will feldom allow us to he. fovereig?!^ even in the choice of our rattks. Two cautions may here be ufeful to the younger part of my fex. In the firft place, let them avoid acquiring a tafte for expenfive amufements ; their fortunes and expecSlations muft be the rule by which they are to determine what they are to call fo ; recollecting alfo, that ceconomy fhould be more rigidly exercifed in the department of bagatelles. Drawing and mufic, though moft pleafing accomplilhments and agi-eeable methods of employ- ing leifure, may be fo far purfned, as to prove a ferious con- fumption of time and fortune. Gardening, if fufFered to deviate into an artificial tafte for what is curious, and tender, is liable to the fame objedtion. Indeed, like many other overftrained propenfities, it ceafes to be what nature defign- ed it, one of our moft fimple, rational, healthful, and inno- cent enjoyments ; and afTumes the fhape of thofe faftidious vanities, which luxury has introduced to fupplant genuine delight. Tafte may be gratified and difplayed in the difoo- fition of a rofarie, as well as in an orangerie ; and " Neri- na's woodbine bower," or even a cottage garden, with its clipped hedge and almoft fpontaneous flowers, often comprize as many beauties, though not fo many cares and difappoint-

297

merits, as the ftately confervatory, or the ihaded partefre ftored with the " pride of Ganges."

I can fcarcely tear myfelf from a fubje£l which has afford- ed me fo many hours of amufement and days of heakh. It is fortunate that I have enough felf-command to avoid re- minding you, that gardening was the employment of Para- dife, or quoting all that our beft poets have faid on this en- chanting theme. I muft, however, ftop to fay, that that forrow muft indeed be of a defperate nature, which can re- fift the foft allurements of " vernal delight." Nature reviv* ing from the ileep of winter, flourifhing in plants, bloffom- ing in flowers, and produdtive in fruits, exhibits an afpe£l of cheerfulnefs which no well regulated mind can fail to enjoy, unlefs heavily laden with the burden of recent mifery.

We will chat hereafter about thofe ftudies which may agreeably and ufefully fill up the intervals of avocation ; but having fomewhat prematurely introduced the topic of amufe- ment as influencing temper, it would be confidered as an un- pardonable negligence to omit mentioning cards. I hear you obje6l, that I fhall arrange them improperly under that head j cards being now really a fcience and a labour, if not a duty. As an amufement, I am inclined to treat cards with lenity ; but then they muft be confined within the limits of recreation. They muft not confume much time ; they muft be enjoyed at a fmall expence ; and they muft exhilarate the mind, not opprefs and agitate the temper. Cards, when ac- companied by vivacity and good humour, often afford relief to the flagging converfation ; and efpecially in the decHne of life, they offer a happy interruption to that liftlefsnefs which is apt to overcloud the fpirits, a fure attendant on decaying faculties and fatigued attention. But in this point, as in moft others, refinement has banifhed comfort. The focial but fmall party, with all its friendlinefs, eafe, and hilarity, no longer poffeffes any attraction ; and if compaffion ftill plead in behalf of fome decrepit invalid, fo far as to induce the votaries of pleafure to employ a difengaged evening in diverting the pains of infirmity, the fevere penance is rank- ed among thofe works of fupererogation, the merits of which may be drawn upon to commute for former iins. Yet in this crowded rout, with all its brilliant lights, elegant re- frefliments, whifpering beaux, and fafliionable habiliments, the heart-felt gaiety which our anceftors enjoyed at five-card loo, or one-and-thirty, are utterly unknown Oo

298

The dreadful vice of gaming muft here be mentioned, at the moft certain corroilcr of the temper, as well as the dc- ftroyer of every beauty, delicacy, or grace, that is ufually af- cribed to women. Let us imagine the contracted heart of a mifer, joined to the countenance of a fury ; let us unite inordinate covetoufnefs, v/ith rage, envy, terror and defpair ; behold dependance and imbecility on the one hand, on the other impending ruin and infamy, from which the wretched viiflim has no reiource but death. And can it be wondered at, that fhe who has dared to fport v/ith the reputation and fortune of her family, Ihould ftake the interefts of that here- after, of which perhaps fhe has heard little, and meditated lefs, as madly as flie has riflced thofe temporal enjoyments to which her covetous and feliifli heart was attached with fuch deftruCtive idolatry ? A female gamefler, like a female deift, fms againft all thofe moral reftraints which general opinion, education, and cuftom had placed around her fex, as well as againft the natural feelings of her heart. Inftead of delicacy, timidity, and generoiity, flic becomes confident, bold, and mean ; avarice and chicane ufurp the place of lib- erality and ingenuoufnefs. Peace will never more enter in- to her bofom ; and if placidity dwell upon her lips, it will be but the meretricious fmile of diffimulation, " the painted fepulchre," that covers the moft humiliating veftige of de- graded mortality.

There needs little rhetoric to prove, thaj all criminal pur- fuits and violent paffions muft be deftructive of real good humour ; because fweetnefs of temper can only fubfift with a confcience fatisfied with its general condufl. It will be a , more difficult tallc to perfuade my young readers, that the very fenfibility which renders good humour fo attraftive, if indulged beyond its proper bound, infallibly deftroys its charming aflbciate. ' Yet, as this finely tempered human machine is fo conftituted, that a redundance of any vital fe- cretion begets difeafe ; fo in the moral world, vice treads fo clofe upon the heels of virtue, that you cannot open the door to one, without danger of admitting the other. Hence the utility of conftant watchfulnefs ; hence the neceffity of fre- quent application to Heaven for its dire£ling and reftraining grace j and in no point is divine afiiftance more necefTary, than in the warfare which is continually kept up between our feelings and our judgriunt. If wc renounce the former, wc become a difgufting lump of apathy ; if the latter, a whirl- pool of confulion.

299

There is no circumftance by which the keen fenfations of Tlrtuous feniibility are more agonizingly diftended, than by the mifcondu^l of near and dear connedlions, I think this is fuch a hard trial of temper, that mere human complacence murt fhrink from the conflidl. With God, however, all things are poffible. The only earthly means of rendering fuch an affli<ftion fupportable is, to behave to all around us with fuch a confcientious obfervance of duty, and to preferve fuch a purity of condu<5l, that we may truly fay, " neither " through negleft nor evil example have I expedited this ** mifery." When to this confolatory felf-refle(fiion we add our prayers to Heaven for the reformation of the finner, wifdom direfts that we Ihould as much as poffible withdraw our attention from the painful objedl ; and (if juftice and propriety afcertain the fultability of fuch.condu^l) endeavour te beftow our mifplaced affeclions on a more dcferving per- fon. This, I grant, cannot and ought not always to be done ; but when it is imprafticable, and the cord that binds us to the offender is drawn clofer in proportion as it cuts deeper ; ftill let us reflect:, that it is the memento of one never fail- ing friend, who, by fhewing us the painful nature of all worldly dependence, endeavours to attach us clofer to him- felf.

The like confolatory refleciions may be extended to the other trials of virtuous feeling ; I mean the lofs of health, of fortune, or of friends. When forrov/ appears as the im- mediate inflidlion of Providence, a well difpofed mind will find lefs difiiculty in fubmiflion ; and, however agonizing it may be to the feelings of felf-love, it certainly does not wear fuch an alarming afpe£l with refpedt to futurity ; as the Chriftian believer muft difcern, when fhe contemplates the condudl of fome dear but hardened finner, whom fhe can neither renounce nor reclaim. Examples, however, have not been wanting, of thofe who, while they were ever ready with moft lively compaflion to intereft themfelves in the forrows of others, have endured the pangs of *' their own diftrefs," with magnanimous fortitude* This triumph of benevolence and refignation, over native tendernefs and felf-love, is one of the mofl: exalted perfedtiono to which women can afpire. It may be ufeful to fuggeft to all who are called to this hard duty, that though complaint luearies friends, it does not di- miniJJj fuffering. When we offer a facrifice to God, let us endeavour to make it perfect. If he call upon us to furrcn-

500

der otir comforts^ let us lay our regrets alfo on his altar. Alas ! while I pen this admonition, how forcibly does my rebel heart remind me, that it is eafier to preach than to perform.

But fenfibility oftener fiiffers from trials of its own creat- ing, than from the correftions of Heaven. The praife which the imitators of Sterne beftowed on acute feeling, gave our fex a fantaflical irritability of mind, which was every thing but amiable and meritorious. Some few years ago, our fouls were harrowed up by pathetic narratives of the fufferings of harts, partridges, fifhes, horfes, and reptiles ; and man was abufed for tyranny, in- deftroying his fellow-animals, and for gluttony in devouring the joint tenants of this fublunary fphere. At laft, fome fapient difcoverer perceived that many of thefe much pitied beings actually fubfifted by deftroying fome other fpecies ; and then the benevolent feelings of many good children were exercifed in refcuing " captive mice," and " benetted flies," at the hazard of ftarving cats and fpiders. The German fchool, efpecially the illuminized Bifhop of Saxe Weimar,* refined upon this fyftem, till there was manifeft danger not only of our becoming a nation of Bramins, biit that eating luould be cried do%vn as an act of cru- elty 5 fince it is impoffible to cultivate the ground, or to pro- duce vegetables, without annihilating many harmlefs worms, deftroying colonies of induftrious ants, or crufliing a facred depofit of minute caterpillars, who would in time expand in- to beautiful butterflies. As I do not profefs myfelf one of thofe abitracled Fakirs who would willingly abdicate our fub- lunary empire to gnats and cockchaffers, I muft rejoice in the popularity of fuch a work as " Natural Theology ;" in which the ridiculous refinements of extreme fufceptibility are admirably correflcd, by thofe juft fentiments which an enlarged mind is fure to inculcate after it has contemplated the tuhole luorks of God.

Among the falfe glofies by which feniibility deceives and corrodes the heart in which it is fufl^'ered to have too great influence, I wifli to mention the exaggeration of trifles, or the giving of too much weight to things really important. Many an amiable heart is at this moment bleeding under the wounds which vmkindnefs, neglect, and cruelty, are fuppof- cd to have inflidled. The wounds are real, but the inflidt- crs of them arc imaginary, or rather it was miftake, inadver-

* Herder.

501

tence, or abfence of mind, which fhot a few random darts, as they were running after feme other objedt. Women can- not too deeply imprint upon their minds the connubial counfels of Defdemona ; " Men," Heaven knows, " are but men ;" I much doubt whether even women are really angels. The lords of the creation are apt to have their " tempers puddled," and they are n:iore inclined to require than to ^^Jheiv obfervance." Certainly they are often guiltlefs of the wrong which fufceptibility fo deeply laments ; and as oftea heartily defirous of reparing the undciigned injury, if they can do it without derogating from their own dignity. Yet let our fox beware of taxing the generous warmth of affec- tion, by impofing upon it the hard duty of unpleafant ac- knowledgement. Rather let us fet about the pradticable tafk of ftrengthening our own weaknefs. AiTuredly, the intend- ed reproof or avowed difpleafure of a parent or a hufband fhould never be difregarded ; even their tindefer-vedT^tlvX-AncQ fhould be watched, foothed, and diverted ; and as afluredly we fhould beware of exercifing our imaginations at the ex- pence of our repofe, in fearching for Jlights^ taunts^ and neg" leBsy which exift only in our own perturbed fpirits.

As extreme fenfibility, whether it a6t in the Ihape of over- trained benevolence or keen fufceptibility, is deftruclive of equanimity of mind j fo meeknefs and fortitude are the faithful guardians of fweetnefs and tranquility. No virtues are more requilite to our fex, and it behoves every mother to imprefs them upon the minds of her daughters. A pa{^ fionate woman is but like a wafp in a glafs phial ; her fren- zy and her impotence can only excite difguft and ridicule. The phyfical ftrength of man, as well as his political fitua- tion, gives dignity to his refentment ; but we can only ftamp and rave ; our little powers will be foon exhaufted, and we muft link into an abjedl depreffion, proportioned to our vain attempt to fwell into undue confequence. Aware of the impoffibility of vanquifliing by violence, many women have attempted to raife their empire out of their imbecility; and thus originated a numerous groupe of exquiftte creatures, who founded their confequence on their being really good for mthingy either as friends, companions, helpmates, or hand- maids. They feemed indeed of lefs intrinflc value than the painted blocks on which the prieftelTes of fafliion difplay their facrificial garlands ; lince, though, like the race I am fpeaking of, thefe dolls could neither ivalk nor work^ they

302

really could Jiandy and were not mifchtevous. I rejoice that the revolutions of falhion have decreed ufelefsnefs to be outre, or at leaft a flimfy appendage to that fecond-rate gen- tility which is no gentility at all. Strength of mind, and bodily agility, are now confidered as elegant rtquifltes to the female c)iara£ler j and a woman of high ton at leaft pretends to be equal to the labours of Hercules, or the mental exertions of Locke. As I am a ftaunch advocate for all the rights of my fex, I wifli our claims to aftivity and fortitude really might be permitted to ftand upon a more permanent bafis than lohim. I wifh that, inftead of " daring to do every thing becaufe we dare," it were made an eftabliflied law to dare to do all we ought. I feel hurt at any attentions from men, which indicate affe^ed weaknefs in us. If a man help to carve our food, or fetch us a chair, with an air that feems to fay, " thefe poor creatures cannot afEft themfelves," the attention is mortifying ; but if he do this with a view of obliging his 'coheirefs of immortality, we ought to repay the modern Amadis with our beft curtefy. But it is abfurd to talk of manners that are only preferved among a few anti- quated itudents of Sir Charles Grandifon ; and I perceive that I am bewildered in the labyrinth of digreffion. To re- turn to thofe mincing " minaudieres," who found their im- portance on being able to "jig, Hfp, amble, and nick-name God's creatures," I exclude theie fomething nothings from all pretenfion to gentlenefs ; for though they claim that dif- tinilion, becaufe they are always in tempei', we muft never confound the qualities of the bee and the buiterjly. Gentle- nefs and fweetnefs are the offspring of inward peace of mind ; and can thofe pofTefs them, who are only excufed from the torment of reproach by being utterly void of reflexion ?

I will mention but one more circumftance, which is inju- rious alike to temper and charadfer ; I mean the permitting ■nwj fmgle circumffance or delire to imprefs the fancy. Dif- fipation has many temptations ; but it is a great folly to fup- pofe, that retirement is free from them, or that by lincerely pcrfevering in a courfe of duty we are fafe from the attacks of our ghoftly enemy. It was well imagined by an old writer,"* that one fleeping devil was fufficient to fecure the allegiance of a riotous difqrderly town, while a legion of ac^

• Sir P. Herbert, m his Conceptions to hit Son. It is a part of the ftory on which ParncI founded his Hermit.

305

tivi mlfchievous inferiials were necefTary to vanqulfli a con- vent full of pious monks. We have fcripture authority for believing, that when we are beft employed Satan is moil: ac- tive. A garden ajnd a wildernefs were the fcenes of the moft memorable temptations that ever were recorded. To apply this truth to our prefent fubjedl : as folitude engend- ers ftrong paffions, fo a lively deiire of doing right is apt to infufe a wilh for acquiring fome peculiar excellence. Let ub beware of nourifhing a hope of being diftinguifhed by any particular virtue or grace, however excellent or eftimable. By giving up our time to the purfuit of any one accomplifh- ment or ftudy, there is reafon to fuppofe that we may' be an amateur in fomething, and a fool in every thing elfe ; but in morals there is great danger of overfhooting the mark, and miffing what we rifqued all to obtain. She who aims at praife for her piety will run great hazard of being only a devotee. She who wiflies to be thought remarkable for ceconomy and houfewifery, will moft likely be a vixen and a drudge. Thofe who are ambitious to be thought very good humoured and pleafant, are apt to prove criminally compliant, or offenfively loquacious. As one idea taking pofleffion of the imagination is the general forerunner of in- fanity, or morbid gloom ; fo fixing our defires on one fpe- cies of excellence is the fure ftimulant of error ,- poffibly al- fo the precurfor of depravity.

Providence has provided for all our moral difcafes. The love of praife is deeply imprinted on the human mind ; and I believe the fofter texture of our fouls makes us peculiarly fufceptible of its influence. This fufceptibility, which, un- der the guidance of merely human motives, betrays us to all the littlenefTes of vanity, idle fear, and falfe Ihame, is yet capable of a moft exalted direftion. Only let us fubftitute the praife of God for the praife of men, and look to our own confciences for a fatisfaftion which public acclamations cannot beftow ; and, unlefs our judgments arc warped by falfe principles, we are fafe. If with " finglenefs of heart we do our duty as to the Lord, and not unto men ;" not abfolutely itidi^erent to the opinions of our fellow-creatures, but far from propoling their applaufe as the reward, or their judgment as the criterion of our adlions j wc may reft affiir- ed, that our backflidings will not be numerous or irretrieva- ble. No o?je virtue will mount us heavenward, if it be coun- terpoifed by the Aveight of oppojuc offences.

304

Though I have been very diffufe on the fubjeft of femalft graces, I muft not omit to mention their crowning gem ; I mean, piety. But as, like the fun in the lirmamcnt, it dlf- fufes its fplendor over the whole moral world, and pervades every good ac^tion, every well feafoned expreffion, every chaftencd thought, I need not feparately enlarge on this point. On the principles on which it fliould be founded, we have already largely defcanted ; the duty and advanta- ges of devout exercifes, and habitual recollections of the Al- mighty, will give rife to a few brief obfervations, with which I jQiall conclude this epiflle.

Since no fituation in life is exempted from the inflicllon of death or calamity, our abfolute dependance upon the Rul- er of the Univerfe ihould excite in every mind, not an oc- cafional and ftated, but a conftant and uniform remembrance of Him " in whom we live, move, and have our being." The ftill more important views which revelation difclofes, the certainty of future judgment, and the knowledge that neither rank, wealth, talents, nor beauty, can avail us at the awful audit, added to the lively confcioufnefs of our weak- nefs and infirmity, of which Scripture has told us the origin, and we feel the eff^eHs in ourfelves, ftrengthen this obligation. To weak, helplefs, and frail womanhood, it becomes the on- ly ftaff of fure dependance, whei'eon we can fafely lean dur- ing our earthly pilgrimage.

So congenial are the fentiments of piety to our fex, that even a life of diffipation can hardly eradicate them. Sterne tells us, that French women regularly pafs through the ftat- ed gradations of Beauties, Belles, Efprits, and Devotees. I truft the intermediate clafs, who diftinguifh themfelves by ridiculing that religion at which they foon after tremble, is not fiumerous in England. Yet I fear too many of us may be juftly reckoned under the oppolite banners of indiff'ereiits and enthiijuijls^ v/ho muft be equally ftrangers to the com- forts of true devotion, and to the principles of found piety. But we have in the preceding pages lamented this criminal negligence of the " pearl of price," and this infufion of the " bitter leaven" of moror<:ncfs into the bread of life.

I think, however, that in thofe animadveruons I did not fufRciently explain an error whicli fanaticifm has introduced into devotion. The dotStrine that Chrifthai done all for us, is apt to engender in a weak and impalllonsd mind a fort Oa amatory attachment, fo very different from the lowl}', aw-

305

ful, and reftrained affection, which the character of our Cre- ator, our Redeemer, and our SancSlifier, ought to infpire, that addreffes compofed for the purpofe of expreffing this affe£lion are not only apt to be irreverent, but to favour of blafphemy. The terms celeftial Bridegroom, or Spoufe of the Soul, become dangerous when lowered to individual ap- plication. But fuch expreffions as, " Thou abfent love, thou dear unknown, thou faireft of ten thoufand fairs," are fitter for a fong than a hymn, and are more fuited to exprefs carnal paffion than a deiire for fpiritual communion. It would be eafy to quote epithets and defcriptions from fome admired Calviniftical compoiitions, which far outgo the ut- moft warranty of Scripture, even if we pervert the prophet- ical allegories of Eaftern poetry, by degrading them from the general communion of Chrift with all his faithful fol- lowers, to the particular feelings of one impaffioned foul.

The ftandard which our bleffed Lord prefcribed as the pattern for devotion,* is fo diredlly oppofite to thefe amato- ry addreffes, that we may with confidence alTert that they cannot be pleafing to a pure and fpiritual God. From the examples which holy writ records of the prayers of devout men in paft ages, we may learn, that good fenfe, perfpicui- ty, diffidence, humility, and fpirituality of fentiment, have conftantly charadlerized the favoured petitions of man to Heaven. Our liturgy is framed in this fpirit ; let the fame predominate in the compoiitions which you feledl for your clofet exercifes. It is not necelTary, in order to your prayers being heard, that you fhould work up your feelings tofei-vid ebullition. Intenfenefs of thought, and fmcerity of purpofe, are the human means of making thofe requefts heard at the throne of grace, which are offered with faith in the great IntercefTor.

Rational piety is our befl defence againfh the temptations of the world. You well know, that piety fhould not be confined to the church or the clofet. When genuine, fhe is our conjlant companion ; fpiritualizing every event, influ- encing all our a6lions, feafoning our ordinary converfation, and lifting our fouls in frequent ejaculations above this tran- fitory world, to hold communion with that which is eter-

* Some fanatics in low life have afSrmcd, that the Lord's Prayer it not worth uling, and that they ars abo-jt the Commandments.

306

nal. It is piety which muft fan«^fy chaftity, or we fhall only be difcreet from fear, " not pure in heart." She muft direft the alms of benevolence, or liberality will ftop (hort of the bleflednefs of charity. Candour is only caution without her ; and fweetnefs of temper, a mere animal propenfity. May this facred plant continue to increafe and flourifh in your foul, till it ripens into the fruit of immortality, prays your truly affcdionate friend, &c.

307

LETTER X.

On Female Employments and Studies.

MY DEAR MISS M-

W E have confidered employment as neceflary to preferve our minds in that happy flate of equilibrium which is eflcn- tial to good humour -, but we might have taken a more en- larged and formidable view of idlenefs, and defcribed her efFe(ft upon the extremes of fociety, where fhe appears as the clofe ally of diffipation and profligacy. For, as perfect in- a£livity is repugnant to our natures, vice and mifchief alike fpring from the fource of indolence ; and when we are not occupied in doing what is right, our frail natures continual- ly urges us to do what is wrong.

With refpe6l to employment, women are more happily circumftanced than the other fex j the important and fa- tiguing avocations of men neceiTarily impofe feafons of in- a£livity ; and, unlefs among thofe of a literary turn, there: are many hours in a day which a man fcarcely knows how to occupy. That ufeful implement the needle, which is no interruption to converfation, which does not abfolutely chain down attention, and fatigues neither the body nor the mind, is otir conftant prefervative from laffitude ; at the fame time that in the majority of families it is an invaluable ally to oeconomy, neatnefs, and elegance. I do acknowledge, that fomctimes, when it gets into the hands of a pretty trifler, its produdlions deferve no better name than laborious idle- nels ; but the thorough houfewife would not exchange it for the ceftus of Venus ; and^he knows how to make it as powerful a talifman, to preferve conjugal efteem and domef- tic order.

I think the goddelTes all excelled in the arts of female in- duftry, except the hoyden Diana j and you know fhe always continued z fpinjler. The heroines of old time fhone at the loom and the diftaff, and were fo paffionately attached to thefe occupations, that it is even recorded xhtyji^hed at be^*

308

ing called from them to look at martial beaux. The hiftory of the fair Naullcaa proves, that the operation of wafhing clothes was not only venerable and falutary, but really digni- jied. The Goddefs of Wifdom defcends from Olympus to order a Princefs to fuperintend the fuds ; and gives as the oftenfible reafon, that fuch a houfewifely occupation would expedite the time of her nuptials. I recommend this book of the Odyfley to our treble refined fecond-rate elegantes, who confider laundrefs as a more reproachful name than courte- zan J reminding them at the fame time, that the " Father of verfe" and firft of mortal bards has immortalized that em- ployment which they call fervile and degrading ; a convinc- ing proof, that only falfe tafte will confider that to be con- temptible which is ufeful. The moll: diftinguifhed women of our own country have handed down their names to pof- terity, by excelling in works of tafte and ingenuity. But we need not fearch old annals to defcribe the tapeftry and embroidery of our Matildas and Marys ; induftry and tafte ftill claim an intimate alliance with royalty ; and where they cannot excite emulation, at leaft roufe commendable, though, humble imitation.*

I feel great pleafure in the expectation, that doing nothing will fpeedily be as vulgar and gothic as being nothing ; and that thofe to whom ufeful employment is a pofitive duty, will be obliged to have recourfe to it in order to be thouglit genteel. In one particular, I think the legiflature might in- terfere with advantage to female induftry. I am not going to propofe fo bold a meafure, as that fummer bathing places fhould be made inacccjfible to all but real invalids ; or that no lady fhould fpend her mornings in fnopping, but thofe who really want to make purchafes. The regulation that I wiflx to propofe relates to my own Hfterhood. Suppofc no wo- man fhould be permitted to publifh an eftay on induftry, till flie can produce a written certificate that her own wardrobe is kept in perfecfl ordc:r ; or to drefs out fictitious chara<fter, unlefs fhe can prove (like the good wife in the Proverbs) that fhe has elothed her houfehold with the labour of her hands. Some advantages would certainly relult from fuch an ordinance ; the readers of fmall wares might hope to keep pace with the luriters ; and tlxe price of paper would be di-

* Sec tJie behaviour of Helen, jn the third Iliad, v/hcn fumnioned by \i\% to the Trojan walls.

309

minifhed by the prefs being only .occupied with fuch works as are not tiie labours of idlenefs.

But, except in the inferior claiTes of fociety, female induf^ try is not compelled to conftant diligence in mechanical em- ployment. We are deiigned to be the companions as well as the help-mates of man ; and it is as much our duty to render ourfelves converfable and agreeable, by enlightening our minds, as it is to fuperintend our houfeholds, and to en- deavour by our perfonal exertions to conduct every thing with frugality and propriety. As the age feems difpofed to pay at leafz fiifficient regard to what are called accomplifh- ments, fome detached obfervations on female fludies Ihall form the fubject of this letter.

When a competent ftock of religious knowledge has been acquired in early life, we may fafely turn our minds from the word to the works of God ; but I muft efpecially pref* it upon mothers, that fuch theological information as may infure {lability of principle, fliould precede all but an ele- mentary acquaintance with the fciences.* Much injury, I am perfuaded, has been done by purfuing the contrary or- der of infcru^tion ; for knowledge is extremely apt to puff up the mind of young ftudents, who are foon fatisfied with their own acquirements. Many have been thus taught to reft in fecond caufes, and many have been confufed by fuch an erroneous application of abftrn6l terms, as afcribes almoft divine powers to the paffive inftruments of the Almighty. When we have learned to diftinguilh between the Creator and the created ; when we have obtained fjinclent know- ledge of the limits of human underftanding, to beware of pulhing our enquiries into thofe regions of obfcurity, where reigns the "God who hideth himfclf-," when our faith is too firmly built to be ihaken by thofe difficulties and objec- tions whi,ch lurk at the threfhold of fcience, and prove dan- gerous ftumbling blocks to precipitation and felf-conceit, then, and not till then, we may attempt to become philofo- phers ; for the fruit of the tree of knowledge muft not be gathered in preference to the fruit of the tree of life.

Great caution Ihould be ufed in the feleiSlion of authors from which we receive fcientific inftru6tion. French writ- ers have generally a pleafant method of conveying informa- tion j but many of their works (as alfo feveral popular Ger- man produftions of this kind) are fo tin£tured with deifm,

* Sec Letter 5th, where this fubjc<5l is more largely treated

310

as to be tmfafs preceptors ; efpecially to inexperience, which is ever more apt to be charmed by wit and elegance, than attentive to argumentative dedudlions. My knowledge of the Iciences is by much too limited to permit me to ftate what books would be moll: proper for tyros. I would only advifc the young ftudent to make fondnefs of principle an effential requilite in inquiries of this fort \ and never to ven- ture on the pcrufal of a deillical author (however celebrated,) unkfs Ihe be guided in her ftudies by fome judicious friend, who will point out the objedlionable palTiiges, and deteft the fallacies which thev are intended to fupport.

I have already obfer'^ed, that profound or abftrufe learn- ing dots not fccm To well fuited to our fcx as ethics and the belles lettres ; becaufe the length of time and abftra«^ion of mind that the former require, are generally incompatible with our duties in life, which, though comparatively lefs im- portant than thole of men, are hourly recurring. Many women, however are exempted by fituation from thefe obli- gations ', and when lelfure and inclination are united to abil- ity, there can be no reafonable objection to our employing our talents in luch refcarches as muft, when properly dire£l- ed, promote the glory of God and the good of our fellow- o'eatures. Natural hiftory,* experimental philofophy, bota- ny, and aflronomy, open a delightful field of inftrudtive en- tertainment to every young v/oman ; and if purfued with propriety and difcretion, cannot fail to furnifh them with many agreeable ideas to folace the winter of life, when our infirmities in a great meaiure feclude us from fociety, and the falling away of our dear connexions compels us to de- pend on felf-amufemenc A temperate purfuit of thefe fci- cnces will alfo be of great fervice in quickening our obferva- tion, or rather in diverting it from frivolous objecls, and in forming habits of clofe attention and argumentative deduc- tion ; qualities in which women are fuppofed to be defeftive. But I muft alfo add, that intenfe ftudy is apt to engender querulous irritability, and all that train of evils which attend on nervous aiTeclions ; and if the more vigorous flrength, more capacious intelledl, and more folid judgment of man cannot rclift thefe effects ; what may we not expe(fl will be

* The delicate r.nd compairionate female ntzA not be cautioned againft difgufling (jr cruel experiments. She will not be required to perform f'.irgical operations, which c\\\\ alone warant thofr cxpouirtg of the liuman form divine, or thole wanton tortures of anim4l^, vrhich can be cxcuftd pi) iio other groui-'d.

311

the refult, when the infirmities of nature arc added to the infirmities of recondite abftraftion ? Men of profound fci- ence generally acquire fome unpleafant habits ; and the ridi- cule attached to their foibles is not entirely obviated by the confideration of the utility of their labours, or the necejjity for their profecuting them with avidity. As cuftom has not taught us to expedl fuch advantages from the philofophical refearches of women, we feem to have a lefs juft defence from raillery when we overflrain them. The learned lady, in Roderic Random, is a more amufing caricature than Madam D'Arblay's Dr. Orkbone ; and the reafon is that fhe appears more out of her fphere and latitude, and like the bear in a boat, encountering an element on which fhe had no bufinefs to embark. When a woman y^'j- up for the diJlitiElion of fci- entific, fhe at leaft fliews that fhe has vanquifhed thofe wife fenfibilities of her fex, which made her peculiarly fufceptible of the {hafts of fatire.

Will you pardon me fliould my peculiar tafte give a bias to my judgment when I determine that hifliory, and thofc fpecies of compofition which have been diftinguiflied by the name of Britiflx claflics, confi:itute the fpecies of ftudy that is mofl: fuitable to the capacity, fituation, and difpofition of women .'* Precluded from taking an adhxal view of human nature as it is exhibited in the different walks of life, it is yet highly neceffary that we fhould know the beings with whom we are deftined to fojourn. Hiftory and thofe agree- ably inftru£live effayifts who form an almoft unique clafs in our national literature, mutually illuftratc the refpeftive pa- ges which teach us what man is in private life, and how he has adled as an aggregate body. In the hiftorical record, it is delightful to obferve how the individual nature of man has been modified by external circumftances, and how the fame train of political caufes uniformly produces fimilar events, varied in circumfliances, but correfponding in refult. From tracing the progrefs of fociety through the gradations of barbarifm, improvement, civilization, refinement, luxury, degradation, corruption, and decay ; we turn with delight to thofe powerful moralifts who develope the minute fprings of action, and endeavour to reftrain thofe bofom traitors who fap the foundation of private virtue, and prove more defi:ruc- tive to ftates and empires than legions of enemies ; and we riie from the perufal with a virtuous determination not to ac- celerate the ruin of oyr country, either by iacrcafing the fa-

312

tal preponderance of natioAal guilt, or the burden of collec- tive imbecility.

<' Among thofe finidry advantages," fays the learned and intelligent Howel, " which accrue to a reader of hiftory, one « is, that no modern accident can feem Itrange to him. He ** will leave off wondering at any thing, in regard he may re- <' member to have heard the fame, or much the fr.me event, *' which hath happened in former times -, therefore he doth *' not ftand ftaring like a child at an unufual fpedtacle, like <' that fimple American who, the firft time he faw a Span- *' iard on horfeback, thought the man and the beaft to be " but one creature. Now indeed, not to be an hiftoriaR, " that is, not to know what foreign nations and our forefa- *' thers did, is ftill to be a child who gazeth at every thing ; *' whence may be inferred that there is no knowledge which <' ripeneth judgment, and puts one out of his nonage, fooncr *« than hiftory." The peculiar applicability of thcfe obfer- vations to the alarming and eventful times in which we live, is too obvious to need difcuffion.

If, as is generally allowed, judgment be the point where- in women are moft defective, the advantage of hiftorical reading, to our fex, is at once decided. But as information and utility fhould always precede amufement, I muil rcquelt the young ftudent to fit down to the venerable folio, or thick odlavo, rather with a determination to be entertained by injlructiony than to apply to itijiniciiou for the mere purpofe of entertainment ; fhe Ihould therefore be taught to prefer di- gefted details of fa^Sls, to bundles of anecdotes. The rage for multitudinous acquifitions, which has unhappily fuperfe- ded a delire oi foUd attainments, has given popularity to writ- ers of memoirs and detailers of bon mots, to the great difad- vantage of grave narrators. Events drelTed up in the ftyle of romance partake too much of ficSlion to be inftru<5live j and the hillorian Ihould be too much devoted to the fervice •of truth, to ftep out of his road for any embelliftiment for- eign to his great defign. Court gallantries are as uninftruc- tive as the memoirs of courtezans, and probably as exagger- ated, if not as fpurious. Readers who confine their know- ledge of paft times to thefe faint Iketches, may become good gofjlps, but can never be hjhrians.

Biography is a branch of hiftory, and in ikilful and ingen- uous hands becomes a fource of elegant and inlh-u<rtive en- tertainment. I lament that public curiofity ihould Lave ftimulatcd this very agreeable fix'cies of literature into the

313

confines of tittle tattle ; or that private affeiStlon ftiould have adorned it with the too vivid colours of eulogy. No fooner does a diftinguifhed writer take his flight to the world of fpirits, but approbation fwells into admiration ; every defeat in his moral or literary reputation is for the moment oblite- rated, and not only do his precious notes feem fweeter, but every ear is turned to catch the unknown ftrains of the de- parted Swan, and to learn every particular of a character on which death has fet its feal. Friendfliip readily prepares, not' merely his requiem, but his apotheofis. Vices are either palTed in filence, or fo drefled and painted, that an illicit attachment, or a notorious error, has a chance of becoming the feraphic flame of Platonic love, or the ingenuous devo- tion of a flrong mind to truth. We might allow Ibme pal- liation of infirmity, or fome exaggeration of excellence, to the wounded feelings of bereaved afitftion, agonized by a recent lofs; but fuch impofitions on public principle are often too audacious to pafs unchaflifed. Even the genius and ftern virtue of a Milton, fhould not be permitted to fanc- tion his defence of what the exprefs words of our Saviour pofitively forbids •,* nor fhould the romantic, but unquef- tionably pure affeftion of the devout bard of Vauclufe, be produced as an allowable parallel for the equivocal Laura of a deillical voluptuary.

Can the caufe of morals or of juft tafre be benefited by that very minute refearch into the aflies of the dead, which, now conftitutes the ton of reading ? Human nature is never free from en-ors or weaknefles ; and a benefadtor of the pub- lic (which every good writer certainly is) deferves better tlian to have all his lelTer peccadillos exhibited to the triumphant gaze of literary eaves-droppers. No one who enters on the thorny maze of lettered life can hope to efcape enemies ; hov/ precious to fuch is every petty detail, which, in reality, only proves that the author was a frail as well as a mortal being ! Even the utility of their labours is diminifhed, by thus raking into the private chara6lers of thofe who have deferved renown as public infl:ru(9:ors. Steele was elegant as a writer, and perfuafive as as moralift. True ; but Steele a<fl:ed by other laws than thofe which he Enforced ; for he was a debauchee and a fpendthrift. Will thofe who know this be equally convinced by his arguments, or refl:rained by

* On the fubjedl of divorce, fee Matt, jth chap. 3 ad verfe.

:314

his fatirc ? Johnlbn was a flovcn, a dogmatifl:, and a vora- cious eater, uncouth in his perfon, and difpleafing in his manners. Had we only known him from liis Hterary re- mains, we fhould have pronounced him a gentleman, a fage, and a fnnt.

And {hall we then make enquiries after thofe whofe voice was once heard in all lands, after they are laid cold and filent in the dark houfe of their forefathers ? Shall no me- morial be placed upon their graves, but what their own ge- nius raifed during their lives ? None, perhaps, can be equal- ly appropriate -, but if we allow friendlliip or literary attach- ment to bring an offering, let the garland be chafte and dig- nified. Let not an irreverent hand heedlefsly tear away that facred veil, which fliould cover the failings as well as the ruins of mortality. But if their errors were fo inter- woven with their hiftory that they muft be mentioned, or if the good of the living ftimulates you to difregard the priva- cy of the grave, beivarcy as you value your own immortal foul, or would avoid being refponfible for the fedudlion of thoufands whom your falfe glolTes may vitiate, beware of giving to what is wrong the difguife of tncrit. Call not im- piety by the name of fingularity ; afcribe not the praife of liberality to licentioufnefs. Let not a traducer of the word of God be recorded as its zealous illuftrator j and never call an apoftle of fedition a peaceable and valuable fubjedh If you narrate the actions of a Toui Paine or a Jonathan Wild, do not copy their mental portraits from a Walfingham or a Crichton. The life of a bad man may be rendered as in- ilructive as the adventures of a hero ; but not hy confounding their irreconcilabk charadleriftics.

When a biographer avoids thefe errors, and remains alike faithful to truth and to delicacy, his labours may be claffed among the moft inftruflive ftudies, provided he be fuffi- ciently guarded againft the prevailing error of dilation. Of late years, books feem to be infected with the difeafe of the enchanted helmet of Otranto ; and have taken to fuch an enormous heaving and fwelling, that many fage prognofiica- tors foretel that they will certainly overwhelm the caftle of literature. Confcious that my own labours have fomewhat contributed to this ftupendous mafs, I will confine my cen- fures to a fpecies of publication in which at prefent I have clean hands. The private letters of deceafed public charac- ters, promife to fui-nilh fuch an inexhauftible fupply of ma- terials to the gormandizing appetite of readers, that it may

315

indeed be doubted (if we mzj) without irreverence, apply the words of infpiration to another fubje£t) " whether the world will contain the books that luill be written." Nothing can be better calculated to gratify thofe who devour rather than (iige/f reading, than fragments happily refcued from the lumber garrets, and efcaped the brooms of houfemaids and the fury of cooks ; for the majority of thefe compofitions will never prove the Icaft burden to the memory, and muft at every perufal poflefs all the charms of novelty, fave that of being wet from the prefs. When the confidential communi- cations of really eminent people are thus forced into notice, we may call it the moft barbarous method of aflaffinating literature that has ever been invented ; for it is compeUing the dead to murder their own reputation, and enjoining the living to reftrain all thofe ebullitions of the heart which give value to friendly correfpondence. It is ftrange, that con- fcience does not operate as a check upon this book making propenfity. The fuggeftions of a literary friend are too facred to be cxpofed to vanity ; nor fhould a page of a de- ceafed author be committed to public view, which we are convinced the writer intended to confign to oblivion. Sure- ly, to do fo is as indecorous as to tear the decaying body from the concealing grave, and to exhibit its humiliating corruption. Let thofe whofe eager curiofity is gratified by thefe perufals, put themfelves in the place of the writer, and then decide on the rectitude and delicacy of thefe ex- pofures.

The hiftory of the globe that we inhabit, unqueftionably holds the next place to the ftudy of the nature, duties, and aftions of mankind. Voyages and travels, illuftrated by a competent acquaintance with geography and natural hiftory, form a moft inftructive branch of literature, extremely well calculated to improve and inform the underftanding of our fex j for here, as I before obferved of hiftory, we muft ge- nerally be contented to know things by report, inftead of actual obfervation. It is much to be lamented, that this fpe- cies of knowledge, like natural philofophy, has been ufed as a medium for conveying the poifon of deifm ; and that na- ture, in this inftance alfo, fhould be fo mifreprefented as to make her ^fa;& a language /:'o/?//f to revelation, Thofe pefts of fociety, the illuminized philofophifts of anarchy, have ftill further foiled the pure page of fcience, by the introduction of defcriptions at which chaftity would revolt, and have ihewn themfelves fuch hardy advocates of depravity, as ta

facrlfice unity of defign to the defire of contaminating oth- ers. There are, however, many works of this kind exempt from thefe ftrong objections 9 and a young woman in eafy circumftances cannot, without grofs ignorance, negledl a branch of information which brings her acquainted with the world of which fhe is an inhabitant.

The adventures of travellers and failors are often {o ex- traordinary, and the viciffitudes and dangers to which they :ire expofed are fo interefting, that I cannot help recom- mending this defcription of reading, to roufe the attention and correct the errors of thofe pitiable people, who are the vitftims of imaginary diflreffes. Spleen, ennui, chagrin, laf- fitude, and all the various train of miferies which extreme indulgence, diffipation, or romantic expeclation, are apt to engender, muft furely feel their own infignificance, and the abfurdity of their petty woes, when they accompany a By- ron around the barren fliores of Terra del Fuego, in fcarch of the fpontaneous produtflions of penurious nature ; or fail with an Inglefield in an open boat, dellitute of food, acrofs the wide expanfe of the Atlantic ocean. Is it really fuch a mifery to be left out of a pleafant party, to have a dinner fpoiled, or a gown ill made ? Look at Alexander Selkirk on his folitary ifland, divided, as the experience of many an an- nual fun had told him, from human fociety, and expofed to the horrid profpedl of perifliing for want, when decrepitude fhould prevent him from employing his bodily agility in procuring his daily food. Contemplate tlie hercical aflbci- ates of Cook at their loathed repall ; yet undauntedly perfe- vering in the magnanimous defign of afcertaining, whether the cheerlefs domains of the Antarctic Pole could add to the renown or firength of their country. Behold the brave Ledyard, or the patient Park, naked, lick, and deftitute in the wilds of Samojedia, or the morafTes of Bambara. Re- member that they had bodies and minds framed of the fame m:iterials with your own ; blufh at difguifmg your faftidious felfilhnefs unddr the name of fenlibility, and lift up your eyes to heaven in pious gratitude at your happi^T lot.

Trom fact and moral iiluftration, let us now turn to the regions of fiftion j where, with your permiffion, I will en- deavour to draw a brief contraft between ancient and modern romance, as far as it may be fuppofed to be connected with national charafler. That fair alfjmblage of lovelinefs, peace, iimplicity, and purity, which youthful poets ufed to paint, and Surreys and Sydneys purfucd, has now deferted the

517

ideas of the bard and romancer. I fcarccly dare confefs the partiaUty which I feel for the exiled mufes, or lament that, unlefs they are devoted to fome local or farcaftical riibje<51:, they can fcarcely be endured by the fair languid ftudent, ev- en during the moment when " her gentle foubrette tafte- fuUy arranges her braided trefles," or folds in feeming neg- ligence the undulating flow of her drapery. Modern dif- coveries have clearly afcertained, that it was a geographical abfurdity to fuppofe that Arcadia ever formed a part of Old England ; and the removal of this region of dilinterefted love and pure fentiment has been followed by the banifli- raent of all its inhabitants. Nymphs and fwains, dancing fauns, and piping fatyrs, all have vaniflaed, together with thofe invaluable tokens of inviolable attachment, " true lov- ers knots," and *' crooks beftudded" around. We are be- come fo much more enlightened than our immediate prede- cefTors, that I queflion whether Maid Marian would now condefcend to accept a garland of vale flowers from Colin Clout, without informing him that Mifs Betty Blackberry laughed at all flov/ers which were not made by the mil- liner.

The fair hnaginer of the prefent day is formed upon tlic model of fome lovely heroine, whofe name runs through Ave fyllables of vowels and liquids, and whofe character and endowments are a compendium of the wonderful. She is either born in very high life, or by fome happy arrangement gets among Dukes, Earls, and Lords, or, it may be, a Prince or two, by way of variety ; where flie vanquilhes a fufficient number of hearts, and lofes her own to fome very rich and exemplary man, with whom it is neceflary flie Ihould have a vafi: many m.ifunderftandings ; fometimes ariiing from mif- takes, and fometimes from the villany of rivals or relations. Either the gentleman or the lady muft be fure to lofe a for- tune ; but then they muft ah'b (do what is fo very common in real life) And a much greater tinexpt'cled'y. They muft alfo be very near dying ; but this irmft be about the end of the fixth volume, by way of fmoothing all diflicuities to tlie marriage ceremony, which takes place in the feventh, and difmiffes the unparallelled pair to certain felicity ; the event- fid part of their lives being now over^ they are only to frifk like lambs or coo like doves.

It may indeed happen, that the coftume of the romance may change, and the heroine be conduced through the en- chanted labyrinth of gothic fcenery and adventure, inftead

318

of fummer bathing places and winter galas. Here it will be neccfTary to produce lefs embarrafsment and more mifery. If there be lefs edifying converfation, the reader will be oftener chilled by horror and petrified with aftonifhment. She will here recognize many old acquaintance ; the mod- ern valet and pert chambermaid will be antiquated in noth- ing but drefs and name. Parents and rivals will retain their inveterate obliquity ; and the grand requifites, an unexcep- tionable lover and a fplendid fortune, will never be omitted. Few ftudies would be more improving than the perufal of a familiar fictitious narrative really written in days of yore. To know how the belles of antiquity thought, talked, and acted,"* would afford an exquifite treat to (I hope not irrev- erent) curiolityj but we can derive but little gratification from feeing the luxurious, fentimental, philofophizing fe- male of the eighteenth century, placed in the bower win- dow, where, three hundred years ago, the Lady of the Caf- tle " fat in penfive mood, and look'd o'er hill and dale." Is it not like a Bond-ftreet drefs maker attired in the ftolc of the emprefs JuHa t

The higher walk of a gothic narrative has been fuccefs- fully occupied by a lady of real genius and informed judg- ment. She feems to have varied the eventful fcene as far as our knowledge of other times will admit ; but her power has been chiefly fliewn in contriving myfteries fo dreadful and inexplicable, that even her own fertile imagination can do no more than break the fpell at once, as it is impoffiblc to make the denouement fully gratify the foul harrowing fufpence by which it was preceded. I have fufpedted, that this writer, with all her appropriate knowledge of her fub- jects, felt the difficulty of fupporting the propriety of man- ners of which fo few traits have been preferved \ and there- fore comprefled the narrative part of her works, by beftow- ing more fpace on her defcriptions of nature, which are al- ways fublime and beautiful j though the reader feels them fometimes painfully ful'pend the progrefs of the ftory. This local painting is, however, defcriptive of the manners of the times that flie treats of, as v;ell as of the unaltered face of rural beauty. In times of feudal grandeur, the folitary Bar- onefs muft (while her Lord v.-as engaged in the fports of

* The Memoirs of Agrippina might here be commended as a fufR- ciently faithful tranfcript of ancient manners, but they afpirc to ftill high-e %x applaufe.

319

the chace, or the tolls of war) have often amufed her pen* five hours by feeing the fetting fun light up the autumnal foliage of the foreft into a thoufand glowing tints, or in tracing " the pale reflex of Cynthia's brow" on the fuUen waters of the lake. But to return from this digreflive com- mendation.

What cScSi fhall we enquire, has the general turn of fic- titious adventure on an age in which every young woman reads, and many confine their knowledge to this fpecies of mifinformation ? Does it teach them what things have been, or what things are P Certainly not ; for fuch beings and fuch an order of things, never did nor ever can exift. Pa- rents are quite as apt to judge rightly for their children, as children are to form a proper eftimate of what is good for themfelves ; and the chance between the diftnterejiednefs of paternal aflfe(Stion, and that of him who plays the lover's part, is in favour of the former. Heroes and heroines, or, in plan Englifli, men and women, never did poflefs fuch an accumu- lation of fplendid graces and virtues as are collected to- gether in thefe falfe prifms. The unreafonably fufpicious lover is fure to make an unreafonably jealous hufband. Vi- olent attachments are either never lafting, or the fource of un- happlnefs, being always accompanied with painful irritation of mind. Suitable offers of marriage occur too rarely, for a young woman to expeiSt more from the majority of her followers, than that evanefcent admiration which is paid to all who have the reputation of fortune, wit, or beauty. Vir- tue is more feverely tried by a multiplicity of petty evils, than by great conflicts ; and benevolence difplays her heavenly nature by minute attentions, oftener, and with more benefi- cial eff"edl, than by extraordinary exertions. Sudden re- verfes of fortune are unufual, and fo arc adls of great liberal- ity. Adventures rarely happen to a prudent woman, and never without injury to her reputation. Licentious inten- tions are feldom formed without a profpeft of fuccefs, and the mofi: hardened rake may be awed by unaiTuming dif- cretion ;

" In part, flie is to blame who has been tried, " He comes too near, who comes to be denied."

The firft motions of evil may be reftjledy if the thoughts be not permitted to fl:ray towards an unlawful object, or to fonder on the means by which wicked ends may be acconi'

320

pti/hed. They who trifle with temptation expofe thcmfeWes to the danger of defeat, and deferve the ruin which they fuf- tain. Marriage may be faid rather to open than to clofe the eventful period of female Yi^c ; fince it is by that means that we enter on a fcene of enlarged ufefulnefs, adlivity, and refponllbility ; nor is marrying the man whom we fondly love an invulnerable protc<5^ion from the fhafts of forrow ; perhaps it is oftener a ready inlet to the pangs of difappoint- ment, or the cares of folicitude.

I could write volumes to expofe thofe falfe views of hu- man life, which doubtlefs have accelerated that change of female manners which we all fee and deplore. Had not fo much idolatrous inccnfe been offered to beauty, grace, and nymph-like elegance; had fo many fafcinating defcriptions never been given of the plcafures, enjoyments, and advanta- ges of rank and fortune, the elegantes of humble life would have been far lefs numerous, and we Ihould have retained fome valuable ftuiF, capable of being converted into the wives of traders and yeomen. Let not thofe who confine them- felves to this ftyle of reading make a merit of having been at their books. Mifchievous reading Is worfe than unfophilH- ■cated ignorance.

It would, however, be culpable faftidioufnefs, and grofs injuftice, to involve all hdtitious narrative in this fevcre cen- fure. A fpecies of writing, that is enriched by the compo- iitions of many of our moil: diftinguilhed moralifts and fages, cannot be undeferving of a particular attention from the moft liberal and well informed mind. While, therefore, we ftigmatize the reptile brood who annually vivify with the fummer heat, as at once the offspring and l\\tfoodoi idlenefs ; let us acknowledge, that next to thofe moral eilays which breathe the v/ifdom of a Johnfon or the fuavity of an Addi- fon, a VN^ell written novel is the beft introduction to the •knowledge of life and manners, and may juiily claim to be the niTociate, but not the fubftitute, of graver lludics. It has lately been denied, that Richardfon painted manners as they really were ; his moral excellence will, however, pre- ferve him a place in the cfteem of every well principled read- er; and his pathetic and defcriptive powers will enchain at- tention, while his piety muft transfufe i'ome devout fenti- mcnts into the moft cold and worldly bofom. You will ob- ferve, that I confine this commendation to his Clariila and Grandifon. Fielding and Smollet preferred the exiiibition of the grotcfque and depraved part of our fpecies : fuch al-

521

moft intuitive knowledge of the human heart as the former pofTefTed, combined with the morality and pathos of Rich- fon, ivould have formed the defideratum in this clafs of lite- rature. The fimplicity, innocence, and nature of Goldfmith, have never been equalled ; and among the many copyifts of the fine gothic romance of Otranto, only female genius can urge any pretenfions to fuccefs. I could mention many nov- els in the narrative, or, wh^it is more difficult, in the epifto- lary ftyle, which well deferve a place in your library ; but a too frequent perufal even of thefe fliould be avoided, as it may vitiate your tafire, and caufe you to difrelijh mere impor- tant ftudies.

Poetry is fo much out of fafhion, and fo changed in its character, that I feel at a lofs what to fay publicly on what I know is your favourite reading. The mufes have been charged with doing very ferious mifchief to us females ; but I confefs that I think their crimes have been exaggerated, or at leaft that they were lefs faulty than the compofitions which have fupplanted them. They rarely ventured out of the world of imagination ; and few readers would be fo green in judgment, as to miftake their language for that of real life. The modern mufe has been accufed of incurring the guilt of democracy : it is allowed, that even her genuine offspring have ever ftrung their lyres to the high key of liberty ; but then it was to that liberty which is confijlent with order^ jiif- t'lcey and virtue ; thofe cherifhed feelings of every real lover of this charming fcience. But we muft alfo obferve, that an alien colony, whofe members have for ages been endeavour- ing tofcramble up the heights of ParnafTus by bye-roads, and who very much refemble monkies, not only in their ftyle of climbing, but in the art of degrading imitation, have produc- ed nothing but " fcfannel notes" from the bladder and ftring, which they would perfuade us is the genuine harp of Tyrtseus. Thefe certainly, to fpeak in the voice of a true votary of Phoebus, " mean licence when they cry liberty."* The dreadful afts of anarchy which this age has witnelled, have alfo rather untuned the public ear for the fong of free- dom ; and made us fujpe^ danger, where our anceflors would only hzxefelt rapture. I am not apologizing for the difcord- ant bards of fadtion, whofe jejune malice I at once deteft and defpife. I am only fuppoiing it pojftbky that the glow-

♦ See Milton's Sonnets.

Rr

322

ing viflons of a vivid imagination may have occafioned feme inadvertent Tallies, which the temper of the times renders dangerous j and the confcquences of which the writers them- felves, when the " fine frenzy" of imagination fublides, will be the firft to deplore.

Of late years (except in the political light which we have juft noticed) poetry has rarely deferved the reproach of mif^ leading the paflions ; being mollly either defcriptive, didac- tic, or metaphylical. In the hand of a Hayley and a Se- ward, it has fuccefsfully ihcvvn its capability of forcibly nar- rating domeftic incidents, or elucidating critical refearch. Its power of analyzing metaphyfical properties has been fuc- cefsfully proved by Rogers and Campbell. The turgid at- tire of bombaftic epithet, and the cold uninterefting accu- mulation of abftradt ideas, {^o lately pufi'ed into fafhion, feems yielding to that force of feeling, elegant fimplicity of ex- prellion, and lucid yet elevated arrangement of ideas, which characterized the happiefl efforts of the mufe in her days of exaltation. The popularity of Cowper's poems has doubt- iefs contributed to this happy change ; in which the fterling grandeur of the thought, and the exquiilte appropriatenefs of the imagery, compenfates for carelefsnefs of exprefllon, or occafional untuneablenefs of the ,meafure. We muft, however, lament that the peculiar turn of his religious prin- ciples deprives this charming poet of his natural fuavity, whenever the Clergy of the Church of England, or our fyf^ tern of public education, falls within the reach of his obfer- vations.

But though we hail with rapture the aufpicious omens of a purer tafte in poefy, the times are for ever vanifhed which fanclioned the allegorical triumphs of Orpheus. Good verfe requires coti/J deration ; without which, it is impo^tble to appre- ciate its beauties. Poetry alfo is one of thofe unfortunate Iciences which have never been gifted with a golden key to unlock the temple of Mammon. Can we therefore won- der, that in a fpeculating mercenary age fhe fhould chaunt forth her ftrains to the unregarding ear of negledl ? Yet, though the later efforts of the mufes have been comparative- ly unfucceisfal, fafliion has not yet dared to degrade thole bards of deathlefs fame to whom the concurring voice oi pajl ages has afcribed a fafe preeminence, and whom, confe- quently, all are forced to praije^ though few ready and fewer ufiderjiand them. As the charm of poliihed numbers muft ad.d beauty to every delcription, and force to every fentif

323

ment, a well chofen felecSlIon of poetry becomes a propet garniture to every young lady's clofet ; and fhe would do well to commit to memory fuch paffages as are moft diftin-- guiflied for exquifite imagery or impreffive obfervation. I have derived much moral improvement, as well as intellec- tual enjoyment, by recalling the talks of my early life to my remembrance •, for by fo doing I have foothed the hour of anxiety, diverted the languor of fatigue, and held commun- ion with the moft exalted minds, at a time when I could not have procured any other amufement.

T wilh to diftinguilh the tragic and comic mufes from their poetical fifters, becaufe I fear that they may be more juftly charged with high crimes and mifdemeanors. As they certainly continue to be public favourites, they are tru- ly culpable for renouncing their allegiance to their fovereign Phoebus, and betraying that ftrong hold, the public amufe- ments of a poliflied nation, into the hands of the Goddefs of Nonfenfe, or the Demon of Anarchy, to the great dan- ger of the underftanding and welfare of the faid nation. The preceding pages muft have taught you, that I fiifpe^ this charge to be juft. Public diverfions have a material in- fluence on public morals, and therefore are connected with every part of the extenfive fubjedl that we are inveftigating. It was remarked by a fpirited and intelligent obferver of life and manners,* in the middle of the laft century, that " moft popular compofitions were alarmingly democratical ;" and Ihe predicted confequcnces that we have lived to fee realiz- ed. Yet, notwithftanding the conviction which muft arife from the experience of evil, and the detection of abfurdity, our " Sovereign the people" continue to receive as much in- cenfe from Melpomene and Thalia, as if we had never found out that his Majefty was only a ufurper. You will proba- bly remind me, that thefe^ladies are really innocent ; that the things to which I allude, whether I call them " phyfic or farces," were made to be feen and fold, not to be read and remembered ; and therefore they are improperly intro- duced under the title of female Jiudies. I ftand corrected, and will only detain you with a few remarks on the dramat- ical remains of former times.

Few cenfors are fo rigid as to prohibit the beft efforts of the tragic mufe ; and unqueftionably the pages of Shake-» fpeare, independent of the corufcations of gemus, beam with

* Lady M. W. Montague. Sec her Pofthumous Works.

524

the unclouded blaze of moral fplendour. The like may hr. faid of the pure untainted plays of Thomfon, wliofe chaftc and claffic fcenes muft ever delight in the clofet. Nor do the itrongcr colouring and warmer paflions of Rowe miflead his readers from the hallowed ihrine of virtue, though he frequently facrifices nature to defcription and declamation. A writer would deferve much from the public, who fliould purify the mixed dramas of Otvvay and Southerne, and pre- ferve what genius has immortalized, without its naufeous and poifonous alloy. Our early comedies deferve and re- quire a fimilar purgation •, but in many, exc'ifion will not be fufficient ; the plot, as well as the language, muft be reform- ed, to make themy^ companions. It is much to be la- mented, that a convidHon of thefe faults has not operated upon our prefent race of writers, further than to make them verbally modeft. While blafphemy retains the place of in- delicacy, we may rather talk of change than reformation. We have little caufe of exultation on the fcore of morality in delign ; and when we inquire after that fpirit of genius which gives a zeft to thefe compofitions, we muft acknow- ledge that its fubtile nature has evaporated through the flimfy texture of modern compofition. In probability, cha- racter, and wit, the mortifying difference is too difcernible. Some favourable appearances in the theatrical world have lately excited a hope that we are entering on a more aufpi- cious sera •, and even in what I may term the Vinulalifin ot our dramas, a few fuccefsful efforts will deferve your atten- tion ; though not equal, in number or excellence, to thofe which wer^ produced when theatrical tafte was at once em- belliflied and regulated by the hillrionic powers and intelli- gence of a Garrick.

You will afk me, if I allow the ftage to be fuch a faith- ful copy of living manners, as to permit fcenic exhibitions to influence our judgments. In general, certainly it is not ; charafters and events muft be exaggerated in order to ftimur late attention. Thofe pieces which copy the more delicate touches of fentiment and incident, feldom afford enough of fituation and eftedl to pleafe in the reprefentation, though for the former reafon they are the beft clofet companions. It is only the province of care and fuperior genius to com- bine jmpreffion and limpllcity ; and even thefe catch the beft likeneffes when they paint the foul in a ftorm of paffion. Dramatical reading, therefore, fnould neither precede nor ex- (Itulc thofe juft yiev/s of men and things, which moral, hii-

3:25

torical, and geographical knowledge, cannot fail to produce. As guides in our progrefs through life, we muft confider that they lie under all the difadvantages which Dr. Prieftly afcribes to fiditious narratives ; but I think that thofe plays, which are removed from the manners and language of com- mon life are lefs likely to millead than novels, which ever affe<5l the garb of true narrative, and fometimes a(Slually pro- fefs to defcribe real events. I recommend a feledl alTort-^ ment of plays, as an improvement to your tafte, as capable of ftoring your memory with elegant and improving ideas> and as a corrective to that dull monotomy and rigid con- tradlion of converfation which chara6terifes mere matter of faB readers.

Works of humour, whether fatirical or playful, come next to be conlidered ; and here again I am fearful that my ob- fervations may betray more of attachment than judgment. I would, however, avert all juft cenfure, by ftridlly prohibit- ing every compofition in the fmalleft degree infected by in- delicacy, ribaldry, or profanenefs. My motive for recom- mending mirthful producSlions is, to check the extreme acutenefs of fenfibility, which our fex is apt to indulge at the expence of our repofe ; and which is beft correcSled by the admillion of lively ideas. Our propenllty to run into the abfurdities of fentiment, makes it dangerous for us to read much of what is addrefled to the imagination and the paA- iions, without applying to the powerful antidotes of romance, humour, and fatire. I know you will not alk me, whether it would be advifable to prohibit all writings of the former tendency •, becaufe you will perceive that it is aufterity, not prudence, which interdidls us from partaking of a delicious fruit, left our gratified appetite fliould gorge to furfeit. A bright imagination, a glow of generous fentiment and pol- ifhed and corre(Sl expreffion, are all parts of the charafter of an accomplifhed female ; diverfity of idea, and playful allu- fion, may alfo claim admiffion into this charming groupe of lifter graces.

Well prmcipledr\d^\c\!\'t\x-3S oiXjtTi. done infinite fervice to the caufe of good fenfe. Even virtue and religion have re- ceived confiderable benefit from its fcintillating darts *, and in the opinion of an enrlnent theologian,* humorous illuf-

* Dr. Hey. He alludes to our Saviour's reproof of Pharifaical punc- tilio, ftraining at a gnat and fwallowing a camel. See Theological Lec- tures vol. ifl, page 4J5,

326

trations and ludicrous contrafts have been honoured by di- vine adoption. Yet even well principled ridicule may be pufhed too far. Hudibras, who certainly " laughed a fran- tic nation into fenfe," has been cenfured for bringing reli- gious ferioufncfs into difrepute. Surely, the fault lay with his readers, who, difgufted with the hypocritical fanaticifm by which they had been bewildered, aflimilated the very op- pofite qualities of piety and enthufiafm, and transferred that caftigation to the former, which the author meant to con- fine to the latter. It muft, however, be granted, th«t who- ever undertakes to lafh puritanical excefles enters on dan- gerous ground. " It can never be well done, as the juft quoted refpeclable authority obferves," unlefs by a perfon who clearly comprehends the diftinftion " between excefs and propriety." I am inclined to allow, that religious ex- travagance is not a proper fubjeft for fatirical exhibition, un- lefs it be accompanied by dijftmulation. The folly of an ide- ot, or the eccentricities of a madman, may make one fmile ; but we fliould turn with pain and difguft from a caricature of fuch pitiable objefts. So when fanatics are fincere, we ought to consider them as the victims of a difordered intel- Ie<ft ; and they fhould alike move our pity for their misfor- tunes, and our endeavours to efFe(5t their cure. But no weapon is fo proper as the dart of fatire, to dete£l: the de- formity, and humble the felf-confequence of hypocrify.

Ridicule has been a ufeful ally to tafte. I need not refer to the well known ciTedls produced by the vigorous pen of Cervantes ; we have many happy inftances of the power of wit in our own country. To confine our obfervations to the more modern, that fpirited pamphlet, entitled Anticipa- tion, compelled the great oppoiltion leaders of thofe times to change their mode of attack, and to ufe more nicety of seUBion in the quality and quantity of the lumber by which they clogged the wheels of government, left they fliould be cried down for plagiarifm ; and it is obferved, that brevity, and application, have fmce been preferred to rhetorical llour- ilhes, in this fpecies of oratorical warfare. Poetry has de- rived infinite advantages from the celebrity of the Baviad ; which proved as fatal to the Delia Crul'can, as the Loves of the Triangles did to the Darwinian phrafeology. No fpe- cific obje<!l feems to be purfucd in tlie play of the Critic \ but it is Avell worthy of the talents of a Sheridan to nvrite donvn modern dramas ; and I have too much refpecl for that gentleman's ta/ie to believe that he would avoid fo fair a vie-

327

tory becaufe fome of his own later offspring may appear among the " fmall infantry" which his giant fpear could eafily overthrow.

I Ihall infallibly expofe myfelf to the fnare of fome vigi- lant opponent, who lies perdue to catch rae tripping, by nam- ing politics as a fuitable fubjedl of female ftudy. If I pro- pofed loading your table with controverlial pamphlets, jour- nals, replies, obfervations, queries, and all the ephemeral publications to which local circumftances afcribe confequence, and which pofterity tofles to oblivion, I would fubmit to be the fubje^t of all the good things that ever have been faid on petticoated quidnuncs. But I am not difpofed to with- draw you from the pure fovmts of Siloa and Aganippe, to plunge you into the puddle of party conteft, from which our fex is happily fenced off ; I lay happily ; for certainly the moft fteadfaft virtue, and the greateft tranquillity and con- ftancy of foul, can fcarcely hope to efcape uncontaminated from the infedlious contadl of public life.

But though we are excufed from undergoing the labours and difficulties of ftatefmen and warriors, I truft that the af- fections and duties of a patriot are not inimical to the female character. If our tender feelings are excited by the objects around, we muft love our country in which thofe objedts fublift. The fcene of our early delights prefents enjoyments, and future hopes muft be dear to us, even on feljSfh con* liderations. And could we willingly behold thofe fcenes defaced ; could we, without an almoft mortal pang, contem- plate the defolation of what is pleafant, and the lofs of what is dear ? Is there really in nature fuch a fenfation as foliiary unconnecled enjoyment ; could we be happy in a lonely wild, or a dreary cavern, from which we had no profpesSt to ef^ cape ; and what is this world, but a cave or wildernefs, when all that habit rendered agreeable, or attachment made neceH- fary, is gone ? We love, then, that community with which we are conne£led ; and by analogy that fpot of earth where v/e aft and move. This fpot is our country ; this commu- nity our fellow-citizens, with whom we have inherently con- tracted an indiflbluble league, and formed an obligation to mutual aid and affe«5tion.

Let us here recal to our more ferious confideration thofe awful motives, which, though I truft not contrary to, were yet not fo intimately connected with, the fubje<Sts that we have juft difculTed, and confider our relation to fociety, ac- cordintT to the views and motives of religion. And as it is

328

impoffible to praftlfe our duty without uncletftanding it, a knowledge of the principles of government, and the peculiar conftruftion and advantages of our own, are indifpenlably neceflary to all who would acSt as they ought to their king and their country, their fuperiors and inferiors, their equals, their children, and their fervants. This fort of information differs in toto from the party difcuflions of the day, and feems our bed prefervative from thofe confined politics which both degrade and debafe the female character.

Holy writ informs us, that gradations of rank proceed from the good pleafure of the Almighty, who founded uni* verfal happinefs and fecurity, in mutual want and dependance. No one is rich, powerful, or exalted, for their own fake ; pre- dominance in any worldly advantage always includes increai- ed refponfibility ; and they who mifufe greatnefs are fear- fully amenable as treacherous betrayers of a facred truflr. But coniidering the more numerous temptations, to which eminence of any kind is expofed, it may juftly require to have its adlions viewed with candour, and that it fhould be ajfijled rather than cotinteraEled in all its falutary purpofes. Scripture gives us precifely this view of our duty as fubje£ls, and enforces it by the peculiar obligations of Chriftianity.* Of this we will fpeak hereafter ; let us now remark, that fince the limits of power are fo circumfcribed, and its obli- gations fo numerous, it feems rather a trial to be dreadedy than a good to he fought. Hereditary rule may appear to a reclufe obferver a contrivance to enforce the aflumption of painful preeminence, inftead of a defence againft the en- croachments of unqualified intrufion. The fruit of " the accurfed tree" has, however, fo intoxicated mankind, that though, to a well difpofed mind, " obedience is eafe," many determine that " to reign is worth ambition, even in Hell." When power is purfucd by undue means, there is every rea- fon to apprehend that it will be mifapplicd \ hence the per- verfity of men's hearts render it neceflary to fecure magifte- rial and regal authority from the grafp of the multitude on the one hand ; and on the other, to refiraia it within thofe falutary limits, which may prevent it from alluming fucli un- due weight as would enable it to crufh thofe whom it was intended to prote<5t.

• See Romans, i uh chapter, and ift Peter, iil ch^ptfr, on Chridiai obedience, a» proccciiing frym a fenfc of diitv to God.

329

The excellency of the Britifli conftltmlon, in all the fun- damental points of right government, is acknowledged. It fecures perfonal liberty and private property ; it renders the peafant, as far as relates to his domeftic iituation, as fecure as the fovereign ; and it precludes the fovereign himfelf from the power of infringing the right of the fubjedV. Liberty is well defined to be, not the power of doing what you pleafe, for that is licentioufnefs, but the fecurity that others fhall not do as they pleafe with you. Holy writ furnifhes me- morable examples of the miferies that enfued from " every man's doing that which was right in his own eyes."* A more ftriking view of the changeable humour of a mob, and the blind turbulence of popular commotion, cannot be giv- en, than what was exhibited in the lafl fcenes of our Lord's life, or in the trials which his faithful apoftle Paul experien- ced at Lyftra and Ephefus.

Your hiftorical purfuits will explain to you the advanta- ges which our political conftitution poflelTes beyond what any other nation can boaft ; and your attachment to this your country will confequently become infinitely ftronger, through the obligations of preference and gratitude, than what early habits or cafual refidence could impofe. Con- templated as the facred inclofure which embraces and pro- tetSls one of the faireft fcions of the church of Chrift, our love fhould ftrengthen with faith ; and though our prefer- ence fliould carefully avoid that narrownefs of fentiment, which hates or defpifes every thing foreign, we jfhould feel our interefts and hopes fo interwoven with the welfare of our native land, as to be incapable of feparation. Patriotic attachment, forms a marked feature in the character of thofe worthies of old who are recorded in holy writ. And the Saviour of the World, by condefcending to imbibe this pre- dilection for the foil in which he was born and fufFered,f has moft efFe(Stually refcued the genuine feelings of the pat-, riot from the undeferved reproach of prejudice and narrow- nefs of foul. The cofmopolite, who affects to defpife dif^ tin6tions which the Lord of Life has fanCtioned, may well be reproved in the fpirit of St. John's-retort to the unchar-

* Judges, 17th chapter, 6th verfe; aifl chapter, 35th verfe.

+ Yet Chrlflianity has been defined to be incampatible with the cha- rafter of a patriot. How much has our faith been injured by injudi- cious dtfences !

Ss

330 /

itablc, " If yc love not what ye have feen, how can ye love what ye have not feen ?"

But how fhall women fhow their love to their country ? They cannot fight its battles, nor direct its counfels ; their purfes are feldom at their own difpofals, and their actions are circumfcribed, not only by phylical, but by civil reftric- tions j they can only devote their wifhes and their prayers to the fervice of the common weal. Allowing that we could do nothing more, we fhould then be better than paffive pat- riots. But furely it is ftill further in our power to avert from our Jerufalem, thofe fore judgments which have cauf- cd the downfal of every nation that has yet funk from great- nefs to defolation. The difcontatted politician, or the exiled ftatefman, feeks for the caufe of national difafters in the bafenefs or imbecility of his rulers ; but the Chriftian refers them to the overruling will of an offended and chaft:izing God. We do not attribute peflilence merely to a fortui- tous accumulation or negligent importation of poifonous miafmata, but to a preordained concurrence of fecond caufes, or, in the words of fcripture, to *' unflieathing the fword of the deftroying angel." We deduce famine and fcarcity, not from the extortion or ignorance of the cultivators of the earth, not from chance, not from combination but from the fovereign will of the Author of the feafons, who may, for the providential purpofes of his righteous government, fuf- pend the operation of his gracious promife that " feed time and harveft fhall never fail." Whence come wars and fight- ings among us .? not merely from the ambition of royal cut- throats, as mob orators infift, but from private vices, froni pride engendered by opulence ; and, if we confine our views to our own times, from a fpirit of infubordination, from the violent paflions of the rabble let loofe from all civil and re- ligious reftraints, from the afpiring defigns of artful dema- gogues and rapacious marauders, from the multiplied lufls of luxury, and from the rcftlefs fpirit of commercial enter- prize. It is moft certain, from holy writ, that war, famine, peftilence, and all other general calamities, are the means which the Almighty employs to correct the wickednefs of offending nations, who can only be chaflized while they re- main a coUc'cl'ive body, and though in that cafe the good muft fufFer with the finful, yet if we couliJer that there will come a day of individual reftitution, the divine attribute of jufiice is no way impugned by this proceeding. Befide, as we are all offenders, the bcft of us may be confidered but as flray

iheep, who need thefe heavenly warnings to be recalled to the fold. National fins, therefore, do not mean the fins of our governors, as fonie moft perverfely mifreprefent ; but the aggregate offences of individuals. That we have "been ** blcfled beyond other nations in a greater fhare of the light ** of the golpel, in wife and juft laws, in a mild and yet vig- ** ilant government, in internal peace and opulence, and in ** external renown and profperity," is mofl true. That we have improved thefe bleffings as we ought to have done, is more than doubtful. Infubordination daily gains ground ; and what is infubordination, but rebellion againfl the provi- dential government of God ; for in the language of holy writ, " what is Aaron, that ye murmur againft him ?"* In- difference as to the principles of religion, and laxity in per- forming the duties which it enjoins, become more and more evident in the manners of all clafTes. The habit of referring all events to fecond caufes, than which nothing is more op- pofite to the principles and feelings of a Chriftian, increai^ es ; and luxurious indulgence, and inordinate attachment to worldly pleafures, are the charadleriflics of the times. Thefe are fins for which our rulers are no otherwife accountable, than as they commit them ; and they who, in precept and practice, fteadily endeavour to abate their prevalence are mofl truly patriots ; preventing, as far as is in their power, the ruin which the tyrants of our own creating will bring on the fubjugated people \yha willingly fubmit to their galling yoke.

When I recommend regard to order, condefcenfion, pious fentiments, regular condudt, and temperance in pleafure, to my fex, I certainly aft in perfedl conformity to our prifline charaftcr ; which, unlefs corrupted by evil habits and ex- amples, predifpofes us to whatever is calm, amiable, and of good report. In our relative fituation, as mothers and mif^ treffes of families, we pofTefs fo much influence, that if we were uniformly to exert it in the manner which the times require, we might produce a moft happy change in the morals of the people ; and in peril of being thought fuper- flitious, I avow my firm belief, that fuch a change would conduce more to extricate us from our prefent difficulties, than the wifdom of our counfellors, or the valour of our fleets and armies. We fhould, however, alike avoid refling in the arm of the flefh, like a felf-dependent worldling, and

* Numbers, i6th chapter, verfe nth.

332

fuppofing, like a prefumptuous fanatic, that the fword of the fpirit is the only weapon that we have permiflion toufe. The lawfulnefs of even defeniive war has been denied by many (I hope fincere, but I am fure) ill judging Chriftians ; who forget that our Blefled Lord never could mean to re- fcind one of thofe firft laws of our nature, which himfelf, in the character of our Creator, impofed upon us, and the ne- ceflity of which he experimentally proved ; I mean the law of felf-defence. The precepts which his eminent forerun- ner gave 'refpe£ling the condudl of military men, the fre- quent allufions to a ftate of warfare in the anoftolical writ- ings, and the practice of the earlieft converts, many of whom were foldiers, and certainly did not renounce their military duties on commencing Chriftians ; all tJiefe conflderations muft decide the queftiun in the opinion of reafonable peo- ple. When we conlider that it is ivtip'jffibk to prevent vio- lence and aggreffion, otherwife than by refiftance ; and that when once the floodgates of war are opened, circumftances inuft decide whether we fliall content ourfelves with re- ftraining it within its banks, or attempt to turn its wafteful curr:"nt on hoftile plains •, we muft rather pity the weaknefs of thofe who could perplex themfelves with fuch fcruples, than admit that they are founded on the v/ord of God.

But is not war an evil ? Certainly, or it would not be de- nominated the fword of the Lord. Should it not be avoid- ed, if poffible ? Unqueftionably, it fhould. Go and humble thyfelf before God for thofe fins which deferve fuch a chaf- tifement. But are not our rulers the mediate caufes of this calamity ; I fpeak not of paft but of prefent times, and an- fwer No. The predicted fpirit has arifen out of the bottom- lefs pit, who " is prefumptuous, difobedient, felf-willed, and not afraid to fpeak evil of dignities." If you doubt the fadt, look at the ftate of your own houfehold, at the drefs, con- verfation, and condu<51: of your fervants. Obferve the air of equality, or the lower of difcontent, which you rnay fee even in thofe ruftic countenances, who ufed to greet you with the fmile of refpedtful attachment. Confider the alarm- ing combinations in various trades ; not that workmen may poflefs the means of fubfijlwg their indigent families, but that a larger portion of every week may be allotted to idle- nefs and intemperance. Contemplate the univerfal thirft for political knowledge, the irreverence with which the moft el- evated characlers are fpoken of; and, above all, reflect on the probable confequence of two opinions which are almoft

533

univerfal among the lower orders ; namely, that in this land of liberty every man may do as he pleafes, and that he has a right to choofe his civil governors and fpiritual inftruc- tors.

Permit me to enforce my opinion refpe^ing the folly of the higher orders countenancing the growth of democracy, by quoting the authority of a fcholar whom every party re- veres ; I mean Sir William Jones. After obferving, that " the original form of our conftitution is almoft divine, ta ** fuch a degree that no flate of Greece or Rome could ever *' boaft one fuperior to it, nor could Plato, Ariftotle, nor *' any legiflator, even conceive a more perfeft model of a " ftate," he proceeds : " What can be more difficult to de- ** vife, than a conftitution which, while it guards the digni- *' ty of the fovereign, and the liberty of the fubjecfl, from *' any incroachment, by the influence and power of the no- *' bility, preferves the force and majefty of the laws from vi- ** olation by popular liberty. This was the cafe formerly " in our ifland, and would be fo ftill, if the folly of fomc ** had not prompted them to fpur on the populace, inftead *' of holding them in." The times that he alludes to were, when Wilkes was the JiUl hiirinng volcano of fedition : buc the folly that he reprobates has fince alarmingly increaied ; and party, of late, has never fcrupled to excite a contempt tor thofe principles, which muft yet form the foundation of the power that it wifhes to aflume. Is there not reafon to rliink, that the continental wars in which we have been en- gaged, almoft during the whole of his prefent Majefty's reign, were prov'ideni'ially necelTary to drain oft' thefe violent humours of the nation, by devoting thofe corrupt members of fociety to the fword in '^ foreign climate, who, had they continued at home, might probably have kindled the ftili more deftru<ftive flames of civil war ?

Maternal tendernefs is apt to urge objedlions to war, which ftate necefllty cannot fuccefsfully combat, unlefs in cafes of near and immediate danger. Unqueftionably, much con- ftderation is neceflary, before we devote our fons to the mil- itary profeffion, without knowing that "» they have a deqided predileftion for that dangerous but honoui-able occupation ; but when it is their choice, it behoves us to pradlife the duty of acquiefcence. Since it is judged necefl^ary, that during the prefent awful afpe£l of continental aff'airs, every young man fhould fufficiently underftand the ufe of arms, to be af- fifting in defending his native Ihores in cafe of attack, it is

334

to be hoped that maternal timidity will never check the op- eration of a meafure, which, though (if follovsed up with that fteady refolution which can alone make it of real utili- ty) it includes privation, bodily fatigue, and even danger, the facred call of public duty imperioufly enjoins. Her ten- der folicitude for the welfare of her offspring may be moft judicioufly exerted, in fortifying the young volunteer againft thofe temptations to excefs and licentioufnefs, which muft ever attend numerous aflbciations of young men removed from parental infpecflion or control, and expofcd to the en- ticements, or ftill more dangerous farcafms, of pra(^lifed de- bauchees. A ferious mind muft ardently pray, that the un- parallelled bravery and public fpirit which the riilng hopie of England has fhewn at this memorable period, may not be fo perverted as to render " the thing which fhould have ** been for our health an occallon of falling, by ftill further " provoking the God of Hofts, who is of purer eyes than ** to behold iniquity."

To thofe v/hofe anxious fears now follow a beloved rela- tion to the poft of danger on fome hoftile plain, or iron girt coaft, I would fuggeft one trite, but not puerile reflection. Death is the inevitable lot of all ; therefore, they who fall in battle do but prematurely refign a mortal exiftencc which a few years muft have clofed, and probably by a more ago- nizing mode of termination. The pangs of mortal difeafe, or that flow and painful death which attends old age, feems more appalling to the feelings of nature, than the excruciat- ing but fwift hand of violence. Dr. Paley has fuccefsfully proved, that Providence^- by ordering one fpecies of animal life to fubfift by preying upon another, ordained the moft merciful way of ending a being in which the feeds of diflb- lution were indubitably fown. An hofpital prefents as piti- able a fight as a field of battle ; I mean as far as relates to human mifery. It is true, the latter does not admit of thofe kind miniftrations of attentive fympathy which appear fo exquifitely precious ; but whoever has ftood by the bed of pain, difeafe, or death, muft have felt, in every fruitlefs wifh and thrilling fear, how very little we can do in lightening the heavy burden of extreme bodily diftrefs. Perhaps, when we wipe the faint dews from the languid face, convey fome fmall drop of fuftenance into the fpeechlefs mouth, or fmooth the pillows under the reftlefs head, the felf-engrofled fufl'er- er perceives not our aftiftance, or even feels his anguifti heightened by our folicitude

335

But I have in fome meafure wandered from my fubjedl i let me regain the ravelled clue, by obferving, that the in- creafe of found principles and Chriftian practice will expe- dite the time " when nation fliall not lift up the fword againft nation, neither fhall they learn war any more." The Mil- lennium, to which piety looks forward, is not founded on that equalization of ftation and authority, which the frantic adorers of King Jcfus pleaded as an excufe for licentioufnefs or rebellion; nor is it the reign of the goddefs Reafon, " to whom infidel anarchifts blafphemoufly facrificed theil* Chriftian hopes. If the period fo often defcribcd in prophe- fy, really relate to the temporal rule of our BlefTed Redeemer, thofe who « have rebelled againft their" earthly " king," and fat in judgment on him, muft expect to be exiled from the peaceable region of order and perfect righteouf- nefs, and to be configncd to ptmijhment^ not reward, either in that triumphal ftate of the true church of God, or at the great day of final account, when we fhall all be quettioned how we have obeyed thefe precepts, "Submit yourfelf to *' every ordinance of man for the Lord's fake ; let every foul «' be fubjed to the higher powers ; for there is no power « but of God."

The notices which revelation has given us of the future world, are, as we niight expedl: them to be, few, myfterious, and impreffive ; fuch as leave no doubt as to its certainty and duration ; but fo far invelope its pleafures and employ- ments in figure and analogy, as to convince us that feparate fpirits and glorified bodies are engrofl^ed by different purlciits, and capable of more exquifite delights, than wc mortals can conceive. But, whenever the facred page incidentally difclofes a view of Heaven, it defcribes it as the feat of order and gov- ernment, gradation of rank, fupremacy, and obedience. *« Thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers," are the apoftolical defignations of angelic dignities. Our Lord de- clares, that « there are in his Father's houfe many manfions j'* many as to number, and to gradation too, according to the opinion of learned commentators. Every where Heaven is fpoken of as a kingdom ; God is defcribed as its fupreme fovereign, furrounded by innumerable hofts of miniftring fpirits, all blefled, glorious, and happy ; but enjoying thefe advantages as the fruit of obedience and peace ; and among thefe diftinguilhed beings two are mentioned in the canoni- cal books of fcripture, Michael and Raphael, to whom great-

336

er preeminence and the honourable title of archangel, arc affigned.

There cannot be a furer fign of the decay of religion in any country, than in a general inclination to give pagan vir- ^ tues* a preference over Chriftian graces. The precept of " Submitting yourfelves to one another in the fear of the <* Lord," feems to be univerfally renounced, for the injunc- tion of, Maintain your own facred rights. Are thefe duties incompatible ? Is not obftinate reliftance as likely to engen- der tyranny, as flavifli obedience ? There is an abfolute ne- ceffity that fome fliould rule ; fociety cannot be held to- gether without this bond. If, therefore, the fubordinate parts will prefs upon the higher, authority muft drop its sceptre and wield its fiuorcl. At all events, anarchy muft be fubdued, or the ftate will be annihilated. Compliance, by Ikinning over the furface, only enlarges the corroding ulcer, which putrifies underneath. A turbulent community never long preferved its freedom ; it only exchanged lawful and limited rulers for tyrannical ufurpers.

The Church of England has been charged with inforcing the obligation of Chriftian obedience beyond the bounds of civil liberty. We have feen, that her public offices are un- deferving of this cenfure ; and it is unjuft to accufe her on account of the tenets of fome of her members or officials, who, in the heat of their oppofition to the wild advocates of licentioufnefs, have fometimes, by extreme tenacity, in- jured the caufe which they fupported. The duty of our Sovereign, to govern us by the laws of this realm, is as de- cidedly recognized, as our obligation of obedience is poli- tively determined. The queftion is, who is to be judge whether the prince obferves or falfifies his engagements ? and we may conftitutionally anfwer, Net the people. An in- termediate ftate exifts, to whom, in cafes of fuch^ emergen- cy, both parties fhould appeal. Our hiftory informs us, that a fovereign has been thus judged to have forfeited his high truft ; and the remaining parts of our legitimate govern- ment (which certainly, during the interregnum, continued to be our lawful rulers) nominated the next in fucceffion, againft whom no plea of ineligibility could be urged, to fill the vacant throne ; who on their parts promifed obfervance of the conftitution which they c.imc to preferve. By this

• Tiie coutrafl between thefe is ablr enforced in the M-nioiu of .Aj- rippina.

337

the people did not choofe their ruler ; but the law fupplied the vacancy which had been caufed by the mifrule of the execu- tive power. It is to the law of thefe realms, that the peo- ple owe allegiance. That law recagnizes the king, not on- ly as the fountain of authority, but as the determining , rati- fier, whofe approbation converts legiflative decifions into laws. His prerogative, therefore, is fo knit together, and interwoven with our conftitution, that we cannot refpeft the one, without reverencing the other, unlefs the king expofes himfelf to affault, by cafting away the fliield that rendered him invulnerable ; the probability of which event has been decreafing ever fince the Revolution. Should it again hap- pen, that mifguided royalty prefers ufurped to conftitutional power, the fame fteady regard to truth and juflice, and at- tachment to the welfare of our beloved native land, that now calls upon us to reft/l the torrent of infubordination, will, we trufl, roufe our pofterity to defend thofe bulwarks which, unlefs betrayed by the bafenefs and venality of their nat- ural guardians, muft ever reftrain the advancements of ty- ranny.

Having often remarked, how flrongly the fcriptures im- pofe the duty of obedience on fubjects, it may not be unad- vifeable to obferve, that they abound with reproofs to wick- ed rulers, and record feveral inftances of approved refiftance to cruelty and oppreflion.* St Paul, efpecially, is diftin- guifhed for his bold affertion of his civil rights, and fpirited oppofition to injuftice, though actually feated on the tribu- nal of legal power. Chriftian obedience, therefore, is not abject fubmiflion ; but it is humility of mind. It is not thinking of ourfelves highly, or only coniidering the errors of our governors, and our own deferts ,- but it is thinking fo- berly, making allowances for their failings, and acknowledg- ing our own. It is giving " tribute where tribute is due," and " fubmitting to the ordinances of man ;" not from fear, not from any linifter purpofe, but " for the Lord's fake," with a thorough conviction that we owe the bleffing of regular government to God, and that the obedience which we pay to the human reprefentatives of his power, the earthern vef- fels in which the treafures of order, peace, and fecurity, are depofited, is well pleafing in his fight. Such a confcientious

• Particularly ift Kings, lift chapter, verfe 3d; asd Genefis, 14th chapter.

Tt

338

attachment to our King and country, enlightened by hiftor- cal knowledge, is as much political inrormation as our fex requires. It will be a prefcrvalive from party violence, and from that agitating intereft in local difputes which overpow- ers weak minds. It will put us upon our guard againll the pfeudo-patriots, who ufe the welfare of the public, as a catch- word to perfuade the deluded multitude to raife them to the lofty eyrie of greatnels, from whicli they may fuccefsfully dart upon thofe to whom they owe their exaltation. For power, like the fountain of Lethe, has the infallible quality of indu- ing thofe who tafte it with the habit of forgetting former friends and early profeflions. As this has been the invariable condu(ft of all popular idols, nothing but the ignorance of their votaries can render it fuccefsful. Would we but look a little lefs at what is prefent, and more at what is paft, we fhould fcorn to be cheated by the method which diftinguifh- ed the rebellion of a difobedient fpecious demagogue three thouiand years ago.*

Having efcaped out of the dangerous labyrinth of politics (may I hope with fafety ?) let me now enforce a caution which the lafl topic has brought to my recollection •, I mean, againft the very common fault of confining your attention to new publications and local topics. I know that you are above the vanity of being thought a literary lady, which in- duces many a would be Afpafia to toil through volumes of inanity, only that fhe may be faid to read every thing that comes out. "Prince Poftery," as Swift humoroufly terms the fixture, is generally juft to us fcribblers •, and it is as fafe for thofe who have not much leifure to bellow on books, to wait till their value has been determined by his high- uefs's preceptor, Time. What a mafs of rubbiih does every year confign to the trunk-maker ! yet it is poffiblc, that ma- ny of thefe defunct compofitions were admired by many be- fide their d'lfajlrons parent. " The older an author is," fays Howel, " commonly the more folid he is, and the greater teller of truth *," the reafon is evident, the impartial cenfure of the public annihilates all others. The pleafure and the im- provement which we derive from reading, confifts in our preferring a well digefted feleftion ; and even perfons of the brighteft underftandings, who are compelled by their iitua- tion to read every thing, generally complain that their minds are retrograde in refpedl to uleful or agreeable information.

* sd Samuel, 15th chapter, 4th Terfc.

339

There is a fpecies of compofitlon which is very popular,, but iliould, in my opinion, only be fought for by thofe who have little leifure j and even then, fince it Is more ufeful to know a few things well, than to imbibe a confufed jumble of every thing, even fuch readers might employ their time more advantageoufly ; I fpeak of thofe works which go by the name of Extracts, Anecdotes, Beauties, and Anas. If to amufe be the objedl of the compilers of thefe olios, I fear they lofe their aim, except with very volatile ftudents ; for you are fcarcely permitted to be interejied with one fubjeft, before you are hurried to another, with an abruptnefs that rather exhaujls than exhilarates. A beauty, torn from its na- tive foil, often becomes a deformity, becaufe a judicious writer always contrives that fituation fhould heighten the effe£t of his fplendid paflages. The bathos was never more ftrongly exhibited, than in an attempt to introducee fome of Mrs. RatclifFe's fine romances upon the ftage. The inci- dents and characters were indeed -oerhally preferved ; but the nice arrangement and preparation which rendered them ftriking, was confidered by the dramatlzer as wiejfential ; of courfe, the fame ftory which once harrowed up the foul, now convulfes us with laughter.

Criticifm is the laft topic to which I fhall call your atten- tion, in what, I fear, my awful cenfors will call my " litera- ry goffiping j" I mean if they fhould determine to beftow any caftigation on a hardened offender, who has often dared to utter a jeft at their dread tribunals. Were I not afraid, that fome one would difcover me to be of a moft malicious turn of mind, I fhould confefs that it is a fpecies of reading from which I derive uncommon pleafure. Learning, genius, and wit, cannot be more ufefully employed, than when they officiate as porters to the temple of the mufes ; but fince it fometimes happens in thefe evil days, that people appoint themfelves to this office, without having had their creden- tials figned by Phoebus, I would advife you, if you have a relifh for this high feafoned food, to apply to more than one caterer ; or you will, by depending on his bill of fare, en- counter " a crow in a perigord pie ;" I mean, that prejudice and party will fo difguife an author, as either to prevent you from enjoying a mental luxury, or oblige you to fwallow a naufeous compofitlon. In thefe times of violent contention, party intrudes its cloven foot into every fubjedl ; and works are efl:imated by every other rule than intrinfic merit. The public is, however, generally more jufl i an illiberal critique

540

has feldom enough folldity to arreft the flight of genius ; and it rarely happens, that dulnefs can long fear on the plu- mage which partiality had foldered on its preponderating lead, though its effort is aflifted by the puff direEl, as well as the puff by in!plicntiof7.

Periodical critiques have been thought unfavourable to the caufe of literature. When the number of them was fmall, few people had accefs to more than one ; and as its decifion was uncontroverted, its dicliim was received as in- fallible ; but fince this monarchy (or call it a triumvirate) has been fplit into petty principalities, the mighty whole re- lembles a fang drawn lion, on which nve literary mice may fport with impunity. Efpecially as, inftead of a general fed- erative union among the various cantons of cenforial inqui- iition, they forget their common intereft, and are not only rivals but enemies. At that important sera, when, in the fpirit of Turkifli policy, criticifm refolved to have "na brother near the throne," the veil was drawn from the eye of the public, and the unerring fage funk into the literary prize fighter, who purchafed renown by etidiiring and giving baftinadoes. From that happy moment, the natives of Grubftreet, who were wont to ftand filent to be pecked at, till their ferene tormentors were fatiated with looking at their bare anatomy, now chuckle and crow in *heir turn ; for who is afraid of a revieived revie-zutr P I beg pardon for thus frequently alluding to my own dear fraternity ; the recolleftion of our fufftrings muft excufc a little triumph at our being for ever emancipated from our filent bondage, and permitted, like the ilaves in the infernal regions, to lalh the^ tyrants who once made us groaa.

Since the opportunity of comparing various critiques ef- fectually combats every objecftion that could be made on the fcore of prejudicing the mind, when your own principles are generally fixed, there is no danger in learning the cha- racter of a work from a journal oppofite to your own no- tions, provided you keep an antidote at hand. You will thus be able to dete<ft the cxgelTes and falfe gloflos of either party ; and difcufhon will prevent your moderation from de- generating into h{keivcirmn?fs, or your zeal from evaporating into extravagance. This requires a folidity of judgment, to which I know you are equal ; the attempt, however, would be unfafe to our fex during their fiilad days. But befide pe- riodical producStions, which are unavoidably tainted with the imperfections incident to local difcuflion?, we pofiefs a mine

341

of critical treafures, to whofe fterling ore time has fixed his indubitable atteftation. Among the moft valuable of thefe, we may rank the effort of female talte in defence of our na- tional favourite Shakefpeare, and the animadverfions inter- fperfed in the biographical labours of Johnfon. Criticifm alfo occupies a diftinguilhed and inftrudtive part of thofe pe- riodical elTays which I formerly recommended to your at- tention. Nor do I wifh to confine my commendations of this branch of polite literature to the Auguflan ages of the Spectator or the Rambler ; living authors have added much valuable matter ; and even in the ephemeral produ<Slions of the day we often meet with remarks replete with fo much wit and ingenuity, as inclines a reclufe obferver to confider the national tafte as being materially improved^ notwithftand- ing the melancholy caveat which the degrading flate of the drama enters againft this exhilarating refle^lion.

Vapid criticifm is verbofe and tedious ; but inveftive or adulation are its bafeft and moft frequent faults. The pop- ularity of this fpecies of reading has certainly turned us in- to a nation of difputants and cenfors. Pope complains, that " ten cenfure wrong, for one who writes amils ;" and every author feelingly alTents to the truth of this oracular declaration. But the charadler that I have been fo long fupporting, upon recolle(ftion, covers me with fhame and terror j fince, however I might hope to efcape under cov- er of my fex as an author, in my new character of critic 1 can expert nothing but the fate of the difaftrous jackdaw, who ventured into an alTembly of peacocks. I fliall not, hov/ever, be ftripped of all my borrowed plumage ; much of it belonged to one who cannot noiv reclaim his o%un ideas. The grave, which prematurely clofed on as much genius, information, and tafte, as can diftinguifh an individual, ef- fecliially conceals my plagiarifm.

I fhall conclude this letter by repeating a caution, which will certainly come unopportunely from one who fpeaks through the pigmy defile of twenty duodecimos. I mean, that valuable knowledge is not increafed by multifarious read- ing. One well digefted book will improve the mind and the heart more than many volumes haftily devoured for the purpofe of faying that v/e have read them. This appetite for univerfal fcholarfhip is rather increafed by periodical an- notators ; for they feem to fuppofe that it is reproachful, for any who pretend to literary tafte, to be unacquainted with any celebrated work. I believe few people polTefs fuch clear

o42

heads, and retentive memories, as to be able to comprehend a long work at one perufal ; and few have fufficient leifurc to beftow circumfpeft inveftigation on a great variety. A feledtion of found authors of acknowledged merit is, there- fore, moft ferviceable to general readers ; for it is not the images of words paffing before the eyes, but ideas imprinted upon the foul by the blended powers of memory and un- derftanding, that can make us either better or wifer for our ftudies.

I remain, my dear Mifs M , &c.

343

LETTER XL

On Converfationj Societyt and Friend/hip.

• MY DEAR MISS M ,

1 WO advantages are annexed to literary purfults ; firft, as they tend to improve thofe wonderful faculties by which we are diftinguifhed from the brute creation, to our own com- fort ; and, fecondly, as knowledge is calculated to make us more agreeable and pleafing in the eyes of our fellow-crea- tures.

It has always been the unfortunate error of mankind, to beftow moft care and attention on what, in their calmer mo- ments, they confefs is leaft deferving folicitude. Thus it happens, that the prefcnt world gains the afcendancy of the future ; that agreeablenefs procures more admirers than de- fert j and that the appearance of enjoyment is preferred to the reality. The fame erroneous judgment has elevated the fecondary end of ftudy into undue afcendancy ; and hence it cannot be wondered at, that when the fuperftru£bare is not founded on a really enlightened intellect, a good heart, and a corrected temper, the delire of pleafing and the paf- fion for fhining fhould be confounded. Nothing is more natural to an ingenuous foul, than a wifh to be thought amiable by all with whom we converfe. To have our ap- proach hailed with the fmile of undifguifed complacence, and our departure deprecated by fomething lefs equivocal than the ceremonious entreaty of good breeding, conftitutes a fpecies of perfonal importance which even a ftoic can but affeB to defpife. But I muft tell the young lady whofe whole foul is engrolTed by the determination of pleafing, that this propcniity will carry her beyond the defired goal. Admi- ration and afie£tion are very diftinft fentiments : you can- not excite the former in any confiderable degree without alarming a hoft of competitors, who, being engaged in the fame purfuit, will narrowly inveftigate your condu£l *, and if any indirect fteps, or unfounded pretenfions, can be dif*

344

covered, you muft dread the confequcnces of vigilant fcru- tiny. Affcclion, on the other hand, is luon, not vanquijijed ; when we cherilh it, we indulge ourfelves, inftcad of paying homage to others. It has the agreeable property of veiHng thofe imperfc(flions which the envy attached to admiration never fails to expofe. It is therefore better adapted to the difpofition of our fex, who muft ever feel their defire of eclat checked by the timid apprehenfion of reproach. We cannot ftray far from that privacy which is our happieft and mod natural foil, without incurring danger.

The love of admiration has never been more prejudicial to women, than in the article of literary purfuits ; for know- ledge and underftanding are dirtinftions, of which the lords of the creation are highly tenacious ; and they are moft un- willing to allow, that more than a few particles of thofe pre- cious metals can poflioly amalgamate with that vaft prepon- derance of quickfilver irritability, which they affirm confti- tuted the fuperinduced ftamina of the fophiflicated rib. Though I verily believe there are many more male than fe- male pedants, and though I maintain that our underlland- ings are equally well adapted to the duties that we are call- ed upon to perform, and therefore cannot in ftri6lnefs be denominated inferior ; I would wifh my fex to remember, that advantageous reading, being peculiar and perfonal, may be enjoyed in its fulleft extent, without exciting thofe con- ftant attendants of celebrity, detraction and fcurrility. I wifla alfo to add, that by fecuring thofe principal ends of ftudy, the fecondary ufes follow of neceffity. She who has really improved her underftanding, her principles, and her temper, by knowledge or fcience, muft be courted as a com- panion and loved as a friend ; and though the general dif- fufton of literature, and increafed liberality of opinion (I do not now ufe that word ironically,) permit our fex to diiplay acquirements that would formerly have been deemed ridic- ulous, it is certainly fafer for us, as a general rule, to confid- er fcience rather as the mirror of Juno, by which ihe attir- ed herfelf for Jove, than as the lambent flame which played around the head of lulus, and dijlinguijl?ed him from his young compeers. The enlightening of our underftanding? fhould not be our firft aim when we enter upon a courfc of ftudy. Our diftin(Slions as moral and immortal beings, are fupcrior to the faculty of enlarged intelligence ; our hearts and lives therefore, fliould be amended tlirough the medi- um of our intelle^Ttual powers, or we read and refle^^l in vain.

345

Improved capacity always implies increafecl refponfibillty ; knowledge is a moft precious talent, and muft pay the high- eft premium. The errors of ignorance are fometimes an ex- cufe for crimes ; but the backflidings of fapience ever imply criminality.

Is it not fafer then to remain ignorant ? Certainly not ; for the confcioufnefs of ignorance is a degree of knowledge ; and an indolent preference of darknefs to light, when we are convined that we fit in darknefs, betrays alfo a confciouf- nefs that we ktio%u our deeds to be evil. Sincerity of inten- tion muft accompany mental imbecility, or its weaknefs is no apology.

The advantages of a relifh for literature are moft forcibly felt in folltude and in old age -, the inconveniencies* attach- ed to both thefe fituations are feldom fuccefsfuUy parried, unlefs by thofe who to the blefling of a clear confcience add the variety of gratifications which a well cultivated mind can fupply. While we live in the gay world, or even in do- meftic fociety, we are only one of a pic-nic party ; and the trouble of the entertainment is fo diminifhed by the num- ber of contributors y as to prevent us from thinking how it has been provided. But when, like a Canadian fettler, we are confined to our own log houfe, prudential preparations for the enfuing winter alTume a moft ferious afpedl, and become interwoven with the care of our exiftence. We muft have oil for our lamps, covering for our beds, and fuel for our fire j we want cordials to exhilarate us, food to ftrengthen us, employments to exercife our bodies, and expecftations to ftimulate our minds, befides medicinal provifion for acciden- tal ficknefs or calamity. To drop the allufion : what a fund of innate cheerfulnefs, tranquillity, energy, and contentment, is neceffary for thofe who hope to live comfortably by them- felves, efpecially for fuch as continue to ruminate when all the powers of activity are fufpended, or finally deftroyed ! Happy the mind which at fuch a period can turn inward, and contemplate thofe forms of " perfeft, fair, and good," which a correct judgment fkctched in early life on the ftill iindefaced tablet of memory !

We will purfue this theme in the conclufion of our cor- refpondence. It is my prefent intention to proceed from literary acquirements, to the field in which they publicly dif-

♦ See Letter 15th.

Uu

34G

play thcmfelves : I mean converfation. Now, though infor- mation certainly adds a thoufand delicacies " to the feaft of rcafon and the flow of foul," it ihould be like the charms of our general mother, "not obvious, not obtrufivc, but retir- ed." Like the fylphs that accompanied Belinda in her aqua- tic triumph,* it may add a multitude of minute graces to the nymph around whom it hovers j but, unlcfs in the fc- le^ parties of private friendlhip, it muft rarely afl'ume fo denfe a body as to be difcerniblc by vulgar eyes. Nor muft it (prefuming on its ethereal origin) atrc(Sl a contempt for thofe earth-born gnomes yclept houfehold cares ; which, though far Icfs rarefied than the fcintillations of fcience, are quite as neceflary to the con^forts of animal exiftence. By way of clofing the competition which has long fubfifted be- tween the foaring daughter of genius, the flatternly meta- phyfician, the " fquarc elbowed family drudge," and the light robed nymph of fallnon, fuppofe we take fome of the diftinfl qualities of each, and with them form a female par- agon, permitting converfation to unite the brilliant, the pro- found, the ufeful, and the trifling ; for, I fear, whoever de- termines to exclude any of thefe ingredients will deprive the compound of an agreeable zeft or ballamic property. Con- verfation was never fb happily allegorized as by a refem- blance to a colle^lion of mufical inftruments ; and I believe we never return from a pleafant intellectual concert, with- out acknowledging that our gratification proceeded from its variety as well as itsfweeifufs. We felt obliged to the lead- ing kettle-drum (provided flie did not play too long or too loud,)a s well as to the harmonizing flute ; and the fprightly kit would have given us lefs amufement, had it not been contrafled with the fober fb-ains of the virginal.f

It has been remarked, that though in this age of equali- zation one rank Aides into another in the article of drefs, luxury, and amufement, converfation ftill preferves its at-i/ia- cratical diftindlions ; and I am afraid that my inveterate dif- like of democracy will be deduced from the obfervation I am going to make, that it would have been well for fociety, if the politenefs and accom.modation of our fuperiors were

* Sec Rape of the Lock.

f Sec Tatler, vol. •?. no. ij.v I cannot for tlils rcafon approve the hy- meneal fchenjc which the ih;Teuiou'i author fubjoins. Wiio, for Heaven's fake, could live v/ich a drum and kettle drum, or eudiuc the monotony of a bagpipe and catlancts ?

347

as Imitable, as the form of their attire or the arrangements of their tables. Purpofing to fzy much upon this head, it will be expedient to qualify the bitter potion by a previous introdudtion of what is fo palatable to human pertinacity j I mean the abufe of thofe who are above us. And to begin with a fubjecl which will I am fure be popular, courtiers are proverbially infincere in their fmiles and promifes ; and who- ever builds on their favour more than convenience warrants, erects " the bafelefs fabric of a viiion." Something has been faid in favour of thefe profcribed beings, who are pro- feffionally expofed to felicitation, and politically reftrained from oiFending fuitors by refufals ; but as I write for the middle orders, I fliall leave the exculpation of the great to their own profeiTed advocates, and condemn the folly of thofe who continue to become the dupes of what the expe- rience of all ages alTurcs us is fyncnymous to the tracklefs wind ; I mean the affability of great ladies and the promifes of great men. The language of high life, like its apparent good humour, is uniform and local j and when a plain.cha- radler ventures into the enchanted labyrinth, he fhould car- ry with him an explanatory vocabulary adapted to the foci- cty that he mixes with, as conftantly as a traveller does an interpreter when he ventures into a foreign country with whofe language he is unacquainted. Courtlinefs of expref- fion is fo efTential an adjuncl to highly polifhed manners, that it rarely incurs the guilt of deception, unlefs fome ftray bourgeois adventurer wanders among thefe " gorgeous dames and barons boldj" with enough native vanity to be credu- lous. Did this ourang-outang (for fo, with permiffion, I long to tell him he is confidered hy pretended admirers,) but confine his expectations to momentary enjoyment, his wifli- es might be gratified ; but if, like the ambaflador of Ban- tam, he will explain " devoted humble fervant" according to the lingo of his own hemifphere, he muff painfully dif- cover that, inftead of the bower of Acrafia, he has only been bewildered in " Fool's Paradife."

As it would be abfurd to f(;ek among *' high lived com- pany" for what its conftitutional laws compel it to difclaim, ilncerity ; let us confine our cenfures to the defedls which thofe laws muff acknowledge to be efTential. The fpoiled children of opulence and profperity are too apt to fink all other faculties in the capacity of enjoyment ; and being pleafant or interefting are, in their opinion, fuperior quali- ties to being eflimable or im-proving. Hence, among the

34S

high circles, convcrfation is more like a dejeutie than an old Englilh repaft ; it abounds in bon-bons and fyllabubs ; it is deficient in fubftantials. We all know that a fubjedl fhould not be quite exhaufled, nor an idea fairly run down : but certainly, as ftarting a multitude of game difappoints inftead of delighting the fportfman ; fo extreme volatility and mu- tability in the fubje£ls that we difcufs render converfation fatiguing, rather than delightful. Good things lofe their efFeft, unlefs contrafted by found nuords ; and they both appear more brilliant when relieved by a back ground of common fnfe. As with the fenfations of fruition and delight, " Tis blifs but to a certain bound, beyond, is agony ;" fo wit and vi- vacity exhauft the powers of enjoyment, unlefs placid eafe and benevolent feeling are allowed to unftring the high ton- ed imagination.

The quality that is moft ftriking in very refined converfa- tion is, the art of always feeming pleafed and happy ; and, of courfe, the general air of complacency that is difFufed ov- er the fcene. Now, though I am convinced that the gentle tone of approbation is often but the cover for inward dif- content, and that difguft lurks in the dimple of placid de- light j I ftili maintain, that only apparent fatisfa^tion com- municates hilarity to others, and contributes to diffufe the external requifites of pleafure. Ill humour, being confider- ed under her political charadler of ill breeding, can only venture into the higher circles in mafquerade. It being im- poflible to exterminate the canker brood of this hydra, I wifli that the laws of focial intercourfe were every where fo ftrift, as to compel them to difguife their joy expelling pro- perties in every party.

The licentiouihefs of patrician converfation is a fruitful theme for popular declamation ; but I hope, as the publicity attached to difiblutenefs of manners engenders an unfound- ed credulity as to the univerfality of depravity ; fo the no- toriety of any breach of decency, where we expe^ed deco- rum, mifdirec% the tide of virtuous indignation, and teaches us to deplore the frequency, inftead of the perverfity, of profligacy. It is a public calamity, when depravity of fenti- ment or manners is accompanied by fuch fafcinating graces of behaviour, as muft perfuade many weak minds, that what is fo very attrac^tive cannot be very wrong. Here, as in the cafe of knowledge, the guilt is increafed by the refinement of the offender, Thofe attractions of depoi'tment, which naturally draw the delighted eye of every beholder, proclaim

349

the mind to be capable of all the nice referves and keen fen- iibilities of virtuous feeling. A man of true tafte will not think a woman completely charming unlefs, when in a feri- ous mood, he could defer ibe her as having

«* Grace in all her fteps, heaven in her eye, " In every gellure dignity and love ;"*

and fhall grace, piety, dignity, and benevolence fparkle in the eye, ftep, and gefture, yet never flied their divine influ- ence over the lips and the heart P What a laborious mimic is Ihe, who, through life, either afFedls what flie does not feel, or a£ls in conftant oppofition to her feelings ; who paints the pallid cheek of licentioufnefs with the blufh of modefty, conceals the furious glare of guilty paflions under the faintly glance of purity, and pours the language of rib- aldry from the cherubic lips of innocence ! With half the pains that fhe takes to nfiomp a world which at once wond- ers at and abhors her, fhe might procure the efleem of the virtuous, and the approbation of her own heart.

The unhappy propenfity to copy the defedts of celebrated characters, inftead of their excellencies, has greatly affedtcd the lower ranks of life in the particular of indecorum. Yet I may venture to aflure the members of all the fafliionablc pandvjemoniums, who affecl the language of infernals, that originality in indelicacy has not raifed them to that " bad eminence." They may, indeed, boaft of drefling up Bill- ingfgate flang, or Wapping fentiment, in better phrafe or gaudier colours ; but thofe feminaries are the only endowed colleges abfolutely devoted to the fcience of obfcenity ; and it is in the power of the loweft of human beings to be pro- fane and immoral. I gladly quit a moft difgufting fubjedt, to attend to the real advantages that are ufually annexed to poliflied converfation.

We will begin by confldering, on what principles the fii- periority of polifhed converfation over the ruder habits of fociety is founded ; and fince good fenfe, intelligence, and humour, are national charadteriftics by no means confined to any rank, we muft conclude that it arifes more from the manner than the matter of what is faid. Every one mufl allow this, who confiders how differently an anecdote or an obfervation founds when drefTed in good language, and ac-

* This favourite definition of beauty has been inferred in Letter 4th, though not cxatSlly in the fame manner.

350

companicd by an agreeable manner, from what the fanic tale or fentiment does when flrippcd of thefe ornaments. A re- mark originally infignificant, may become witty, farcaftic, ftupid or luminous, according to the humour of the repeat- er. Though, in fictitious frories, we are at liberty fo to va- ry the narnitivc as to heighten the effect ; when we aim at the elucidation of character, or recitation of fadl, finglenefs of heart muft profcribe every defigned variation. The dif- grace which falhionable manners affix to downright falfe- hood deferves general imitation. Let us now proceed to the minuticie of good breeding.

Authors are fuppofed (or rather have been required) to qualify theuifclves for writing by previous reading ; and I believe it is efteemcd eflential for a fpeaker in converfation, firft to ferve a probationary apprenticefhip in the character of a hearer. The term of this initiatory (late is generally fuppofed to expire with our teens ; yet a frequent return to the manners of pupillage is one of the rules which diftin- guifh a very well bred perfon ; attentive filence to a fpeak- er being one of the xnoii fimdamctital laws of politenefs. Let me juft hint a fituation, in which prudence requires you to a£l contrary to the ojlenftble expectation. If you fliould ever be introduced to fome one who has exprefled great admira- tion of you, and a vaft inclination for your fociety, remem- ber that thefe words, properly tranflated, mean a craving de^ sire to be hioivfi to you ; and you will find the art of hearing the moft effential requifite at fuch an interview. Woe be to the wight who prepares herfelf for this introdu£l;ion by a ftore of juft remarks and acute obfervations ! The infpedting party is then fure to return difTatisfied, and full of complaint that people never anfwer expectation. But if llie refolve fo to hufband her faculties, as to confine intelligence to acqui- efcence, and difcernment to compliment^ flie will infallibly rife in the fcale of wonders to fomething that is fupernatural. Thefe precautionary admonitions are only meant to intimate that vanity is univerfal, and to teach the gazer and the gazed at to fcrutinizc their own hearts. But to return to the val- uable ordinances of polite manners : when information, au- thority, or talent, afTumes the oracidar chair y it behoves the reft of the company to commence auditors ; the right and the time for occupying it fliould indeed be limited by found judgment ; but unlefs the ufurpation be very manifeft, and very tirefome, inattention or interruption are confidered as

S51

more flagrant breaches of the laws of good manners, than thofe which they voluntaril y attempt to chaftize.

Attention to engagements and promifes might be referred to the indiiToluble tics of moral honefty ; but it rarely hap- pens that people apply thofe important confiderations to tri- fles ; and yet let me again repeat the truifm, that it is in trifles that virtue is moft confpicuous. Verfatility in petty obligations gives a moft unfavourable idea of the moral char- adler, and generally deflgnates a perfon on whom one can place no dependance. The inconveniencles which little breaches of pundluality caufe in fociety are, however, of them- felves fufficient to determine the culpability of fuch laxity of mind, even if it never proceeded to more enormous adts of prevarication. A perfon who breaks an engagement fel- dom reflects on the inconveniencies that he caufes •, he may be compared to a ftone thrown into a pool, which difturbs circle after circle till the vv^hole furface is difcompofed. Do you recollect Steele's excellent paper upon this fubject, in which he cenfures his own acknowledged failing (the parent, perhaps, of his fliill more criminal failings) with all the frank- nefs and all the irrefolution of lively feeling and culpable va- cillation ?

Among the rougher forms of fociety, it is not unfrequent to hear civility and flncerity contralled, as if they were in their natures irreconcilable ; but we only require common fenl'e, and a good difpofition, to render a well bred perfon as inartificial as the rudeft Joan Blunt that ever harrowed up our feelings under the pretence of telling us her mind. I am convinced that vulgarity is oftener artful than ingenuous. The foundation of polite behaviour fliould be laid in the chriftian precept of " in honor preferring one another ;'* which extends the obligation to civility to all the world : friends and enemies, fl:rangers and acquaintance, fuperiors and inferiors ; all have an equal demand to have their inter- courfe with us regulated by the rules of decorum. Obedi- ence to thefe laws is no infrailion of the higher claims of truth and juftice, affection and gratitude. The common of- fices of life may be conduced with urbanity and gentlenefs, though affection and confidence are referved for friendfliip. If we have occafion to meet a perfon with whom we are at enmity, we need not fcowl defiance with our eyes, or awak- en his paflions by menaces or infult. We have certainly no right to difrurb the peaice of any fociety by our previous quar- rels : bitternefs does but increafe the difficulty of reconcilia-

352

tion ; while a pleafant word, or a civil attention, at an occa- lional interview, have often been known to ciiffipate wrath, and to vanquilh difguft. Judicious perlons will prefervc this general habit of complacency, without forfeiting fincerity ; they will avoid exprefling particular regard, or foliciting par- ticular intimacy, in cafes where the heart does not dictate the requell: ; nor will they fall into the very common meth- od of indifcriminate ofFers of forvice, which are generally taken in a ftill more enlarged extent than they are defigned. A few general rules feem to conftitute the fundamentals of agreeable manners. We fhould be careful neither to offend nor to miflead thofe with whom we converfe. Now, if our behaviour be not ajftimcd^ but the genuine efFe<fl:of a humble and benevolent heart, though we may err in fome of thofe minute points which cuftom has introduced and experience fanftioned, we never can be guilty of any great lapfes. When the heart didlates the external carriage, it cannot be artificial j and llmplicity not only charms all beholders, but is an accredited pafTport to really good fociety.

An adherence to the precept of " in honour preferring one another," will certainly reprefs oftentation, which is one of the moft fruitful, and, let me add, moft vulgar fources of our focial folecifms. Whoever meet company with an in- tention of making a difplay, may reft aflured that, though there is a chance of their being fo fortunate as to aftonKh a feiUy they will be fure to difpleafe jnatiy. The native pride of human nature renders us very hoftile to the claims of fu- periority \ and if it appear but in the fliape of an ornament, it is fure to have its pretenfions contefted. The fame may be obferved of every natural or acquired eminence, unleis the envied diftinftion is fo enveloped in modefty and com- placence, as to diminifh all the invidious effefts of fupcrior- ity -, but thefe, indeed, generally accompany a genuine claim- ant to particular regard. The equilibrium of fociety is oft- ener deftroyed by the preponderance of fioify pretenders, than by the acknowledged gravity of wit, tafte, elegance, or information. The cawing rooks outfcream the fweet warb- lings of the nightingale.

The defire of calling forth all the latent talents of the party, by an exhilarating attention to every individual of whom it is compofcd, principally caufes the zeft of that re- fined fociety where, indifputably, we ought to fearch for the ailvantagi's^ as well as the lanvs^ of good breeding. The mo- tive for endeavouring to make every one plcafcd with lum-

553

felf may be felfifh ; but the effect is grateful to all. "When this duty is well underftood and pradtifed by the hoft and. hoftefs, a general fuavity of look and manner is fure to be the confequence. Would it not be advifable, if, in certain walks of life, the provilion for the animal part of the enter- tained were diminilhed, and more folicitude fhown for the preparation of mental delicacies ? A plain dinner, feafoned with fenfe and cheerfulnefs, is infinitely preferable to a thou- sand luxuries ferved with the languid air of fatigued often- tation.

Young women who copy their gentility from faulty mod- els are extremely apt to fuppofe that faftidioufnefs is a proof of tafte ; or elfe, that exceffive laughing demonftrates a pro- digious deal of wit, or a monftrous quantity of good humour. The firfl of thefe mifi:aken fafliionifts, like Dr. Johnfon's Anthea, predetermines to fpoi! every party, to meet with nothing riglit, and, in fa61, to realize the power attributed to the toad, of extracting poifon from every objedl. The gigglers belong to the gregarious tribe of animals ; they ge- nerally lurk in holes and corners, to the vaft annoyance of ail forlorn looking people, who, however worthy or intelli- gent, mufl: not hope to efcape the denomination of quizzes, and conlequently become lawful prey. Having never been informed that real wit or innocent vivacity Is even fufpeBed of exciting this local merriment, I fuppofe thofe naturalifts may be right who maintain, that as the female glow worm poffeffcs the quality of Ihining, in order to point out her re- treat to her winged mate, fo thefe earth born nymphs, poH- felling no inherent brightnefs, have the defedt fupplied by a fort of fympathetic laughter ; for it is obferved, that the ap- pearance of a beau incrcafcs the convullion even to apparent agony. I might apply feverer terms to the afFeftedly difcon- tented, or the affectedly gay ; but probably my admonition will have greater weight when I fimply tell them that their manners are ungenteel. Would they but let " nature be their goddefs," their diftrefTes would intereft, and their hi- larity would pleafe ; we Ihould not then be difgufted by a capricious adoption of fafhionable words or tonifh phrafes \ nor fhouid We fee raufcular contractions and hideous gef- tures afliuiicd, under the lamentable idea that they confti- tute beauty and elegance.

Nothing fliows propriety of judgment more than eftimat- ing the opinion of the world at its true value. Young peo- Ww

354

pic arc extremely apt to err in this particular, either by de- fpifing what others fay of them, or by making too great fac- rifices to obtain applaufc. Another error is in their calling their own " little fet the world." Many a young woman has been irretrievably confirmed in her faults by the flatte- ry of her own acquaintance, who have taught her to con- fidcr the reproofs of her true friends as the cenfure of fpite- ful, ill natured, narrow minded tabbies. To this caufe wc muft afcribe the difFufive imitation of fa{hionable awkward- nefles, and that confident ftyle of aflertion which fo diftin- guiflies the vulgar girls of the prefent time. It fhows pride and yet poverty of judgment, engendered by local and cir- cumlcribed obfervation, and follered by the opinion of con- gregated triflers, whom the habits of this age allow to prate in full aflembly, inftead of ftitching their famplers at home, as the manners of paft times compelled their grandmothers to do. If folly be indeed the predominant feature of the human race, we muft lament the relaxation of that difcipline which gave it, by reftraint, the exterior of wifdom. It is not true, however, that the majority of women are incapa- ble of thinking right ; it is becaufe the leading principles of modern education do not put their ideas into a right train for profitable reflexion. The opinion of the world, or rather that of connoifleurs, is courted on the fcore of accom- plifhments ; why not, then, aim to acquire the approbation of found judges in manners and morals ? Propriety and ele- gance are determinable by laws as unalterable as thofe of the Perlians, however they may be fuppofed to be fubjeift to the light decrees of falhion, by thofe who confound efTentials with appendages. A bold flare, a mafculine fwing, a pro- jected chin, and curvated flioulders, cannot prefent the out- line or the movements of Grecian grace and fymmetry. A few dear loves may pronounce the fiueet creature quite capti- vating, and the very eflence of the prefent mode ; but genu- ine tafte will join with the aunts and grandmothers of the party, in protefting againft all diftortions of the human fig- ure, under the falfe notion of improvement. I queftion whether her interdift againft the ftiff bridle, and fwimming ftep, of former times was promulgated with half fuch fe- verity.

But aftedlation is only one of the methods by which felf- conceit difplays its confcious importance. Egotifm belongs to the fame error of undue felf-preference ; it is not indeed quite fo dogmatical as pertinacity, nor fo difgufting as dif-

355

tortion ; but wc cannot admire the monotonous bell of the pack-horfe, although it do not harafs us like the grating of a grindftone, or deafen us with the thunder of a fulling mill. Nothing upon earth is fo dull and tirefome as long hiftories about our own petty perplexities ; narratives that polTeii neither intereft, humou?, nor inftrudlion ; efpecially when interladed (as is generally the cafe) with a plentiful quantum of felf-praife. We need not, however, abfolutely banifh felf from converfation, though it muft be prohibited from zC- fuming the port of a heroine, either on account of uncom- mon merit or lingular difafters. I once knew an inftance, in which egotifm was made fo infinitely agreeable, that the listeners were never weary of its narratives ; but then it was introduced to corredt its own foibles, fomewhat in the dif- guife of a jack-pudding, and it recounted, not wondersy but mockeries. This would, however, be a dangerous expedient to all who had not fufficient ftrength and dignity of charac- ter to check merriment before it approached the confines of contempt. This was eminently the cafe with the Lady that I allude to j at whom the moll impertinent witling could not laugh one moment longer than fhe condefcended to fid- dle for his amufement. She polTefled the art of fliowing us, in all her ludicrous narratives of her own dilemmas, that the ridicule attached to the whimfical fituation in which Ihe was placed, and not to her own inherent folly. When humour can be thus managed, it alTumes that Ihape of harmlefs play- fulnefsy which is the moft exhilarating cordial of the foul.

If ever, then, we happen to be feized with an invincible defire of talking of ourfelves in company, let us be fure to render the theme very agreeable. This cannot be done by putting on our beft array, by paint or by patches. No cred- it will be given us for the witty things which we proteft we faid or did on fuch an occafion ; the tale " fmells of the lamp ;" and our injudicioufnefs in repeating former triumphs deftroys our credibility. A really clever woman has no oc- cafion to employ the paft tenfe in fuing for her credentials of intelligence. Do we not, by fo doing, expofe ourfelves to the retort which Efop tells us filenced the lying traveller, who boafted of his agility in Rhodes, by the company beg- ging him to confider the prefent occafion as a proper fcen^ for an original exhibition of talent ?

Converfation refembles, in many particulars, a ganac of chance. The beft players are thofe who, ftill keeping in ■view the eftablilhed rules, adapt themfelves to accidental va-

356

nations with fkill and adroitnefs. Whoever engages in it with a fteadfaft rofolution of making particular ftrokes, or ties himfelf down by a preconcerted manner, will be lure to lofe ; and he who refolves to keep the game in his own hands plays unfairly. " A civil gueft," fays the old poet, *' will neither talk all nor eat all the feaft." When we talk, let us confider rather what will be requifite for us to fay, than what we fhall be gratified in faying. After keeping the ball in our hand a due time, let us refign it to another play- er, and only occafionally catch it in its rebound. But let us, in that cafe, beware of arrefting it by too hard a blow. Pet- ty contradictions are not the fpur, but the quietus, of agree- able converfation. They proceed from a habit formed in early life, to which parents in the middle ranks of fociety are never fufficiently attentive. If half the pains that are taken in teaching young women accomplifliments were be- ftowed on the regulation of ther tempers, and the improve- ment of their manners, our focial pleafures would receive moft valuable improvements. It is to be lamented, that this moft teafmg habit often diflinguilhes very worthy people, who adopt it from a mifi:aken regard to truth and fincerity. As thefe are efpecially apt to fuppofe that a domeftic party releafes every body from all reftraints, they frequently con- trive to convert a family meeting into a battle royal ; fome- what refembling the conteft of a brood of turkey pouts, in which every one gets pecked, and none difcover for what reafon. The moft miferable fate, however, au'aits a Gran- ger, who, fuppofing this engagement to proceed from fecret enmity, unfortunately interferes to re (tore peace, and does not, till after he has received the rebuffs of every combatant, difcover that they were all the while cachllug in perfect friendfhip. This humour generally breaks out in the midft of fome narrative, in which the repeater is interrupted with fomething quite as unelTential as Mifs Carolina Wilhelmina Amelia Skeggs's elucidations of Lady Blarney's crim con ftory, in the Vicar of Wakefield ; and as both parties in- ftantly quit the main point, to afcertain the verity of the ap- pendage, all the fpirit of the tale (if it ever had any) inftant- ly evaporates, and leaves the combatants to fight over a dead body, like the heroic Greeks and magnanimous Trojans. A love of detailing wonders (another lamentable fault in con- verfation) is extremely apt to roufe this contradictious fpirit, which really is a fort of wild fire very liable to agitation, ir- refiftible in its progrefs, and incapable of extinction ur^til it

357

has confumed all the fuel within its reach. It is not always harmlefs, unlefs it is ignited among the weeds which over- run a rich but neglefted foil. We may deduce family dif^ fenlions, breach of friend£hip, nay irreconcilable enmity, from this fource, much oftener than we can afcribe thefe la- mentable confequences to any great violations of the princi- ples of morality.

Whenever, therefore, we feel inclined to deny what has juft been advanced, let us previoufly reflect whether our mo- tive for interference be fuch as will juftify that interrupti<*n of general harmony which contradiftion always endangei's. Is the mifreprefentation grofs, is the miflake at once palpa- ble and important ? If fo, a duty paramount to the laws of good breeding compels us adlively to fupport the caufe of truth ; but (even then) we flaould ftill recollect^that no caufe is ivell fiipported without moderation andTirbanity. There is no occaiion for the loiid fcream of reprobation ; a hint is more forcible, if not- to the offender, at leaft to the bye- ftander. If the culprit refufes to receive this admonition, and even maintains her own opinion or ftatement with per- tinacity, it will be more ativifable to decline the conteft, than to enter on, what is quite inimical to the nature of focial converfe, a long angry argument. Difcuflions of important points may fometimes be purfued in cpmpany v/irh improve- ment or pleafure \ but then the weapons of controverfy muft be wielded by maflers of the fcience, who poiTefs real com- mand of temper as well as information, who can gracefully fubmit to defeat, and who fcorn to purfue a victory after it has been aclnowled^fed . Such talents are too feldom found

o

in unifon, to induce uae to refcind my affirmation, that con- tradidlion and argument are the pefts of converfation j and, unfortunately, the more infignilicant the occaiion, the more irritating are the confequences.

Giving unpleafant anfwers has been already alluded to: bitter irony is another folecifm of the rules of politenefs. To fay what you are certain will give unneceffary pain, is not only a breach in manners but in morals. If v/it be re- ftrained by the fundamental laws of her ov»'n empire from lacerating by her keennefs, Ihall the ufurper Duhiefs be al- lowed to ufe her mallet, to do what the bright daughter of . Fancy renounces her legitimacy by attempting ! Rude far- cafms might always be corrected by the company before whom the offence is conimitted. If there were no thought- lefs laughers, there would be no cffenfive jeiters. The leaven

358

of vanity operates in this inftance, as it does in moft of our petty faults. Solicitous of diftinftion, yet ignorant of wor- thy means to procure it, the fplenetic dullard refolves to be celebrated, though it be only as the defiroyer of that comfort which he cannot promote. Banifhment to Coventry would be a dcfcrved and falutary punifhment ; nothing can fooner reclaim malignity than to fhow it its own infignificance. But, to undertake the execution of this fentence, requires more hardihood than generally accords with the female chara^er.

An adept in the praiSlice of chriftian candour knows that we mufl invariably conform to the precept of " thinking no evil." Among the minute but highly important ramifica- tions of this extenflve duty, we may rank all unpleafant con- ftructions of ^the words of our aflbciates ; and, when they really will bear no other interpretation, endeavouring to fhow the fpeaker that we are delirous of underftanding them in a favourable light. A good humoured anfwer to a fplenetic remark conftitutes thofe ** foft words" which Solomon com- mends ; and there are few tempers fo truly diabolical but will yield, if not to the fuavity, at leaft to the addrefs of gentle management : I except paflionate people, who, if they are generous (the ufual concomitant of warmth,) are al- ways fooneft vanquiflied, by fhowing them that the darts they throw about at random make painful wounds.

The precept of *' in honour preferring one another," will teach us a habit extremely gratifying to all with whom we afTociatc : I mean that of appearing intcreft:ed in their affairs. This fpecies of attention is efpecially due to thofe who are in afflidlion or perplexity. We cannot expe£l that people who are fo circumftanced can enter into the ordinary flyle of converfation with eafe and cheerfulnefs •, and, it is pro- bable, we have no other way of foftening their calamities than by taking an interell: in their affairs. What, fhall wc afk, is {o grateful as pity ; what fo foothing as fympathetic attention ? The veriefl wretch that ever languifhed in ca- lamity would turn his woe worn face to catch the accents of commiferation. Confolation is certainly a moft difficult of- fice ; we never can difcharge it well, if we do not under- fland it rather with a heart difpofed to perform it as a duty, than with a mind prepared to enter upon it as a field where-^ in we may difplay cur powers. The great evil that perfe- cutes converfation, intrudes alfo into this part of focial inter- courfe ; I niean vanity. Though nothing is fo galling to

S59

the excoriated heart as reproof, mofl comforters are apt to confider cenfure as the grand fpecific for woe. " Miferablc comforters are ye all," faid Job to the declaimers who crowd- ed round him to tell him that his Jms deferved chaftifement. The fons and daughters of affliflion oftener find relief from felf-exertion than from the trite arguments, or roufing ftim- ulants, which are fo often injudicioufly applied by thofe who yet pique themfelves on a diligent attendance on the houfe of mourning. Among the requifites proper to enable us to difcharge this duty as we ought, difcretion and tendernefs hold the preeminence. The feftering ulcers of the wound- ed fpirit fhould be cleanfed with a light hand and feeling heart. Allow much for the petulance of affliction ; do not afliime the fevere cenfor, and fcrutinize every wayward ex- preffion ; you will be oftener required to liften than to fpeak. Be patiently attentive to the tale of mifery till the firft pangs of grief fubfide, and exhaufted feeling wears a momentary refemblance to apathy ; you may then apply yourfelf to ex- traEl the thorn with fome profpeft of fuccefs. Gradually introduce other fubje£ls ; at firft, fuch only will intereft as are analogous to the fituation of the fufferer. If you con- ceive that the mind bends fo much as to miftake murmur- ing for fenfibility, in your converfation dwell on the virtue of fortitude, or rather recommend chriftian refignation. You may do this incidentally, by introducing fuch examples as Lady Rachel Ruflel, or Mifs Bowdler. The one fhowed that it Was poffible for the hopes of immortality to vanquifh the acute fenfe of the moft fevere, uncommon, and repeated deprivations j while the other proved its capacity of triumph- ing over the extremejl tortures of bodily anguifli. In both inftances, the chriftian principle had to contend with great natural fenfibility.

Advice is a duty analogous to confolation, and requires as much delicacy in the adminiftring it, to render it beneficial ; but as the right of giving it is circumfcribed within narrow bounds, we will here only enter a proteft againft thofe very bufy people, who are troubled with fuch an overflow of wif^ dom, that they are always giving ledlures on propriety, and correcting every thing which they fufpeCt to be an error. Unlefs we are landtioned by the ties of affinity, intimate friendfhip, or that accidental fuperiority which the depen- dent fituation of the advifed creates, we fhould feldom ven- ture on the invidious talk of a counfellor, unlefs by gentle kints or filent intimations of difTent ; which duties we fhall

be required to perform as often as the interefls of truth or morality are called in qiiellion. But it fometimes happens, that comparative ftrangers will afk our opinions on their con-

"diiilt; this, however, is rarely done, except when they have inade up their minds upon the rubje<fl, and wifh to ftrength- en their refolution by thefe unfairly coliedted fufFrages. On fuch uix occafion, it is wrong to facrifice our integrity to in- fidious vanity. Silence is tlie wifell mode ; but if we mult fpeak, our opinion fliould be ingenuous, only couched in refpe^lful language.

I have not yet touched upon the principle fault of conver- fation : I mean flander. When it proceeds from maliciouf- nefs, or when it is embellifhed with faifehood, it belongs to a fpecies of vices that exceed the jurildidtion of minor mor- als. There is, however, a defcription of detraction known by the name of goffiping, which is the general peft of all ru- ral aflbciations, and feems quite an equivalent for that im- moderate love of pleafure which contaminates a town life. What, may we aik, is that perverted induftry which is ever bulled in the minute concerns of our neighbour, but reftlefs indolence ? Too diffipated to be quiet, too imbecile to be felf-amufed, we ruftics are compelled to go out of ourfelves in fearch of fome pungent ftimulant to drug the vapid cup of life. The mifadventures of all around them are an exqui- fite treat to fpirits of this caft j their vital ftream would in- evitably ftagnate, did it not receive fome impetus from a

Jhux-pas or an elopement. Had I a mind to jingle upon words, I could fay that they would be mined without bank- ruptcies, and miftrable without misfortunes ,■ a typhus in your family cures them of a nervous intermittent, and a breadi in your domeftic felicity creates amufement for half your ac- quaintance. In the gloomy month of November, when moft people are fliut up in their own caftles, or during any ex- traordinary ftagnation of news, what is to become of the un- fortunate beings who fubfift upon report .'' Sooner than be quite famillied, they myit provide themfelves with fome im- proper ariment ; and when they can no longer fee what their neighbours are doing, they imy fur mife what they fay or think ; and it is poffible, through Mrs. Nokcs, aided by the difcoveries of Mils Styles, ftrengthened by the hints of Mr. Richard Roe, confirmed by a plentiful fliare of Abigail tef- timony, we may find out that they have been talking about us whik fitting round their fullen lea-coal fire-. How glori- oufly does our indignation rife at this difcovery ! lu the Ian-

361

guage of Vapid, in the Dramatift, " Here's a field ! here*s a Situation ! what an opening ! talk about us ? Infamous.'* Memorandum : Is it not extraordinary, that confcience never tells us that our grand refource during this dreary feafon has been talking about them ? But the confcience of a thorough paced goffip is not the moft juft emblem of fufceptibility.

Selfifhnefs is certainly the motive for encouraging this bu- fv tattling humour ; yet if we confulted our own true inter- ells, we fhould fcarcely find a companion more inimical to peace than this general inquilltivenefs, and reftlefs intrulion into the thoughts and affairs of our neighbours. In vain fiiall we hope to quench our appetite for this indulgence, when we once allow it to intrude upon our mind ; It is ir- reliftible ; and there is no alternative between exterminating the inclination and enduring the thirft of Tantalus. At firft, it introduces itfelf under the habit of playfulnefs, and at- tempts no more than a harmlefs laugh at the foibles which it difovers ; but unlefs we poflefs great good temper, and live in a foil remarkably fertile in ridiculous folecifms, in- creafe of appetite foon impels us to afperity ; or, poffibly fome remark on Mrs. Heavilide's Arcadian drapery is fo very good, that we cannot keep it within due bounds ; and thus being circulated beyond our own immediate fphere, it reach- es the ears of the lady herfelf, who, in a fpirit of vindi(flive farcafm, returns the retort uncourteous upon our ivig. When, affairs arrive at this flate, nothing is wanting but a go-be- tween (of which commodity there is always plenty in every goffiping neighbourhood,) to blow up thefe embers into a tremendous blaze. It is lingular, that people often declaim againft the petty caufes which fet empires at variance, with- out having the candour to recolleft, that it is trivial events operating on the fame ftormy paflions of individuals, which produce all the hatred and ill will that difturb the ferenity of private life.

The oppofite offence to tattling and cenforloufnefs is flat- tery. The lower we defcend for our examples of this vice, the more difgufting is its appearance The fmooth courtli- nefs of polifhed manners leads people of rank to overdrug the potion of civility ; but it is by graceful attentions, and elegant allufions, that they recommend the charmed cup to your fafcinated tafire. When the mixture is prepared lefs fcientifically, the " foft infinuating oil" is apt to be too ap- parently fwimming on the furface ; inferior cooks are ftill Xx

362

mort inclined to « make the gruel thick and flab," tlU, In the hands of your chambermaid, it becomes fuch a hodge- podge as would naufeatc any but the craving appetite of in- latiable vanity. Is it not ftrangc, that flattery in its grofleft flate proves palatable even to the refined tafte of fuperior in- telligence ? The Mufe records this foible of one of her fa- vourite fons :*

" Of praife a mere glutton, he fwallow'd what came, " And the puff of a dunce he roiftook it for fame; " Till his rclifli grown callou* almoft to difeafe, " Who pepper'd the highcft was fureft to plcafe."

\\.Jiill fometimes happens, that a young woman, difguftecl with the predominant mode of behaviour, and wilhing to be thought very civil, turns parafite, or at leaft never attains in- dependence of charadler. This betrays a lamentable want of dignity of mind ; but the error is generally confined to the unhappy department of humble coufins, and may there- fore rather be flyled a misfortune than a vice. The gener- al fault of the prefent times is inattention and not exctfs of civility. The modern belle not only has an opinion, but takes care to maintain it at the expenfe of the comforts of others.

This leads me to fpeak of accommodation, a duty which certainly holds a chief rank among the claims of fociety, and which, as I have mingled the fubjedls of converfation and good neighbourhood, it is proper that we fliould here dif- cufs. The courfe of human afl^airs or rather our relative iituation, and the intervention of other duties, fo limit the active exertions of benevolence, that many cannot, except in wiih and purpofe, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and relieve the opprefled. Is benevolence then to languifla like a fmothered fire .'' No ; flie wiil flied her cherifhing warmth over all the common oflkes of life ; flie will comfort the feeble minded, fupport the weak, and reflrrain the prefump- tuous ; or (to adapt her duties to our prefent theme) Ihc will, by banifliing all immoderate defire of felf-enjoyment, diredt her attention to the comforts, conveniencies, inclina- tions, and claims of others. She will reftrain thofe appetites which interfere with what flie conceives to be a primary con- fideration ; and, viewing herfelf as Ihe really is, but as one little emmet in a mole-hill, ftie will fee that it is defirablc,

* Garrick. See Goldfmith's poem of Rctalliation.

353

that the welfare of many fhould be preferred to her caprices, and not that they fhould fubjugate the well being of others. She will not only " love a fifter's praife, or hear with un- wounded ear lighs for a daughter," but fhe will never at- tempt to fpoil a ball to which Ihe has not been invited, nor fend excufes to an old friend if flie can fpend a more plea- fant evening. In her engagements, fhe will conlider what is right and proper ; in her manner of fpending her time, what is ufeful and neceflfary j and, fuffer me to fuggeft an obfervation of high concernment to thofe who walk in the diftinguifhed paths of life ; fhe will inquire how, by a pro- per arrangement of thofe actions which are to herfelf imma- terial, fhe can promote the comfort and convenietice of thofe who depend upon her will for their enjoyment. Her ex- penfes will be regulated by fimilar motives ; felf will not be the Aaron's ferpent to fwallow up every other item ; charity and liberality will put in their claims at the iirft divifion, and not wait (as they are often compelled to do) to pick up the cafual crumbs of extravagance. If all other means of fhowing her regard to her fellow-creatures are withheld, fhe will at leaft regulate her fpeech by proper maxims j fhe will give to every one their due importance ; and, by ingenuouf- ly aiming at performing her own duty, fhe will acquire that eminence for which oflentation wearies itfelf in vain.

It may feem extraordinary, to a mind deeply imprefTed with the rnajefty and immenfity of the Almighty, that in the revelation which he has made to mankind, his Holy Spirit Ihould have condefcended to didlate rules applicable to the ordinary habits and offices of fociety ; or, in other words, that the Gofpel fliould regulate manners. Yet mofl unquef- tionably this is the cafe ; and whoever fully imbibes the fpir- it of our religion, acquires the principles on which true po- litenefs is founded. I mean, humility and benevolence. But to defcend from general obfervation ; where fliall we find precepts more fitted to promote domeftic happinefs, and focial enjoyment, than the following comprehenfive rules } *' BlefTed are the Peacemakers ; for they fliall be called the *' children of God. Be kindly afFeftioned one to another, ** in honour preferring one another. Recompenfe to no *' man evil for evil. If it be pofhble, as much as Heth in ** you, live peaceably with all men. When thou art bidden " to a feaft, fit not down in the higheft room, left a more *< honourable man than thou be bidden, and he that bade ** thee and him come and fay unto thee, * Give this man

364

" place ;' and thou begin with fhame to take the lovveft *' room. But when thou art bidden, go and fit down in the " loweft room, that when he that bade thee cometh, he may *' fay unto thee, ' Friend, go up higher -,' then fhalt thou <' have worfhip in the prefence of them that fit at meat with *' thee. For whoever exalteth himfelf fhall be abafed, and <' he that humbleth himfelf fhall be exalted. Be of the fame *' mind one toward another ; mind not high things, conde- << fcend to men of low eftate ; let love be without diffimu- <* lation j be pitiful (that is, tender or compaflionatc,) be *' courteous. Be not wife in your own conceits. Judge not *' one another. Be not flothful in bufinefs ; provide things *' honeft in the fight of all men. Ufe hofpitality without ** grudging. He that will not work, neither let him eat. *' Let your converfation be without covetoufnefs. Be con- ♦* tent with fuch things as ye have." If to this brief fyftem of focial duty we add the numerous reprehenlions of idlers, of tattling wandering bufy bodies, and negligent parents who do not provide for their own houfe, we fhall difcover a com- pendium of morals which, if flritHily obeyed, would render every private fociety the feat of happinefs and delight. For though this world, in its phyfical conftitution, exhibits fo many marks of ruined magnificence, and punitory inflictions, as jufi:ify the verity of facred tellimony, and prove it to have participated in the cha/lifements of its offending mafter, it is not the inclemency of the feafons, the difa})pointments of fortune, external calamity, nor even difeafe and death, that make our exiilence burthenfome ; but it is irregular hu- mours, inordinate defires, and criminal propenfities, either in ourfelves or in thofe with whom we are moft nearly con- neCled, that make us turn from the cup of God's bounty with difiafte, and view the fair face of nature v/ith defpair. Suppofe a family, each individual of which diligently itud- ies to do what they know to be right. Let all of them con- fider and appreciate the claims of others, before tliey confult their own inclinations •, and let them fleadily refolve to fub- due caprice, reillefihefs, and vanity. Who is there that can picture to his mind the harmony, tranquillity, tendernefs, and joy of fuch a party, without wifliing to pitch his taber- nacle among them .'* We will only require, that hopelefs an- guifli and penury fhauld be baniihed ; and though infirmi- ty fhould occafionally virant our aid, or frugality deny us all but common comforts, the bower of Acrafia, or the baths of

365

Caprese, will be efteemed but as the tents of « Kedar and Mefech" to a mind capable of eftimating and enjoying true felicity.

We have now travelled over the pofitive dut ies which we owe to fociety in general ; but before we enter on thofe im- portant ties which fpring from our fexual relations, let us call to mind a peculiar obligation, the bond of choice or hab- it ; I mean, friendlhip.

Men have often difputed the capacity of womv°n for this tender and amiable connexion 5 they have afcribed to us too much irritability, and too /iu/e judgment and confillrency, to complete the character of a faithful and valuable friend. Every man v/ho pofTeiTes a good wife, has it in his power to refute this fophifm ; for no wife can really be a good one, without being in every fenfe, and every poffible exterilion of the word, the friend of her hufband. But it is argued, that this connexion is ftrengthened by ties, and diftinguifhed by relative obligations, that cannot fubfift between two females ; and therefore that it is no way analogous to the fubjecl we are now coniidering. A wife knows that Ihe muft fubmit to, and annot for/ake, her hufband. A hufband alfo knows that he mufi: defend and provide for his wife. A leading and a fubordinate chara6ler, bound by an indifTolubh; bond, afford no parallel for a connexion founded on equality, and capable of being refcinded. I acknowledge the latter difhm- ilarity j and confefs, that in the marriage iliate, the inviola- bility of the engagement often zS:s as a prudential reftraint upon vice and folly j but it is an erroneous conclulion, to fuppofe that the moft promiiing friendlhips are founded up- on equality. The moft bsneficial engagements of t'riis kind admit diffimilarity of circumftances.

Total oppofition of chara«fter is, I grant, incompati'ble with afFe£tion ; but when a woman choofes her friend wi fely, ihe will feledt one who may fupply her own deficiencies either in age, underftanding, difcretion, knowledge, temiper, or manners. If flie look out for the echo of her own defeats, (he merely retains a parallte. It is an injudicious feledtion, rather than a want of capability for lafling attachments, that has brought female friendfhip into difrepute. Yet I cannot fee that the intimacies of girls, who are alike votaries of the idol admiration, deferve feverer cenfure, than the gregarious habits of the worihippers of Bacchus or Behal. Every boon companion and every diflipated rake poffefles a dear friend : are thefe engagements better founded, or likely to be more

366

ftablc, than the keen fenfibillties of romantic nymphs, or the violent intimacies of coquets ?

But recrimination is not exculpation ; we are always told, that fuppoling celibacy may afford inftances of two fpinfters playing daily at piquet when tabbies, who played at ball when girls, marriage is conjlantly the grave of female friend- fhip. I am ready to admit, that our dependent ftate and circumfcribed abilities render us Icfs competent to the adlive duties of this obligation than man, who pofTefles the power as well a?" the will of obeying the di(5lates of his heart. It is moft certain, that the authority which the hufband exer- eifes over the actions of his wife, often compels her to facri- £ce lefs confecrated attachments. Sometimes the matrimo- nial tie removes her to a diftance that will not permit her to. cherifli an intimacy with her with whom £he once flourifhed " like tv.'in rofes on one ftalk ;" and ftill more frequently, the occupations and duties incident to her new connexion, infenfibly and undefignedly divert her from attending to. claims which neceflity and reafon alike affure her are of fe^ condary obligation. The interefts., habits, and opinions of the family into which fhe is adopted, are rarely congenial with thofe of the fociety from which fhe is withdrawn. Her exertions to ferve an old friend muft be limited by the per- miffion of her hufband, and by what fhe owes to his inter- efts and to thofe of her children. I am urging fo many cir- cumftances againft the permanence of friendfhip in married women, that you will fay it is more to be wondered at that it ever continues, than that it is often obliterated. Yet fure- ly, granting this to be the cafe, men have no caufe to re- proach us with verfatility, for yielding to the primaeval ob- ligations of our being j nor fliould we fink in their eftimai tion, for that fubmiffion to their humours, and devotednefs to their interefts, which are at once obligatory and unavoidable. But a fufpenfion of the expreflions or offices of friendfhip, when it proceeds from thefe caufes, does not imply an alien- ation of heart ; declining a correfpondence, or interrupting an intimacy, is not relinquifhing a friend. Circumftances may and often do arife, which admit of regathering the unravelkd but not broken clue of love ; which fliould never be feparated, except from dilcovering the bafenefs or un- feemlinefs of its texture. If the friends of our youth are fo disjoined from us by intervening connexions, that they cannot conduce to the comfort or convenience of our ma- turer years, they are (if intrinfically valuable) an excellent

367

commodity to lay by upon the fhelf. They may prove the cordial reftorative of broken fpirits, the fok cnlivener of life's long wintry eve, when the pofleffions which prudence taught us to prefer have all been taken from us, and the fol- itary mind wants vigour to form new acquaintance, powers to create attachments, and aimation toenjoy any thing which ufe has not rendered palatable, or demonftrated to be fal- utary.

We will not, therefore, exfcind friendfhip from the cata- logue of feminine connexions ; but ailign its place to the ex- tremes of early and declining life, in which its influence may be moft largely exerted. Not that we are authorized en- tirelylto banilh it from that bufy part of our exiflence which is generally occupied by the conjugal engagement ; we only fuppofe it as ailing during that period in a circumfcribed and fubordinate ftation. Since I have acknowledged myfelf to be inclined to plead againft the juftice of abfolutely pafl>- ive obedience in a wife, I will here put in a retainer for friendship, as being a kind of claimant that has a right to lift up her voice againft the abfolute authority of a hufband. I plead not for dangerous, indifcreet, or unfuitable attach- ments. I am an avowed enemy to exclulive intimacies and unlimited confidence, efpecially among married women. I bar all neglecSt of family cares, for the fake of imparting fam- ily hijlories to a dear correfpondent ; and all profeffions, or attentions, that can introduce the green eyed monfter, jeal- oufy, into a bofom which, feeling its right to undivided rule, will neither endure a brother nor a fifter near the throne. All thefe paraphernalia of affection I renounce ; and every fenfible woman, who values her own liappinefs, or her own character, will renounce it too. But has {he a difcreet and faithful friend, who, though fhe fincerely loves her, is con- tent to retain only this limited portion of her heart, nay, who has too much principle to think that fhe ought to polTefs more j does this friend conduct herfelf with obliging attention to the ruling power ; does fhe avoid making court to either par- ty by unworthy means ; does flie alike endeavour to avoid of- ficioufnefs and inattention ; does fhe not only conceal the fecrets of the family, but, I may fay, ftiut her eyes upon fuch part of its private arcana as fhe is not defired to infpe£l, and refufe to kno%u what fliould not be told ; fuch a friend is an ineftimable treafure, and we ought to feel its value. I hope it may be juftly affirmed, that few men would wifh to deprive their wives of fuch an aflbciate. Should caprice, however, fo

1 368

cloud their judgments, I conceive that every humble entrea- ty, every temperate remonftrance, which female eloquence can fuggcft, Oiould deprecate the privation ; which, it" hard neceffity compels, female fenftbility rauft Wwhjlow relu^lancc painfully endure.

In order to render friendfhip either a permanent or a hap- py tie, it feems neceflary that the choice fhould be made with great caution j nnd yet accident, or local fituation, ge- nerally determines inl:imacies which afterwards ripen into fincere attachments. Moralifts always load young women with directions refpecring the qualities that they fliould pre- fer in their friends ; forgetting that this advice prefuppofcs a ripenefs of difcernment, which is incompatible with the age that they addrefs. There is no doubt that good fenfe, good temper, difcretion, &c. are preferable to their oppofite bad properties; but how is a young girl to difcriminate be- tween thefe and their cciinterfeits^ or to disjoin them from the various qualities by which they are obfcured or counter- ailed ? It is only by long obfervation that we can efiimate the real difpofition and value of our clofeft intimates. Ge- neral character, efpecially of very young people, is extreme- ly deceitful ; their very limited fphere of action, and the re- ftraint impofed upoii their behaviour, leave ample room for conjecture ; and as the partial reports of friends or the re- prefentations of enemies prevail, their companions believe them to be agreeable or horrid creatures, excelfivcly . good humoured or monfli-oufly refcrved.

For thefe and fimilar reafons, it has been doubted, wheth- er youth be really the feafon in which this precious plant fliould be Introduced into the heart. It is to be apprehend- ed, that if it be not cultivated in early life, it will never take root. What we then want in difcrimination, we pcflefs in energy, and though our judgments are then weak, our can- dour, our fmcerity, and delire to plcafe, are moft: ftrong. Befides, friendfhip docs not prefuppofe us other than imper- fect beings ; it implies mutual errors and mutual wants, by the fundamental laws of its empire. Let two well educated young women, pofleffiug common fenfe, and having no par- ticular bad tendency, nor too much enthufiafm, entertain a fincere affedtlon for each other, and there is a great chance that it will mutually render them more amiable. The dif- grace that is thrown upon early friendfhips proceeds from our confuflng the properties of iiitimacy and attachment. Circuraftances will tlirow young people in each other's way

369

who afe totally indifferent to, or* even difllke each other. What never exifted cannot be annihilated.

Though I fhould not think favourably of a young wo- man's heart, who has attained the age of puberty without difcovering a peculiar attachment to fome favourite compan- ion ; I acknowledge, that romance and extravagance are fo apt to intermingle with thefe connexions, that they are nev- er entirely fafe, unlefs fubje^ed to the fuperintendance of more experienced heads, who will endeavour to reprefs en- thuliafm, and to correct folly. As a fundamental rule, it may be premifed that no good girl will form a friendship which is dif approved by the feniors of both houfes, nor will fhe permit the intercourfe of even a fandlioned attachment to ailume a dandejl'ine afpedt. This endearing and improv- ing bond never fo truly executes its original purpofe, as when a mother fo far difarms herfelf of reftraint and feverity as to become the chofen companion of her daughters, who on their part ftrengthen obedience bjr confidence and efteem. A well difpofed ingenuous girl, converfing with an intelli- gent mother, pofleflcs all the advantages of indifputable fin- cerity and tendemefs. Here there is no danger that truft will be too implicit, or that afFe£lion will become too paf- lionate. Rivallhip cannot exift in thefe circumftances j ad- vice will never be invidious ; and though reproof may fome*- times miftake its objedl, it muft always defign the good of the advifed. A judicious friend, in whom there is a limilar difparity of years, may in fome cafes a6t as a fubjlitute for a maternal advifer.

But as famenefs of charafter is the refult of confined in- tercourfe, and as we do not wifh to fee the " fear and yel- low leaf" predominate among the tender verdure of fpring, it is defirable that young women Ihould have connexions of their own age. Every judicious mother will certainly aim at fecuring the confidence of her daughter, and adling as her counfellor and guide, if not as her preferred companion. By this happy influence, fhe may hope to fave her from one of the greateft misfortunes that can befal young fpinfters ; I mean, an indifcreet friend. I am not merely alluding to the difficulties in which fuch a character will involve them, or the difgrace to which they may be expofed by her levity, for a good underftanding and good behaviour would in time obliterate or prevent thefe bad confequences -, but I fpeak of the irremediable wai'p that flie may communicate to their Yy

370

difpofuions j and this even by what, if fcparately confidered, are valuable properties ; for Ihe may confirm all their bad inclinations, and fofter all their ill humours, even by her lincerity and affection. That our friend is our other felf, is religioufly believed by all juvenile aflbciates ; and by a mif- application of this rule the hatreds, difgufts, prejudices, and particularities of ihcir very dear friends become their own ; not to be corrected and fubdued, but cheriflied and vindi- cated. This violent adhefion to each other is feen in full force in boarding fchools ; where every girl has her enemy and her partifan ; and right and wrong, truth and falfehood, are confidered more as they affedl " dear fouls" and " odi- ous creatures," than on account of their inherent properties. But this deifying and anathematizing fpirit is not confined to fifteen ; too many women are apt to confound the duties of friend and parafite, and even to fuppofe that peculiarity of attachment is fomehow inconfiftent with univerfal good will, or elfe that ftrong affection never fubfifts but when it is founded on imaginary perfection. Surely, fince the faults qf our dear connexions give us mofl: pain, our perception of them mufl be moft acute, and our defire to counteracSt or eradicate them moft lively. Reproof and advice are the ijioft facred and the moft frequent duties of friendfhip. Happy the woman who finds her deareft afibciate capable of tempei'ing the healthful draught of admonition with kind- nefs and delicacy ; but more happy is Ihe who has fufficient greatnefs of foul (which is fynonymous with true humility) to accept it in its moft unfavoury form, even if it fhould be prefented by the invidious hand of ill will or envy. To convert the unkind offices of malevolence into our own mor- al improvement, is the fureft way of bringing good out of evil, and affifting to make " the wrath of man work the rightcoufnefs of God."

• But to return to thofe cioughty champions who think ev- en the errors of a friend too facred to be cenfured ; let us alk them, if they really ferve the goddefies of their idolatry by entering into their enmities, flattering their foibles, or forwarding their unworthy defigns. It is a proof ot afFec- tion, as well as of good fenfe and integrity, to refufe all fuch particij^ation of interefts with the utmoft fteadinefs. Wc muft, however, be careful to let our disjunction in thefc par- ticulars appear like inflexible rectitude, not alienating indif- ference. If we cannot convince our friend of her errors, it is our duty to try to conceal them from others : I mean, if

371

they are not notorions either In .publicity or enormity : for truth polTefTes preeminent claims ; and if our friend's gar* ment bs vifibly befpattered with foul mifdeeds, we muft not endeavour to conceal them, at the hazard of ftaining the pu- rity of our own. In the cafe of grofs offences, thole whom we cannot reclaim we muft abajtdon. In other inftances, when we meet with lefs debafing contaminations, we may find afFecSlIon infenfibly diminifhed by thofe errors which annihilate efteem. In all circumftances, if we perceive our own Integrity or difcretion to be endangered, feparation is advifable. This is only acknowledging that our judgment has been fallible ; but to preferve an unworthy connexion, alike expofes our character, our principles, and our repofe.

Let not, however, verfatllity of inclination claim a privi- lege which can only be afforded to the higher claims of moral fecurlty. There Is nothing fo difgraceful as incon- llancy -, and an old friend, independent of tlie ties of grati- tude and reciprocal obligation, may always claim this advan- tage over a new one, that you know both her excellencies and her faults \ and what is known, may always be guarded agalnft or depended upon. If you are in fearch of a fault- lefs human being, you are engaged in a hopelefs labour. Do you poffefs the great requiiites of lincerity, affedlion, and difcretion, in your old friend ; never change thefe ftaple com- modities for the comparative gew-gaws of infinuating ad- drefs, eafy manners, nor even for an enlarged capacity of ferving or pleafing you. Above all, beware of facrificing truth to the courtlinefs of a fycophant, or the fubfervience of a parafite. A woman of the world may afford you an agreeable evening, a flatterer may fend you home in good humour ; but a friend will a£l for you in all feafons and in all humours, and you will find her moft ufcful in the florin of paffion or the night of adverfity.

I have ufed the word friend in the Angular number •, but as I by no means fubfcribe to the apophthegm of Gay, " that frindfhlp is but a name, unlefs flinted to one," I here ac- knowledge that friendfliip is not monarchical in its conftitu- tion, like love •, and therefore It has no right to be expofed to the inroads oijealoufy, who can have no juft pretence to endeavour to ere£t it into a defpotic empire. It does not, moreover, admit of that innumerous diviiibillty, which mod-, crn language fan^lions, by tranfpofing the names of friends and general acquaintance. In the largeft fenfe of the word, we may call thofe friends in whofe welfare we feel a lively

372

intercft, and who, wc are perfuaded, bear us a degree of re- gard which exceeds the bounds of general good will. Thcfc feem to be probationary candidates for the more circumfcrib- ed meaning of the word, or to require nothing but local cir- cumftances to be promoted to the honours of confidence and dofe intimacy. A difcreet woman will not admit a numer- ous herd into thefe facred precindls, efpecially into thofe of confidence. When we reveal our fecret wiflies, unbofom our private affairs, or difclofe our moft undifguifed thoughts, we put ourfelves into the power of thofe to whom we make thefe difcoveries. This is oftener a proof of imbecility of mind than reality of attachment, and is feldom produ^ivc of any real advantage. At leaft, it fhould be referved as the h'Ji pledge which full fecurity intrufts to tried regard ; I need not add, that it lliould be the moft facred. Apparent amiability has no pretence to require it •, for it is due to principle, and not to manners. Thofe who attempt to begin a connexion by what they call the unreftrained intercourfe of hearts, endeavour to ereft an inverted pjTamid, which muft therefore inevitably fall.

Every moral precept, and every rule of good manners, is applicable to friendftiip ; except that, as it fanftions greater freedom of behaviour, it alfo requires greater forbearance, than is neceflary in general intercourfe. I was once very rich in this treafurc, and I could with pleafure dilate on this theme, which is interwoven with all the iappie/^ icenes o{ my life ; but as a more copious defcription of the advantages that I pofTeiTed from having intelligent, zealous, and pleafant friends in early life, could neither amufe nor inftruct my readers, I will tear myfelf from a topic which may lead to refractory regrets, repugnant to the decrees of Him " who gives and takes away." Let me rather turn my eyes on the profpe£ls which ftill open on me : and your agreeable image reminds me that you have allowed me to call myfelf

Your truly affectionate friend.

373

LETTER XII.

On Celibacyy Love, and Marriage,

MY DEAR MISS M ,

1 HE extenfive profpeft that lately lay before us begins to contra£l into a narrow compafs. A few relative duties and engagements are all that we have to confider before we en- ter upon the clofing fcene.

Previous to our difcuflxng the topic of love and marriage, it may be neceflary to inquire which is the moft eligible for women, the fingle or the married ftate. The anfwer ap- pears extremely obvious : certainly, the condition which the Almighty created us to occupy muft be mofl conducive to our general happinefs ; that is to fay, defining happinefs as it always fbould be interpreted, to fignify the peace of con- fcience which refults from well doing. The corrupted in- clinations and luxurious habits of mankind have, however, introduced fuch diforder and mutability into the univerfe, that we may be allowed to produce the confeffedly uninfpir- ed determination of an apoftle, in oppofition to the general law of nature, and to acknowledge that a greater fliare of care, perplexity, pain, and forrow, belongs to the matron than to the fpinfter : our inquiries mull, therefore, be ex- tended further, or our conclufions will be contradi<n:ory. Do the general laws of the Creator point at univerfal or in- dividual happinefs ? Are not troubles and afflidlions medici- nal in this probationary ftate, as the purifiers of eiTor and the nourilliers of chrijlian graces ? Should we, therefore, ef- timate the blelTednefs of our lives by the degree of felf-en- joyment that has fallen to our lot ; or by our ufefulnefs to our fellow-creatures, and preparednefs for a better exiftence ? I hear my young friends exclaim, " Who could have cour- " age to enter into the married ftate with fuch mournful ** views of futurity ?" Alas ! we can never form a right efti- mate of the prefent^ or adt upon proper motives, without ex- tending our refearches to what is impending and unfeen.

374

It is a falfe and dangerous aflertion, that fingle women mufl: at bell pafs their hves in a dull mediocrity, removed indeed from lively griefs, but unacquainted with real enjoy- ment. Spinfters may be daughters, lifters, aunts, and friends, though they are not wives and mothers. Every one's expe- rience can fupply inftances, wherein as much warmth of at- tachment and folicitude of attention have accompanied the fraternal, as ever hallowed the conjugal tie. How many helplefs orphans have found maternal tendernefs fupplied by the attachment of an aunt ! How many parents have per- ceived the joylcfs portion of extreme old age turned into the downy pillow of repofe, by the affiduous watchfulnefs of an unconnected daughter ! Friendfhip, too, may reign in the heart of the fingle woman with unrivalled influence ; and the abfolute power that flie poflcfles over her time and pro- perty gives an extenfive range to her patriotic and charita- ble exertions. Ladies ■ who are thus circum.ftanced are the propereft patronefles of public undertakings ; they are the natural proteclors of the friendlefs, and the proprietors of thofe funds to which genius and indigence have a right to -apply. Deftitute of nearer ties, and unfettered by primary obligations, the whole world of benevolence affords a fphere for their aflions, and the whole circle of fcience offers to ■adorn their minds. It feems, indeed, difficult to pourtray a more enviable being, than a iingle woman+^olTeffed of af- fluence, who has paffed through the tempeft'of youthful paf- flons with untainted charadler, unvitiated temper, and unfet- tered heart. Let us allow her an adlive mind, found judg- ment, good principles, and bodily activity ; and we muft rank her with thofe orders of fuperior beings who, though they " neither marry nor are given in marriage," are ever employed in executing the will and ftudying the works of God. But fiich a view of human nature is no more appli- cable to the daughters than to the fens of Adam. As in the latter, liberty is too often ufed for a cloak of licentioufnefs ; fo in the former, it is apt to be conlidered as a patent for folly. I do not however difcover, that thofe votaries of Bacchus or Venus who devote their fortune to gamefters, their time to fin, their bodies to difeafe, and their fouls to f>atan, have any right to ridicule the unconnc6led fpinfter for facrificing to the graces of Bondftreet, dividing her time between Faddle and Caffino, or even for fwallowing the nof- trums of Dr. Tattle, or being duped by the hypocrify or fa- naticifm of a Cantwell. L^feleffnefs is furely better than

Vice ; egotifm and credulity are not fo culpable, nor fo de- llruftlve, as blafphemy and licentipufnefs.

Since I am not only the advocate but alfo the monitor of llngle ladies, it is my duty to correal the errors which at bed recrimination can only extenuate : I efpecially wifli to cor- recSl their propenfity to relate their early conquefts. As the poor lovers whom they killed by their cruelty at eighteen, muft be long ere this " dead and rotten ;" informing us that fuch a one expired under a frown, and that another fell in- to a mortal difeafe on their returning him an unopened let- ter, is but tantamount, in the fcale of interefting converfation, to the lift of apoplexies and confumptions in an old bill o£ mortality. If the^efair murderers are agreeable and worthy, we can readily conceive that their finglenefs proceeded more from choice than compulfion ; if they are deftitute of thefe recommendations, we lliall not credit the narrative of their conquefts, though the flieeted ghofts of fighing fwains re- turned from the myrtle fliades, and ilaowed us their hearts transfixed with Cupid's arrows.

One word more of a fifterhood which I fear is not likely foon to diminifh. Increafed habits of luxury muft lefTen the chance of eftimable offers ; women, therefore, ought to accuftom themfelves to thofe purfuits and occupations which will render them lefs dependent on the other fex, or enliven thofe lonely hours of retirement which frequently fall to the 1-ot of poorly portioned celibacy. It is not only neceflary that they fhould be osconomical, but that they fhoud have a general knowledge of bufinefs and money tranfadlions, at leaft fufficient to efcape impofition. To this fhould be added, activity of mind, that they may avoid the ennui infeparablc from idlenefs, and the difeafes incident to a fedentary life. Improving ftudy of all kinds is here a moft valuable acquill- tion ; and elegant accomplifhments cannot be purfued with too much avidity, provided they do not injure the health. Great care fhould be taken to rebut the farcafms of witlings and coquets \ I do not fay by a life of decorum, for I fup- pofe myfelf addrefling women of virtue, but by a flyle of manners and drefs fuitable to their years. They fliould fcorn all ridiculous affectation of youth, all " hoif ting the flag of diftrefs," as a witty author provokingly terms the pink rib- and when it waves over the wrinkled brow of faded beauty. The obfervation extends to manners and amufements, as well as drefs ; and they fliould alfo be folicitous to bid fare- well to the allowable levities of youth, with that eafy good

humour which {hows that the refignation has not been pain- ful. Let them but endeavour to be as ufcfiil to others as their hmited means allow, and purfue every fource of virtu- ous employment which their bounded fphere permits ; and I can predict, that many a wife Avill have renfon to envy the refpeftability and happinefs of the old maid, and to regret that the filly ridicule attached to that name precipitated her into a ruinous and miferable connexion, which ftrength of mind would have enabled her to rejedl with the becoming pride of felf-dependence.

But as we unqueftionably were created to be the wedded mates of man, it is only in fome circumftances, and to fome difpofitions, that I would recommend celibacy as a ftate of choice -, though I am perfuaded that a well difpofed mind may always fubmit to it without confidering it as a misfor- tune. Extreme delica<:y of health feems one motive for de- clining to enter the conjugal ftate ; for, though paffionate Love may promife that his purple torch fliall ever burn be- fide the couch of the lovely lufferer, Hymen generally tells a very different ftory, and, carrying his flambeau to an ev- ening party, vacates his feat in the iick lady's cliamber in favour of her nurfe and apothecary. It would indeed be impofing too much upon a benevolent and upright heart, ta confine it by engagements where we are unable to difcharge our part of the contract ; for infirmity is a clog, not a help- mate. Hereditary difeafes are another obftacle ; and in fome cafes I think they ought to be an infurmountable one, com- prifing an extenfion of duty to many generations. Great fufceptibility of temper is an objeftion lefi univerfally ac- knowledged, and which unfortunately predifpofes the heart to enter upon a trial for which it lias incapacitated it. The precept, that in the married ftate women fhould never expeB too much, nor feel too keenly^ can never be too deeply im- prcfTed on the ardent mind of youth •, and can they conform to this conclufion who cherifh fenfibility as a virtue, and, inftead of ftudying the temper of others, fufFer their own to acquire faflidioufnefs, under the pretence of delicacy and re- finement of feeling ?

A difpofition that can yield to the defires of others, not only without apparent reluftance, but without enduring pain ; health, cheerfulncfs, adlivity, frugality, attention to family concerns, and a relifli for common domeftic pleafures, arc the qualities which a young lady fliould endeavour to obtain who determines to become a wife. In a majority of inflan-

377

ces, thefe will put liapplnefs in her own power; in all, they will lighten the load pf mifery. What a faftiionable education can do toward the attainment of thefe requifites, has been already confidered. The generality of Englilh girls are educated, if not for a Turkifh Harem, at leaft for the court of imperial France. Should they not be apprifed, that the utility of the objedls on which they are taught to lay a primary ftrefs, is commonly annihilated the moment their end is achieved ? When the wild elephant's neck is once faft in the noofe, the purfuer has no further occafion for the fafcinating influence of drums and bells. But conftant at- tention, and command of temper, will ftill be neceffary, or he will never bend to the yoke and draw kindly.

I believe young ladies are not now apt to fall violently in love at firft fight. Except a few tinder-hearted nymphs, who inhabit the woodland glades, our fex is become too mer- cenary, and too difflpated, to feel an iryefijiible penchant, till they have obtained a fide glance at the fwain's rent-roll. Or, fhould the lying gbffip Fame have cheated them in this particular, their extenfive acquaintance furnifhes them with a number of Adonifes, who can aflift them to break the fic- titious chain which they mifliook for gold ; and thus, like patterns at the drefs maker's, one beautiful figure effaces the impreflion that another had made. I fliall not, therefore, here detain you with a long admonition againfl: young la- dies' falling in love. The thing is jujl poflible among a fet whom nobody knows, and therefore nobody cares for their abfurdities. It is, indeed, upon recordy that formerly love made terrible work with the female heart, from fourteen to feventeen •, and as it is fiiill fuppofed, that during this period the foft and pliant wax might receive not only a deep but a lafting impreflion, fafliion has copied the edifices in which it immures female adolefcence, from the fl:rong fortrefl^es where the royal race of Abyflinia are fecluded from the world. On reconfidering all the mafquerade habits which the gods of old afliimed in their amours, I can only think of two difguifes in which Cupid could now gain admittance to a girl of fafliion : he mufl: either fold his wings into the fluffed jacket of a dancing mafter, and twirl his bow and quiver into a kit ; or dilate his tiny form into the magni- tude of a drill ferjeant -, as thefe are the only privileged be- ings who are ftill allowed an opportunity of whifpering % tender tale into the credulous ear of vouth. Zz

378

Moralifts arc ns much Inclined to prefcribc rules for the choice of a hufband, as of a friend. 1 am afraid that the very title they prefix to their admonitions is apt to miilead a young mind, which is thus led to expert a variety of offers, and a liberty of taking what it prefers. Perhaps a great beauty, or ftill more probably a great fortune, may have the power of relc£ting the beft from many cotcmporar-j offers •, but lovers rarely appear in groupes, very feldom amount to plu- rality, and generally, like the fruit of the orange tree, appear in fucceffion, or perhaps fall off before they ripen. A man of honour, and I may add of delicacy, does not choofe to en- ter upon a field which another has occupied, or to folicit a heart which he may fufpecl is preengaged. Reje(5lion then> rather than felecStion, conftitutes female prerogative in this important point. It feldom happens that a woman has the good fortune to attract the attentions of the man (lie would prefer ; and often, when from a falfe hope of that kind fhe has refufed an eligible offer, circumftances arife which pre- vail upon her to accept what prefents a- far lefs favourable profpcGt of happinefs. " The world is not before us, where to choofe ;" we are not, we cannot be, the carvers of our own fortunes, any further than refpedls that internal difpofi- tion which teaches us to view our affairs in the beft light, and, iince we cannot mend our lot, to mend our minds. Regret for what is loft, or reftlefs defire of what is unattain- able, does but fofter murmuring difcontent.

When a young woman contracts an attachment for a de- ferving object, who feems not to return her preference, her iituation is moft dangerous and pitiable. As the perverfe (perhaps, in this inftance, I fliould rather fay independent) nature of man never appears more ftrongly, than in his de- termination to fly thafe who follow, and to follow thofe who fly J every enticement that a lovelorn lafs holds out to catch the heart fhe wifhes for, generally proves a fcarecroiv that terrifies the wayward animal ; and as I do not want her to have art enough to cover her advances in the attraclive dif- guifs of difdain, fhe muft avoid " the god of her idolatry," as the moft likely prelude to felf-conqueft. If circumftances will not permit her to do this without exciting I'ufpicion that lecret partiality is the motive, ibe muft yet roufe all her ment.d ftrength, and make an hsroigal effort for felf-con- queft ; which will be her only alternative with a life of de- fpair. Nature certainly intended that man Ihould fue, and tvoman cofy yield. Few who have volunteered their affec-

379

tlons ever became happy wives ; we muft never reckon on the ftabihty of gratitude, when we put ourfelves whoUj^ in the power of the obliged party.

I have aheady ftated, that it is needlefs to addrefs poHte readers on the abfolute neceffity of prudential coniiderations in marriage. But though the worfhip of Plutus feems to be the eftablifhed religion of the age, there are a few diflenters ftill remaining, who fancy that pure love will fupply a good every day dinner. This rafh conclufion is, however, more the efFedl of ignorance, than of any real derelii5lion of prin- ciple j and proceeds from not knowing the 'ualue of money, and not from a Spartan rermnciation of the comfort that it procures. For, if we examine the habits of thefe tender dev- otees, we fhall find that their wants are too numerous even for competence j and that it is not penury, but affluence, which muft fupply what they call mere nerejfary expenfes. Suppofe fome lace enveloped Lydia Languifh, in the height of her paroxyfm for poor Enfign Beverly, were compelled to affift the family caterer in the routine of purchafuig daily provifions. Let her inveftigate the demands of the tax gatherer and coal merchant, and even caft her eye over the items of foap, candles, and chandlery. She will difcover a great many inelegant articles to which flie never affixed eith- er value or importance, that have operated as a conftant drain upon the needful, and have really been fo eflential to her comfort that fhe could fcarcely exift without them. If fhe underftand the rudiments of arithmetic, let her next em- ployment be to fubtraft thefe efTentials from the enfign's pay, and then let her eftimate how much will remain to be the food of love.

But to leave fuch romantic extravagants to their certain cure, experience, permit me to aflure every young woman who is inclined to underrate the confideration of competence, that fhe is very unlikely to feel herfelf happy in a ftation of life below that which fhe filled in her fingle ftate. An in- come inadequate to our real (not our imaginary) wants, is a calamity of Sufficient weight to overthrow the faireft fabric of happinefs, and to opprefs the moft amiable temper. When the pruning hand of neceflary retrenchment cuts off comfort after comfort, when the wants of a rifing family prefs upon parental tendernefs, moft wives have more to con- tend with than their own feelings. They may divert dis- content, by cheerfully engaging in the more a£live fhare of family duty which prudence has taught them to praftife ;

580

but how /hall the poor gentleman (if he be alfo a man of leifure) pafs the hours which fociety and amufement agreea- bly occupied, when poverty confines him to the domeftic fire fide ? Men bear this fpecies of trial infinitely worfe than women ; and when a young lady marries a man whofe for- tune will hut Jti/i cover unavoidable expenks, ilie fhould con- fider whether her fortitude be equal to the multiplied mife- ry that fhe muft endure from the reverberating prefliire of the wants and woes of thofe who are neareft to her heart, and whofe privations muft pain her more than her own.

What are called very fpiendid alliances, are as little likely to produce comfort and content, as the imprudent connex- ions that we have juft confidered. In the preceding re- marks, I did not mean to interdi(5l a connexion which ad- mits of the brightening profpe6ts of fuccefsful induftry, but was fuppofing a ftate in which induftry could not a£l (and many who write gentlemen are in this painful and humiliat- ing predicament.) So with refpe6l to difparity of fortune, I do not mean to eftimate it by mere weight of metal, when other confiderations are equal. The well portioned heirefs ought to enrich the dependent younger brother ; and the wealthy heir Jhould fele<R: for his confort the unportioned daughter of a refpeftable family. It is my wifh to warn young women from aiming at conquefts, on the fcore of their perfonal attraftions, to which neither their birth, con- nexions, education, nor fituation entitle them to afpire. If the erratic purfuers of happincfs would candidly ftate their difcoveries, we ftiould probably accede to the propofition, that every one is happieft in the ftate of life to which they have been accuftomed. It is certainly fufficient to difcour- age this fpecies of fair adventurers, that not one in a hun- dred fucceeds in her efforts ; but the profpe£t becomes ftill more diftieartening, if we alfp difcover that few of thcic fortunate candidates are happy. A young woman of humble connexions and inferior accomplilhments, who is engrafted into an honourable ftock, will experience mortifications from the family to which (he is allied, that can only fee parried by effrontery or ftupidity. She muft continually feel the reftraints and the difficulties of her fituation ; {he will fink under the fatigues of faftiionable diflUpation, and will find her mind fretted by faftidious refinements, of which the happy fimplicity of inartificial manners can form no concep- tion. She will alfo be confcious of improprieties, and omif- iions, which nothing but an early initiation into high life

381

would have taught her to avoid ; and even the glittering equipage, which fo forcibly ftruck her youthful fancy, will . feem but a painful conveyance, if it pafs by the amufement that {he could have enjoyed^ -andfet her down at what fhe de- tejls. In fine, fhe will difcover that merit cannot fuccefsful- ly combat the minute fcrutiny of envy, efpecially when its prying glances are fliarpened by unexpected profperity ; and that luxurious enjoyments can fooner pall the tafte, than mortifications can render the heart callous. I have not tak- en iiito this view, the more than probable accumulation of uneafinefs which may wring the heart, at that period when the fond romantic lover changes into the cool reflecting huf- band. Richardfon's Pamela is as abfurd in its colourings of high life, as in its portrait of the reformation of a lib- ertine.

Let not a young woman, then, feek for conjugal happi* ^nefs in a ftation of life that is very difllmllar to her own ; or in her own rank, without a competent provifion to main* tain thofe decencies of appearance which are its proper ap» pendages. If fhe poflefs delicacy of cJiaraCter (I fliould here ufe fi:ronger terms,) if fhe value her own temporal or eternal interefts, or that of the unborn, by the facred names of mother and chriftian let me conjure her to Jhrink from the advances of a knonvn libertine ; or, if fhe cannot avoid, let her lleadiiy refufe his offers ; they comprife fuch an accu- mulation of mifery, as no pecuniary advantages can counter* balance. Let not youthful innocence fell itfelf to difeafe, impurity, and remorfe ; nor pledge her hand where, though fhe muft obey, fhe can neither love nor honour. All grofs moral errors are in the fame ftrong fenfe infuperable objec- tions ; and furely women never would knowingly venture on fuch partners, but from an expedlation of their being able to reclaim them. Alas ! how much does youthful van- ity here overrate female power ! The flubborn clay of man is never pliant but in early life ; the florms of contention, and the prefTure of bufinefs, give it an impenetrability which, however fuited to the rude buffets that it is defigned to en- dure, prevent its being made malleable by the foft flrokes of feminine influence. Whatever itfelf " wills to do, feems," in its own eftimation, " wifeft, virtuoufefl, difcreeteft, befl." If we attempt to remodel the lords of the creation, we mufl begin before they have difcarded that emblem of fubjeClion, i petticoat.

38-2

Infidelity is frequently coupled with licentious conduft •, but fometimes it dofFs its grofs aflbciates, and affects the dig- nity of moral virtue. The women who regards her eternal interefts, and thofe of her future offspring, v/iil tremble at fubmitting to the fuperintendance of a man whofe dark and cheerlefs mind is unillumined by vilions of a better world. Even if fhe had good grounds to rely on the virtue, tender- nefs, and generofity of fuch a partner (which I greatly doubt ;) even if fhe be previoufly afTured that he will never feek to unfettle her faith, to reftrain her devout exercifes, or to in- terfere with the religious education of his children ; even if fhe know that he always will pay an outivard refpe^l to faith and piety, and oftenfibly comply with its forms ; though af- fured that no word will ever efcape him, which fhall betray his fecret contempt and incredulity (what impoffibilities am I now admitting !) if her ferrs arc lulled, can her afFe£lion fleep ? can fhe be happy, while Ihe views in her kind and faithful partner, her bofom friend, the father of her children, the fource of all her earthly happinefs, a rebel to his God, th& felf-devoted fon of perdition, from whom, after death, fhe muft hope to be eternally disjoined, and to whom fhe muft wifh annihilation as a blefSng ? The text, that " the believ- ing wife fanciifies the unbelieving hufband," has no reference to the cafe that we are confidering, but to the early fituation of Chriflian converts, when baptifm did not difTolve the bonds either of marriage or fervitude, but the new members of the Chriflian church continued to difcharge the obliga- tions which tiiey had contracted in their Gentile ftate, and this witli additional earneftnefs, as a proof of their obedience to their heavenly Mafler. When we thus pervert fcripture, to flrengthen the temptations of avarice, ambition, fenfuai attachment, or from any other finifler motive, we imitate the conduct of the Prince of Darknefs, who is never fo danger- ous to our fouls as when he wields " the fv.ord of the fpirit, even the word of God." Surely it is far better that " the rofe fhould wither on the virgin thorn," than that its tender leaves ihould be defiled, and excoriated, by being bound up with the filihy briers of vice or infidelity.

Next to thefe dreadful afTociates, let the candidate for the wreath of connubial happinefs iteadily reject the oiferings of infuperable folly. There is a ftrangely erroneous jumble of ideas refpecdng a fuppofed combination of docility, goodna- ture, and weaknel's of intelletSt, in the minds of Ibme people, yilxo are deplorably ignorant of life and manners. Folly is

383

always felfifli and obftlnate ; and I take thefe to be the ftand- ard compofitions of /// nature^ not of amiability. Can nar- rownefs of intellect be capable of thofe enlarged and difin- terefted views which produce good will to all mankind, which refine the tender attentions of love, and invigorate the indelible imprefiions of friendfhip ? Can the fool forget his own dear felf fo far as to be truly benevolent ; can he learn felf-denial ; can he be convinced of his own infirmities, and fet about reforming them ? If you anfwer in the affirmative, you prove him not to be a fool.

I would advife a young woman never to fele^l a man whom fhe difcovers to be very deficient in the article of judg- ment ", not even if fhe have reafon to form a high opinion of her own, and to believe that her future hufband will al- wa5''s regard it with lover like preference ; a contingency which is extremely improbable. The original defign of mar- riage (mutual help and affifliance) is defeated j and an inver- iion in the relative fituation of the fexes is always attended by a degree of ridicule and abfurdity, whicia an ingenuous and delicate mind mufl fl:rongly feel. Women, in this in- ftance, feem a little treacherous to their own caufe. I will not pretend to fi:ate how it happens to be fo j much lefs will I jullify the proceeding ; but moil unqueftionably that very refpedtable (though, I fear, not numerous) body of men, the Jerrys, lead a life fomething like that of a flying fifh, who when they are hunted out of their own natural element are pecked at by every petty wren that fkims the air. We cer- tainly ought to take thefe martyrs to our renown under our protection^ and, by bringing them forward on all occafions as the only true heroes, fhow the refractory monfters who rebel againft us what they ought to be. Suppofe I were to attempt their eulogium : the theme is certainly newy and capable of coniiderable ornament. Hiftory whifpers that it might be embellilhed with a few great names ; and private anecdotes would furnifh me with fome eminent living ornaments of the fociety. I may referve this for one of my future labours, in which I fhall endeavour to appreciate merit by the moft rigid rule of right ; and as the more perfect the flavery, the more heroical the captive muft be deemed, I fhall afcribe the firft ftation to thofe luorthies who, rejecting the filken chains of Hymen, contentedly endure the iron fhackles of illicit love. But having juft caught myfelf in the a£l of laughing at the idea of a laurelled' fon of Mars or Themis crouching at the painted fhrine of a varniihsd Venus, who has jufl put on

384

her wig and rouge to twirl the lafli of dIfcIpHiie over the uxorious fool who feeds her avarice with unacknowledged fa- vours, I ain too confcientious an advocate to undertake a caufe which I find I fhould betray. Men of this caft are generally the prey of artful women, who, whether as wives or miftrefles, contrive to manage the imbecility that they defpife. Some men, indeed, are clafTed by their friends in this order, though they really belong to a much fuperior rank ; .1 mean men of real worth, and found minds, who en- dure female caprice from confcientious motives, and bear the crofs rather than expofe their families to the miferies of con- tention. I think our feelings cannot be more painfully roufed, than when we fee a man of merit thus circumfbanci ed. A wife unjuftly degraded below her proper ftation does not excite a tenth part of fuch ftrong fyrapathy and indig- nant interference. Is not this an argument in favour of the original infkitution of Providence, refpecting the fubfervi- ence of our fex ? Though I ftoutly deny that this injunction originated in our natural inferiority, I believe it to be fo ex- pedient to the welfare and'happinefs of both parties, that I

never would advife you, my dear Mifs M , to marry a

man with a promifwg degree of obfequioufnefs in liis afpect, unlefs you perceive that he has good fenfe enough to cofer the goffamer manacles which you may entwine around him with fuch an impervious coat of feeming pertinacity, that no one but yourfelf can tell that he actually we^rs them. ^ But fnice a young woman may have fome objeftions to abfolute flavery, even after Ihe has lowered her mind to the juft ftandard of wife like obedience, it may not be unufeful to repeat a hint which a favourite author (perhaps incau- tioufly) gave the ladies in his *' Triumphs of Temper •," I allude to the domeflic ioryijin of tl\at ftaunch ivhig Sir Gil- bert. Hiftory and experience bear equal teftimony to the juft colouring of tliat character ; for, from the antient Spar- tan, to that great volcano of patriotifm Jack Wilkes, the greateft fticklers for public freedom have been the verieft domcftic baihaws. I do not mean to create an alarm which mull condemn the Whig Club to celibacy ; I only remind thofe female archers who take aim at fuch " bold fons of air and fire," that in their ^rQC\r\^% freedom is always confidered to be of the mafculine gender j and for my thus endt^nvnur- ing to fecure thefe gentlemen from .all poffibility of being brought under petticoat government (an event which is to them as horrible as the revival of tiie doctrine of pafiirc obc-

585

dience,) I expefl to be toafted at their next meeting, un- der the title of the " Hberal minded opponent of domeftic emancipation."

Women are generally accufed of being partial to exterioi* advantages, efpecially to wit, pleafantry, and what is called airinefs of converfation. In this cafe, we certainly hazard our refpeftability and our happinefs. If a man of plain fenfe rarely attends to the advantages of addrefs, and feldom takes the lead in converfation ; neither does he, on the other hand, attach value to general admiration. "With a hufband of this defcription, we may not excite the envy of our un- married friends ; the fluency of our partner's converfation, the vivacity and brilliancy of his remarks, or the elegance of his deportment, may pafs unnoticed ; but our fire fides have a chance of being comfiortable, becaufe it is moft likely he will there condefcend, or even wifh, to be entertained by hs. And as the confcioufnefs of being lefs formed to fliine in fociety, is fure to -create domeftic habits; fo thofe who are not fpoiled by an excefs of praife are always grateful to thofe who regard them with preference. The blandilh- ments of the gay and graceful lover are ftill more evanefcent than the beauty of his miftrefs ; and not even the renovating cauldron of Medea could renew their priftine vigour. The more precious they were to our hearts, the more fhall we feel the vacuum which their abfence makes. Conjugal fe- licity cannot live upon public admiration ; it is too meagre food. Male coquets are moft frequently mai'ried men, who are never out of humour, (or, r.s they often call it, nervous,) but in that circumfcribed circle from v^hich they cannot be banifhed for being difagreeable. On fuch men, the charms of wit, information, and fprightlinefs in a wife, are loft, or perhaps they may induce him to hate her as a rival. Yxiz idea of a good companion implies a being who will admire his talents, and laugh at his bons mots, or one who will be the patient butt of his raillery, or a prov/ling jackall to col- ledl him new anecdotes. The wife of a coxcomb (and fure- iy the man who piques himfelf upon oftenfible holiday agree- ablenefs is a coxcomb) muft content herfelf with being an echo to a Narciflus.

I fhall fay little to that portion of my fex with whom a

handfome perfon, a well made coat, or any other eye trap

which whim or fafliion has fanclioned, conftitutes a dear

adorable, preferable to every folid advantage and every in-

A a a

586

ternal excellence which papa and mamma may have difcov- ered in fome good quiz, who dances ill and employs a bad tailor. Such enchanted lalTcs are out of the precintls of reafon ; and I neither expe<5f my pen to be polTsflcd of the powers of a talifman, nor my voice to have the potency of the lyre of Orpheus. I muft, therefore, leave them in the magical regions to which they have wandered.

I enter my folemn caveat againfl: every thing that can be conrtrued into an involuntary facrifice ; and if I will not al- low rank, wit, or beauty, to lead their befotted captive to the altar, I politively prohibit wealth from binding its deject- ed victim in an indiflbluble bond. When a young woman eonfents to fell herfelf to a rich Camacho,* from whom (in- ftead of a decided preference) Ihe revolts with difguft, {he certainly becomes a legal proftitute. This title is not, how- ever, due to all who, in their matrimonial Iketches, place \o\efome':vhat in the back ground. If efteem conftitute the principal figure, and if no difguifed predilection for another lurk in the corner, I can conceive not only a good but a hap- py wife, in the fhape of one who at firft liftened to a propo- ial of marriage through a hope of efcaping from poverty and dependance, through the defire of raifing a diftreiTed fami- ly, or even through a wifli of efcaping from the inconven- iences attached to a limited fortune. But a young woman who connects herfelf with a man much her fenior, or one who labours under fome remarkable perfonal difadvantages, ' Ihould pofiefs a fuperior fliare of difcretion and gratitude, and fliould prcvioufly determine to be the partner of his ca- lamities, not xhcfpender of his fortune. The habits of the prefent age fo much diminifli the chance of finding, among the many girls who would fell themfelves to riches, one who would faithfully difcliarge the duties of the nurfe, the friend, and the companion of infirmity, that it darkens the profpe^s of all uxorious old bachelors, whofe paffion for a young wife has not vanquifhed their dillike of having their morning {lumbers difturbed by the clamour of their own footmen re- turning with their lady from a fafhionable party, or being crammed into fome obfcure corner, with other obfolete lum- ber, whenever their lovely bride choofes to be " at home to every body but themfelves." As times now go, the dotard of threefcore muft think himfelf happy to be converted inta 77obody ; a more marked diltiniStion is fo probable, that it feems

' .See Don Quixote.

oo/

to be his wifeft way to betake himfelf to the quietus of his arm chair and flannel gown, inftead of crowning his brow with Hymen's thorny rofes.

Long deferred attachments, even when they are at laft crowned with fruition, often produce httle more than a hap- py honey moon. The reafon is, that romantic ideas take ftrong pofleffion of the mind, while hope and fear alternate- ly adt upon fo fufceptible a paffion as love. It is moft cer- tain, that difficulties and impediments rarely fail to deepen the impreffion which they are expedVed to eradicate -, and when we feel diffatisfied v/ith our prefent lot, we always drefs up the unfeen future in moft falfe and flattering col- ours. A young woman firmly attached to a man, to whom file fees little chance of being united, inftead of inveftigat- ing thofe defecSls which might reconcile her to the probable reparation, generally adorns her idol in the robe of perfec- tion. His fteady fidelity to her covers every other fault ; his fond folicitations, or high wrought pidlures of the felic- ity they are prevented from enjoying, increafes her enthufi- afm ; and flie either believes that the fun would ever fhine upon them could their vows be once plighted, or that they fliould then live in a world of their own, infenfible to th^^' intervention of external mjferies.

" Scarce one refledt?. that to the torch of love " Perliaps fiicceeds pale difcord's fullen fire ;

" Few image woes which parents only prove, *« When daughters iicken, or when fous expire."

To the fure confequences of this extravagant expectation, let us add the efledl which long deferred hope muft have on the fpirits and temper. Sometimes the profpedl will be brightened wirh the view of a fpeedy conclufion ; this will again difappear, and a final feparation will feem inevitabld. Jealoufy will perhaps intervene ; but whatever form the tor- menting defire v.^ears, difguft and indifference of the prefent will increafe. No one more keenly feels the force of tlic fcriptural aphorifm, " that hope deferred maketh the heart fick," than flie who furrenders her own to the heavy pref- fure of protracted love :

" Thus on her prefent hcnr rude pafllon prej"^?* " Thus bright the profpeift of Usr future days."

Can we pi<fturc worfe bride maids than broken fpirits, ir- ritable feelings, and fanguine expe^^tations ? or can we, view- ing human nature as it really is, fuppofe it probable, that all external circumftances conjoining with theluperlativc excel- lence of the bridegroom, can prevent thofe wayward ladies from hurrying the bride into fome extravagance, before *' thofe flioes grow old" which carried her to the altar ? Among many other reafons which render novels dangerous to young women, is this ; that they always make a long at- tachment which is not dilTolved by death terminate in a hap- py marriage, whofe felicity is proportionable to the previous embarrafTments. I fuppofe their authors confider, that as our moft agreeable feelings refult from contraft, the fame muft be true in great events, as in matters of tafte or in in- different occurrences. I would advife thefe writers to look into life, and fee if years of mifery increafe or diminifh our relifh of fublunary happinefs •, if the human fabric is under- mined or improved by fuch a ilcknefs as excluded hope ; whether a quick fucceffion of every agonizing fenfation cor- rodes or corrects the temper j whether melancholy is a good preparation for the adlive duties of focial life ; whether the jealous, capricious, eccentric, or diffipated lover ahuays pro- duces the candid, afFe«5lionate, fteady, and regular hufband ; in fine, whether marriage really is that fcene of repofe and full felicity which romantic love fuppofes •, or whether its cares, its difficulties, and its trials, are not at leaft equal to what the tender paffion can excite in the virgin bofom.

Let us aik, Does the fecurity of our tenure prevent us from difcovering the inconveniences and blemiflics that are attached to the habitation which we hold on a ieafe for life ? Will not the frown of ?. hufoand afiedl the fcniibility which was rent into fevers by the negligence of a lover ; or will his humours feem more tolerable when we are compelled to study and yield to them, inftead of makiiig them fubfervient to our ov/n ? Or, to avoid ficetching a portrait which you fingle ladies will call the caricature of difappointed impru- dence ; will the dear good man never be ill, never be abfent, or never be unhappy ? V/iil his path of life be conftantly fmooth ; will there be no obllacies to impede his courfe, no rivals to obftru(5l him, no misfortunes to deprefs him ? Are children always healthy, amiable, and profperous ? If this be a juft epitome of life, then may the lovelorn maid, when married to the idol of her fond heart, fay in the language of fcripture, <' Soul, take thy eafe j thou haft much goods

389

laid up in ftore for many years." If it be not, then let all who approach the nuptial altar refolve never to withdraw the hand which they there lay upon the plough. Let them remember, that they then enter upon a ftate of enlarged du- ty and extended trial ; and that they ought to rife fuperior to the petty occupations, and trivial cares, which might more pardonably engrofs their early years. Perhaps, this ftern decilion may caufe a great falling off among my fair difci- ples, who think more of their bridal paraphernalia than of the contracl which it is intended to honour. I will endeav- our to propitiate them by obferving, that faftidioufnefs and fufceptibility are greater enemies to conjugal happinefs than vanity, and are harder to be eradicated.

Is it poffible to love twice ? is a common queftlon. Cer- tainly not, with all that enthuliafm of preference v/hich at- tends a firft attachment. But enthuliafm appears to be ^o doubtful a foundation whereon to I'aiie the mafTy pile of lafting efteem, that I incline to think a fccond choice is more likely to be the reiult of judgment, and regulated by thofc juft views which difappointment and experience mutually fupply. Love, indeed, is painted blindy and lb he generally is j but Hymen might be as properly exhibited looking through a microfcope. A woman increafes her chance of happinefs by prevailing on thefe deities to change their ap- pendages thus : applying the microfcope to the lover's cha- radler, and binding the bandage as clofe as pofiible over the faults of her hufoand. If after inveftigating the merits and defefts of the man who addrelTes her, as narrov* ly as lier llt- uation will admit, fhe feels convinced that the latter v/iil not dimtnilh her decided preference for the foriner, I give her leave to accompany what I call the bequeft of her heart wiLh her hand. You fee I have permitted Love to creep in at lall: ; but with his wings fo pruned, and his colhune {o de- ranged, that I queftion if any, excepting yourfeif, will feel much refpedl for a Cupid who is permitted to hpk about him, and forbidden tofy into the regions of Utopia.

But let our fex be as circunifpecl; as pollible, m?^n, wliile he a£ls the part of a lover, wears a mafk which we cannot wholly penetrate. Perhaps it is uncandid to call this inixn- cerity. When we wifii to pleafe, we alrnoft unconfcioufly aflume an agreeable afpe*fl j nor do we at that moment re- folve to indemnify ourfelves, by future indulgence, for the reftraints that we are then putting upon our bad propenfi- ties j perhaps we are hardly confcious that we are acting a

i>90

part foreign to our natural chara6ler. How then is a young woman to difcover the feigning, which is fo juftly copied from nature as probably to deceive the actor ? I would not advife her fieed/efs/y to try the temper of a favoured lover ; the power of recrimination is fo great in the other fex, that to do fo, equals the folly of irritating a lion whofe den we are going to enter. Let no unpleafant rccoUeclions of fe- male tyranny interrupt the complacence of the bridegroom on attaining the objedt of his wifhes. But I am again re- verting to pail: manners. The new code of gallantry has deprived woman of the fliort empire which flie once poflefT- ed, and compelled her to accommodate herfelf to the humours of him who purfues her with the provoking indifference of ajjlired vi(5lory.

The nuptial band being knit (we will hope with happy aufpices,) let us confider what will be the firft folicitude of a wife ; and unqueftionably this muft be, to difcover her hufband's real difpofition. But her refearch mufl not bs condudled with inquifitive penetration, nor with that ftri<5l fcrutiny which may develop what might otherwife have been for ever unknown. It is too late to find out moral deprav- ity ; the attention of herfelf and her friends ought to have been directed to that important point before fhe had form- ed the indiffoluble tie. It is to the certainly inferior requi- fites of tafte and temper that a prudent wife fliould limit her inquiries ; for to temper fhe mufl: conform ; and it is poffi- bk for her to acquire a tafl;e fomevvhat fimilar to her part- ner's. As her duty and her intereft alike require her to make home agreeable, fhe muft, if flie be not by nature the companion that he prefers, endeavour to make herfelf fo : I do not fay by arty for I detefi: the word, but by im'itcit'ion. I do not here recommend a clofe conformity to all the hab- its and purfuits of our partners, much lefs a fervile adoption of all their fcntimcnts and opinions: the latter would de- flroy one of the chief ends of marriage, mutual improve- ment -, and the foimer would be more apt to excite rivalry than unity ; men being extremely jealous of preeminence in every iludy to which they bend their attention. I fuppofe this duty to conlift in cheerfully acquiefcing with thofc cuf- toms and employments which feem habitual or neceflary ; never opponno- his wiflies in things that are really immate- rial ; avoiding whatever is known to be difigreeable, either in our drefs, cur converfation, or our condutft ; and above al!j carefully attending to thofe oblique Iiints by which a

391

delicate mind chaofes rather to explain its wiflies, than t6 appeal to autliority by an exprefs injunction ; always remem- bering that the indulgence of our own humour affords but a momentary gratification ; but that to oblige another pro- duces a lafting delight j and if fuch obfervance be fhown to a generous perfon it will be fure to be rewarded.

I mention it rather as an admonitory warning, than as a diredling precept to my fex, that men are ever moft ealily vanquifhed by the meaneji antagonifts. An artful woman is a defpicable creature, who departs from the ingenuous fim- plicity which, next to modefty, is the ornament of her fex. Yet I fcarcely ever knew a proficient in deception who did not govern all her male connexions, and moreover perfuade them that flie was a moft amiable creature. Man is fo ena- moured of unrefifting meeknefs, as to become the eafy dupe of thzt Jitidied mamier which befpeaks its counterfeit. Give the lords of the creation but the appearance of fupremacy, and they are contented to obey. Suffer them to run their own wild career unreftrained, and they will gratify your vanity, humour your caprices, and readily make you, as far as relates to your own actions, fovereign queen. Hence come the fplendid eftablifliments of many pretty triflers ; hence the fubfervience of uxorious keepers, and the influence of court- ezans. A confcientious wife ever wiflies to reftx-ain her hufl3and from doing what would prove injurious to his health, fortune, or reputation, which are too valuable in her eyes to be bartered for any perfonal indulgence to herfelf. An art- ful woman places her own individual advantage in the firfl: point of view j and her chief objeftion to a riotous debauch is, that its attendant fever may hurry the good man out of the world before he has time to appoint her refiduary lega- tee. The pecuniary embarraffments of the family are of lit- tle confequence, provided her pin money and fettlement are fecured by a refponfible trufl:. Her caro fpofo's reputation may be irreparably injured ; no matter, her own fl:ands firm ; ihe has never interfered in his affairs, and no one can charge her with having fuffered her fenfe of his ill conduct to fpoil her temper. Every body is right to take care of themfelves ; and what could a prudent woman who had a refradlory huf- band do, but lay the reins upon his neck, and leave him to l^lay his wild gambols ? She mean while, like the provident fleward, has been making friends of " the mammon of un- righteoufneis." She has never failed in the offices of civili- ty and attention to her acquaintance ; flic has accommodat-

Si}-2

cd every creature tli;it (lie knew, to the utmoft of her power ; and they all can witnefs that fhe never fufFered the pleafantry of her parties to be interrupted, though the gay votary of Bacchus, in the ihapc of her difregarded hufband, reeled in at an unexpected hour. Nor did her placid fea- tures fufter any difcompofure, if in her way to the opera fhc encountered the chariot of his paramour. What an amia- ble creature ! how often will fhe be preferred to her unhap- py neighbour, who, flirinking under the preflure of a huf- band's llrame, immures herfelf from the world, and weeps for the ills which flie cannot cure ! Yet furely, as far as re- lates to intrinfic worth, even the virago is a more refpefta- ble charadler than the cold hearted diflembler, who' makes careleflhefs and felfiflmefs pafs for felf-command, and en- grafts the infenfible rapacity and negligence of a courtezan^ on a chara£ler which demands the lively intereft and aftivc participation of generous friendfliip.

But do not, from my having incidentally named the blunt Xantippe with comparative honour, fuppofe I mean to infin- Uate, that a wayward huA)and may he /folded into propriety ; or think that melancholy and complaint will recommend home to a refradlory debauchee, and detach him from fcenes of riotous feftivity or criminal enjoyment, becaufe I condemn that heedlefs apathy which many miftake for good humour. Home muft, if poffible, be ahvays rendered pleafant to its mafter ; and a wife muft ever flrive to be amiable in the eyes of her hufoand. The means of doing this mufl: depend npon circumftances, and her knowledge of his particular hu- mour. The widow Dellmour, in " The Way to Keep Him," offers leffons to her fex which young wives might ftudy with advantage j I mean in her firft: fcenes with Mrs. Lovemore ; they muft, however, be adopted with difcreet feledlion ; for the variety of manner which fhc recommends feems more to refemble the flippant coquet panting for admiration, than that amiable defire of pleafing which adliuates an atre<^tionatc wife, while ftriving to reclaim the heart of her hufband. Women cannot be too ftrongly urged to renounce every fpe- cles of artifice. Inftead, therefore, of faying a bad temper raufl be ccjicealed^ let us endeavour to fubdtie it. The efrort is nearly the fame in either cafe ; it is only changing the pernicious principle of expediency, which teaches occi.lional reftri(5tions, for thai nobler motive of confcious re»^itud«^ which infures a perpetual victory.

393

But to return to the play we have juft mentioned : I am. not pleafed with the eclairciliement j I mean, as a moral lefTon ; for we are not now examining its theatrical effe<SV. Every prudent wife will, as fhe values her future peace, en- deavour to fave her faithlefs hufband from the fhame of public detection. The lordly nature of man fo ftrongly re- volts from the fufpiclon of inferiority, that a fufceptible hul^ band can never feel eafy in the fociety of his wife, \vhen he knows that (he is acquainted with his vices, though he Is well affured that her prudence, generofity, and affetStion, will prevent her from being a fevere accufer. Mrs. Bellmour, therefore, in recommending that Lovemore fliould be prob- ed to the quick before a large circle of witnefTes, does not difplay that knowledge of mankind to which flie pretends ; and, notwithftanding the author wiflies to convince us to the contrary, we can fcarcely avoid fufpedting that fhe is a falfe fi-iend to his wife. The llmple recipe, of making home agreeable. Is better calculated to reclaim the libertine, than the artifices which Mrs. Lovemore adopts ; and no woman of delicacy (I will add, of principle) will have recourfe to the: dangerous expedient of exciting jealoufy In her hufband : it may roufe him from the torpor of indifference, but it Is at the expenfe of his confidence in her virtue. Even if her motive were merely to fhow him how nobly flie can refift temptation, may fhe not fear he will remind her that indif* cretion muft have led her into danger .'' Chaftity (like its male concomitant, courage,) courts no unnecefTary trial. A truly virtuous nvife has little reafon to fear the folicltations of Illicit love. Some error muft be feen in her manner, re- laxed principles muft peep through fome difregarded loop* hole In her conduft, before the Intentional feducer dares drop the mafk of refpeftful friendfhip. Never, therefore, let an unhappy neglected wife try to reclaim her truant fpoufe, by fhowing him that the charms which he defplfes can make other conquefb.

I have already deplored, that the manners of the age are unfavourable to conjugal fidelity ; not only on account of the comparatively flight reproach attached to what are too generally called the errors of the heart, but alfo to thofe habits of fociety which feparate the wife and the hufband, and thofe falfe rules of gallantry which dlre£l him to beftow his attention on other ladies, and her to accept the affidul- ties of other gentlemen ; for, though thefe cuftoms are not Bbb

394

in tliemfelvcs pofitively criminal, they not only open a door to adultery, but alfo aflford the fecurity and concealment which it delires. It feems but a ftep from the preferred ci- cifbeo to the favourite lover ; a male confidant and a gallant are ahnoft fynonymous. Slander too, by its premature de- gradation, fomctimes accelerates the difgrace it feeds on. When an agreeable man becomes an intimate in a family, the mifcrefs of which is young and beautiful, and the huf- band either engrofled by other purfuits, or negligent from indiirerence, every gollip in the neighbourhood fnuffs the approaching crim. con. ; and moft unqueflionably, the rep- utation of an intrigue has often produced one. Many a wo- man has intended nothing more thdn to fpend the hours of folitude agreeably, or to diffipate vexatious thoughts while fhe chatted or danced with the captain in public, or admit- ted his private villts, though her invidious acquaintance have put the GdJi-p conftruftions on fuch harmlefs liberties. But the captain is moft probably lefs platonic than herfelf, and will foon convince her tha> Ihe may as well deferve reproach as endure it.

Let us, therefoi-e, obey the divine admonition, and " ab- ftain even from the appearance of e^'il." If we have drawn, a blank in the lottery of life, let us remember that we muft not again try our fortunes. Yet though we cannot be hap- py, or even contented^ we may be re/igned. Faith and patience may obtain a ferene triumph, though joy and gratitude do not fwcll a pjean of rapture. This is " not our abiding city :" pafs but a few years, and all the pains and regrets that we now feel will appear but like a dream : we have it indeed in our power to make them not only durable but eternal : only add guilt to difappointment, and the load be- comes intolerable.

I acknowledge that a young and fufceptible wife, who feels her confidence betrayed, her love rejected, and her an- guiijh difregarded, by her fworn partner and dearell: choice, is expofed to a moft fevere trial ; efpecially if the cold, the capricious, the diffolute, or the tyrannical hufband, be con- trafted by the attentive, obfequious, and fpecious friend. The beft heart may fo far wander, as to wifh that it had at- tached itfelf to this amiable being, who feems fo fully fenfi- ble of her injured defert. Would to heaven that the much endangered fair one had, at this minute, the power to look into the bofom which (lie luppol'es to be the feat of every virtue ! She would then dilcovcr that " all was fulfe and

hollow." He is only acling a part which perhaps her re^ creant fpoufe may be playing in feme other family ; and as to marrying, if he had indeed met her before flie had " been fill: link'd and wedlock bound," and a friend had queftion- cd him upon the fubjecl, he would have confefled that mat- rimony was a trade he never intended to deal in, except in the way of partnerfhip.

But may not the friend (hip of a man for a married wo- man be dilinterefted, and free from all bafe intentions ? Per- haps it may ; but if the parties are young, amiable, and in habits of peculiar intimacy, there is much caufe to fear that fuch finifher views may intrude into original purity of pur- pofe. If the friend be particularly folicitous to pleafe, if he ever attempt to place the hufband in an inferior point of view, either by difcovering his foibles or fhowing his own fuperiority -, let the lady fly from the voice of the charmer, as fhe would from a lurking adder. But if the gentleman's condudl admit of no fufpicious conftru£lions, let her doubt herfelf. If fhe perceive that this agreeable and difintereftcd companion has made a deep impreffion upon (I will not fay her heart, but) her imagination ; if fhe find that he poffefles a great fhare of her thoughts ; if his unexpefted abfence make her uneafy, or if Ihe be piqued by his attentions to other women ; let her be aflured that this friendfliip is of too fufceptible a nature to be cheriflied with fafety, and that fhe owes the renunciation of it, if not to her virtuey at leaft to her peace of mind

The general adoption of continental manners having driv- en our fex from the ftrong holds of decorum, no wonder that we have voluntarily abandoned the hillfort of jealoufy. It was indeed an ill chofen and untenable poft, ferving rath- er to exhauft ourfelves, than to fubdue the enemy. No woman, who now pretends to the name of fafliionable, could forbear fmiling at my fuppofing that her feelings could be irritated by a difcovery of her hufband's infidelities : but though fuch nonchalance is thought to have a very genteel air, to me it appears more like want of principle, than fu- perabundance of equanimity and prudence. Surely there is nothing abfurd in a lady's being difcrefled at the certainty that her hufband lives in the practice of one of thofe fins which will exclude him from the kingdom of God ; and if his overruling will compel her to firand goffip to his fpurious ifiue, is it not better to perform that office with interceffive tears, than fmiles of amiability ? The rage of jealoufy is,

however, ill fuited to a woman. We cannot caft off our of- fending partner " a prey to fortune ;" and for our chil- dren's fake, if not for our own, we fhould prefer the mminal protection of our hufband to pofitive alienation. It is moft advifable, therefore, to reftrain our curiofity, when we fuf- pc(il that the gratification of it will produce diftrefs. If the decencies of public manner are preferved, let us refolve nev- er to attempt to difcover what our hufband carefully con- ceals ; and let us fpare him the difgrace of detection, which oftener conquers fhame than fin. By ftudying to pleafe him, and by confcientioufly endeavouring to perform our own duty, we fhall have daily opportunities of contrafting the lovelinefs of virtue with the deformity of vice ; and uH;- lels he is indeed reprobate, and loft to grace, this oppofition muft make his evil courfes uneafy to him. If we are com- pelled to fee his mifdeeds, let us notice them more as fin-^ cere chriftians, than as revengeful women ; and fliow the finner, that while we weep and pray for his crime, we can pradlife the law that we acknowledge, and forgive the injury.

In fome cafes, indeed, pafilve fubmifllon is impofilble ; I mean where the libertine glories in his iniquities, and boafts of what is his difgrace. Former ages would have fuppofed it was impofilble that a man fhould expecSl his wife to vifit or countenance his miftrefs ; but the annals of the great world tell more than one example of fuch abominable de- pravity. Let the young lady who Ihudders at the poflibili- ty of fuch a propofal confider, that as it can only come from a hardened profligate, fteeped to " the very lips in vice,'* the way to avoid it is, to refolve never to venture on the more than Herculean labour of reforming a rake ; left, after having given him fuch a proof of her want of true delicacy, he fhould think himfelf juftified, at fome future period^ in requefting her to fet him down at the door of a brothel.

Sufpicion is often zfpcntaneous production in the minds of women who have more affeClion than judgment ; r.nd fure- ly, if love ever defigned to commit fuicide, no baleful drug could be better adapted to his purpofe. The lufFerings of thefe felf-tormentors, who are ever bewildering themfelves in a maze of doubts, conftruClions, and difcoveries, open an ample field for the comic mufe ; but I cannot think that Colman has done it jufticc in his character of Mrs. Oakley, in the "Jealous Wife." He feems to have defigned to make her fond of her hufbnnd, and a gentlewoman \ but in

397

the warm colouring that he beftows on her fufpicions, he lofes fight of his original Iketch, and the vixen predominates to fuch a degree that we turn from her in difguft ; and the denouement, though defigned to be happy, proves morti-

We will now direil our attention to thofe trivial difputes, arifing from petty caufes, which frequently interrupt, and often deftroy, conjugal comfort. As, in the cafe of our hus- band's grofs faults, we mull: beware of permitting our male acquaintance to engrofs too much of our attention ; fo, in his lelTer peccadillos, let us refrain from opening our hearts to ?i female confidant. Married unhappinefs, from whatever caule it fprings, fliould never be fufFered to meet the eye of others ; nor muft we, for the fake of covering ourfelves with the glory of patient fufFering, expofe our wedded partners to reproach ; which the world will be good natured enough to remember, when we have entirely forgotten that it was founded on our own teftimony. A zealous but indifcreet friend has often ruined the peace of a young couple, who had no other fault than lively paffions, and would have gone on with quarrels and reconciliations for tlieir whole lives, alternately fupremely happy and intenfely miferable, had not fome worthy confidant convinced the lady that fhe deferved a far better fate.

Here let me earnefl:ly entreat the young wife not only to confine her forrows to her own bofom, or to intrufl them to fome very difpajfionaie and ivlfe counfellor, but alfo to re- frain from fwelling mole-hills into mountains. Let not her regret at perceiving fome human imperfections in the maf- ter of her heart fink fo deep into her fancy as to convert a fallible man into a hardened reprobate. If the error be ve- nial, let her pafs it in filence ; at leaft: till fhe fhall have fuf- ficiently afcertained the ground on which flie fliands, to en- ter with fafety on the diflicult taflc of monitor. In all petty difputes, let her avoid the leaft fliadow of exultation when flie gains the vidtory : nor muft fhe often expeCl concef- fions •, which, when made, fhe fhould endeavour to foften, and receive them rather as a favour than a right. Recrim- ination muft ever be avoided, and all references to former faults. The offences of another are no juftification of our own ', and what has been palTed over and forgiven, muft not be brought forward on a frefh provocation.

The beft way of avoiding domeftic conteft is, for both parties to refolve never to attach importance to trifles : but

398

this would be requiring too much from our falHble nature j the nerves of feeling are alike tremulons at the touch of pain and pleafure ; and as trifles are the fource of moft of cur joys, they muft alfo produce the majority of our forrows. We will then advife (and the counfel is not only archiepif- copal, but proceeds from one of the firft of Britilh worthies,)* that the gentleman and lady Ihould never wear the fool's cap at the fame moment. A philofopher might fuppofc that this precept is not impracllcable ; for it feems poffiblc, that of two human beings one may be in pofleflion of common senfe ; and yet whoever knows the Avorld muft confefs, that only a very fanguine expectation can look for uniform com- phance with this rule ; for, however galling the cap of folly evidently feems to the perfon who firft puts it on, the affec- tionate partner cannot keep from tugging at it till he has ftretched it wide enough to admit his own noddle alfo. Per- haps, therefore, matrimonial jars, like ftorms and tempefts in the natural world, may be morally neceflary, to prevent that abfolute ftagnation in the connubial atmofphere, which generates indifference, the apoplexy of love.

We muft, therefore, (except among thofe very high bred people who can Jimg each other with fmiling fuavity and graceful politenefs,) allow a little luholefome contention. We will now fuppofe the combat over ; the gentleman fullenly ilalking along the library, and the lady in tears in her clofet. It will now be acknowledged that both have time to reflect j and I lincerely hope that their thoughts will not be fo far engrofled by the cruel ufage they liave both endured, as not to recollect that a fool's cap is very uneafy wearing. Who- ever makes the firft effort to throw it off recovers the title to fuperior wifdom. Conciliatory meafures are firft expect- ed from our fex ; and I pique myfelf upon this tacit acknow- ledgment of what I have always pleaded for, the intrinlic, though not oftenfible, fupcriority of women. In fome of the uneafy moments which precede the removal of the above named incumbrance (which is apt to ftick as clofe as the tunic of NefTus,) the indignant lady may perhaps com- pare her fiiuation with tliat of fome other happy wife, and her tyrant with i'ome attentive imlulgent hulhand. If flie herfelf be a woman of prudence, it may happen that one of her own acquaintance, immcrfcd in fmiilar dolours, may »t this mo- ment be drawing the fame concluiions on her apparent fe-

* Arclibifliop Cramner.

399

licity. Tlie pfoverb fays, « There is an anatomy in every " clofet, and they are the wifeft people who keep the door " locked ;" and, let us alk ourfelves, when we are admitted to fuch an intimacy in a family as to peep through the key- hole, have we ever failed to difcover this mournful veftige of frail humanity ?

In refpedl to the attentions which a wife ought to fliow her hufband, thefe fliould rather be guided by his humour than her own. While fome men confider conftant folici- tude as the proof of love, others are difgufted by what they call " fufs and faddle." Men of ftrong fenfe and ftern tem- pers are generally averfe to whatever wears the fliape of im- portunate care -, and their eftlmation of their wives rifes in proportion to the ftrength of mind and felf-command \Vhich they poiTefs. A woman Ihould be particularly cautious of giving fuch a hufband reafon to defpife her ; they are apt to under-rate our fex, and impreffions are generally deep as well as lafting on fuch minds. AVhoever, therefore, is bound to a mate of this defcription fhould always aim at the pofTeffion of his efteem ; and if fhe gain this point, I would requeft her to conquer the natural fufceptipility of her fex fo far as not to be pained at the omifllon of thofe attentions on his part, which, though raoftly confidered as proofs of affeftion, are overlooked or difdained by people of this ftamp, not through ill nature, but from a turn of mind that will not allow them to afcribe importance; to trifles. Such men are mofl capable oijlcady uniform affe^Vion -, and, if their gen- eral conduct give proof of this, a wife is not delicate, but fretml, who torments herfelf and her good man becaufe he has not learned to lifp in the language of adulation, nor to move in the prefcribed form of heedful tendernefs.

If in thefe circumftances it becomes our duty to bind the iron mail of fortitude on our bofom ; fo, in the cafe of our being wedded to a man of quick fenfibility, refined imagi- nation, or placid temper, it is equally incumbent on us not to wound his feelings by our levity, carelefTnefs, or indiffer- ence ; for in this light we muft confider any habits which endanger his repofe. A mind that is formed in this mould is not unapt to miflake faflidioufnefs for feeling, and only to iuppofe itfelf very delicate v*^hen it is provokingly capricious. I will however acknowledge, that this is not genuine but pfeudo-fenfibility. It is by this affecled acutenefs of per- ception, this nicety of diftintlion, that the domcftic tyrant often excufes his extravagancies •, that is to fay, he makes all

400

'.iround him miferablc, becaufe too many adjuniSls enter into his idea of happinefs. He cannot, hke true fenfibility, en- joy it in the rebound ; nor, like benevolence, produce and cherifh it in his own tranquil bofom. Heaven and earth muft combine their influence to procure and i-ear the frail exotic ; and vi^hen at laft its flowers expand, and hope fcems to touch the point of fruition, " a curfed eafl wind," or " an infernal fhower," fcatters its glowing petals, or wets its fra- grant duft. Every one knows that a gentleman of exqiiiftte stnftbiliiy cannot be comfortable in an eaft wind, or a wet day ; and in fuch excruciating, though not uncommon cir- cumftances, a poor wife is but in the fituation of a Lapland witch, who is conftantly anathematized by her cuftomers wheneyer the weather proves unfavourable.

As fubmiffion and obfervance do but confirm the malady of thefe gentlemen, v/hich, whatever mental or phyfical form it may affe^, I take to be the right fore difeafe of felf-fuffi- ciency and felf-love -, I fincerely wifh the fmall remainder of* tlie ancient breed of " bonny Catherines,*' that can Jlill be found, might be fo difpofed of, as to give them the opportu- nity of exerting their animating energies in the cui*e of thefe wayward Petruchios. The horrors of hypochondriacal conceit, fretful irritability, or moody melancholy, might be difliipated by the necejfity of filencing a well played fonorous female alarum. For, as tht^a fufferers are apt to forget that there are any other people in the world except themfelves, or rather to fuppofe that the things they fee moving around them, though apparently men and women, are really only blocks, automatons, and dumb waiters, fuch a peal as would pierce all but <« the dull cold ear of death" may roufe them to recollect their focial duties, and confequently make them kappy. Ohferve, in this cafe, I tolerate fcolding, not becaufe (as lome witlings mnlicioufly aflert) it is falubrious to the health of the lady, (for I am convinced it muft always be in- imical to the tender feelings and nice fufceptlbility of wo- man,) but as the only means of reftoring the gentleman to convalefcence j and a good wife, like our pious Elcjnor, muft not refufe to draw the poifon from her hiilhund's wounds, though the operation be both dift.uieful and dan- gerous.

If a woman be blefled with a confort whofc true and no- ble tendernefs is free from this vile adulieration of fcUilh- nefs, let her {how her value of her fair heritage by gratitudr 3nd content. Never let her impole upon real fenfibility,.

401

nor pain indubitable affeftion, by capricious trials. Does her hufband anxioufly endeavour to promote her happinefs, fure- ly it muft be her chief delight to fhow him that flie is hap- py. Is he kindly alarmed at her indifpofitions, ahd agoniz- ed by her diftrefs ; flie will never, for the fake of gratifying her vanity by a ufelefs difplay of her power, afFe<5l the lan- guor of difeafe, or the mournful afpe<Sl of grief. In propor- tion as fhe perceives his apprehenfions for her to be tremu- loujly alive, fhe will endeavour to acquire that patient forti- tude and ftrength of mind which is not mafculine, but an- gelical. It is to be lamented, that thefe Phoenixes of hul^ bands often fall into the hands of artful women, who efti- mate their worth, not according to its intrinfic value, but as it is a marketable commodity ; and transform w^hat was in- tended to prefent the livelieft portrait of human felicity, in- to the perverted homage which gentlenefs offers to caprice. Such ill forted pairs make one liften to Dr. Watt's conjec- tures refpefting the difaflrous difperfion of fouls, which hap- {)ened as the appointed partners took their flight to thefe ower regions.

I will mention but one other peculiarity of temper, and that is the choleric, which, unlefs it be indulged to a very wild extreme, is fuppofed to be moft ealily managed. It is, unqueftionably, infinitely preferable to quiet moodinefs or melancholy peeviflmefs. We can ftoop to let the rufliing ivhirlwind pafs by us, knowing that it will foon fpcnd itfelf, and that peace and funfhine will fucceed this apparent diiTo- lution of the elements ; but who can iland the continual bitings *' of Zembla's froft," or the enervating moifture of Darien's putrid fwamps, without material injury ? No one betrays his fex's high prerogative fo much as the palBonate man ; even in his very ftorm he merely fcatters the feed of rebellion ; and his infant girl calculates what play things papa will give her to make it up with her when he becomes good again. Power cannot be fecured by the difcovcry of an available poft. If the bridle be held with a fteady hand, obedience is uniform j but, as depreffion conftantly fucceeds over exertion, he who alternately curbs high, and rides with a loofe rein, can never pretend to the praife of good horfe- manlhip. Few men are in a greater ftate of fubjection, not merely to their wives, but alfo to their domeftics^ than they who frequently break out into extravagant ails of phrenfy. C c c

402

After having reprobated with fo much feverity thofc fafli- ionable habits which lead to conjugal infidelity, you will won- der to hear ;;;? fay any thing againft the oppolite error, of too clofe domeilication ; but e-\tremes are always reprehen- fible. Very few admonitions on this head will fuffice ; for what the Romans fuppofed of patricide is here realized ; the fault is fo rare, that prohibitions feem fuperfluous.

Every objection to individual fecluiion from the world, as that it is likely to form the unfocial temper of mifanthropy, and to introduce unpleafant habits and contracled notions, may be urged againfl an idea which fometimes adhers to a very affectionate couple beyond the honeymoon ; namely, that each being to the other a world, the reft of their fpe- cics are to them nonentities. A very well told tale, called *' Variety," was publithed about thirty years ago on this fub- je^. I forget its author, and know not whether it was much read ; but the moral was worth regarding. A young, amiable, and much attached pair fet out with the idea that they could not have too much of each other's fociety. In procefs of time, however, this exquifite feaft of the flow of foul, being confined to only tivo Jiaiiding difhes, lofes its rel- ifli ; and, after a yawning evening, the hufband informs his wife that he fufpe£ts " they live too much together." A coufiti jenny is now introduced, who enlivens them with London anecdotes ; and the tender pair refolve, for a time, to quit the retirement which they have fo paffionately preferred, and efteemed the bower of blifs, and try if the great world will not make them a Utile happier. The journey is defcrib- ed in natural and humorous colours j they plunge not in vice, but in diflipation j they meet but rarely, and then with indifference. Mutually alarmed at this change (for their hearts are not vitiated,) they determine to keep one evening difeiigaged to examine the caufe ; and, after a little in- veftigation, the hufband decides that " they live too viuch afwider"

The application is anticipated. Occafional intervals arc neceffary to make even pleaiure pleafe. A man fliould come to his own fire fide as a weary bird does to his neft, not as the captive to his prifon. The breaks into the domeftic party mult be regulated by external circumftances as well as by internal tafte. If they are too frequent, fimple delights •and family duties will lofe their attractions and their influ- ence. If they are too rare, fatiety will deprive us of our jelifh for what wc ihould «njoy to the laft moment of our

403

lives, and our notions will be as contra«5led as the circle m which we move.

The duty of a wife, as the regulator of domcftic expenfe, has been anticipated by fome former obfervations.* I have nothing more to fay on this head, than to prefcribc peculiar caution in the article of perfonal expenditure. Great ex- penfe in drefs can never be juftiiied in a matron, unlefs flie, by that, complies with the whim of her hufband, or with the particular claims of his fituation, rank, or fortune. It is the undoubted duty of every woman to pay efpecial attention to the ftation that her hufband holds in life. No error is more frequent among vulgar v^romen, than to appear afham- ed of the employment from which they derive their opu- lence. Every attempt to deck it out in falfe importance, or to difguife its real nature, is an indication of a little mind, equally weak and unprincipled ; for furely we are unjuft to others when we force ourfeives into a rank to which we have no proper pretenfions. No employment can be difcreditable which is purfued with honefty and induftry ; the fhame at- taches not to the ftation^ but to the individical^ who, by his attempts to efcape from what he is, betrays a fecret coiifcioui- nefs which degi-ades himfelf more than the pride of his fu- periors. The ingenious mechanic is as refpedlable in his own rank as the flatefman or gentleman in theirs. But I am wandering to another fubject. I will now confine my- felf to adviilng women to fcorn all falfe pretences, and never to hope that high lived company will afford either advantage or pleafure to her, whofe ticket of admiflion depends upon the alTumption of borrowed honours. Should any perfonal or local advantages procuri her fuch diflinftion, let her not tarnifh it by fophifticating the amiable fimplicity of nature. The ftolen plume of an efquire will not fhade vulgarity ; and the petty dealer and chapman will betray his littlenefs, though buttoned up in the refpe^lable garb of a merchant. In every rank of life, propriety of condudl, and ftiitability of manners, command, and alfo infpire, refpecl. The humour of the times makes thefe refleflions peculiarly necefTary to female vanity, which, with the folly to which vanity is ever fubjedV, relinquifhes real for artificial diflin£lions.

Belide the duties that we perfonally owe to a hufband, there are often fome mediate obligations which arife from marriage. If his parents furvive, they extend to us the

* tiee tiCtter 2d.

404

claim of paternity, and we owe them the fame expreffions of refpetSt and habits of obfervancc as to our own immediate progenitors. The office of a ftepmother is proverbially odious y and our obfsrvaticns on life favour the opinion, either that it is too great a trial for virtue, or tliat it is a fit- uation in which merit cannot meet with due returns. There are, however, a fev/ happy exceptions to this melancholy conclufion ; and we may, on the whole, hope that a fmcere difpofition to a^l rightly, guided by a found judgment, will in this, as in a// other fituations of life, enable us to acquit ourfclves of this delicate tafk. with confcientious impartiali- ty. We may obferve, that the charge is voltiniarily under- taken i and they whofe duty it is to perform it muft remem- ber, that after it is accepted they are no longer free to choofe. The relative ties appendant to wifehood are as indiffoluble as the connexion on which they depend j and if difficulty, inconvenience, or diflike, were admitted as reafons for our jiegledling our pofitive duty, every obligation might eafily be evaded. Did ftepdames and their adopted charge mutually conlider themfelves as infuperably bound to each other, dis- agreement would be prevented from ripening into difguft, by the powerful reftraint of felf-intereft. Married people feldom hate each other, till they have ruminated on the fea- fibility oi feparatjon.

Befide thefe very clofe connexions to which marriage fre- quently binds us, it generally introduces us to others that are more remote. Conlidering what human nature is, we Ihould not fanguinely expect friends and admirers in the re- lations of our hufband. If this happen to be the cafe, we fhould blefs our good fortune -, but it is too rare to jufiify complaint when we do not poilefs the good opinion of our new kindred. If they are not our enemies, we muft be con^ tented j and they feldom become fo but through our own fault. The fuggeftions I have already given refpe^ting the prefcrvation of family poiitcnefs and good breeding, are ftill more indifpenfably requiiite in thefe adopted ties ; for here habit will not reftore the affection which has been interrup- ted by a fudden quarrel •, it will be lucky if natural forbear- ance ever permit the unneceiTary wound to be fkinned over by cool civility. If conjugal affection prompt the hufband to forget the claims of blood, a confcientious wife muft feel great felf-rcpronch ; but, if he efpoufe the caufe of kindred, ihe is then indeed a wretch. As a prefervative from thefe evils, let her guard againft being too early or too intimately

405

familiar ; a fault into which our fex is too apt to fall. I do not mean that we fhould keep at a diftance from our huf- band's family ; but that our intercourfe with them ihould be regulated by ^.JlriB attention to thofe rules of good breed- ing and caution which we obferve to ftrangers. The rule is reciprocal, and Ihould be obferved by both parties.

We have now reviewed the conjugal ftate, and will fum up the requifites for happinefs. We will fuppofe a pair united by preference, blelTed with eafy fortunes and enlight- ened minds, free from the cravings of immoderate appetite, and unfcourged by the remembrance of paft mifdeeds ; we mull alfo add, endued not only with moral but with chris- tian principles, which are the only fure foundation of redli- tude of condu£l and peace of mind. We will not require that nice accordance of temper, or of tafte, which would form tallies, not companions ; we will limit our requifites to general fuitability and mutual forbearance. Expenfe fhall be regulated rather by the moderate defires of temperance and fober propriety, than by the alternate readlion of parade and tiecejfity. We will admit variety and feftivity into the circle, as occafional guefts ; but we muft infift, that cheer- fulnefs and good humour fliall be conjlantly prefent \ at leall. If we allow them to be occalionally indifpofed, we muft al- v/ays have them ivithin call. Let health join the party ; at leaft, let not hopelefs flcknefs or extreme agony intrude j and you have all the enjoyments that this world affords. Poetry has painted the charming portrait, and, I truft many hearts can teftify, without exaggerated colouring : I allude- to the well known lines of the bard of nature and moral pu- rity, *' But happy thefe, the happleft of their kind," &c.

And next to thefe, happy is fh^ who can reconcile her mind to a lefs enviable lot, by remembering that \mc all en- joy infinitely more bleffings than we deferve ; and that af- fli£tions are the merciful chaftifements of the Almighty, to lead us to a region of ineffable happinefs, of which the fair- ejl human copy can be but a dark imperfedl outline. Every wifli refpefting this world fliould be limited by a reference to, and acquiefcence in, the will of Him who knows what is beft for us ; but, in the world which is to come, our defires may largely expatiate. Whatever your temporal lot may be, may it ferve to condu£l you to the native regions of harmo- ny and love !

Prays your affectionate friend.

40(3

LETTER XIII.

Ofi tht Duty of Mothers.

MT DEAR MISS M ,

A HE maternal charafter generally follows the conjugal j the fubjeft of this letter, therefore, is predetermined. You will here, as in my former epiftles, be more difpofed to ex- pert moral and praftical than fcientific and fpeculative ob- fervations. I am too confcious of the limited fphere to which my remarks are bounded, to prefume that I fliall be able to prefent you with a well digefted fyftem on education and family management. Indeed, fyftems on this fubje<5l: are fo apt to miflead, that my firft advice to a fenfible young "woman would be, to difregard them, and to truft to no oth- er rule than her affedlionate tendernefs, retrained and ftim- ulated by religious principle.

Education is become a moft fafhionable ftudy, and has at- tracted the attention of many voluminous writers. The dan- gers to which we are now expofed are, that we fliall grow too theoretical ; that we fliall attribute too much to ediica- iiofiy and too little to grace ,- that by inceflant difcipline we fhall fafhion au'.omatons inftead of charadlers ; or that excef- five care will defeat its objeft. When we fee with what avidity mothers devour every hint on the fubjedl of juvenile in{lru(Slion, we fecm required to felicitate the age on its m^or- al improvement ; for, unqueftionably, I need not preface the defuitory remarks contained in this letter by ftimulating the maternal reader to fulfil this duty to her rifing offspring. And yet, if we confider the turn that education has taken, we may find caufe for alarm at this univerfal rage for difci- plining the youthful hope of Britain. Surely it is better to let a garden run wild than to plant it with hemlock and aiightiliade ; in the former inftance, it will produce ufeful weeds, in the latter noxious poifons. I have formerly fliovv'n* that infidelity and immorality have not been unfuc-

* Sec Letters jth and loth.

407

cefsful in their efforts to introduce their deftruflive tenct% under the fpecious pretext of improving the human race.

The ereateft error that we can commit in education is, to limit its views to this world *, and this muft be the efFefl of every plan which difcards the bafis of our holy religion. No matter whether by a ftri^Sl adherence to rule and fyftem, and by diverfified and well digefted ftudies, you form an intelli- gent philofopher, a polilhed philanthropift, or a lovely at- traclive creature ; the firft bufinefs of every mother is to rear " a child of God, a member of Chrift, and an inheritor of <' the kingdom of heaven." Deiftical morals never can ac- celerate this end, and morals from which chriftianity is fyl^ tematically excluded mu/i be deifiical. This extraordinary, this avowed and radical defc£l in " praflical education," may perhaps proceed from the author's confounding chriflian feEls with chriftianity itfelf ; and as they meant not to recom- mend any particular religious fociety, to the preference of their readers, they deemed it advifable to withhold fromi their theory the only invincible barrier to vice, and excite- ment to virtue. Nay, fo delicate were they on this head, that even the obligations which may be derived from natural reli- gion are not alluded to, as one poor hope of an hereafter af- forded, to teach the reader that he is lefs mortal than his fel- low-worm. This miftake (if it really be a miftake to call all religious perfuafions by a name denoting unneceflary divi- lion) may teach us the extreme danger of that well founding liberality which recommends indifference to particular forms ; fince it feems probable that we fhall foon lofe all regard for xX\Q. fuhjlance of religion by pretending to keep ourfelves iWf- paident of all parties.

The next error in education feems to be, the pains that are taken to make inftrudlion wear fuch an agreeable habit, that children may be cheated or played into learning, rather than obliged to apply to it as a labour and a duty^ as was for- merly the cuftom. This method may form many intelligent infants, and fome converlible men and women ; it is to be doubted whether it ever will make a found fcholar 5 and we have feen it produce pert babies and coxcomical adults. But the greateft clanger arifes from the moral injury which the cliarafter may receive, by being thus early habituated to do -only fuch things as are perfeclly agreeable.

Combined with this error, are tiie objects to which this premature infuiion of fcience is directed. We aim at firft opening the underftanding ; furely our chief attention fhould

403

be paid to the temper and the heart. Of all infantine graces, affectionate fimplicity and ingenuous pLnyfulnefs are the moft attractive ; it is to be feared, that a very early courfe of phi- lofophical experiment, and fcientific fcrutiny, muft imprefs this pliant mafs of docile imitation with a very different caft of character. However we may be amufed with what is called a well cultivated child, if it has loft the diffidence and credulity (fliall I not fay the endearing folly ?) of its age, we rather confider it with wonder than delight. The fruits of autumn cannot properly mingle with the fnowdrops and vio- lets of early fpring ; the painter who fliould combine them would become unnatural ; time and place are what conftitute beauty and agreeablenefs.

But if we only regret a want of diffidence in what is call- ed a well educated child, or young perfon, we muft have feen very little, or obferved lefs. Diffidence has almoft uni- verfally exchanged places with confidence. Unhappily, pa- rents give too much proof that it is vanity, rather than af- fedlion, which induces them to beftow fo much culture on their offspring ; for they rarely reft fatisfied with their at- tainments, unlefs they are fhown and admired. Thus, a child who excels in any particular fpecies of knowledge lives in a conftant ftate of acquifition and exhibition, and treaf- ures in its plaftic memory the eaflly comprehended language of praife. Addrefs always implies perfeft felf-poffeffion, and at the mature periods of life the; want of it is a manifeft dif- advantage. But a child fhould be confidered as a feeble be- ing, who runs to your bofom to be cherilhed ; not as an ac- compliflied gallant, who challenges your underftanding by a difplay of his finillied graces. The blufti of fimplicity and furprife, the na'ivete of ignorance, even the tear of terror, or the ftruggle of occafionrtl waywardnefs, imprefs the affe(ftions more forcibly, than the cold propriety of an artificial pup- pet, moved by the wires of difcipline under the infpeClion of vanity.

In addreffing my own fex, I muft particularly attend to its errors. Excejfive affeClion is one of the moft common faults of mothers, and is generally apt to predominate among thofe amiable women who employ themfelves wholly in their domeftic duties. A confined fphere of obfervation natural- ly malces them believe, that the *' dear little creatures" to whom they cheerfully devote their lives are as interefting to every body elfe. Now, as this fpecies of idols, in populous countries, are even more numerous than the gods of the

409

heathens, it may be fuppofed that our friends have all got their hearths preoccupied by domeftic Lares, whom our ** dear little creatures" cannot difpofTefs. Whenever, therefore, we introduce our darlings into company, we fliould previoufly teach them their inferiority. We fhould afTure them, that it is a condefcenfion in their elders to notice them, and that it is rude (or, with your leave, I will ufe the old word naughty) either to interrupt converfation, or to intrude up- on any who are fo kind as to commend or amufe them, longer than they are defired fo to do. The pleafure of a focial party muft be entirely fpoiled if thefe rules are not ad- hered to ; but a more important confideration arifes from the efFedl which a contrary practice has upon the temper and difpofition of the child. You lay the foundation of that overbearing chara(!ler, which is no lefs oppofite to female gentlenefs, than to manly greatnefs of foul ; you introduce the germ of coxcomical impertinence and felf-conceit j above all, you create the i*ieceffity of extraneous amufement, which is in a moral fenfe a fault and a misfortune. A child that is not much accuftomed to be talked to, or played with, foon finds out a method of making itfelf happy. It is amaz- ing, in an age which profefles to pay fo much attention to all kinds of early culture, that we fhould negledt the fimple rule of fufFering want to fharpen invention. This was the foundation of RoufTeau's fyftem, but he pufhed it to excefs. I quote an authority which is very dear to me, when I fay that " more children are fpoiled by over attention than by any other method." Many men exprefs an apprehenfion of marrying an only daughter ; being perfuaded that the tem- per muft be hurt, and the chara6ler rendered fantaftical, by having been the fole objeft of paternal folicitude, which in this cafe often becomes idolatry. Children, whether many or few, who have been accuftomed to be watched over with this fpecies of anticipating, preventing, ever wakeful care, only ipend their early days in acquiring expedlations, which will unfit them for the part they have to aft in their re- maining years. Extreme caution refpedling health, though deferving of cenfure, is far lefs injurious than that folicitude Avhich enervates the mind. The tender mother who fends " her velvet capp'd, fur envelop'd" boy from the warm nur- fery, to encounter the cuffs and rebuffs, the heats and colds, of a great fchool, has but expofed him to the danger of a heftic or a broken bone, the iifual confequences of early fra- Ddd

410

gility and inactivity ; from which robuftnefs and alacrity arc the only prefervatives. But if his mind be alio enfeebled by the ohfcrvancey if not the indulgence^ of his pervcrfe way- ward humours ; if importance be ;iltached to all his motions ; if provident affection anticipate all his wants, and all his words and ai^tions feem worthy of admiration and record j how will this ill fated child, when arrived at maturity, feel himfelf in a world where every one is either felf-cngrofled or his competitor ? The vi«ftlm of irritable fenfibility, whom I defcribed in my laft letter, is generally thus formed by ma- ternal fupererogation to torment his future wife, and to cre- ate mifery, needleis contradidlion, and flavilh fubferviencc for the unborn.

But wholly confining children to their nurferies is no cure for felf- importance, becaufe in that domain they generally reign fovereigns ; and from knowing that they occupy the attention, and command the fervices, of all around them, that cgolifm is foftered which it is moft dcfirable \.o fiihdiie. We fliall learn how to ace by our children, from attending to the purpofes to which education fhould be applied. Its firft aim is to make us good chriftians, its fecond to prepare ns for performing our focial duties. Let us then, as foonas polllble, introduce thofe habits \\J.iich are moft ufeful, and thofe fentiments which are moft juft. Let every child be inftrucled in the full meaning of that popular hymn of Dr. Watts's, which besvins with this admirable reflexion :

Whene'er I take my walks abroad.

How many poor I fee ! Wliat iliall I render to my God

For all his gifts to me ? Not more than others I defcrv^c,

Yet God has giveu me more, &c.

1 do not mean merely with refpe£l to devotional or charita- ble impreflions, but alfo to its own trivial confequence in the fcale of animated nature. No idea is more flital to the future improvement and happinefs of a child, than undue felf-confideration. Whoever has a ftrong propcnfity to this error in infancy, will require more management than any otlier difpolltion, becaufe a mother mull not only correct hiaii but hcrfelf ; for £lie muft carefully k'uk froni him her own affection, and endeavour to watch over his fafcty, and improve his good qualities, with the unfeen mlniftration of a guardian angel. As extraordinary acutenefs often accom-

411

panics this high fenfe of defert, it will be in vain to feek to fubdue it by telling him that he is a httle weak, helplefs, un- woi-thy obje^l, and that it is the benevolence of his attend- ants and friends which induces them to relieve his wants : the urchin will foon difcover that mamma idolizes him, that her eye follows all his acflions with filent applaufe, that fhe devotes herfelf and facrifices her comforts to his convenience, and that the imperative manner for which flae chides him is afterwards fpoken of as a token of the dawning of a diftin- guiflied charader. School is the moft efFeclual cure for this malady in boys ; and though much has been faid to recom- mend domeftic education for men, it ftill feems doubtful whether its moral advantages are fufficiently evident to coun- terbalance its unavoidable defeats, which arife from the want of thp competition and coUiflon that produces fortitude, en- terprife, decifion, and energy, and (to fpeak coarfely but fi;rongly)y2/?A'j- every perfon into his proper place. Children (if untainted by vice) are the beft corredlors of each others' faults ; and we rarely fee thofe who have been much feclud- ed from play fellows, and brought up with their fcniors, whq do not contradl (befide great felf-opinionatednefs) a cjuaint- nefs of expreffion, and an artijicial manner, which, after the period when every fort of prattle is pleaflng, becomes dif- gufling, and impedes their progrcfs in the world.

If a mother would endeavour to command her own feel- ings and to pradlife a fort of concealed attention to her young charge, her watchfulnefs will anfwer the moft bene- ficial purpoieso Her children may fport around her, while to them Ihe feems engrolTed by a friend, by her work, or her amufements ; from which Ihe appears only cafually to withdraw her attention, to correct a fault, or adjuft a differ- ence. Such interference will eradicate their natural errors, without introducing artificial ones. If flie can conduct them to the age of adolefcence with healthy bodies, docile tem- pers, juft notions, benevolent hearts, and firm minds, fhe has performed the elTential parts of her duty. Whatever inflruflions may be fuperadded will then ftand on a fure foundation. If flie be judicious, flie will not aim at reduce ing their chara6lers to one prefcribed ftandard 5 flae will fuf- fer nature to fend forth its vigorous flioots, and will only aim at pruning its exceffive redundance, cutting off its ob- lique branches, or eradicating its difeafe : in other words, principles fliould be introduced, and habits formed ; but the original bent of characler (if not vicious) ihould be fuffered

412

:o remain. Indeed, nature generally imprints it with too powerful a hand, for education to efface the impreffion ; and where we have fo much to do which promifes fuccefs, and requires diligence, we fliould avoid embarking in ufelefs la- bours. Let her not be too anxious to form an infant Crich- ton ; fhe will acl more wifely in proportioning the Jlream of information to the capacity of the recipient^ than by drown- ing the judgment through the floodgates of memory. If fhe appeal to experience and general opinion, fhe will find that they do not report favourably of the permanent produce of premature bloffoms. It is extreinely difficult to gratify exalted expe<fi:ation ; and nature feldom evinces her full pow- ers, but when fhe has been permitted to let the fun of man- hood, or even the rough winds of autumnal life, " ripen the noble growth of thought." I fear thefe obfervations will be unpopular, efpecially at this period, when fantaftic tafte, in its fearch for novelty, demands an tmpojfible combination of contrary qualities ; and, by preferring what is wonderful to what is exhilarating, hurries genius into abfurdity.

The female heart is apt to pant for diftindlion ; and we muft not wonder that this paffion adls with full force in a near connexion, which being removed one degree from our- felves diminilhes the apprehenfion of error, and relieves us from the reproach of felfiffinefs and vanity, even while we indulge thofe fuggeltions. Moft mothers wiih that their fons may poflefs talent, and their daughters beauty. Johnfon has expofed this " vanity of human willies" in a moll im- preffive manner, by defcribing the mifery incident to their attainment. But how rarely is thiC defii e granted ! how few of the human race are diftinguiflied for mental or perfonal excellence ! Common characters form the mafs of fociety. Tell me, Is the admired fcience of education, which mothers ftudy with fuch avidity, calculated to corredl the faults and improve the virtues of thefe ordinary, but ufeful, nay im- portant beings ? Mocking birds are numerous in the forells of America ; and parrots and cockatoos almofl nuifances in the Weft India iflands ; but even poetical imagination fpeaks of the phoenix as " one fole bird." And thus it happens in the human fpecies, genius is feldom feen, but coxcombs are a numerous race. The model of the Medicean Venus is rarely ec|ualled by living fymmetry ; but we meet many nymphs, whofe looks tell us that they are felf-appointed ri- vals of the Cyprian Queen. If to the probability of difap- pointment we add the fevere difcipline to. which genius and

413

-•legance muft fubmit, ere they can hope to reach that (land* ard of perfeftion which confers celebrity, and conlider how often fear will deject hope, and defeat compel the difaftrous competitor to retread the painful fteps of inrtrudlion ; furely mothers would acl moft wifely, by limiting their wiflies to a found mind feated in a found body.

But among the misfortunes of juvenile life, that of being the beauty or the wit of our own family feems moft lamen- table, becaufe it is leaft apprehended. Yet furely, to be the objeft oi partial afFedion, Tindifecret envy, is fufficient to roufc the apprehenfion of a fufceptible mind ; efpecially when we confider, that this evil alTaults us at a time when our judg- ments afford us but little baliaft, to keep us fteady in this wild whirl of contrary paffions. A great deal of natural good fenfe and agreeablenefs of perfon has thus been early perverted by vanity and afFe(Station, and rendered odious. Let a mother endeavour to teach all her children, that the plain path of life is not only the moft fafe and eafy, but al- fo the moft refpedlable. She need not fear that her admo- nitions will prevent real genius from exploring an untried road, through whofe oblique paths it may be fafely guided by its own unextinguifliable lamp. A mind th-?t feels itj own powers cannot be reftrained from its purfuits merely by being told that there is a difficulty in accomplifhing them ; bat llie may hinder folly from fetting out under the guid- ance of that will-o'the-wifp conceit, and thus preferve it from being immerfed in the quagmire of ridicule. Some tempers want encouragement ; but to the majority of the human race in civilized ftates, the curb is more neceflary than the fpur. This is right, and moft unqueftionably all the purpofes of Providence are right and wife. General indolence would be more fatal than general enterprife. A country may re- vive after a ftorm; but inadion is political annihilation. The miferies of favages proceed from that indolence which keeps them favage. But I am wandering from my fubjeft. In this bufy age, bufy either in procuring the means or in- dulging in the adl of felf-enjoyment, we are not often called upon to ftimulate the rifmg generation by teaching them to fet a high value on their own endowments,

Thofe theories of education muft be fundamentally wrong, which flatter the foibles that parental vanity is too apt to fofter. Our children (I fpeak of them as wafhed in the la- yer of regeneration) are " inheritors of the kingdom of heav- en i" h\xt fupremacy, or even fuperiority, in this world can be

414

the lot of but few. Inftead, therefore, of labouring after early intelligence, let us build every improvement on the fure foundation of humility of mind. Extenfive knowledge has never Itood firm when placed on any other fuperftruc- ture. Inftcad of forcing tliat literary tafte which cannot poffefs any real difcrimination, let us eradicate that faftidi- oufnefs which conceals a reluctance to be pleafed, under the air of extraordinary delicacy. It is delightful, to fee a child enter wMth all its foul into fimple and natural amufements congenial to its age. We may hope that an energetic and independent mind will remain, when time has corrected its early errors ; to purfue its fports, therefore, with an avidity bordering upon extravagance, is pardonable. But find me a child who is foon weary of what it longed for, who dif- likes rather than difputes with its companions, who wants you to contrive its pluafures, who fickens with ideal difgufts, and finds a thoufand circum (lances neceilary before it relilh-. cs amufements, and I ihall forefee in that child the capri- cious iiufband, tlie fretful wife, or the ufelefs hypochondri- ac; though, perhaps, the partial parents folace thcmfelves with air built calculations on the future produ(fts of its imr agination, fclcnce, and rclined tafte.

Many fyllems of education are fo imprafticable, that it feems abfurd to attack a fabric which its very plan proclaims can never be ereEled. This Impoflibility does not, however, at firft ftrike the fpeculator who attempts to realife the plau- lible vifion ; and it is not till after much ufelefs cxpenfe of time and labour, that the mother difcovers that an adher- ence to the nrefcribed rules will deprive her of all fociety, and indeed preclude her from difcharging any duties, but thofe of teaching and watching her little ones. We mud obferve, that the conjugal and focial character is moft inti- mately blended with the maternal, to which the filial and fraternal are alfo frequently added. The theoretical inftruc- tor, who requires a mother to be the conjlaut companion of her children, will render her fuch a w^ife as will drive moll hufl)ands from their own fire fides, fuch a miftrefs as will fufler her houfehold to run into diforder, and fuch a neigh- bour as every one will avoici Belide, it generally happens, that a frunily, if at all numerous, requires different exertions of maternal care, correfponding to diverfity of age, diffimi- larity of purluits and occupations, a more infirm ftate of health, or fome peculiarity in their future deft-ination. In this cafe, what is to be done, but to facrifice what is leaft to

415

wliat is mofl; important, to attend to the general outline rather than the particular filling up, and, after having regu- lated the heart and the temper, or, in better words, having fown the feeds of grace, to commend the event to God by humble prayer ? A fteady courfe of regular fober guidance has this advantage over elaborate tuition, that the mother Avho adheres to it is lefs apt to be difgufted by extreme ex- ertion, and confequently has not that temptation to abandon lier defign ; and if fhe aims at but little, perfeverance will produce an ampler harveft than can refult from the capricious labours of overftrained but unequal exertion.

A writer on the fubjeiSl of education, who is deeply Im- preffed with the depravity of the lower orders, recommends it as expedient, and even fuppofes it feafible, that the chil- dren of a family fliould be preferved from all communica- tion with fervants. She does not particularize by whom the fervile ofiices which childhood and infancy require are to be performed ; and flie confelTes, that there muft be fome ar- chitectural alterations in our dwellings, before our domeftics and our oiFspring can be fo barricadoed from each other, that the latter fhall never catch a contaminating glance of the former. Maugre the refentment of bricklavers and car- penters, which / may julHy apprehend, and though I JufpeEl myfelf to be much more ariftocratical than the ingenious fuggefter of this extraordinary precaution, I enter my flrong- eft proteft againft a meafure, which would only tend to in- creafe the animofity now unhappily fubilfting between maf^ ters and fervants, and confirm (I fpeak plainly) their mutual guiltinefs. ' A hook, fyjlcmatically excluded from the elaborate treatife that I allude to, would have taught the writers that, *' the rich and the poor meet together, and that the Lord is *' the Maker of them all." A wicked fervant cannot cor- rupt a child who is early endued with good principles, unlefs parental negleft puts it into the power of the dependant. Let a mother, by good humoured not wearifome tendernefs, and inviolable fidelity, make herfelf the confident, and, as much ■as her duties will permit, the ajfociate of her children, and i\\e need not fear that their minds will be vitiated, dur- ing \.\\tJ]jort intervals in which flie intrufts them to the care of their attendants. She will find her children rather im- proved than corrupted by an occafional intercourfe with or- derly domeftics, provided Ihe ftridlly forbid tyranny and im- pertinence on the one part, and flattery and improper indul- gence on the other ; and the befl: method to have this com-

416

mand obeyed will be, to impofe no whimfiol reftrictlons, and to eradicate the firft fymptoms of domineering arrogance. Our minds can never aco^uire that capacioufnei's which our future commerce in life requires, by only mixing with one order in fociety, or imbibing one train of ideas. The narra- tive of a nurfery maid's early life, a defcription of the wants which rendered her cottage hearth dreary, of the exertions which relieved thofe diftrefTes, and the fimple pleafures which diverfified thofe labours, related in the impreflive language of nature, would afFord an excellent leflbn to a wayward girl, who is dilTatisfied and petulant without even difcovering the objeiSl at which her craving deflrcs point. But I am afraid that my imagination has tranfported me to pajf timesy in fup- pofing a menial, in a gerdcel family^ pofiefled of franknefs and good fenfe enough to enter into a converfation that would be fatal to all thofe inherent pretenfions to elegance and indepen- dence, which our well dreiTed handmaids univerfally claim. The juft inference which ought to be drawn from that lament- able corruption which has perverted the originally benevolent and ufeful inftitution of fervitude, into a lyftem of efpionage and chicanery, is, that mi/lrejfes of families fliould f.gain at- tend to their duty as fuch, not that they fliould endeavour, by the adoption of fanciful fchernes, whofe extravagant im- practicability diminifhes their danger, to fever what God has bound together by the firrong tie of mutual wants. For let us recoUedl, that wealth and poverty, weaknefs and ftrength, au- thority and fubfervience, power and dependance, are not be- ftowed as bleffings, nor infli6i:ed as punilliments, upon the individual, nor are they confined in their operation to the im- mediate felf. They are diltributed among mankind with a view to general benefit. The foul of the miftrefs is not more intr'mftcally valuable, than that of her handmaiden, in the eyes of God ; her nature is not lefs corrupted, nor is her ulti- mate dcftination more exalted. Each has her appointed flation in the great drama of life, and each is accountable for her conduift in difcharging her relative funclions. Shall we really improve the human race, by imprelTlng the flamp of pride on the flexible heart of youth ? Children, unlefs carefully retrained, foon conceive improper notions of the inferiority of thofe whom they fee appointed to miniilier to their wants : but furely no reflraint, no admonition, would be fufHcient to preferve the feelings of humanity in their bofoms, for a race of beings from whom they perceive them- ftlves hedged and feparated by barriers invincible even to

417

that ftrong bond of mutual neceffity, which unites frail and feeble humanity in ferviceable intercourfe, to the interrup- tion of which (or rather to perverted communication, aris- ing from every rank forgetting its due fituation) the alarm- ing increafe of democratical manners mufi: be afcribed.

Suffer your children therefore, in early life, to cultivate the benevolent affedlions, by ads of kindnefs and endearing attentions to your domeftics, as well as to each other-, and thus early habituate them to the difcharge of one branch of the extenfive duties which they owe to their neighbours. This effentially differs from clofe intimacy, which is feldom beneficial to either party •, but fliould you be fo fingularly fortunate as to polTefs a fervant of tried integrity, bring up your children in the habit of confidering fuch a one as an hereditary friend, who is entitled to the protedlion and good will of all the branches of the family that they have faith- fully ferved. Such treatment would induce fervants to be faithful and regulai", even on felf-interefted motives ; and certainly it is a reward to which they are juflly entitled, and fliould be efpecially required from thofe to whom their fer- vices in early life were particularly devoted. In old age, in ficknefs, or when they labour under the prefTure of calamity, our a£live kindnefs is ftri^Vly due to thofe who miniflered to our infantine wants, or who ferved the necefEties of our more advanced life. Befide thefe great calls on duty, there are a thoufand little engaging offices, which children fhould be encouraged to perform to thofe who are about their per- fons •, not from the felfllh motives of procuring improper indulgence, but from difinterefled good will. Servants, hov/- ever, like all other inferiors, are very dangerous confidants | thofe who have not fufKcient intelligence, or who do not thoroughly underftand all the relative duties of our ftation (which thofe who move in an inferior rank of life cannot do,) are not capable of giving us ufeful counfel, nor have they firmnefs and independence enough to reprove us when we do wrong. They muff, therefore, be at befl: ufelefs depofi- taries of our fecrets -, and as it is moft probable that they would confirm our vices by flattery, or enter into our views from a regard to their own private advantage, their partici- pation or connivance in our fecrets is extremely dangerous. No confideration fliould induce a mother to intrufl her chil- dren with a fervant in whom fhe has difcovered a propenfi- ty for intrigue ; their acquiring awkward habits from an un- E e e

413

couth riiftlc attendant is comparatively of little confequcnce ; vulgarity may be unlearned ; but to teach the youthful mind hypocriiy will produce incalculable mifchief.

It is a common fault in the theories of education, that one prefcribed rule is laid down, without attending to diflcren- ces of rank, fortune, temper, and fcarcely fcx. Some of our fciolifts have indeed ridiculed all confiderations of this lafl dillindtion, and have determined, that till the age of pu- berty boys and girls ought to have the fame mode of in- ftru^Slion. Till fociety can be perfuaded to alter all exifting inftiiuLions, fo as to render the offices and duties of men and women exactly ianilar, it will be wife in us to adhere to the old method, which w^as founded on reafon and revelation, and has been fanftioncd by experience. It feems advifable, that mothers fhould early endeavour to give to each fex the proper bias ; for, furely, fribbles and viragos are equally con- temptible and unnatural. Let activity, energy, courage, and enterprife, particularly mark the boys. A man who is deficient in thefe qualities can only be a negatively good cit- izen, and may, indeed, be faid to encumber rather than strengthen the commonwealth. If we wifli our girls to be happy, we muft try to make them docile, contented, pru- dent, and domeftic. Man muft range abroad and forage for his family ; woman " muft look well to the ways of her houfehold," and " bring up her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." The paffive virtues, and the chriftian graces, are her natural dowry ; and furely a difpo- fition which is more peculiarly calculated to bring forth the tree of life, cannot be coniidered as more fteril than that firmer foil in which the tree of knowledge is moft difpofed to extend its knotted fibres.

I licard an eminent divine obferve, " That men are taught *' to be domeflic tyrants in early life, by the injudicious con- *' duct of parents ; who accuftam their boys to expert fuch *' obfequioufnefs from their iifcers, as imprints their minds ** with indelible opinions of the natural intrinfic fupcrlority *' of man." Do not regard what the girls fay to you," is the common paternal precept ; " Do as your brother bids *' you," is as frequently the injunction of the mother. I do not wiili to have every family converted into a fchool of gallantry and chivalrous attention to women ; but furely if ever the wife climax of fenicrity be inverted, it fliould be in favour of that fex to whom the habits of polifhed life inva- riably aflign precedence. But the protet^ticn and refpe^,

419

which the weaker fex was Intended to dei-ive from thefe pun£liIios of decorum, will efFeftually be counteracted, if contempt be m?.de one of the domeflic leflbns that are daily inculcated in the family. Surely, it would improve the boifterous fchcolboy, if he were convinced that his manly dignity would be more unequivocally fhown by promoting the happinefs of his fifters, than by burying their dolls, and putting pattens on their cats. Let him be taught (and he cannot imbibe this notion too early) that nature has defign- ed him to be the protestor and friend of women •, and let every attempt to tyrannize over or infult the females of his family be reprobated, as a mark of mean felfilh cowardice •, not, as is too generally the cafe, recorded as a proof of wit, fpirit, and intellio;ence. If mothers would but confider themfelves as they really are, the guardians of the future generation of wives, the germ of domeflic tyranny might be crulhed in its bud.

My views of life are too limited to attach much value to my private opinions when they require the confirmation of extenfive obfervation. I fpeak more from refle(5ling on ab- ftradl principles, and from a diflike of ai-guing from the abufe of any thing againfi: its ufe, than from experience, when I remark, that boys are more likely to make not mere- ly fhining but valuable men, by being early thrown into ac- tive life, and accuftom.ed to the contrariety of charadVer and concuffion of interefls which are found in fchools. A lad educated at home begins the world with all the difadvanta- ges incident to a confined view of the region that he is about to explore •, and if he has had a very tender and very affid- uous mother, there will be caufe to apprehend, not only that faftidioufnefs or felf-confequence of which we have already fpoken, but that the timidity or effeminacy of his manners may caft a ridicule over his moral purity ; which, when he comes to venture into mixed fociety, he will perhaps en- deavour to obviate, not by the afTumption of hardihood, but by the affeBation, or even the praElice of vi^e. With refpeft to our fons, let us, then, be contented with v/atching their morals and correcting their tempers ; their male friends, who generally fix their dcfiination in life, will model their minds and manners by a fla'ndard which, if not direClly confonant to our ideas, obfervation and refleClion will convince us, i"? more confonant to the part that they will be required to a6l.

420

But though our fupermtendence of our fons muft proba- bly remit after they have attained the age of adolcfcence, our daughters will require our increaling care. To them our attentions will be highly beneficial, from their cradled infancy till we link into our graves. If public education feem moftlikely to form the active being that man ought to be, domelHc infcruftion promifes to introduce thole habits which will prepare a woman for the retired part that llie has to perforni. A girl is, unqueftionably, a more tender care than a boy j every ^error is more glaring, and comes more feelingly to our hearts and bofoms. A falfe flep is here ir- retrievable. Man can triumph not only over flander, but in fome inftances over fliame ; but if the breath of calumny blow upon the tender foliage of female fame, it is blafted for ever. When care becomes fo important, furely thofc who are mpft interefled in the welfare of the precious charge fliould undertake the office of fuperintendence. Unlefs a mother be really unequal to the talk of educating her daugh- ters, or fo engrofTed by other iitmvoidable duties that fhe cannot command the leifure which is requifite, a boarding fchool feems a lefs eligible fituation for the early years of fe- male life than the paternal dwelling. I do not mean to calt an invidious or a general reflexion on the public inftruclors of our fex, nor on the morality of their feminaries ; I hope the majority of governelTes are conlcientioufly folicitous to difcharge their imporiant truft, and that their i'chools are as corre(n: as it is poflible for large aflbciations of young people to be. The fault is in the manners of the age,* which at- tach undue preeminence to exterior graces and accomplilh- ments •, and of courfe thefe mull: be cultivated with moft affiduity ; for the credit and the emolument of the miftreis induce her to ilimulate youthful emulation, not only to excely but to exhibit its acc^uirements, and to pique itfelf upon its fuperiority. It muft alio be remembered, that a boarding fchool does not prefent fuch determinate advantages to girls, as will counterbalance this eflential fault of fomenting that vanity to which they are unhappily too prone. The con- nexions formed by fchoolgirls rarely ripen into valuable friendlhips •, they do not reap that permanent advantage from oppofition, or from obferving diverlity of character, which is neceflary to thofe who muil elbow their way through

* The defcdts in puMic education, whether for boys or girls, can only he radically cured by a change of manners in private families-

421

an oppofing world. All the knowledge that is requifite for our fex may be acquired from books, and from domeftic ob- I'ervation, aflifted by the judicious remarks of an intelligent mother. But, in giving this opinion, I am aware that many cafes may be pleaded, where the impo/JlbiHty of properly con- ducing female education at home, creates a neceffity for re- moving daughters from the maternal eye. This frequently arifes from a difficulty of acquiring a competent Ihare of thofe ornamental accomplifiiments, which cannot at this time be wholly difregarded without incurring the depnjfmg feeling of inferiority. Of two evils it is our duty to choofc the leall. Let the mother, who is thus circumftanced, em- ploy the intervals of fchool vacation in obviating the ill ef- fects incident to that mode of tuition. Let her reprefs the ebullitions of vanity, maintain the fuperiority of virtue over external gracefulnefs, and above all endeavour, by every means which her knowledge of her daughter's temper fug- gefts, to recover that confidential intercourfe, and endearing friendship, which thefe eftrangements are apt to interrupt, and which is really the mofi: powerful obje£lion againft fend- ing a girl from what is the natural fphere of her duties and delights, her own family.

A confideration of the painful difappointment which plain well meaning mothers often experience, when they receive back their girls, polilhed into impertinence, from fome vul- garly expenlive fchool for young ladies^ makes one earneftly wilh that feminarjes for the education of young women could be opened with any chance of fuccefs. This leads me to a fubjeft which, though it requires the deepeft confideration, is unhappily little attended to •, I mean, that education fhould be fuited to the rank in life, the fortunes, and the connexions of our children. To be really more refined than thofe around us is a misfortune, and a fruitful fource of unhappinefs to a delicate refle^llng mind. A good heart and a found judg- ment will, however, Aveeten thefe bitter waters, by wifely and kindly condefcending to bend to the grofs capacities which it cannot illuminate. But refinement is more fre- quently fictitious than real ; and Mifs defpifes her mamma, not becaufe fhe is more wife, but from her being a much greater fool, whofe flate is indeed hopelefs ; for ignorance, fimplicity, and humility may be improved 5 but affedlation and conceit, founded upon half information, never can.

Should we not be inclined to laugh at a mother who fhould bind up her child's feet and blacken her teeth, be-

422

caufe it was pojfthle fhe might marry a Chinefe mandarin ? Or what fhould we think of cramming a girl with milk and oatmeal till fhc grew to an immoderate fize, becaufe the Bedouin Arabs eftimate lovelinefs by the ton weight, and fill their harems with female porpoifes ? Yet if thefe nymphs were to be immediately ihipped off for Canton, or lent to difcover the centre of Africa, we fliould allow that thefe would be prudent provifions for their eftablifhment. Do French, drawing, dancing, mullc, flcill in drefs, and all the pretty train of little graces and diminurive airs, which are fo feduloufly inculcated on the daughters of inferior tradefmen, yeomen, and mechanics, promife to be of more real advantage to them, than if they had fpent their time in learning the cuftoms and adopting the habits of remote nations ? It is but juft poffible, that they may fettle in a rank fo much above their own as to prevent their accomplifhments from being both inconvenient and ridiculous. A good education (in this perverted fenfe of the word) is now too common to give dijiinfiion to its poirefTor. I fee fo ftrongly the very ferious confequences of this worfe than foolifh, this infane prcdi- leclion for acquirements and manners which give to their poffefTors, if in humble life, a meretricious rather than an engaging appearance, that I fear I weary you by my fre- qtmit reprehenfion of this increafing rage for imitative gen- tility.

There is a high and exalted defilnatlon to which every chrlftian mother lliould dire£l her offspring to afpire. Let us all, therefore, feduloufly cultivate the graces of the heart j and in fo doing let us not forget, that as they are the pro- pereft foundation for agreeable manners, fo piety and virtue lofe much of their merit when they reject the ^A'/mor adorn- ment of amiable carriage. No ftation of life is precluded from the attr/mment of this criterion of true gentility. It varies, indeed, with the circumftances of the perfon with whom it is connefted ; but whether it take the fhape of re- fined politenefs, fimple elegance, refpe£lful attention, modefl civility, or blunt but friendly fincerity, it ever appears like the ouspring of benevolence, and confequently is ever plea (in Gi;.

An obligin;^ accommodating difpofition, when it is not natural, may be formed by prudent attention to the manners of a perfon in ej,rly life. A habit of faying and doing civil things is indeed afterwards taught by our intercourfe with the world ; but it is not merely esterrrJ deportment, but the

4i23

jinvard principle of m-banlty, that we fliould feek to intro- duce. Fraternal Jove is confiderably iirengthencd by pre- ferving the laws of civility and decorum ; and it muft be a Angularly amiable difpofition, and uncommon natural affec- tion, which can refiit the perpetual irritation of rude and morofe deportment. A harfii expreffion to a brother or fifter fhould never pafs unrepi'oved ; a fpirit of contention fhould be difcouraged ; envy and jealoufy fliould be reprelC- ed by every method which reproof or exhortation, punifh- ment or reward, encouragement or difgrace, can alternately fupply ; and, moft of all, by a ftridl obfervance of impartial- ity in the parent : for, if we fufFer ourfelves to be milled in cur maternal fuperintendence by a fpirit of favcuritifm, we take the fureft means to ruin the temper and character of all our offspring, and to render our houfehold the reverfe of what called forth the rapturous exclamation of the Pfalmift, *' Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to *' dwell together in unity !" Let it ever be remembered by thofe who have the charge of a family of children, that they are forming a fort of petty commontvealthy which ought to preferve its reciprocal connexion and foederal union, as its fureft prefervative againft the animolity and oppolition of the contentious neighbours among; whom it is feated. Trif- ling dlfputes, petty contradictious habits of incivility, harfh exprefilons, and uncomplying humours, create thofc animof- ities in early life which frequently lead to that moft deplor- able of all difagreements, family difTenfion. For, as kindred has power to brace the knot of friendfliip to indiffoluble ftralt- nefs, fo it alfo poffefles materials to kindle the never dying flame of irreconcilahh enmity, and to render the occaflonal Intcrcourfe, which often mvjl fubfift between the diiierent branches of a family, a foul harrowing torment to a fiifccp- tible heart, inftcad of a fupport in all its forrows.

It is, tliereforc, one of the firft duties of a mother to en- deavour, by exciting reciprocal affedtlon in her family, to fe- cure them mutual friends and affiftants, even to that extend- ed period of life when, according to the courfe of nature, file can no longer hope to minlfter to their wants and for- rows. To promote this happy 'end, ihe will (as I have juft obferved) be extremely careful to convince them of the equal- ity of her ovv'n aftedlion to them all ; dealing out her dole of kindnefs, not as perfonal beauty, lively parts, or ingenious talents fliall diClate, but candidly and fairly, according to thole eflimable qualities of the head and the heart which,

424

being powerfully feconded by voluntary exertion, are there- fore praife worthy. But, in exerciilng this duty, aftcdlion muft occafionally reje<St the guidance of tendernefs, and call in the aid of authority. We cannot wonder that the advo- cates of anarcliy fliould erafc filial obedience from the cata- logue of virtues, and even denominate it prejudice and nar- rownefs of foul. Eut this country is not yet revolutionized ; paganifm is not efrablilhed by lav/ ; and while we continue to call ouffelves chriftians, we muft infift upon the indelible obligation of the fifth commandment ; which, with its cor- refponding obligations, has united the world in the bond of focial union for nearly lix thoufand years.* The perverfe- nefs of our nature appears To flrongly in that period of life which is leaft under the guidance of reafon, that every at- tempt to educate children on the principle of infinuation, collufion, or addrefs, muft be futile, and end in total difap- pointment. Authority, however, is not aiijlerlty ; and while I reprobate the alarming tendency to domeftic infubordina- tion which is apparent in the prevaihng fyftem of inftru<flion, I by no means wifli for the unmodified refumption of the old theory, which impofed a continual reftraint upon child and parent, and chilled the exhilarating glow of mutual en- dearment. Thefe extremes in management are alike fatal to that dehghtful interchange of fentiments and wiflies which fhould ever take place between parents and children. If I infift leaft upon the mifchiefs arifing from over feverity, it is not becaufe I fuppofe them to be leis fatal, but from their appearing lefs imminent : general cuftom leans ftrongly to the oppofite error. It fometimes happens, however, that the father of a family, either from partiality to the old fchoql, or from the love of indulging his own humour, ftretches authority into tyranny, and requires not the obedience, but the flavifii fubiervience, of his children. Miftaking the op- pofite extreme of wrong for right, the mother in this cafe is often fo hurt by the facriiices which ftthniffion is obliged to make to capriccy that flie endeavours to repair the injury by the moft endearing tendernefs and unlimited indulgence. Children thus educated are moftly fpoiled 5 they learn to hate their father and to defpife their mother ; for, fad to fay ! fuch is the capricioufnefs of human nature, that wc are always inclined to undervalue the tendernefs which re-

* The fifth commandment is here fpokcn of as a republication of the law of nature, of wliich many vcftigcs remain in the book of Gcncfis.

425

quires no facrifices, and to fly from the preventing kindnefs which courts our acceptance. If the mother thinks that the paternal rein is held with too ftridl a hand, let her recolle£t that no good can accrue from anaww^^difagreement among thofe who ought to be the ruling power in a family ; nor can contrariety of treatment form ftability of character in thofe whom flie wifhes to improve.

A mother whofe difpleafure is not feared, is never really loved. She becomes a nonentity, and nothing can be fo det- rimental to domeftic good government as maternal infignifi- cance. It implies the extindlion of that intermediate power Which fhould always fubild: between the fovereign and the fubje£l, and which, when properly exercifed, harmonizes the whole fyftem. Though indulgence generally fprings from a a better difpofition than harfhnefs, its confequences are more ruinous to the objetSts on whom it is exercifed. The petted child is always the leaft promihng of the family.

Being a decided enemy to artifice, I cannot admit decep- tion and contrivance to be ufeful allies in education. I fear little good has been done by attempting to cheat children in*- to learning, and I am fure that cunning is ftill lefs proper as an agent to form their moral charadler. I would entreat mothers never to lay traps for the integrity or veracity of their children ; all temptations and contrivances of this kind, are not only unfair but dangerous, and really tend to form knaves or liars. It is much better to prevent offences than to punifli them ; and we never can correal with efFedl, if we know that we ourfelves have fpread the fnare which we fore- faw youthful indifcretion and prefumption could hardly avoid. Let us endeavour, from the earlieft dawn of reafon, to give our children good principles. Let us, by difcrimlnating de- grees of rewards and punifliments, teach them early to diji'tn- guijh between childilli indifcretions and vices, between talents and virtues. This will often lead us to cenfure what ftran- gers admire, and to pafs over what cafual obfervers think ex- tremely wrong ; but by fo doing our children will only have the faults of their age, and will make up in iimplicity and Ingenuoufnefs what they want in information and polifh. When we have habituated them to a right way of thinking, let us appear to confide in the principles which we have ef- tablifhcd. I fay appear to confide ; for watchfulnefs muft in- termit flowly, and not refign its charge till experience has alfiertained the prevalence of the good feed that we have fo. Fff

426

carefully fown. Unhappily, art and duplicity may have grown Ipontaneoufly in the minds of our children, though our own mode of proceeding with them has been mod generous and open. Nothing Ihould be more feverely puniflied in a child than deceit, or an attempt to appear better than it really is. I do not, by this, mean the mere habit of cxcufing their faults j this is the common foible of infantine timidity, and is rather increafed than eradicated by feverity. I fpeak of the afTumption of good qualities, and pretences to merit, which they do not poITefs. A child fhould never be fufFered to praife itfelf, even when it has really done well j but fome mark of approbation fliouid always be beflowed on thoic who have fufficient generofity to commend another and to con- ceal their own deferts.

It is the duty of a mother to ftudy the chara6lers of her children ; and in this inftance a found judgment is moft eminently ferviceable. Let her not determine upon a child's difpolition by one or two inftances \ character is variable, and in the early years of life it often has no lixed or deter- minable feature. Hence arifes the advantage of judicious culture, efpecially with refpe(St to temper, which is frequent- ly what the poet calls " foftened wax." Many people have been rendered irremediably petulant, vindidlive, or fufpicious, by improper management in their childhood. Teafmg what is called a bad, but what perhaps only means a very fufcep- tible temper, is the fureft means to four the difpofition, and to introduce malignity and mifanthropy. The remedy ihould here be applied to the judgment, which we Ihiould endeavour to ftrengthen, inflead of wounding the heart. By ihowing a fretful child the little value of the trifles by which it is agitated, you may give it firmnefs ; but by fuffering its playmates to do what they know will vex and diflrefs it, you confirm it in its weaknefs ; for peevilhnefs does not exhauft but increafe its own irritability by indulging it. I am now ipeaking of tiaturaly not artificial fufceptibility, and am lup- pofing that you have not cockered your child into an im- poflibility of felf-enjoyment. When pecvifhnefs really re- I'ults froai deprelTed fpirits, it is better counteracted by affec- tion than difpleafure ; efpecially when it is entirely devoid of envy, and accompanied with a fenfe of demerit. Capri- cious parents arc apt to confound oblcinacy with firmnefs, though they dif/jr as far as virtue and vice can do; for, as is the cafe in moft other qualities of tile human mind, per- tinacity if fortitude pulhcd to excels. When we perceive a

427

fpirit of refiftance to our commands, let us, before we roufe to the defence of our impleaded authority, do the intracta- ble child the juftice to reconfider the grounds of his diflent, and the reafonablenefs and propriety of our own injun£tion ; and if we difcover the error to have been in ourfelves, let US beware of committing our fupremacy and his obedience in future. Non-refiftance was (as I before obferved) the ruling error of paft times ; the prefent, among its other im- provements, teaches us that reafon is the only foundation of all authority. Admitting the truth of this pofition, furely we mil ft wait till this quality is difclofed before we can ap- ply to its decifione. If ^\e prefs the unripe grape, we fhall not obtain w/w, but 'vinegar. If we attempt to govern chil- dren by arguing them into propriety, before their judgnt'ent can tell them what propriety is, we fhall make them pert, voluble, and refraftory. In this fyftem, they are never to fubmit but upon convidlion : how very feldom will they be convinced, when their natural reluctance to yield is fecond- ed by the interefts of fome powerful inclination ! Whoever has witnefTed the triumphs of reafon over prejudice muft have obferved, that continued attention was necelTary on one fide, and great clofenefs of application on the other. Let us now obferve how children argue ^ or rather contend ; how op- polite their queftions are to the point in difpute, and how foon they lofe fight of the firft object and flart fome other wayward defire ; and we muft acknowledge that reafon has very little chance of gaining the victory, when fuch difpu- tants are created umpires.

We will appeal to the underftanding as foon as it ripens ; but this cannot be the cafe in early childhood ; and yet. childhood muft not be negledted ; for, if we omit early cul- ture, vices and prejudices will overrun the untilled foil. Authority then muft be the medium of inftru(R:ion ; the pa- rent muft have a right to command, and the child muft feel that it is its duty to fubmit. An infant under feven years of age queftioning the expediency of parental precepts, v/ould formerly have been confidered as a monfter. What would our Sydneys, our Bacons, our Miltons, or even our Lockes, (for that eminent antagonift of tyranny* was fo ftaunch an advocate for parental fupremacy, as not to allow a child to have what it craved, or fo much as afked for,) have faid to the plan of improving infantine intelligence, by allowing it

* Sec Locke on Education, page 117,

428

to cavil and difputc with its parents and inftructors ? Would they have conlidered our modern prodigies as aufpicious omens or fearful portents ?

As reafon gathers ftrength, children fhould be taught to direct it againll their own foibles, not to fet it up as a judge to determine between their defires and our injunctions ; much lefs fhould they be allowed to convert it into a cenfor upon our principles and mode of government. Early prohibition and corre6lion fhould teach a child ivkat are errors : when reafon difcovers luhy they are fo, fhe confirms the di<States of experience.

A forward child Ihould never be fufFered to obtrude up- on attention. Stimulants are here deftrudtive ; they fhould be referved for the diffident. Confident children fo gener- ally engage the attention of ftrangers, and fliy ones are fo conftantly neglecSled, that it muft be very difficult for a mo- tlier to prevent the faults of each from being confirmed whenever they are brought into company. She may, how- ever, preferve her own mind from being prejudiced in fa- vour of what rarely proves a lalling advantage ; and, by pointing out inftances wherein cafual obfervers have judged wrong, fhe may prevent one part of her charge from being too much elated, or the other too much depreflTed, by the accidental commendations or neglect of vifitants.

Injudicious parents take the moft hkely means to prevent the improvement of thofe children in whom they difcover extraordinary marks of genius and intelligence ; for, inftead of confidering that the ampler the field the greater cultiva- tion it requires, they are apt to fuppofc that nature has done all for them, and that we have nothing to do but acimire the produce and put in the fickle. It is by flow degrees, by painful and progreffive fteps, that human ingenuity ever can hope to afcend the heights of fcience or knowledge. No one was ever able to fly to the fummit of fame felf-taught and felf-fupported ; and the Icarus who attempts it will ever lliarc the fate and the reproach of ralh pretenders. AVhen- ever a mother rea/Iy difcovers extraordinary talent in her family, let her recollecl that a diamond muft be highly wrought before it will diffijfe luftre. Genius is often coun- terbalanced by numerous difadvantages. To render it a bleffing to fociety, or to itfelf, it fliould be united to pru- dence, whom it generally difclaims, and, I muft add, ef- tranged from that very exquifite fenfibility from which ap- parently it derives its energy. It mufl be taught to fpcak

429

In well modulated tones, or it cannot charm a faftidious age ; it muft borrow the clear lamp of learning, or an enlightened nation will difregard its difcoveries -, it muft enforce the principles of truth and goodnefs, or it will become a blafting meteor inftead of a guiding ray. Contrarieties muft be unit- ed in its compofition 5 the love of fame muft be blended with native independence of mind j ardour of purfuit with diligence in execution ; imagination muft mix v/iih judg- ment ; impetuoiity with felf-command. Let the mother, who clearly difcerns indifputable proofs of mental fuperiority in her child, ferioufly confider the high refponlibility which fuch a truft impofes on her. The fatal mifcarriages of ge- nius are generally afcribable more to the bad qualities with which it was united, than to the oppofttion of envy and ri- valfhip, or even to the withering mildew of negle<n:.

Extravagance and careleflhefs are frequently concomitants of fuperior parts. Blinded by parental vanity, injudicious mothers feldom require any other proof of their children's talents, than that they are difpofed to fay and do ftrange things, and have a total indi^erence for money. This latter difpolition is fcarcely confidered as a fault in youth ; yet cer- tainly it never can be the parent of true generohty ; for it is not benevolence, to give what we have not difcovered to be valuable. Whatever may be children's rank in life, or proi- pe6t of fortune, it feems advifable that they fliould be early initiated into pecuniary knowledge ; not to make them pe- nuriousy but liberal, charitable, and provident, to the extent which their future expectations will juftify. " Do not fquan- ** der what will relieve a fellow-creature. Do not fpend all <' your allowance, left you fliould be forced to aiSt meanly " or uncharitably, from the incapacity of anfwering an un- ** expected demand. Calculate the expenfe of what you re- *' ally v/ant, and furnilh the neceflary fum by abftaining from <* capricious defires. Remember, that you will never here- " after reproach yourfelf for not having indulged your ap- ** petites ; but that it is 2, fin to omit doing the good adlions <* which you ought to perform." Surely, thefe or fimilar precepts may be imprinted on young minds, without any danger of inculcating the horrid and unnatural vice of early avarice. Though the proportion of a child's pocket money ought to vary with its rank and fituation, the allowance fliould never be profufe, becaufe an over liberal fupply is more likely to corrupt its morals than to ftimulate its benef- icence ; and though the entire fum fhould be fubmitted to

430

its own management, independent of fuperlntendance or control, an intimation fliould be given, that this its Httle pro- perty really is an accountakle talent, which cannot be wholly appropriated to the purpofes of felf-enjoyment without great injuftice to its fellow-creatures.

Will you indulge me, in this place, with a few rritkal re- marks ? Benevolence is a marked feature in the fafliionable fyftem of education ; and a multiplicity of books are com- pofed, whofe profefTed aim is to awaken in the juvenile mind a prediledtion for the duties of liberality. I fear they tend, but little to cultivate thofe principles on which its real value eilentially depends : I allude to tales in the manner of Mar- montel which attach romantic fentiment and pompous noto- riety to adlions that ought to be conlidered as too ordinary and indifpefifable to deferve record. Cafting my eyes over a newfpaper, I will extradl the following anecdote by way of JUullration : " The cmpe'-or Napoleon, when at Brienne, ** heard that an old woman ftili lived who inhabited a fmall " cottage in the middle of the wood, whither he had fre- <* quently repaired, while at the military fchool at Brienne, *< to drink milk. His majefty bent his way thither, and *< allied the old woman if flie recollc<n:ed Buonaparte. On ** hearing his name, the poor v/oman fell at the emperor's *« feet. He raifed her up, and afked her if flie had nothing ** to offer him. Milk and eggs, anfvvered the old woman. *' The emperor took two eggs, gave the old woman afTuran- ** ces of his favour, and left her a pui-fe of gold."

When our Saviour enjoined us not to let our left hand know what our right hand did, he did not znncx prajfe to liberality as its beatitude ; but he commanded us to cultivate benevolence with privacy, and to expert its fruits after the vifible frame of nature fhall be deil:royed.* Thefe anecdotes predifpofe the mind to feek after a contrarious alliance be- tween charity and fame. A child fnould never be fo far mifled, as to fuppofe that it is vmgtiatiimous to do what it would really be itjjanwus to omit. No merit fliould be at- tached to the refignation of fuperfluities, efpeciaily when the giver has not imbibed any provident care for the future. In many ranks of life, charity is accompanied by an aft of felf- denifil which greatly enhances its value. The hungry fchool boy who divides his breakfail with a beggar, and runs away to avoid being feen by his companions, poiTeffes the

• Compare St, Mattli. ch.ip. vi. vcrfc 3. and chap. xxv. verfe 35, &c.

431

right fort of internal feeling, and only wants the chriftiari principle to be fuperadJed to give it liability. But if you bellow very high commendations on this aition, or to his knowledge give it publicity, you corrupt the ingenuoufnefs of his nature j and the next time he performs it, vain glory will tamt the modeft limplicity of his deportment. Though, candour forbids us to particularize, can any one, who knows the world, avoid fearing that many of the deeds which we extol as the offspring of charityy are in reality thofe indulgent ces of 'vanity and ojlentathn for which we ought to alk pardon of God ? One precept of Scripture deeply engraven on the heart does more to cultivate this heavenly difpolition, than all the volumes which fentimenial philanthropy ever com- pofed.

Feeling and fentiment are indeed too loofe and Indetermi- nate in their nature, to allow us to build upon them that malTy pile of acceptable good v/orks which is to endure through all eternity. A florid deicription of diftrefs, drelTed up in the pomp of oratory, may accelerate the defign of pub- lic contributions ; but it never can form the conflftent char- after of habitual benevolence, which beftows its alms, not to relieve itfelf from the painful emotions of compaffion, much lefs to purchafe a fort of decent covering for its own fins, but becaufe it is commanded " to do good and to be ready to cUllribute." It neither fays to the Almighty, " Vv'^hy didlt thou ordain calamity ?" nor does it blow the Pharifaical trumpet, and call upon its neighbours to witnefs its diftribu- tion of alms •, but it fecretly deals out that dole to the unfor- tunate, which, thus beftowed, will be replaced by everlafting treafures. In thefe pretty tales, by which bounty is tricked out in adventitious amiablenefs, fo much of gauzy refine- ment and fentimental intereft is hung around the object in diicrefs, that the authoritative precept of " feeding the hun- gry and clothing the naked," becaufe they are the fervants of Chrillj, is ovciiooked in the exquifite delight of relieving indigent beauty, or rewarding faithful love. While our cliildren are nurtured by this ornamented charity, this un- liable offspring of a vain imagination, can we wonder that the grace v>fhich holy writ commands, fliould be lowered in- to a commutation for grofs otFences, or that we lliould often hear thofe llns, which we are exprefsly told will exclude us I'rom the kingdom of God, palliated, if not juftified, becaufe the wealthy offender is very charitable .'' Charity, my dear young friend, in the true fenfc of the word, cannot fublift in

432

the lienrt which is at enmity with God ; for charity lis obc* dicnce to tlie commands of the Moft High, and faith on his promifes of remimeration.

To return to the fubject of early ceconomic habits, fo much fcouted, and yet fo highly neceflary to the generality of man- kind j few of whom are born to fpend a fortune, compared with thofe who muft improve or acquire the means of fubfift- ence. Though I profefs to abftain, in this letter, from what is C2i\e6. fcientific inftruftion, I muft recommend one branch of Icnowledge, on which fenfible men ever fet a great value in women; I mean, that every girl ought to pofTefs a com- petent knowledge of arithmetic. It is alfo defirable that this knowledge fhould be practical as well as theoretical ; that fhe fhould underftand the value of commodities, be able to calculate expenfes, and to tell what a fpecific income will afford. Thefe are excellent preparatives for a good houfe- wife •, yet, if to be accompanied with expcrtnefs, and prac- tifed with alacrity, the rudiments roufi: be acquired in child- hood. It may be expedient to enlarge this fort of know- ledge to a general acquaintance with the earnings of differ- ent trades and occupations ; fuch information will not only prove an admirable afliftant to domeftic management, but will be an intelligent guide to benevolence. Thefe acquifi- tions have a moral as v/ell as a prudential influence upon the character, and are beneficial in every rank of life.

It is obferved by the great Johnfon, in a letter to one of the Mifs Thrales, that " a thoufand ftories which the igno- *' rant believe, die away when the computift takes them in *' his gripe." Tiie fcjence of numbers may therefore be re- forted to, not only as a guardian for prudence, but as a pre- fervative from credulity ; and what is of ftill more confe- quence, as a protefdon from the idle and vulgar habit of telling extraordinary Jlories as certain faclsy by which we fub- je(St our auditors either to the rudenefs of contradi«Slion, or to the pain of difingenuoufnefs. Society is fo generally im- proved in point of information, that lying fabulifts now want the temptation to falfehood which the credulity of paft times afforded : they cannot excite even momentary afton- ifliment.

Neatnefs, regularity, and attention to the order and pro- priety of domeftic concerns, fo intimately belong to the fe- male department, that fhe who is deficient in thefe qualities is univerfally allowed to Jiave relinquiftied all the Icffer de- corums of her fex, if not to give proof of fuch a light and

433

relaxed rnind as makes the virtues fhe really poflefles feem rather fortuitous than intrlnfic. Moll ranks in fociety re- quire that itidujiry fhould be added to this lift of minor mor- als ; a relifh for occupation becomes incumbent upon us all, not merely as it refpetfts the advantage of others, but be- caufe, unlefs we delight in being employed, we muft be un- happy. The habits on which thefe valuable endowments are built muft be acquired in childhood or youth. They can never be fuperadded in mature age, without fo much force and difficulty as make the practice diftafteful ; not, as it ought to be, in the higheft degree gratifying and exhilarat- ing to an energetic fpirit, to whom the daudling languor of flatternly indolence is mifery. It is with regret we obferve, how much the modern method of education has degenerat- ed from the pracSlice of our anceftors in this inftance ; and as a propenfity to throw away time is a marked feature of t!iis age, it becomes highly incumbent on a mother to en- deavour to revive the old notions in this refpe^t. Let her fteadily engage her children (her daughters efpecially,) be- fore ftubborn will and inveterate habit are armed againft au- thority and exhortation, in a varied feries of employments, which inclination fhould fometimes be allowed tofeleB^ but duty fhould more frequently prefcribe ; for in future life they will probably find it neceflary to conform to this allotted or- der of occupations. By teaching them to be felf-amufed and contented with cheap common enjoyments and quiet pleafures, we fhall not only render our girls more eligible as wives and as friends, but ftiall fave them from the languor of ennui, faftidioufnefs, and all the long lift of vapouriflx humours and maladies that fall to the lot of thofe who fup- pofe difcontent and refinement to be fynonymous.

Firmnefs and fteadinefs are eflential requifites in the cha- radler of a mother ; yet our fex is reproached with a defi- ciency In thefe refpedls ; and If the accufatlon be defervcd, we have another reafon to acknowledge the wifdom of di- vine Providence, In Inftltuting the conjugal bond as a reme- dy for thefe, as well as for our other imperfeEtions. When- ever a mother perceives herfelf Aiding into irrefolution and indecifion, let her not confider it as a charadterlftlc of an amiable yielding temper, but remember that her children will difcover It to be imbecility, and thus gain an advantage over her, which more fevere difcipllne cannot for fome time obviate. Let her not fuffer herfelf to be teafed out of her Ggg

434

determinations, even when flie is doubtful of their proprie- ty ; the alteration in her plans muft appear to proceed from her own reconfideration, and not from fubmitting her fenfe of right to their importunities. Mutability of purpofe is the ruin of children, cfpecially when it operates fo jfar as to alter die fyftem of education, to change the fchool, or to deviate from the original trade or profeflion to which they have been devoted. Nothing of this kind Ihould be done, but for reafons almoft amounting to pofuive neceffity. When our minds are wavering in thefe particulars, we fhould con- iider that what is human cannot be perfect, and that objec- tions may be made to every mode of tuition, to every in- ftructor, and to every occupation ; and therefore it is gener- ally wifer to perfsvere in the courfc that we have engaged in, and endeavour to counteract the evils with which it is connected, than by a total derelidlion of plan to unfettle the ideas of our children, and engage them and ourfelves in frefh difficulties ; thus running the hazard of engendering incon- liftent conduct and defultory habits.

You have found me to be a determined enemy to all thofe innovations, falfely called improvements, which either tend to confound the orders in fociety, or to rob children of that I'ubmiffive iimplicity which is their nioft endearing quality. Yet being far from wifhing to recall thofe days, when coer- cion and terror were the fok inftru£lors of youth, when do- cility confifted in Ji/e/2t acquiefcence, and information, like the Roman liflors, bore no infignia but the rod ; I readily admit, that a child fliould be affifted in the acquirement of clear ideas as foon as it can entertain them ; and that juft views of the world it inhabits fhould be prefented to its ob- fervation, when its powers expand beyond the narrow range of individual feeling. This method of exerciling the capac- ity of children is extremely different from cherifhing a dif- putatious fceptical humour j for this knowledge will be con- veyed in the form of preceptive inftruflion, not argumenta- tive controverfy. Such real cultivation is, in faCt, the only cure to the vanity, affeftation, and conceit which a prema- ture exercife of the deliberative faculties generally engend- ers. To know our actual (ituation in the world, is the beft preparative for properly difcharging our duties ; and nothing can fo effc(5lually prefervc us from the delufions of error, as a jufl fober way of thinking. Humble birth and lowly for- tunes are no bar to this kind of iaiprovement ; for we are all rational and accountable creatures. Nor can it be ob-

435

jefted, that thefe Inftrufllons will confume the time which fhould in luch dependent fituations be devoted to ufeful oc- cupations : a mother, who has learned to think rightly her- felf, can communicate thole ideas to her children while they are actively purfuing their ordinary callings.* The com- moneft incidents of life will furnifli an intelligent parent with leflbns of " moral prudence," which, if related in an agreeable and impreflive ftyle, will be " with delight receiv- ed." " Every walk," as has been obferved by an intelligent inftruflor of childhood, " may be converted into an eafy lecture on the works of nature j" and when (as fhould ever be the cafe) the pupil's mind is led from fenfible objedls, and vifible events, to the unfeen Author and Conductor of all things, philofophical inveftigation becomes what it ought to be, the handmaid of religion. Many fciences are recom- mended to our fex, for their utility in enabling us to form clear and precife notions ; and when leifure and ability will admit, the mother is ufefuUy employed who inftru6ls her family in every branch of ufeful or ornamental knowledge. But there are fome things which it is defirable to do, others which it is criminal to leave undone.

It being the firft bufinefs of education to prepare the mind for that warfare with cur fpiritual enemies which will never finally terminate on this fide the grave, and in which the chriftian, though fometimes overpowered, muft ever rife with renewed hope to overcome ; let us, above all things, endeavour to equip the deftined combatants " in the whole armour of God." Let us give them not only a thorough knowledge of their duty, but carefully exercife them in the praBice of it ; teaching them to a£l: always upon chriftian principlesy and to view every event through chriftian optics. This cannot be done, unlefs we make them intimately con- verfant with the truths of revelation ; and furely no lan- guage can be fo proper as that which the Spirit of God em- ployed to inftrudt mankind, and of which we poflefs a fufii- ciently faithful tranflationf in our Englilh Scriptures. Let

* Examples of this kind of inftrucTiion in a humble ftation are given in the account of Dr. Frauklin's early lite ; where we may alfo meet with excellent rules to correal faftidioufaefs in appetite and fenlual induU gence.

t On the fidelity and other excellencies of our Englifli Bible, fee the bifliop of Lincoln's Elements, vol. it. He calls it " a moft v/onderful and incomparable work."

436

me ftrorigly urge every mother to make her children adepts in both the Old and New Teftaments. Merely reading them is not fufficient ; they fliould be taught to reflect and con- verfe upon facred fubjedls, as the only way of clearly under- ftanding what they perufe. By the ufe of Bibles with mar- ginal references, flie may accuftom them to illuftrate precepts by fi£l:s, and to connect: fa(fts with precepts ; the type and its antetype may be Ihown together, the prophecy and its fulfilment, the promife and its accomplifhment, the threat- ening and the chaftifement. Let her fliow them the vaft fu- periority of facred over profane hiftory, not merely on ac- count of its indubitable verity, or from its being the oldejl authentic record of paft ages, but becaufe every faift that it contains is exprefsly faid to be " written for our inftruclion." The method by which God faw fit to make himfelf known to mankind was by hiftorical narrative ; this being the leaft fubjeiSl; to impofi:ure or mifreprefentation, carrying with it the ftrongeft evidence, and therefore being beft fuited to convince every underftianding, and to imprefs its authority upon every age, from that which witnefled the event to the laft records of time,* Let not the minds of children, there- fore, be fufiered to reft in the mere circumftances of the nar- rative they are perufing, beautiful and impreflive as they often are j but, as foon as their unfolding faculties will per- mit, open to their minds the great deftgns of God's provi- dence, which the incidental fufterings or exaltation of good and bad men alternately furthered. It was not for his per- fonal virtue, much lefs from partial afFc(Slion, that Jacob was chofen to be the father of the promifed feed, and Efau pro- hibited from receiving the blelling. Jofiah was not flain in puniftiment for his fins, nor Jeroboam exalted over the de- generate houfe of David in confidcration of his fuperior merit. In the firft inftance, Jacob, though expofed by his own duplicity to much temporal calamity, was forefeen to poflefs a more active dependance on the promifcs of God, of which he became t\\e faithful y though for many years ajii3- edf depofitary. In the fecond cafe, a righteous and pious prince was removed from witnefiing the miferies which juft-

* See an ingenious efiay by the Rev. S. Cobbold on this fubjed, which gained the Norrifian prize in 1797.

t " Few and evil have the days of the years of my life bcfn," faid Ja- ,cob to Pharaoh, Gen. xlvii. vcrfe 9.

437

ly fell on a finful impenitent people ;* and in the third the Almighty aifted according to the ufual laws of his providen- tial government, by raifing up the wicked to correal thofe wanderers whom he wifhed to regather into his fold. All thefe, and other inftances, as the bifhop of Lincoln obferves, from the fad proof of human corruption, fhow the necefEty of a Redeemer.

Nothing is fo apt to embarrafs young minds, and to un- fettle their faith and truft m God, as the apparently unequal difpenfations of Providence, in often giving fuccefs to vice, and allotting afflidions to virtue. Temporal profperity is now almoft univerfally held out as the reward of defert, in thofe fiftitious hiftories on which youth are too much made to depend for moral inftruiflion ; can we then wonder that difpaffionate obfervers fliould lament that fuccefs is univer- fally confidered as the criterion of merit ? A thorough ac- quaintance with the book of God will teach children to eC- timate human actions and human affairs by Ju/ier principles, and induce them to confider every inftance of unequal dis- tribution for which they cannot account, as an irrefragable confirmation of the certainty of a future ftate. Temporal profperity was promifed to the Jews colletSlively, provided they adhered to the law of the Lord ; yet even during the period of their being governed by a fupernatural theocracy, Gideon, Jephtha, and Samuel, experienced hard returns of unkindnefs from the people whom they had prote^ed, and clofed a life of virtuous adlivity with an old age of forrow. Rebellious Ifrael was forgiven many offences ; but Mofes, their diftinguiihed conduftor, the mediator of the firft cov- enant, after faithfully difcharging his arduous but glorious tafk during forty years, was for one offence prohibited from entering into the promifed reft which he fo ardently wiftied to partake ; and, after being only permitted to gaze on the earthly y was removed to enjoy the fplendour of a heavenly Ca- naan. In later times, the confcientious Naboth was cut off by the hypocritical cruelty of Jezebel ; and Elijah, who was predeftined to afcend the Ikies in a fiery vehicle without pailing through the valley of the fhadow of death, fpent his days in hunger and thirft, in perils and dangers, continually purfued by an implacable revengeful tyrant, till even his in-

* " Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him ; but vreep fore for " him that goeth away, for he ftiall return no more, nor fee his native " country." Jeremiah, chap. xxii. verfe lo.

438

trepid fpirit, though fupported by the fupernatural aid of prophetical infpiration, uttered thofe bitter complaints againft life which can only be excufed by excruciating mifery. With thefe powerful examples before our eyes, who fhall fay that the gratification of our wiflies is a blejfmgy or temporal misfortunes a curfe ?

I muft not multiply thefe refleftions. The facred volume prefents innumerable inflances, from which the judicious mother will derive the moft falutary lefTons, to corrciSl the erroneous conclufions, and to temper the fanguine hopes, of impaffioned youth. But the power of religion is ftill more efficacious informing the character^ than in illuminating the underjianding. If children early difcover ftrong paffions and ardent defires, be affured that religion will prove the only reftraint which can be relied upon to prevent criminal in- dulgences ; or, fhould they fall, it will enable them to rife again. There is little danger that thofe will long remain in the thraldom of fin, who have enjoyed the glorious privi- leges of being the enlightened fervant of God, and can com- pare the difference between the two mafters. The fullen and the envious may, under the influence of chriftian prin- ciples, difencumber their dark and clouded minds from the gloom of miianthropy and difcontent ; and patience and complacence may, under the exhilarating light of the divine Spirit, fpring up in thofe hearts which, if left to canker un- der the baleful influence of crafty policy and crooked expe- dience, ** would have brought forth murders, adulteries, treafons, and every evil work." A religious education would affbrd ballafi: to levity, and confine to innocent cheerfulnels thofe exuberant fpirits which might otherwife mijlead their pofTefTor to the extremes of thoughtlefs diffipation ; and, not to multiply inftances, as religion prefents the only jufl view of this probationary fiatc, beholding the world as it is re- fledled by this jufl: mirror will fave young people from all thofe bitter pangs of difappointed expectation, which are fo apt to nip the opening joys of youth.

Let mothers then begin early to bring their children to Chrifc* Let them "add line to line, precept to precept,

* I fhall ni;\kc no apology for tranfcriblng the following pafTage from Hey's Lec^urci, vol. iv. page ,-;o5, fincerely wifliing that genius and piety may realife the portrait here fo afFedtingly imagined. He is fpcaking of the Gofpel in the office of baptifm.

" Chrift blefTed the children afFccaionately, holding tlicm in liis arms : " his beucditflion, furely, muft be fome fpiritual good. My reafon dares

439

difpenfing here a little and there a Jittle," as occafion Ihall fuggeft, from the firit dawn of reafon till their young charge, ripe in faith, renew their baptifmal vows of obedience at the altar of God. With what transport muft a parent kneel at the head of her pious offspring at the euchariftical feaft, while looking upwards fhe beholds in meditation her Saviour and her God, and addrefles him with " Lo, I come ; and *' of the children whom thou haft given me I have loft « none !"

Feiuy however, can enjoy, and none perhaps ought to ^at- pe^, fuch a full confummation of their labours. In educa- tion, as in every fublunary undertaking, troubles and difap- pointments will intervene. Sometimes the fteril foil defires all culture, and is either totally barren, or produces only pernicious unfightly weeds. This cafe, indeed, rarely hap- pens when much pains have been taken, never, I ftiould hope, unlefs natural capacity is extremely defedlive, and in that inftance we may rely on the righteoufnefs of God, who does not expedl to reap where he has not fown. Thorns and briars, indeed, frequently fprout up with the good feed, and either for a time fmother it, or prevent its luxuriant growth. Yet in this cafe alfo we muft not forrow as thofe without hope ; for, if the word of God has been grafted in the foul, even in the eleventh hour, the barren tree may bring forth fruit unto life. In the event of thofe wafteful ftorms of misfortune from which none of the race of Adam can hope to be exempt, let us folace ourfelves with the con- folation, that we have provided our young ones with a fafc retreat from the tempejl. And fliould the irremediable lithe

" fcarcely make an argument from this interefting fcenc ; but when I *♦ contemplate it, I always wlfli myfclf a painter, that I might give a laft- " ing reprefentation of it. Wiiat an attitude might not that of Jefus be \ " what a countenance ! looking down, with a mild and gracious benevo- " lence, on the infant in his arms ! cxprefllng a deep knowledge of what " was in man ! other children of different ages and charadters, grouped " in various employments ; the officious difciples with ill grounded ap- " prehenfions, and needlefs importunities, endeavouring to difperfe them ; " the mother of the child in our Saviour's arms, near him, cxpreffing as " one principal figure, in her face and gefture, fufpenfe and hope, not *• without fome degree of fear ; joy, refined and meliorated with paternal ♦' affedtion and piety : other parents ; fome mildly triumphing in the « benedidion already received, others gently preffing forward to attain it. " Who that performs the ceremony of baptifm does not feel the eflScacy « of this fcene ? The infant in one's arms excites a fentiment of tender- " nefs ; and the ceremony becomes, to the imagination, an imitation of " the bencvoleace of him who appointed it."

410

of Death prematurely cut down the juft blooming flower, furely we muft " rejoice with exceeding great joy," in the confidence that it will be replanted, and llourilh for ever, befide the river of life which Hows through the holy city the new Jerufalem, which needeth not the faint luftre of the fun, but is enlightened by the glory of her God.

One confolation will attend the truly confcientious mo- ther in the moft difallrous circumftances : I refer to the heartfelt fatisfaclion that flie has done her duty, for which Ihe may humbly hope to receive her everlafting reward : I mean, if her conduct has been uniform ,- if her life and be- haviour have been conjtflent with her precepts ; and if fhe has been as careful to prevent her children iro-m. feeing in her what was fW/, as flie has been diligent to inftrudl and con- firm them in what is good. To thefe requifites I muft alfo add, if, in full confidence of the infufliciency of all human means, fhe has not refted in her own care, or in the fkill and affiduity of the inftrudlors whom fhe has employed, but with daily and hourly intenfcvefs of devotion, has fupplicated Almighty God to befl:ow his heavenly benediction on her labours of love, and to crown them v/ith fuccefs. If fhe has negledted this finifhing duty, flie muft be pronounced unfit for the talk that flie undertook. She might teach religion as a fyftem ; but, not feeling its influence on her own heart, flie could not communicate it as a living principle to others.

To thofe who have enjoyed the advantage of an enlight- ened and chrifl:ian education, I need not expatiate on its blefl^cd tendency. Others who, amid many fuperfluous or immaterial acquifitions, remain deftitute of that one thing peculiarly needful, " that pearl" of ineftimable price, I would, in the Gofpel language, conjure and entreat " to part with all they poflefs," fooner than not acquire it. Devote the morning of your lives to ferious and valuable purpofes. There is a marked analogy betv/een the periods of our ex- iftence, and the hours of the natural day. How vigorous and refreflied do we feel when we firfl awake ! how languid and exhaufted do the fatigues incident to our occupations leave us at the clofe of a vexatious day ! Exertion then feems impra<5ticable ; all that we require is relaxation or repofe. We commonly rife from our beds calm and tranquil in our tempers, with our minds as well as our bodies braced for ex- ertion. At night, we ufually find that our cares and difap- pointments, teafing incidents and unexpefted competitions, have rufiled if not annihilated this ferene delight, which, ere

441

we can compofe ourfelves to fleep, we labour to reflrore, by recalling the agreeable viflons of the morning. The dull and heavy evening of old age will afFe£l: us in a fimilar man- ner. Happy thofe who can relieve its tedioufnefs by the recolle£lion of a well fpent youth, and can feed, during this barren feafon, on the nutritious fruits which memory provi- dently ftored. But thofe only can be faid to enjoy even the dregs of life, who can look back on the- fmiling record of years of piety and virtue -, for they are well affured that the ** Creator, whom they remembered in their youth," will nev- er defert them in their hoary hairs, when all other confola- tions forfake them. That you, my dear young friend, who were fo eminently happy in your early inftruftions, may en- joy this enviable privilege at the clofe of your days, is both the wifti and belief of

Your truly aiFeilionate, &c.

Hhh

442

LETTER XIV. On our Duty to Servants and Inferiors.

MY DEAR MISS M ,

1 HE laft relative fltuation of importance which we hold, iy that of niiftrefs of a family : with your permiffion, I will combine with it our general duty to our inferiors ; lince the obfcrvations upon one fubjecft will in moil cafes apply to thC' other.

My rank in life having enabled me to fee the lower or- ders, flripped of thofe difguifes which cunning prompts them to afTume in their intercourfe with thofe who are too re- mote to judge of their real character, I am aware that my opinion of their prefent manners and fentiments will be thought too unfavourable, by thofe who, taking only a dif- tant glance of the humbler clalTes of fociety, confider them merely as vi(Stims of oppreffion, or objects of benevolence ; while thofe who have had an opportunity for clofe invefti- gation will join me in lamenting, that a great and an alarm- ing revolution has taken place in the ideas and chara6ter of the commonalty. This is moil apparent among the manu- fadluring claiTes ; but the peafantry have not efcaped the contagion, efpecially thofe who reiide in the neighbourhood of fiourifhing towns ; and it is to this caufe that the degen- eracy of fervants (which is an ample fubje£l of complaint in all companies) muil be primarily attributed. Did this evil only threaten the deftruction of our domeilic comfort, we iliould have great caufe for alarm ; but if the " lying fpirit" which has gone abroad among the poor of this realm con- tinue to make profelytes as rapidly as it has done of late years, our national iubjugation cannot be very remote.

Do not fuppoi'e I mean to iniinuate that there fubfifts a general i'pirit of difaiFeclion to the prefent government. Coniidering the extraordinary pains that have been taken to excite the paiiions of the mob in tliis refpeft, the populace may be laid to have reiifted temptation ?wbly ; and, except .iiinong foni-r feclarics whofe principles are profefTedly repub-

I

443

Ilcaii, people are generally content to be governed as their anceftors have been. But the temper that juftly excites ap- prehenfion is, their increafing diflikc of their immediate fu- periors, which breaks out in all the modes of envy, incivili- ty, and rapacity. You will fmile at my ranking rapacity among the crimes of a poor perfon ; but fufFer me to ex- plain. Notwithftanding that great increafe of wages which the fcarcity five years ago rendered both juft and neceflary, fuffered little or no redu6lion in the interval of cheapnefs (I mean during the amazing reduction in the price of corn, the great article of fuftenance among the poor,) fcarcely any thought themfelves bound (as they formerly fuppofed them- felves) to lay up a proviiion for ficknefs and calamity. Their earnings were diffipated in a ftyle of living and drefs unbecoming their ftation, and on the leaft prelTure of dif- trefs they demanded, nox. foUcitedy parochial relief; but as that relief was only given in fuch proportions as their wants ren- dered neceflary, not as their luxuries required, their envy of thofe whom they beheld pofiefled of enjoyments which they had learned to value increafed ; and an inquiry, ivhy one perfon ought to be richer than another, became gener- al -, not confidering that, by fo doing, they cavilled againft Providence •, and without reflecting that induftry and osconf- omy are the fure, though flow, means to procure decent competence.

Faflious demagogues have taken advantage of this four- nefs of difpofltion, which luxury and thoughtleflliefs intro- duced among the lower orders, who are now made perfectly acquainted with all the vices and follies which unhappily, in this diflipated age, difgrace the higher walks of life. You will frequently hear village politicians exclaiming againfl: the manifefl: injuftice of people being permitted to pofl^efs wealth who lead infamous lives. Does not this proceed from a want of thofe jufl: views of life, and clear notions of duty, which were recommended in the preceding letter as incumbent up- on all ranks and conditions of mankind ? When did (or rather when can) an order of things fubflft, in which wealth or power fliall be exclujively afligned to virtue and goodnefs ? The trials of virtue cannot be its recompenfe. God did not intend earthly diftindtion to be the reward of his faithful fervants. The refponflble talents of riches and authority ever have been promifcuoufly intrufl:ed to jufl: and unjuft ftewards. In the hands of the former, they are a bleffing to themfelves and to all around them ; with the latter, they

444

become a curfe and a punifhment. But all who occupy the Icfs accountable ftations in life fhould ever look from the agent to the employer ; and, whether our fuperiors are bene- fadtors or opprelTors, fliould remember that they poflefs but a delegated power, and in all cafes be devoutly difpofed to fay with the pious Patriarch, " The lot falleth into the lap, but the difpofal of it is in the Lord."

The poor of this kingdom were once diftinguilhcd by the moral propriety of their opinions, and their affedtionate at- tachment to their fuperiors. If you had then afked a plain countryman, what right a notorioufly wicked man had to live in the beft houfe in the village, with fome aftonifhment at the inquiry he would have anfwered, that " He was the eldeft fon of the old 'fquire." Apply to a modern ruftic, who has been enlightened by a refracted i^y flolen from Paine's modified wild fire, on the fame occafion, and with a fignifi- cant fhake of his head he will anfwer, " Sad times, mafter ! *' things want mending •■, fomething muft be wrong, or rogues ** would not flourifh while poor men are forced to work." Or, as I have known to be the cafe in an inftance where a perfon of fortune united notorious profligacy with carelefs liberality, the reply has been to one who condemned the guilt and effrontery oi public licentioufnefs, " This is a land *' of liberty -, and every one has a right to do what they like ; <' the 'fquire maintains my family, and that is all I care « about." '

This leads me to what I would next obferve, that the poor entertain very falfe notions of wealth ; not only as to the rules by which it ought to be diflributed, but of the manner in which it fliould be applied. Generally fpeaking, the ideas of indigence are extravagant ; and thus it happens, that profufion is fure to have advocates among the lower orders, wKofe notions of merit are moflly confined to two qualities, bounty and affability. How fortunate would it be for themfelves, if honefty and prudence Ihared in thefe eulo- giums ! It is this error, imbibed in their paternal cottap;e.s, and foftered by their fubfeqitcnt commerce with their own profeflion, that rendei's fcrvants fo generally wafteful, and inclined to fupport the appearance of the perfon'they ferve at tlie expenfe of his credit. Having very few ideas of dif- tinction and confequence, but what are derived from fliow and expenfe, and bclieving*their own dignity to be elTential- iy combined with their mafter's, it becomes their conftant aim to make him live, not as he can aiFord, but as other

445

leople do ; and if they unhappily difcover that he has a ropenfity to referve feme part of his income for future con- ingencies, they moft generoufly refolve to proted him from the crime of being (habby, by every fecret method of waft- ing or purloining his property that their ingenuity can de- viie ; quieting their confciences with the falvo, that, as he can afford it, he ought to be made to do fo. Such monitors and adminiftrators of the property of others feem unlearned in the plain rules of common honefty, though poffibly they are well verfed in fentimental refinements. We cannot, therefore, wonder that they llaould be inclined to palliate 'every vice but avarice^ which indeed never meets with any quarter. Should this humour, of eftimating crimes only as they affeft ourfelves, gain ground, I fear we Ihall degenerate into thofe dreadful extremes of heathen enormity, which St. Paul fo forcibly defcribes in his epiitle to the Romans ; when after enumerating a black catalogue of heinous and unnat- ural offences, he tells his chriftian converts that they not only once did thofe things, but alfo took pkafure in others for praBlfmg them. The great change which chriftianity pro- duced in the world was never more manifeft, than in the al- teration of public opinion, which, though it often utters a hafty decifion founded on incomplete evidence, ufed to give (and I truft, in fpite of the perverters of the human mind, will ftill give) its fufFrage in favour of virtue and goodnefs. But enough of declamation : let us try if we can afcertain the caufes of the change which we deplore, and thence en- deavour to difcover the cure. A great deal of mifchief niuft be attributed to the dilTemination of the idea of univerfal liberty, by which half informed people always underfrand licentioufnefs. Much injury has been done to the lov»'er or- ders by unfettled opinions on religious fubjedls. Vanity and conceit are the ufual caufes of dillcnt from eftabliflied doc- trines ; and we rarely fee a convert to new opinions in thefe matters, who does nor, in his air and manner, difcover une- quivocal proofs of felf-iraportance. . Indeed, among the low- er orders, few feem now difpol'ed to take tlieir " noifelefs way alpng the cool iequeftered vale of life/' and to live honeft, quiet, and refpedlable. The tenet that " we live in a land of liberty" (which, when miiunderftood, is the foun- dation of all our religious and civil contefts) is much oftener referred to, than the divinely enforced duties appending to the fifth commandment ; though all men, efpecially thofe who are placed in a humble Jlatiop.j may in them trace one of

446

the moft comprchenfivc outlines of their chriftian courfc. The efFeft of preaching chiefly upon doctrinal, myfterious, and (ftriiStly fpeaking) metaphyfical fubje<Sts, is moft ftrong- ly feen in the followers of this defcription of teachers, who are ever talking of rights and privileges ; never of obligatiotu. Here again the want of clear ideas and juft notions is moft obvious ; for amid the torrent of language, which every gifted haranguer can pour forth on the moft abftrufe and recondite fubjecls, they rarely let fall a fentence that can be underftood by tliofe who are not verfed in this cabaliftic jargon.

It has been {aid, that the depravity of the lower orders is owing to the great feparation in the conditions of fociety which refinement has introduced. Unqucftionably, luxury has greatly tended to alienate the minds of inferiors from their betters, by the almoft infuperablc bars which'it has placed between their free communication. When the feu- dal chief prefided at the banquet among his vaflals, and the farmer dined at the head of his labourers, the manners of the more intelligent were copied by the lefs informed ; and the refpedlful awe infeparable from the prefence of the maf- ter operated as a curb to improper exprefilons, and gradual- ly infufed decorum of condu£t. It is to be feared, that in the prefent ftate of fociety fucli cuftoms could not be fafely refumed ; but we may regret that they ever were laid afide. The intrepid reformer who fhould attempt to revive them would probably only experience infult and ridicule, or fa- miliarity would break down the few fences that are yet left round fortune and dignity. To confine my obfervations to my o\Vn fex : the tenant's daughters would vifit the manfion houfe, and the young cottager would go to the farmer's abode, only with a view of learning fafliions, and of condu6V- ing their next party or junket in a more genteel ftyle. Can we wonder at this, knowing that the view of the entertain- ers would rather be to amaze their guefts, than to render them happy or to improve their moral chnrnclcr ?* But to avoid vifionary fchcmes : whenever modcft fimplicity of cha- racter infurcs us from the evils incident to familiarity, affa- bility and condefcenfion are the moft likely means to con- ciliate and attach the lower orders. Thefe are favours which they peculiarly feel, and are perhaps more grateful for than for the poruivc exertions of benevolence. A kind remem^

* Letter iv.

447

brance of' their wants, an affectionate concern for their wel-^ fare, a defire to promote their real interefts, are attentions which forcibly attract the unfophillicatcd mind. Even in our domeftic management, affability is ftri(ftly compatible with authority. Command need not fpeak in the voice of terror, nor accompany its inju6lion with menaces.

But perhaps the moil: influential caufe of this change of manners and fentiments among the poor is the increafing luxury of the middle orders, who bind the extremes of foci- €ty together, and confequently whofe manners are the moft important to the commonwealth. It is from our very im- mediate fuperiors that we all derive our ideas of what is juft and deiirable ; their flation, therefore, is the point on which cur ambition refts ; for it rarely happens that our imagina- tion takes fo bold a flight, as to build its eyry on the lofty fummit from which we are feparated by many intermediate ranks. While we fufler from the vices of our inferiors, therefore, let us aflc. Does no blame attach to ourfelves ? Have we not been fo fond of diftindtion, fo engroffed by pleafure, fo entranced by views of advantage, as to forget our own refponfibility to thofe who looked up i to us ? Can we then blame them for following the pattern that we fet them, and becoming in their turns as afpiring, luxuriant, and indo- lent as is in their power ? Example is a duty which we owe to all the world ; and there is no perfon, however humble his rank or limited his powers, but may thus benefit fociety ; and if we pervert what ihould be for the improvement of thofe, a part of whofe duty it is to imitate us, " into an oc- caflou for their falling," let us be affured, that a portion of their ofiences will be referred to us in the day when the Maker of both rich and poor fhall claim an account of all our actions.* The larger our fphere of acting, the greater is our refponflbility ; but all are accountable in fome degree. The moral virtue of prudience fhould rife in our efl:eem, from the recolle£lion, that a y?«<3!// deviation^from it on'our own part may lead others to extravagance^ or even to- difhon- e/}y..

The middle orders may alfo be charged with another of- fence againft their inferiors, beflde that of fetting them a bad example : I mean, neglefting proper watchfulnefs and admonition. This is raofl lamentably vifible in the conduct ©f mailers and miilreffes toward their domeftics, and is not

* Letter iii.

413

confined to perfons in genteel life, but extends to thofe who ape gentility. The luxurious refinements in living that are generally adopted render adroitnefs in fervants ih ellential, that the nobler diftindlion of moral worth is comparatively overlooked. As in mofl: families the expenfe of being gen- teel operates as a fevere check upon the inclination of Ihin- ing, it is a general law, that fliow fliall be procured at the leaj} poJfiUe cjj} ,- and thus the number of our domeftics be- ing limited to bare neceflity, we fwelling frogs, who ape the magnificent oxen, are forced to transfer the vocations of feveral domefl:ics to one. Thus it becomes neceflary that a good fervant fliould add difpatch to handinefs ; and provid- ed they can but perform their work, few miftrefl!es inquire further about their conduct, than as their vices afFecl the in- terefts or fafety of their employers.' A fervant who is thus wearifomely occupied has little leifure for moral or religious confiderations. I do not mean that intervals of leifure are pofitively neceflary for a devout ejaculation or ferious reflec- tion J but thefe prefuppofe a foundation of religious know- ledge and pious habits. Confidering the prefent ftate of education among the poor, and the general manners of fam- ilies, we fhall be too fanguine if we expect that the majority of fervants will be difpofed to keep alive this religion of the heart, efpecially if we alfo recollect, that the multiplicity of minute attentions and fuccefiive occupations which we re- quire of them, muft perplex and harafs their thoughts, and, if no intervals of reft are allowed, muft even prevent the well difpofed from " pouring that oil into their lamps" which is neceflary to keep them burning. What then will be the conduct of fervants ? They know that their chance of ad- vancement depends on their ability to execute the fervices required of them ; and duplicity and cunning, which are vices common to all illiterate people, will lead them to fup- pofe tliat concealing their finful pfa<n:ices is quite fufiicient ; for, alas ! it is a general opinion with them, that detcclion conftitutes guilt : a melancholy proof how little the omni- prefence of God is underftood, or at leaft influences the be- haviour of many nominal chriftians ! Surely thefe evils might be diminiflied by a more confcientious attention to the mor- al conduct of our dependents, and by exprelllng more dif- pleafure at vice, than at thofe venial faults which only af- fect the propriet^y of our dome<Stic arrangements. But the cure of this difordcr muft be fought in more powerful cor- ' rc<ftives.

449

The increafing profanation of the fabbatical reft is one great caufe of the degeneracy, not only of fervants but of all the inferior conditions of fociety. It was not from the de- fire of hearing his creatures praife him, that the Almighty ilTued his command for a feptenary remembrance of creation and redemption. He fliowed, by that inftitution, his benev- olent regard to our temporal and eternal welfare. By hal- lowing the Lord's day, we do not only learn thofe " fongs of Sion in a ftrange land," which v/e may hope to fing for ever in the kingdom of our Father ; but we diminifh the evils incident to our pi/grifj-zage, by acquiring thofe habits which will render it pleafant and profperous. Whoever has feen the blefled effects of the Sabbath in an orderly country village, will readily acquiefce in the acknowledgment that it is the great civilizer of the lower orders. Sufpenlion of toil, innocent recreation, decent apparel, comfortable food, domef- tic enjoyment, and focial worfhip, all prefent themfelves to our view in the family of an induftrious religious labourer ; nor can we contemplate the cleanlinefs and modeft propriety of their appearance, as they walk to " the houfe of the Lord their God," without a rapturous fenfation of benevolent ex- ultation. Let us now glance at the fcenes which Sunday prefents in the vicinity of flouriihing manufaiSlures, where promifcuous alTociations and enormous gains beget the dif^ gufting habits of low debauchery. Labour indeed is fuf^ pendcd ; but fin, like the Egyptian tafk-mafters, demands her double tale of fervice. The filthy fqualid rags worn all the week are laid afide, not to aflume a neat fimplicity o£ clean apparel, but to flaunt in a ridiculous medley of ill fort- ed finery. The work fliop is deferted, but the church is unfrequented ; the ale-houfes are however well peopled ; and though the wheel and the loom are filent, drunken blas- phemy and unreftrained indelicacy offend our ears with noifes equally obftreperous. If we turn our eyes to the younger part of the mechanic's family, we fhall fee in their purfuits and condu£l the future vidlims of proftitution and debauchery. Are not thefe fcenes too general ; has not de- pravity of manners uniformly kept pace with multiplied af- femblage and fuperabundant provifion .'' Manufacturing towns are the ufual depofitories of difaffedtion, tumult, profligacy, and mifery. Surely then it is to be feared, that thefe inev- itable evils, which are fo intim?itely annexed to our com- mercial fuperiority, muft very feniibly diminifh its value in lii

430

a national point of vlewr. It is much to be lamented, that the comparative independence which is annexed to artificers and artifans removes them from the controlling fuperinten- clence of their immediate funerior j who (if poffible) ought to be armed luith povjsr to prevent or punifli thofe exceflcs which the llreets of a great tovv-n generally prefent on Sun- day evenings ; for, even when the llatute laws of the realm are not grofaly viohitcd, the moral feelings of chriftians are feverely pained.

We have already lamented the bad confequcnccs which the diffipation too common among great faihionifts in the middle orders muft have on their immediate dependents. As no people are fo apt to utter dolorous complaints againfc the general depravity of fervants, it feems defirable that they ihpuld take into their ferious confideration the political ex- pediency of reftoring Sunday to its original deflination. If they have no chriftian concern for the immortal interefts of their fellow- creatures j if they really do not dread appearing, rmpreparcd with an anfwcr, at that awful audit when the fouls of tlaeir houfchold (by them wilfully abandoned to per- dition) will be required at their hands ; ftill let them take thofe menials, whofe good behaviour is fo neceflary to their own felf-indulgence, where they will be taught to become good fervants. This will be a£ting prudently, though not pi- oufly ; but to do this will require fome facrifices. They can neither go out nor have vilitors on Sundays j the full courfes mull be abridged ; the toilet fervice muft be fhort- cncd ; the breakfaft hour muft be expedited ; nay more, they muft accompany their families to church themfelves, and not only give them an opportunity of ferving God, but ac- tually fee that they are prefent in his temple. One of the Tul effefts of itinerance in public worfliip is, that it fcparates the family, who ought to appear in their proper places in t\\Qfarnc' congregation ; thus removing thofe whofe conduct requires infpection, from thofe whofe duty it is to infpeft. Unlefs you take them where you pay your own vows, your footman may probably frequent the tippling houfe, inftead of the^ conventicle ; and your houfemaid patrole the ftreets in fearch of a gallant, while you iliopofe her in purfuit of a gholvly comforter.

By fome previous arrangements, and a few perfonal facri- tices, raiftrefles may generally contrive to give cx'ery member of theii< family an opportunity of attending public worfliip 4.1 lc::ft once in every L>abbath \ but they muft not fuppofe

451

that they fhall then have difcharged all theh duty : family prayer and focial inftruftion are a very important, though much negle61ed, branch of duty, from which much real ad- vantage may be expelled. Did nothing better enfue than reftraining irregularity and intemperance, by feeing the whole family early alTembled on a Sunday evening in a ftate of fo- briety and decorum, the benefit would be great ; but we muft not mete by thefe {hort meafares, when we fpeak of a religious houfehold ferioufly employed in fupphcating the bleiiing of Almighty God. "VVe may certainly afcribe the comparative regularity which families formerly exhibited, to the uniform pracTrice of family prayer ; for, though fuch houfcholds might be mere feminaries of hypocrites, they who difregard or ridicule fuch fervices mi/Ji be profligates. That this valuable cuftom is not now attended with iimilar decen- cy of deportment in the iS\v places where it is fxill preferv- ed, muft be afcribed to the general tendency of the times to ridicule all unufual ftridlnefs and fobriety, as unneceflary and puritanical ; and to the unavoidable connection of fervants who are thus difciplined, with thofe who are negle<Sted and depraved ; which feems likely to impede the former in their growth in grace ; for " evil communication is much more likely to corrupt good manners," than vice is to derive ad- vantage from the beneficial influence of virtue. If this cuf- tom were again univerfal, we Ihould foon perceive its excel- lence. By doing all in our power to render it fo, we at leall difcharge ourfelyes of blame ; and in this, as in every other inftance, when we do not reap tl\e full harveft of our la- bours, we fhall exonerate ourfelves from the blame of finful negligence.

A feleftion of books proper for fervants' reading has late- ly been ftrongly recommended by very refpe(Slable authori- ties ; and, no doubt, if they were difcreetly chofen, and fec- onded by other meafures, they v/ould be eminently ufeful. Much good has certainly been done by the diftribution of cheap well principled trafts among the lower orders ; but with the fame, or perhaps ftill greater avidity, has the evil fpirit of infubordination and difl^enlion feized upon their im- proved capacities to fcatter his baneful principles ; fo that, in proportion as information has been multiplied, the circu- lation of pernicious doctrines has increafed. I prefume not to queftion the general utility of Sunday fchools j they feem founded on two incontrovertibly juft pofitions ; that every foul in a chriftian country fliould be taught its duty to God,

452

and be trained in an liabitual reverence of the fabbath day ; but, unqueftionably, there is a point at which the cultivation of the lower orders ought to ftop. Writing and accounts appear fuperfluous inftru6tions in the hitmhlcfl walks of life ; and, when imparted, have the general efFedl of making them ambitious, and difgufted with the fervile offices which they are required to perform. It feems, therefore, a rnil'applica- tion of benevolence, to communicate what will inakc the poflcflbr unhappy ; for hard toil and humble diligence arc indifpenfably needful to the community ; and we oftener Want the hand of a labourer than of Tifcribe : nor fliould any ideas of refinement, or views of aggrandifement, befupplied, but when an evident fuperiority of genius, or weaknefs of frame, warrants a departure from eftabliflied rules. People in the higher walks of life are apt to think that their own domeftics are in a more eligible fituation than their ruftic equals ; and in their benevolent endeavours to improve the general condition of the villages in which they refide, they coniider it to be an unimpeachable exercife of charity when they fit the youth of both fexes for genteel fervice. If they attended to the gradation of ranks (which ought to be ob- ferved in the humbler as well as in the more elevated clafles,) they would learn to limit thefe views, and would take efpe- cial care that conceit and profligacy do not thwart their ge- nerous defign of making their proteges happy and refpe£la- ble. The unfophifticated ploughman and milkmaid are in- finitely more valuable, as rational beingS and members of the commonwealth, than the coxccmical valet and pert abigail.

The degree of inflrufbion which we beflow en our poor neighbours or fervants lliould befitted, as much as it can, to their relative fiiations. There can be no danger of our falling mto any error, by laboiu-ing to make them plain and fincere chriftians ; I now fpeak in a political fenfc : when I add, and members of the church of England, I mean not to deny piety and virtue, much lefs falvation, to other " con- gregations of chriftian men :" but believing that the tenets of the efcabliibment are fuperemitiently calculated to combat the errors of the titnesy and being firmly convinced that there is fafety and comfort in her fpacious fold, I recommend it as an afylum to all who have not leifure to ftudy the nice- ties and fubtilties of difputation, and who yet mull: ever be fubjecl to be temped toil " by adverfe winds of doctrine," while they continue to afTert their own liberty of election in

453

•a point where they do not poiTefs capacity for decifion, or

leil'ure for inveftigation.

With refpedt to fervants' libraries, thofe who form them will do well to obferve, that the books which compofe them Ihould poflefs two requilites, or they will remain unread. They ihould be appropriate.^ and alfo entertaining. It is often faid, that gentlemen's fervants are the moft difTolute let of beings in the kingdom : if this be true, it is a grievous re- proach on the morals, as well as on the negligence, of their immediate rulers. The infectious nature of diffipation, and the tendency of all contagion to grow more inveterate the more it is difFufed, convinces us that, while the mafter and miftrefs fpend their time in idle extravagance, the fervants will give up their hours of lounging attendance to vice j and that vice in the fuperior will be downright depravity when reflected by vulgar imitation. To hope that a few moral treatifes laid in their way will correct the evil propenfities which are perpetually excited by example, and encouraged by opportunity, is abfurd. Books, it is to be feared, never can diffiife correClnefs into a licentious family ; they may pr'eferve an orderly one, and prevent its members from going out in their hours of leifure to feek for lefs falutary recre- ation.

Books that are Written for the inftruftion of the lower orders, are often penned in a ftyle which their readers can- not underftand ; or elfe, under the idea of being made plain, they become dull and unimpreflive. Clear ideas, natural turns of reilecTtion, and forcible yet plain expreffions, are the fundamentals on which popular addreiTes fhould be built. No one can rcafon with eilcft with an illiterate perfon, un- lefs he experimentally knows how fuch perfons do reafon : hence an intimate acquaintance with the opinions and man- ners of humble life, becomes neceflary to all who would re- form its errors. V/hen we can only fay of thefe attempts that they are well meant, we a<flually deprive them of all pretenfions to utility. A perfon of education is oftener in- duced to read well intentioned ftupidity than one in low life. The popularity of enthuiiaftical preachers is acquired by their animation. Bilhop Wilfon's " Plain Account of the Sacra- ment of the Lord's Supper" may be confidered as a model for religious tracSts that are addrelTed to the uninformed. It is concife and yet full, perfplcuous yet animating. There is nothing in it that is fuperfluous, no unneceflary afFeClation of learning, no rapturous flights of devotion, nothing to

454

weary attention, to excite doubt, or to engender extrava- gance. Many excellent works of this truly apoftolical pre- late dcferve fimilar pralfe. Mr. Nclfon's " Companion for the Feafts and Fafts of the Church of England" combines the narratives that are moft interefting to chriftians, with the doctrines of our religion and the diftinguiihing excellen- cies of our venerable eftablifliment. Archbiihop Seeker's ** Lectures on the C?.techifni" is a very fuperior work ; but perhaps it may b;; objected to its ufe on this occafion, that it fuppofes a greater degree of previous information tlian fervants ufually poffefs, and fhould rather be ranked among the elementary trcatifes that are adapted to a fuperior walk of life. The like obfervations will apply toBliliopPorteus's «' Principal Evidences of the Truth and divine Origin-of « the ChriUlan Religion," and Bifliop Percy's " Key to the « New Teftament." It is perhaps impertinent in me to ob- ferve, that thefe works will be eminently ufeful wherever the underftanding has been fufficienfly enlightened to com- prehend the arguments and hiftorical notices which they contain. The labours of Mrs. Trimmer to inform and cor- rect the lower claffes cannot, without ingratitude, be palled ■over. Every friend to the religion of our country, and to focial order, rauft confefs the value of her fervices. Even in thofe works which are oftenfibly lefs important, the fame excellent principles are inculcated ; and her fictitious hifto- ries have the merit of being at once inftrudtive and intereft- ing. I know not my dear Mifs J\l , whether you have

met with a little tale by an anonymous author, entitled Lucy Franklin. It attacks that rage for iinery which is fo unhap- pily prevalent among young women in low life (and which miftreffbs of families rna-<i and ought to difcourage ;) fhov/ing them, that it is the moft likely means to plunge them into all the miferies of difgrace and ruin ;' for, that extravagance which leaves them unprovided in the hour of diftrcfs, and thofe exorbitant defires of diftiniTtion which their humble means cannot gratify, are the very avenues through which vice and profligacy are fure to enter. Young women, who by thefe means folicit the notice or put themfelves into the power of man, can hardly be faid to be i'educed \ they are in fadt their own betrayers, and fpread the fnare by which they are undone. I particularife the above tale for its mmi- tier as well as its moral. I have feen it forcibly intereft the rank to v;hich it is addreffed, and therefore conclude that

455

the author knew her readers and underftood her fubjeil ; no very common or eafy qualifications.

It has been fuggefted, that a proper felecllon of well au- thenticated fafts from newfpapers, accompanied with fliort and lignificant comments, might form a very valuable fort of fervants' hall common place book : it is the kind' of reading which generally pleafes them, being fhort and pithy: and real hiltory pofTciTes many advantages over fiditious, efpe- cially among that clafc of people who feldom beftow much attention on a narrative, till alTured of its authenticity. But in all our feledlions of this kind we fliould remember, that thofe who attempt to corrupt the commonalty are aided by powerful abilities, and inculcate tenets peculiarly palatable to fallen humanity in an alluring fafcinating ftyle. "We cannot therefore hope to have iinpkafant truths regarded, unlefs we are v€ry careful to drefs them in an agreeab/e^form. A weak defence of a good caufe is rather injurious than beneficial, and is more apt to pervert the auditors, and incline them to be adverfaries, than to win over neutrals (much lefs enemies) N to the caufe of truth.

Refpefling the proper government of our families, it un- queftionably lies in the happy medium between the extremes of rigour and lenity, wearying watchfulnefs and carelefs neg- le6l. It is certainly our duty to endeavour to promote the prefent comfort and ultimate advantage of all who minifter to our wants and neceffities. This fhould be done regular- ly and confiftently, not capricioufly and partially, with a dif- criminating fenfe of fuperior defert, but without injuftice to the rightful claims of any. Yet when we beftow peculiar favour in confequcnce of long or valuable fervice, or any other extraordinary merit, we muft take care that it be of fuch a kind as will not unfit them for their ftation in life. We muft never perniit idkmfs, unlefs we mean to mate them independent ; nor fhould we allow them fuch indulgencies in their appetites or defires, as we know their limited means will not warrant in future. On no account fliould we per- mit them to defpife or infult thofe to whom they are intrin- lically inferior, on account of the adventitious elevation v/hich they derive from their connexion with us. Kindnefs does not fliow itfelf in flattering their foibhs^ or in foftering their vanity ; but in a fteady deflre to promote their real happinefs. We fhould allow occafional relaxation, not only for the management of their temporal and fpiritual concerns, but alfo for the purpofes of innocent amufcment ; though in

456

this latter particular It will cloubtlefs be advlfable to prefervc ibme fort of fuperintendance over their pleafures ; for fer- vants have often a moft diabolical pride in deceiving their fuperiors ; and thofe hours are moft likely to be ill employed •which are removed from all reftraining control.

Watchfulncfsy therefore, becomes an eilential part of a mif- trefs's duty : how it can be praftifed by tliofe " whofe feet never abide in their own houfe," is difficult to conceive. We require too much from that nature which felf-examina- tion muft tell us is weak, frail, and corrupt, when we expetSt that thofe who have no permanent intereft in our concerns will /apply the care and good management which we totally omit. A negligent mafter and miftrefs are confidered as lawful prey by their domeftics ; and thofe who are proverbi- ally eafy and know nothing, are at once cheated and defpif- ed for a difpofition which (however it may engage the aflec- tion and efteem of generous and enlightened characters) fel- clom fails to excite the rapacity of the ignorant, who are wife only in cunning. It is this which makes a previtous acquaint- ance with domeftic affairs fo neceflary a part of a young woman's education j and it is to the negledl of this, that the knavery of fervants may often be imputed 5 for they rarely attempt fraud, and deceit, but when they think they may praftife it with impwiity. To fpeak impartially, may w^e not alio afcribe capricious, petulant, and fufpicious miftrefles to the fame fource .'' Byfetting out with unbounded confidence in tkofe who ferve us, we certainly open the door for grofs jmpoficion ; and as detection is fure to follow dilbionefty foonor or later, the r^atural tranfition in our own minds will condu;51: us from cheated credulity to imjujl fufp'tcion ; and if we are too little acquainted with houfehold management to know when we meet with fidelity and induftry, everlafl:ing jealoufy and contention are the confequence, till, by a moft imcomfortable and culpable perverfion of our judgment, we inclwde all fervants in one iniquitous clafs of cheats and de- ceivers. The almoft inevitable confequence of this injurious conclufion is, that all with whom we are concerned will prove to be (o.

I am far from wifliing a miftrefs of a fannly to be 'ivhoHy engrolled with fuperintending the coRduv!?t of her hcu{<;h.old ; much lefs would I have her eftablifli a fyftem of efpionage, and create herfclf inquifitor general :, for thefe meafures would only render her hated and uniiaj^i-jy. It is fufficient if flae uniformly difplay vigilance and intcUigence. No £iui:.

457

wliicli {he is kmton to have obferved, fHould be fuffered to pafs without a reprimand, proportioned (let me be permit- ted to obferve) to the moral turpitude of the action, not to the cnfual inconvetiieuce which arifes from it. All wilful neg- lects, and even infolence of behaviour, come under this de- fqription, becaufc attention and civility wet pofiiive parts of a fervant's duty as prcfaibed by the law of God :* but avirk- wardnefs, forgetful nefs, and error, fhould be treated with forgiving lenity. I am forry to have obferved, that among the vices of the lower orders falfehood and envy feem fo predominant as to be almoft incurable. They are however fuch black offences, that a confcientious miftrefs will never remit her endeavours to expel them from her own houfe- hold. By way of curing the firft, flae fhould eafily pardon faults that are frankly confeiTed ; nor fliould fhe too ftriCtly perfevere in inquiries which flie has reafon to believe will create a ftrong temptation to duplicity. By thefe methods, and by uniformly expreffing her deteftation of falfehood and evafion, flie may break ti young fervant of telling /ies of excu/e, which many of the lower orders affirm to be no fin. Anoth- er fpecies of falfehood appears in myfterious fecrccy, and frivolous deception. Every miftrefs muft have obferved, at times, in her family, a fort of petty duplicity, and infignifi- cant breaches of truft ; the real guilt of which confifts not in the actions themfelves, but in the pains that are taken to conceal them. I fear, in the prefent ftate of fervitude, we muft either be content to pafs over fuch provocations, or perform our family offices ourfelves. Such conduft is, how- ever, certainly blameable ; and whenever a miftrefs is cofi- strained to obferve it, flae fbould exprefs her hearty difap- probation of every thing which is contrary to opennefs and candour. But I would advife thofe who are teafed by thefe unpleafant, fbuffling, myfterious proceedings, when they know them to be allied with valuable qualities (as is fome- times the cafe,) occafionally to appear not to obferve them. Severity in trifles is fometimes a caufe^ and always an excufe, for this dubious behaviour. If, however, a miftrefs difcover a conflant tendency to difguife on all occaftons, fhe muft: conclude that the integrity of that fervant cannot be unim-

* " Servants, be fubjedt to your own mafters with all fear, not only to the good ar.d gentle, but alfo to the froward. Not anfwering again. Not flothful in biifinefs ; not with eve fervice."

Kkk

•1 JO

pe.ichablc, nor to be depended upon in things of confc- quence. The only cure for malvcrfation is religious princi- ple ; which, if firmly implanted in the mind, would prevent all that eye fervice of which we fo juftly complain.*

I fear envy is fuch a mortal canker, that, when once it has deeply penetrated the heart, a total cure is impoflible. It, however, frequently refults from narrovvnefs of thinking, and may be greatly counteraiSled by giving fervants more en- larged views of the ftate of fociety, and their own pofitive duties and comforts : to do fo, will not be teaching them re- finement, but fenfe ; and from the monarch on his throne, to the humble coifng^r, found fenfe zv\d jiji opinions :ire inefti- mable treafures. A fteady rejetStion of a fyilem of favouri- tifm, and flricl: impartiality in domeftic management, will at lead: relieve ourfelves froin the reproach of having tended to excite this malignant fpirit.

Some well meaning people adopt an idea, that it is necef- fary to try the honefty and veracity of their fervants by con- certed proofs. You will, of courfe, expeft me to reprobate a mode of conducl which is, in {:i-% ufurping the pod of the prince of darknefs, and becoming at once the feduccr and " the accufer of our brethren." Many people never would have fallen into fin, but through the unlucky prevalence of a temptation which appeared to unite gratification and fecu- rity. Before we lay a trap for a fervant, let us reflect that there is a greater chance of our exciting a new defire, than that we fhall ftimulate an inveterate habit ; and even in the cafe of old offenders, it is pofiible that they may have re- folved againft the crime, and were endeavouring to gain a victory over a finful courfe, when we bafely betrayed them, and thus crufhed « the limed foul that ilruggled to get free." Let us confider too, that every time an offence is commit- ted, remorfe and compuncftion are diminijhed. The young beginner fins with fear an_d trembling; his tortured con- fcience fo much afHidts him, that after the moment of com- iniffion he refolves to offend no more. Suppofing him again overcome by temptation, his concern decreafes, till, if he pcrfevere in an evil courfe, he finally vanquifhes grief as well as fhame. Thus, bv even allowincr a hardened villain to re-

• " It is impofiible to fccure the duty of inferiors," fays bifliop Taylor, " but by confcience and good will ; iinlefs provifioa could be made againft " their fecret arts aud couccahncuts, which, as no providence can forcfcc, *' no diligence can care."

459

pfat his crimes, we leiTen the probability of his repentance, and become acceflbry to his final deftruftion. To prevent iniquity, not to detect and punifli it, will be the fludy of a humane miftrefs.

Of courfe, all who are folicitous for the orderly govern- ment of their houfeholds, refufe to admit a fervant without previoufly inquiring into their charafter. Hence it becomes the duty of every one to fpeak honeftly and candidly of the domeftics whom they difcharge. A religious adherence to truth, in this particular, would greatly tend to improve the morals of fervants ; and it is to be hoped, that the interfer- ence of the legiflature, and the impofition of fevere penal- ties, will enforce pundtuality from thofe whom honour could not bind to veracity. It is falfe tendernefs to difguife the faults of thofe whom you have found to be incorrigibly prof- ligate ; fince by fo doing, under the weak pretence of not robbing a poor fervant of her bread, you may chance to in- troduce depravity into a well principled houfehold, fome of whom they may probably contaminate. Certainly there are degrees of guilt ; and when favourable circumftances appear in extenuation of a fault, let not refentment induce us to paint it in its blackeft colours. We fhould in this cafe be fo candid to inquirers, as to difcover what was done amifs, that they may be guarded againll bad confequences, fuppof- ing they venture upon the trial.

Faultlefs characters are not to be found, even in thofe fit- uations moft favourable to virtue \ much lels muft we hope for them in the rank of life which is tnofl expofed to temp- tation, and furnilhed with but iveak antidotes, either from education, habit, example, or general opinion. It is, there- fore, more than poffible, that thofe who believe themfelves to pofTefs a fuper-excellent dependent are the dupes of chica- nery and duplicity. There are fome qualities which are more efpecially to be valued, and others with which we may difpenfe. It is alfo poffible, indeed I hope it often happens, that a fervant is reformed by admonition, good example, and difcreet management. We muft allow m"uch for the errors of ignorance. That mild indulgence for female frailty, which it is fo fafhionabie to claim from our fex, with refpe^t to what are called gentle errors, though culpable and dan- gerous when exercifed to thofe whom fortune fecured from folicitation, and rank hedged round from pollution, is not only merciful but juji, when excited by the backflidings of the untaught child of indigence. It is in a humble ftation^

460

in which lofs of chara<fler expofes women to all the infamy and mifery of venal proftitution, that we fliould extend our arm to refcue tl fallen fijlef^ and once more reftore her to the ccmpdence of bidujlry. Whenever youth, or extreme fimplic- ity, or grofs ignorance, or bad example, or ftrong tempta- tion, or great neglecl, can be pleaded in excufe of a firjl of- fence, pardon fhouid be prompt. I do not fay it Ihould precede contrition in all inftances •, in fome, perhaps, our iirft adl of kindnefs muft be to awaken remorfe. We (hould, however, take care fo to proportion our pity, that it can nev- er be conflrued into an encouragement to lin. This caution is extremely neceffary in thefe times, when it is lamentable to obferve what flight ideas are formed of the value of chaf- tity among women in low life. Baflardy is fcarcely reckon- ed a difgrace, and criminality before marriage is too com- mon even to excite furprife. When we add, to this lax idea of our firft diftin<rtion, the univerfal paffion for drefs and expenfe which has feized thofe who have no honeft depend- ence but on frugality and induftry, we muft difcover a moft alarming profpedl: of degradation and extreme infamy. Yet where Ihall our cenfure point ? Surely, at thofe who by their luxury and ttntempted profligacy fet an example of evil ; at thofe from whom, as more inducements to virtue and better guards of difcretion were given to them, more corredlnefs of morals will be required.

I am firmly perfuaded, that a genera! cletcrwi/ioiio/i of m'lC- trefles to difcountenance all improper and unfiatahle apparel, all needlefs expenfe, and ridiculous imitation of fafhionable modes, would effect a fpeedy reformation in the appearance not only of female fervants, but of all the luimb'^ ranks of life. But here unhappily, as in every otiier inftance, our own vanity betrays us into the inconvenience which we afterwards find fuch caufe to regret. Some liUy gentlewo- man, adopting the fupercilious hmnour of Addifon's Brunet- ta,* determines that her handmaid fhall rival, in fmartnefs, that competitor whom fhe herfelf cannot eclipfe in tafte or beauty. An attanpt of this kind cannot be made without caufing a general tumult in the neighbourhood ; for all the Moliies and Betties immediately recoUeft fome degrading anecdote of the poor decorated jackdav/, or fome reafon why they have an equal right to wear peacocks' feathers. No miftrefs (I mean, no vain miflrefs, which qualified negative

* Speclator, No. 8c.

461

almoft amounts to a pofitive) likes to fee her damfels look fhabbier than thofe of other people ; and the metamorpho- lis of gowns and bonnets becomes as general and inftantane- ous, as that which Ovid records of the ftones flung by Deu- calion J for, under the forming hand of a dreflmaker and milliner, beauty and grace grow out of as fhapelcfs mafles, and the world feems peopled with another order of beings. The laws of Fafhion are, however, the exadl reverfe of thofe of the Medes and Perhans : and her humble worfhippers muft find their time confumed, and their ingenuity and mo- ney wafted, by thofe liberal facrifices to this deity which their flender means can ill afford. Thus holiday gentility be- gets every day untidinefs, and occafional regard to appearance becomes another name for flatternlinefs. Young women ufed to confider fervitude as the bank on which they drew for their little marriage portion ; and even in choofing their clothes the cautious girl looked forward to the future wants of the Goody^ and evinced her provident regard to ufefulnefs, by her preference of ftout everlafting and fubftantial came- lot. I fufpe(5t that no draper's fhop could now furnilh thefe, or even fimilar articles ; and, unqueftionably, they would never meet with purchafers among our advocates for light floating drapery, who begin life with a refolution to fpend as faft as they earn. Hence arife wretchednefs and poverty hi the married ftate ; hence total dependence and helpleiP nefs in the cafe of ficknefs or any other misfortune ; and hence are the haunts of proflltution thickly peopled with the miferable vi<Stims of vanity and extravagance ; moft of whom, from their rapidly increafing numbers, can have nore- fource but to eat the v/ages of fliame, till premature death terminates unfpeakable mifery.

Are thefe confequences deplorable ? Is this portrait true ? ( Then let the compaflionate matron, who weeps over this ' devaftation of female innocence, this defalcation of female utility and refpetStability, earneftly confider what fhe is do- ing, when fhe fir ft roiifes the fpirit of vanity in the bofom of an artlefs ruftic, by requiring from her young fervants any further attention to drefs than cleanlinefs and neatnefs, or encouraging a regard to appearance beyond abhorrence of rags and filth. Even when fome provifion for future con- tingencies has been made, the drefs of fervants fliould al- ways continue plain, uniform, and fuited to their ftation ; I mean in convenience of fhape, as well as propriety of mate- rials. Feathers rattling among our pots and faucepans, trains

462

fweeping our dripping-pans, and muflin dreflcs fcrubblng our rooms, can only excite ludicrous ideas in the beholders ; while the poor decorated block patiently endures the incon- venience, in the hope that every one will admire her ele- gance. But I have not yet mentioned that acme of abfurdi- ty (to give it no ftronger name) to which caricatured refine- ment has hurried the age. Indelicacy treads upon the heels of impropriety. Diana, in her diamond crefcent, cannot ■difrobe fafter than the wood-nymphs who attend her ; and, as Fielding obferves of his Sophia, " when the lady uncovers « her arms, which have all the properties of wax but that •* of melting, her maid Mrs. Honour exhibits her refem- <* blance of bull-beef with equal fang-froid and to the fame •< extent." I have an averiion to the Venus de Medicis, even Vv^hen it is carved in alabafter ; and 1 hope that the nume- rous bi'iclc-bat models which we meet with in fculleries will perfuade the indignant goddefs to refume her veil : till llae fets the example, there is no hope of reformation. In vain'fhall we preach oeconomy and propriety, if we fliow thofe who look up to us for examples the method of being ex- travagant and ridiculous.

Thus, as in all other authoritative fituations, example clofes the circle of prelcribed duties, and its influence on fub- ordinate ftations is almoft invincible. You rarely fee the mafter and mldrefs of a family diftinguilhed for propriety and goodnefs, without obfcrving that the fervants exhibit the afpedt of decency and order. When the heads of the houfe are diffipated, riot and profligacy reign in the kitchen ; the extravagance of the lady is reflected by her myrmydons. Is flie abfuvdly emulous of her fuperiors ; does llae launch into expenfcs merely becaufe ihe cannot bear to be outdone j you will generally find that every female in the houfe is a tav/dry beggar, and intimatelj^ acquainted with the internal regulations of a pawnbroker's Ihop. On the other hand, is the miilrefs contented in her itation, oeconomic, induftrious, domeftic, and prudent, the fervants will not be gadders and goffips ; their appearance will be plain ; their manners regu- lar ; they will find amufement in their occupations, and the fong of cheerfulnefs will carol to the wheel of diligence.

Nor is the benefit of a good example confined within the walls of our ov/n dwelling. To you, my dear young friend, who are by birth appointed to that moli enviable of all fitu- ations a country gentlewoman, I can with peculiar applica- bility point out the beneficial confequences of prudence, gen-

453

tlenefs, decent refpe^ to your own rank, kind attention to' the wants and comforts of others, and regard to religious duties, as refledled in the appearance of a village which looks up to you as its ftandard of right. Happy would it be for this kingdom, if itifltmice were always as happily exerted in favour of tt7oral improvement !

The virtue of charity has been fo often commended in the courle of our correspondence, that I fliall only briefly mention it in this letter. Benevolence is certainly a prime part of our duty to our inferiors. Happily it is not over- looked in this kingdom. In cur laudable endeavours for bettering the condition of the poor, let us, however, bear in mind two confiderations, which ever ought to guide the libe- ral hand of uufparlng beneficence : I mean that we fhould never excite the infatiable appetite of improper refinement^ and beware of encouraging that perpetual dependence on our aid which weakens the moral llimulus from which induftry and provident care for the future are derived. It is in thefe particulars that the poor of this kingdom are placed in a nvorje lituation than their anceftcrs. Parochial relief, though it is their only bulwark againft abfolute want that has yet been difcovered, feldom fails to injure the character of thofe v;ho frequently claim it. Hence the incalculable fuperiority of every plan which propofes to preferve the poor from difi trefs, over thofe which barely tend to prevent them' from finking under its galling preiTure.

As far, therefore, as the influence of any lady can extend, let her be the patronefs of indufl:ry and frugality, the re- warder of merit, and the enemy of immorality. Let her acquaint herfelf with the real wants of the family which fhc means to ferve, before Ihe takes them out of their own hands, and teaches them to depend upon her afiiftance. To this €nd, flie fliould (as has been before obferved) know what they have it in their power to earn, what fum is necefl^ary for their fulfijlencey what for comfort^ what for indulgence. The thrifty earth does not produce her delicacies in fufiicient redundance to allow all her ofi'spring to partake of them ; but when the relifli has not been acquired, this privation is not painful. The increafmg opulence of every ajcending rank proportionably increafes care, refponflbility, and indulgence. It is our duty to remember this, both in refpect to thofc above and thofe beneath us. If we encourage indolence, or fofter unreafonable appetites, our benevolence makes us bad citizens. Age, infirmity, ficknefs, unproteded infancy, wid-

464.

owhood, and imbecility, have a right to pecuniary aid ; and what we give to extravagance, idlenefs, or diffolute morals, is in facl taken from thefe juft claimants.

To difcharge our duty well in the relative ftations of life, ample fortunes or fuperior information are not neceflary. The widow's mite was accepted and recorded ; to "a cup of cold water," given on chriftian motives, is promifcd a re- ward. Out of her little barrel of meal and fcanty crufe, the Zidonian widow maintained the exiled prophet of God. They who confine their notions of benevolence to the over- Jknu'uigs of wealth, forget that chriftian charity is founded on self-denial.

Thefe remarks, my dear Mifs M , are not neccflary

to you ; but the time's require them. The equalizing fpint of the age, and the abundant largefles which wealth unfpar- ingly beftows, induce the poor to fet little value upon the affiftances which limited frugality czn prudently z&OTd. The ingratitude and extravagance of the lower orders are there- fore frequently urged, by thofe who have not much to be- llow, as a reafon for refervlng that little to their own ufe. The rapacity of felf-indulgence muft, however, be checked ; the pofitivc command of our Mafter muft not be forgotten, nor his own example of tender pity to the ungrateful over- looked. If we fhould really be lo unfortunately fituated as to know no obje^ who deferves or requires our aid, let us then remember that we can further the beneficial purpofes of public charity. We are ourfelves naked and hungry, un- lefs we are adorned and fed by the riches of God's mercy. We are commanded " to do good, and to be ready to com- municate to thofe who are in need." We are alfo enjoined to keep our own bodies in fubjeclion •, and we Ihall never avoid indulging ourfelves in finful propenfities, unlefs we are accuftomed to the wholefome difcipline of moderating or de- nying our innocent defires. If we permit ourfelves to plead experienced ingratitude, as a reafon for abftaining from the duty of benevolence, we fball become in every fenfe of the word uncharitable, felfifli, implacable, uncandid, and petu- lant, full of envy, fwollen with pride, haughty, and vain glo- rious, without kindly afietSVions to our brother man, and unthankful to God. Howdeteftable is furh a characlcr, and how intimately has our bleffed Mafter united duty with re- spe^lability atid true enjoyment !

I remain, my dear Mifs INI ,

Ever faithfully youry, 5cc.

465

LETTER XV.

On the Duties of declining Life and old Aga

MY DEAR MISS M ■,

W E have confidered the fphere of general utility in which Providence defigned that our fex fliould move. We have inveftlgated the obUqiie paths in which the frailty of our na- ture, and the ftrong inducements of external temptations, have frequently made us wander ; and we have alfo confid- ered our general and relative duties as chriftians, as rational creatures, as the wives and mothers of the human race, and as the regulators of domeftic comfort and family order. We feem now to have condufted the female character to that ftage of life which requires and deferves tranquillity and re- pofe. Yet even hither the obligations of duty and ufeful- nefs accompany us •, nor indeed do they quit us on this fide the grave, unlefs we are deftlned to hang fufpended over its brink, ftretched on the couch of bedridden inanity. Let no One, therefore, fuppofe that becaufe the decline of life h ge- nerally lefs crowded with bufy occupations, we may devote it without hefitation to felfifh enjoyment.

" For better purpofes to favour'd man

" Is length of days, tremendous bleffing, given ; *• To regulate our life's diforder'd plan,

" And purify the blemifli'd foul for heaven. " How blefl: who thus, by added years improv'd,

" With cautious ftcps their lengthcn'd journey tread, « And, from the talk of fultry life remov'd,

" Converle with wifdom in its ev'ning fliade !"

ATrs, Carters Posmsa

A few reflexions on the reciprocal obligations of youth and age, and on the occupations of declining life, fhall con- clude a correfpondence in which I flatter myfelf the pleafure and improvement have been mutual. By analyfing the faults of others, I have furnifhed myfelf with better armour againft LI I

466

niy own errors ; and the {ubjedi that I am about to dlfcufj leads me to think, that the counfels of experience may oc- cafionally have reheved you from the incertitude of youthful timidity.

The primary duties of declining life are certainly due to our own family, and thofe remnants of friendfhip and early connexion which death, or the viciffitudes of fortune, flill permit us to retain ; for this is not the period to extend our acquaintance and enlarge our circle, when we feel ourfelves daily lefs capable of flowly pacing a drcumfcribed round. Our firft preparation for decent retreat is, to let the ftri^l- nefs of maternal authority gradually fubiide into afte6tionatc friendfhip. When the judgment of a young perfon has fo far ripened as to become adequate to the common purpofcs of life, the mother will do w^ell to change command into counfel, and pofitive prohibition into reafon and argument. The period between adoleicence and maturity Teems to be the age in which we Ihould attempt to govern by influence, and to direct the underftanding rather by infinuation than deciflve control. As years advance, the cord of reftraint fliould continue to be flackened ; and in proportion to this relaxation, the ties of affection and efteem fhould, if pofRble, be ftrengthened, till attachment and habit have formed the inviolable cement of maternal and filial friendfhip. This fure- ly never can be promoted by inverting the natural order fo long fandtioned by experience. A contending infant mufl certainly make a pert child, a froward girl, and an infolent daughter. The complaints which parents in declining life frequently make, of the negle«St and unkindneis of their chil- dren, are moftly afcribable to their own bad management ; they indulged and humoured them when they ought to have had them in fubjeBion ; and then expected to govern them when habit had engendered ftubbornnefs, and cuflom acknow- ledged aiidjiijlified their claim to felf-government.

The mother who has preferved the affections of her chil- dren, and brought them up " in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," has made the richefl: provifion for her declin- ing years ; and flie may then with propriety begin to relieve her own fhoulders from the burthen of worldly care. Our fex is charged with finding it very difficult to grow old when they ought ,- and the beauty of a daughter is faid to be never thoroughly admired by a mother who piqued herielf upon her early lovelinefs. There is fome truth in this cliarge ; but the pidure of a faded toaft covering het gray locks with

467

falfe hair, brightening her dim eyes with a large portion of rouge, expofing her llirivelled perfon, imitating in her girl- i£li titters and jaunty ftep the vivacity of youth, and looking around to fee if fhe has withdrawn admiration from thofe fair bloffoms of unaffifted nature which bloom beauteous at her fide, is fo irreiiftibly ludicrous, that I fhould hope the general inclination to laugh at fuch grofs folly makes people often accufe maternal vanity, when the fprightly matron only intended to pave the way for her daughter's conquefts.

This view of the world has made me often lament the indifpenfable neceffity of chaperons for fpinflers who have palTed the age of juvenile indifcretion -, fuppofing that it muft be miferable, for ladies in the autumn of their days to be compelled to pafs, not merely their midnight, but their morning hours alfo, in the fatiguing fcenes of public amufe- ment and private diffipation, as often as any unmarried friend folicited them to forego thofe comforts of reft and repofe which muft be fo much more congenial to declining ftrength and impaired health. Above all, I have lamented the abfo- lute neceffity of their adopting the chilling coftume, with- out which, I fuppofe, it is hnpojftble for them to be admitted within the precindls of falhion. Contemplating the mourn- ful lift of difeafes, dire catarrhs, afthmas, rheumatics, palfies, &c. to which decaying fabrics are more expofed, and feeling the comforts of fleecy hofiery and warm wrappings, I have had the prefumption to fuppofe that a general infurreElion of middle aged ladies, in defence of the privileges fuited to their years, might procure them a charter to authorife their wear- ing fleeves, petticoats, and handkerchiefs. As for old wo- men, it will not be neceflary to put in any faving claufes on their account ; for in gen,teel life the order is extinEl. With this very humble effort to ferve the idol they worlhip, felf (which on that account will, I truft, be kindly received,) I make my farewel curtfey to ** the falhionable world ;" among whofe virtues I gratefully acknowledge the gay good hu- mour, and. polite nonchalance, with which it endures cen- fure, defies reproach, and even enjoys a fatire on its own vices that promifes to kill time ; thus leaving to myfelf, and the induftrious tribe to whom I belong, the ever new delight of pointing out its vices and abfurdities. I will addrefs the remainder of this letter to a lefs incorrigible order of beings.

To the gradual abdication of maternal authority, a pro- greffive relignation of fuperfluous ornaments of drefs and

463

pleafunble purfaits fliould be added. I do not mean that this dereliftion fhould proceed to total negligence or entire feclufion ; but that, in the former cafe, we fliould forbear to fet ** an odorous chaplet of fweet fummer buds on the icy brow of Hymen," becaufe every tittering girl will difcover that it is done " in mockery •," and in the latter inflance, that we fhould fit fo loofe to acStive enjoyment, as moft will- ingly to relinquifh a place at a party of plcafure, to gratify the longings of fanguine youth ; nay, that we fliould bring our minds to fuch a ftate, as to receive more fatisfaflion from the recapitulation of fuch fcenes, when defcribed by a daughter or a niece, than the being an eye witnefs could have communicated. This is not fuppofing or recommend- ing an untimely or entire renunciation of the world. While we continue to have the charge of young daughters, we muft, nioft unqueftionably, for their fakes, mix in its more feftive fcenes as often as prudence and propriety enjoin that they fliould enjoy thofe amufements, which it is neceflary our prefence fliould fandlion. The abfurd laws of fafliiona- ble life require matrons to initiate Angle ladies in continual diflipation ; there feems alfo to be an cppoftte error in the middle clafl'es permitting their grown girls to go every where, without the leafl: reftriftion from the prefence of a mother or fl:aid relation, who would not only prevent the imperti- nent advances of forward pretenders, but alfo check thofc ebullitions of volatile fpirits which are apt tp hurry the pof- feflbr into extravagance, if not into vice. The evils that arife from negledled infancy are comparatively trivial, to the confequences which muft enfue from fiiffering youth to run its headlong courfe unadmoniflied and unobferved. A fig- nificant glance from a maternal eye may prevent a thoufand improprieties ; nip a dangerous intimacy in its bud ; corre£V a vivacity which, though refulting from innocence, is often afcribed to improper levity ; and extricate a heedlefs inexpe- rienced girl from embarrafsnients, v.-ith which it would be impoiliblc for her to contend felf-fupported.

But, though our appearance in public fcenes of amufement fhould rather depend upon the wiflies and neceflities of oth- ers than on our ovv^n, as long as our health and faculties will permit us to add to the pleafures of focial intercourfe, I would advife my fcx not to give thctnfelves up to total feclufion. If they can bring good humour and chcerfulnefs into compa- ny, they may be afiurcd that their prefence will be a valua- l^le addition to its delights. There are very few young peo-

469

pie who would not love the fociety of their feniors, provid- ed they were treated with kindnefs, and condefcending at- tention to the propenfities and errors incident to their age. The trite rule, that old people fliould remember they were young, and the young fhould confider that if they live they will be old, is quite fufficient to eftablifh the commerce of different ages on an agreeable footing. Let us pidture to ourfelves the wifdom of declining years removing the doubts and confirming the judgment of youthful inexperience ; and receivinjT, in return, thofe exhilarating fapplies of vivacity and amufement which its exhaufted fpirits often require. Does not this Idea prefent to tlie mind one of the moft: amia- ble and valuable portraits of fecial life, exercifed in the be- neficent offices of relieving the mutual vv'ants of humanity ? Let us take found fenfe and good temper for the chara6ler- iftics on one fide, and let modefl:y and fprightlinefs predom- inate on the other j affection, and a defire to ferve and to pleafe, muft be mutual ; and furely a friendfliip that is found- ed on an equality of years can hardly furnifii fo many effen- tial requifites for happy and improving intercourfe.

To increafe the effefSl of its admonitions, age fhould al- ways place its fuperiority in a true light ; it being an adven- titious and relative, not an inherent difiincSlion. If, virhile we obliquely lecture the extravagancies of youth, we glance occafionally at our " own falad days," when we alfo " were green in judgment," we fliall greatly abate the offenjtvenefs oi prefcription. The narrative of our mifchances, proceeding either from the want or the neglefl of mjlructien^ will per- fuade our hearers of the integrity of our intentions in be- ftowing it upon them ; and they will be contented not to be wife before their time, provided we yield them the empire which youth and beauty may claim with propriety, and do not require them to liften to us as to beings who are exempt from error. The fombre colours in which we muft occa- fionally depicture life, in order that we may check the ex- treme avidity of youthful purfuit, and the ardour of fanguine expeftation, will appear more natural, if we direct their re- collection to the images that occupied their minds in their childifh days, and the little reliih they now have for the en- joyments which then feemed impoffible to glut their craving defires. But we muft not enlarge too far on the melan- choly fide of human life ; we flaould alfo tell our young au- ditors, that as every age and feafon has its appropriate views and duties, it would be improper for thofe who are begin-

470

ning the talk of life to eftlmate it by the fame ftandard as we do, whofe labours are nearly finiflied. And, left they fhould lufpedl our views of exiftence to be copied from the darkening mirror of fpleen and envy, at finding ourfelves fu- perannuated in the records of pleafure, let us prove our dif^ intereftednefs in the difpofal of her favours, not by z formal difavoiva/, but by our unafFefted indiff'eretice to what we have voluntarily furrendered, and by our fincere defire to enable the rifing generation to enjoy the fruits of their feafon, in fuch a degree as temperance and prudence will allow.

I have fpoken of vivacity as the diftinguifhing feature of youth ; but it by no means follows, that age ought to adopt the fober uniform of triftful melancholy. If it prefer the attire of gravity, let that decorous garb refemble the robe of <* the ftarr'd Ethiop queen," and be ftudded over with lucid fpangles. I grant, the fportive train of Euphrofyne, who *' trip on the light fantaftic toe," would be rather inconve- nient partners to thofe who limp through the vale of years ; but, fpojftblt'y let cheerfulnefs conduct us to life's lateft ftage. There is fomething delightfully exhilarating in the fportive good humour of an agreeable old woman. I have even feen affumed coquetry appear infinitely engaging, when it was adopted to correct and inftruft a granddaughter. You ob- ferve, I fpeak of an affeBed^ not a real flirtation •, and I pre- mife that the a6lor had a moral purpofe. When cheerfulnefs flruggles with difeafe and hopelefs infirmity, fhe prefents us not merely an amiable but a fublime objedl ; for how, my dear mifs M —^ can we better eftlmate the power of re- ligion, than when we perceive that it enables the foul to emerge from the ruins of its earthly tabernacle, not only without terror, but with a ferens complacence almoft amount- ing to exultation }

I believe mental energy and bodily aillvity are the beft medical recipes that have been difcovered to retard the pro- grcfs of phyfical decay. When the wifh of repofe increafes upon us, we fhould exerclfe our judgment, to diftlngulfli whether it is the pofitive call of nature, or the cravings of felf-indulgence ; and as we value the enjoyment of our re- maining days, we muft comply with the former, and combat the latter. Let us apply to the employments that moft in- tereft us as long as poffible, and decline the afilftance of oth- ers as long as we are able to perform little oflices for our- felves. To " live all the days of our lives," in a raiiom/, not A Bauhanalian fenfe, is moft defirable ; for our mortal ex-

471

jftence is a burden, and not a blefling, when the fpnng of the mind, as well as the iinews of" the body, is broken down, and feeble dependence is conftrained to lean on extraneous fupport. In llich a ftatc we may and muft continue, if it be the will of God, till he feparates impatient age from its load of drofly alloy, and purifies it into ethereal mind. But fure- ly it muil be a fenfible aggravation to the miferies of thofe who thus drink the bitter dregs of life, to have their fcanty fliare of recolledlion filled with the confcioufnefs that indo- lence and felf-indulgence have prematurely brought on thofe years in which they feel there is no pleafure.

Another preventive to growing old before our time is, to avoid incurring thofe habits which will drive us to our own bed chambers, and what is ftill worfe, confine us to the fo- ciety of interefted dependence. I have mentioned cheerful- nefs and good humour as the credentials which will ever procure admittance into good company. To preferve our title to thefe, we mufl: watch againfi: thofe notions and habits which are apt to predominate when difappointment and laf^ fitude have prepared the wearied mind for mifanthropy, or at leaft rendered it indifferent to furrounding objefts. It is certainly extremely defirable, that we fhould not be too much attached to what we muft foon relinquifh : Yet, on the other hand, if we cut the knots which bind us to the world failer than nature unties them, we excoriate inftead of liberating our hearts ; and there is more probability of their becoming cankered o'er with fpieen, than that they will be fo purified as to render them a willing and acceptable offer- ing to God. If we feclude ourfelves from fociety further than our religious duties, our infirmities, or the decorums due to our age, jufi:ify, we fliall not think more ivifely than our neighbours, but more aujierely. We fhall look on errors as crimes, and turn diflimilarity of opinion into error. If our intercourfe is chiefly limited to thofe who dare not con- tradict us, we fliall infallibly become dogmatical and opin- ionated ; and our tenacity, inllead of giving fandtion to the purity of our principles and the redlitude of our condu<ft, will render even our wifdom and virtue forbidding and dif- gufl:ing. They who would reform the world (and who fo proper for the vmdertaking *' as the hoary head, when it is found in the paths of righteoufnefs ?") fhould remember the apoftolical rule of becoming " all things to all men, that by any means they might gain fome." The uncomplying af^ pedt of fleril flern reproof is ill adapted to the office of per-

472

fuaflon. If wc require youth to facrlficc Its Inclinations and paflions to our admonitions, we mud take efpecial care that its attentions (liall not be diverted from its own impro\'«menf, bv the irreliftible inducement of an obvious retort^ which our own petulance or poiitivenefs has deferved, and rendered but too applicable.

But notwithftanding all thefe heroical endeavours to de-» lay as long as we can the period of our playing nobody in the drama of life, the time commonly at length arrives when our excurlions cannot extend far beyond our own fire-fides, and our limited obfervations mufl: be contented with the confined amufements which the domefiic circle affords us. Happy they v/ho at this, or indeed any other period of de- clining life,* polTefs the luxurious enjoyment of long eftal> lifhed well proved friendfliip ! Age is always faid to be gar- rulous •, and how can this propenfity be fo delightfully, grat- ified, as in the fociety of one with whom we can difcufiJ thofe fcenes of early life which are viewed with tenfold in- tereft, and glow with more vivid colours, when defcried through the foftening perfpe£live of time ? When memory begins to fail, it refembles the telefcope ; near objects and late events are but dimly difcerned, and make a faint im- preflion •, while expatiating on thofe which are remote, it magnifies them into difl:in6lnefs and fplendour. Hence the convcrfation of aged people generally confifks in tales of paft times j and if they are faithful chroniclers, an intelligent auditor will always liften to them with delight : but the pleafure of the relater is exquilitely increafed, when a vener- able cotemporary is at hand to confirm the narrative, or to elucidate it with additional circumftances.

But though an occaftonal companion of our own agC, cfpe- cially fuch a one with whom we can renew the endearments of ancient friendfliip, is highly gratifying ; if the prefTure of infirmities be vqvj fever e^ it rarely happens that the comfort of old people is really increafed by ref.ding together, unlefs they have done fo from an earlier period of life. In the lafi: ftages of our exiftence, habit becomes extremely tenacious ; acquiefcence is painful ; anguifh and wearifomenefs can ill fpare thofe attentions which humanity to the infirmities, and obfervance of the wants, of our companions require ; and ic is jufily obferved, " that two groaning people make a mjfer- ablo concert." Hence we may difcover the value of that

• See I.ctr-r \\.

473

benevolence which unites the different ages as well as ranks In fociety ; and fjbrejy there cannot be a greater proof of real goodnefs of heart in thofe who are bleffed with a full enjoyment of their faculties, than when they devote their leifure intervals to divert the gloom that muft ever intrude on the doleful famenefs of decrepitude. This was a diftin- guilliing charadleriftic of a gentleman whom you have often heard me applaud and lament. With talents which obtain- ed diftin6lion in the moft learned focieties, with fuch natur- al and acquired elegance as favoured his admittance into the moft polifhed company, his chrijlianized fpirit often led him to prefer thofe untrodden paths, where he could expedl to meet with no other entertainment than the grateful welcome of infirmity, and the gratulations of his own approving con- fcience. For thefe and all his other good deeds, we may truft, he is now enjoying the foretafte of his future eternal reeompenfe, in the fociety of prophets and martyrs, and of the fpirits of wife " and juft men made perfedt, amid the church of the firft born." Happy will it be, if the fair me- morial that he has left behind him of virtues and talents fhall excite the emulation of fuch as now fhrink with fantaftical horror from thofe duties in which his exalted mind found the moft exquilite fatisfadlion.* But to return.

When protracted life has attained the period of which we are now treating, a relinquifhment of worldly concerns be- comes necelTary. To do this, requires great ftrength of mind and command of temper ; for what is fo difficult as to part with long cherilhed habits of praife-worthy exertion, and, after we have been accuftomed to lead and diredl others, to be obliged to fubmit to be led and dire<5led, perhaps in a method which is d'ljlajieful to ourfelves ? The Saviour of the world points out this circumftance to the great apoftle of the circumcifion jf and though in that inftance it propheti- cally referred to the trial of martyrdom, it may be confider- ed as analogous to the common decrepitude of age : ** Veri- «* ly, verily, I fay unto thee. When thou waft young, thou ** girdedft thyfelf and walkcdft whither thou wouldeft : but ** when thou fhalt be old, thou fhalt ftretch forth thy hands,

* A faint (ketch of this gentleman's charadler maybe met with in The Guardian of Education, vol. iii. p. 242. It is alfo the fubje<Sl of a mono- dy, entitled Lycid, in the 3d vol. of this author's Poetry.

f John xxi. vcrfe 18.

M m m

474

*< and another fhall gird thee, and carry thee whither thoii « woiildefl: not." Thefe confiderations fhould forcibly ftrike all who have the care of infirm people, whole narrow bound of enjoyments Ihould he facredly regarded, and thej^w plea- fures that they can yet tafte m^ charily preferved. The time will probably arrive when their own feelings will tell them that what they thought care was negligence ; and if this re- fle(Slion do not arifc from an acute fenfe of the bitternefs of privation, when the grave has clofed on thofe to whom we can no longer minifter, an affectionate heart will always feel that the fervices which cannot be repeated were limited and cold.

As in atSlive minds the defire of occupation always fur- vives the power of performance, the burden of time becomes to fuch infupportable, and their firft and laft complaint al- ways is, that they are now good for nothing. To remove this weighty preiTure by contriving little amufements, be- comes the joint duty of all who have charge of this ftate of fecond childhood ; but fuch compaffionate anticipating kind- nefs does not exonerate the fufferers from the exercife of felf-control, which is as much their duty now, as it was in the early and happy period of 3'^outhful adlivity. " They ferve who -can only fland and wait,"* as much as they who fly to dilcharge the " behefts of divine Providence. When ■we can no longer aB, we can yet obey ,- when we can no longer do good to our fellow-creatures, we can fet them an ex" ample cf reftgnaticn. Yet how often does it happen, that in>- becility clings flill clofer to tlie world in proportion as fub- hmary engagements tear themfelves from its grafp ! Hence fpring two dark and heavy offences, which generally gain ground " as we tend toward earth ;" an attachii:;ent to that « golden fnare" for which we have now fo little ufe, and an anxiety to fuperintend the pecuniary concerns of our de- Icendants even after we are configned to the grave, and this for as many generations as the law will permit us to extend our precautionary limitations. The paflion for entailing and fettering their fucceffors by whimfical and arbitrary rellraints, is the lail gratification of reftiefs avarice, and generally feizes upon advanced life. Except for the purpofe oi fecuring property in the right line, thefe reftrictions are unjull, and often a fruitful fource of domeftic unhappinefs. Unlefs there be caufc to fuipevTl", either from the vices or prejudices

* This fublirac idea is tiikcu from Milton's 20th foiinct.

of the next heir, that the family inheritance will be hnpra- perly alienated, every generation fliould poilefs its natural right of managing its effects according to its own difcretion. In treating of the errors which are incident to old age, it feemed requifite that I ihould not omit what is a very com-* mon one j though women fo feldom poffefs the power of exerciilng their caprice in this way, that thefe admonitions in an addrefs to my own fex appear almoft fupererogatory. Thofe who have property to beftow, flaould take care to per- form that important duty at a time when their judgment is too found to be influenced by other motives than juftice and difcretion, and before the habits of brooding reflection, con- flantly occupied in its own concerns, have taught them to attach importance to trifles, and made them the JIaves of pique and prejudice, and the dupes of artful blandifhment.

Often, at this period of life, thofe who have been mofl tenacious of governing others, and condu6ling their affairs by the fote confideration of their fovereign will and pleafure, become the prey of fome cunning dependant ; who, having banifhed the relations and refpeftable connexions of their infatuated vidlims by crafty fubfervience, exercife a mofl un- controllable tyranny over what they confider, in every pur- port of the word, their property ; while the unhappy cap- tives (for in that light aged perfons fo fituated mull fee con- fidered,) warped in their judgments by falfe reprefentations, and precluded from an intercourfe with thofe who would direCl them right, often conceive a ftrong attachment for the authors of this moft unjuft treatment. It is extremely nat- ural to feel grateful to thofe who peribnally minider to our infirmities, and perform for us thofe offices which ai*e mofl necefTary to our comfort ; but our fenfe of thefe benefits fhould not obliterate the impi-effions of early affedlion, or filence the facred voice of juilice in behalf of our relations and friends, who are perhaps prevented fi'om thus conftant- ly attending to our wants, by neai*er, and therefore primary claims. Stipendiary fervices demand a reward in proportion to the fatigue that they occafion, or the fidelity, adroitnefs, and alacrity with which they are performed ; but the ties of blood and early affedtion are facred, and cannot be cancelled even by the nmuorthimfs of the immediate reprefentative, un- lefs he has no ijfue to refcind the deferved forfeiture. V/ere we to put ourfelves in the place of thofe who claim to in- herit our property, we fhould feel the juflice of thefe re- marks J though, unquellionably, we are allowed fome licenfe

476

as to the proportions in which we make our diftribiition, where the wants and the deferts of our legatees may be fairly con- iidered ; and if our kindred be remote, we may alfo, with- out abrogating the laws of God,* exercife the privilege of sele£iiotu If pur obligations to our domeftics are principally confined to their humouring our waywardnefs and flattering our foibles, it is more our bufinefs to reform ourfelves than to reiuard them. But, unhappily, I am now preaching to ears almoft as cold and dull as that of death. Enfeebled in- tellect and increaling obftinacy have, in this ftate of humil- iated mortality, barred the mind againft the admifllon of rea- fon, efpecially if it approach in the fliape of a monitor. But lince (hke what was fuppofed to be the cafe of the prov- ident ant) we ought to fecure thofe flores in autumn which muft fupport us in winter, let us, among our preparations for growing old with propriety, lay up a double flock of caution againft whims, peculiarities, and prejudices ; and prepare an antidote for the morbid anodyne of flattery, by preferving a reUfh for wholcfome reproof, and fubduing that obftinate felf-attachment which alone can render the ex- prefl!ed juice of the noxious creeper palatable.

It being expedient to prevent as long as poflible the mind from conftantly brooding over its own narrow concerns, or on the mouldering particles of its decaying aflx)clate, a relifh for literature fhould be carefully chcrifhed. Science and tafte belong to that rank of quiet companions, who are not terri- fied by the appearance of an arm chair, a wrapping fliawl, and folitude. Reading, as long as prudent regard to the or- gans of vifion will permit, is a moft gratifying employment to an elderly perfon who preferves the power of clear dif- crimination. But this can never be enjoyed in our declin- ing years, unlefs the tafte for it has been early acquired. Hence arifes the advantage of extending our youthful ftudies as far as our abilities and leifure will permit ; for though, in the bufy fcencs incident to tlie middle of our exiftence, there may be but few opportunities for indulging this appetite, it will revive at tyie feafon of retired privacy, and form one of the moft delightful interruptions to the fj\menefs of fol- itude.

* For the Jcwiili Iraf of inheritance, fee Numbers xxvii. verfe 6 ; which law is cxemnlificd in the xxxvith chap. Though the judicial laws of Mofes do not hind chriftians, the civil inftitutions cf this nation have re-v cognLTcd the juftice of this diflributioa.

477

It has bQen often obferved, that improvement can never take place at a late period in life ; and the age of forty-five was (as you well know) determined to be the remotejl period of amelioration. Many inftances might however be given, of great mental attainments after that age ; and I think mor- al and religious cultivation never goes on more rapidly, than when we drive our ploughs doivn hill. But to continue the allufion in another point of view ; though as long as the fun of intelle£l continues to ftiine, the harveft of thought will increafe in ripenefs and value ; thofe who negledted to fow the feeds of reflection till the end of fummer, muft never expert to reap their mature produce. Juft as the green blade fhoots forth, thefithe of deaths or the frojl of oblivious infirmity y will cut down the hopes of the indolent hufbandman who numbered during the proper feafon of toil.

Permit me in this place to indulge in a few refle<5lions, which, though not adapted to general ufe, force themfelves upon my mind with irreliftible urgency : I fear, however, that thgy favour ftrongly of egotifm. Beflde the termina- tion of our mortal exiftence, to which all look forward, the clofe of a literary career prefents many ferious confiderations to thofe who have experienced its delights and its pains. Thefe principally proceed from thofe acute feniibilities which, while tliey invigorate fancy and quicken obfervation, partic- ularly expofe the pofiefTor to feel " the rubs and flouts," " the proud man's contumely," and all the fcorns which ** merit" muft ever experience, not only from " the unwor- *< thy" but from competitors in the race of fame, from mif- conceived opinions, from fevere cenfure, and from that ca- pricioufnefs of popular opinion which frequently withholds its praife where labour and ingenuity alike claimed attention ; and beftows that celebrity and emolument on a well turned jeu d'efpritf an appropriate tale, or a local fatire, which the writer of a profound theiis vainly contemplated, and foothed his painful labours with the hope of enjoying.

Yet, notwithftanding that none but a writer can guefs a writer's pains, the vifits of fancy, or the fcintillations of in- veftigation, are fo delightful, that their abfence muft leave a void in the mind when they ceafe to illuminate it, which is more dreary than what is created by the ceftations of ordi- nary occupations. It will, however, be advifable for the poffefTors of thefe treafures, to look forward to the gradual relinquifhment of delights fo juftly dear ; and as nothing is more unlikely than that we fliould be able to appreciate our

478

own decay, it feems advifable, at that period of life when judgment ufually becomes dcfcdlive, to accuftom ourfclves to an increafed reliance on the opinions of others, whom we fliould encourage to franknefs and candour by a ready ac- knowledgment of infirmity. The produ6lions of even valu- able authors in old age feldom fail to diminifli their reputa- tion, and often only prefent a mournful pi^ure of Jluhhorn infirmity fcorning to yield to the inevitable lot of humanity. It is more melancholy to fee rcfpeditable talent burying itfelf alive beneath the ponderofity of its own loquacioufnefs, than when injudicious friendfhip, by its frivolous and buftling in- duftry, contrives, like Falftaff, to murder fome defunft Hot- i'pur of the Parnaffian field iv'tth his on.vnfn.vord. The timely deftru(5i:Ion of all manufcripts which unclouded judgment de- termines to be unworthy of publication, would prevent this pofthumous homicide; and the friendly counfels of -fome faithful Lucius may fnatch back the hand of Cato before it iisns the deed of felf-flausfhter.

Authors, after they have withdrawn from the field of lit- erary enterprife, may firill be mofl: ufefully employed. The examination of former labours, if not in a critical or philo- logical, at lead in a moral point of view, will become not only an amufement, but a folemn preparation for another world. In this refpedl, the children of literature feem more refponfible than the refc of mankind : death can fcarcely be faid to put the leal to their actions •, for, if they pofTefs ce- lebrity, their good or bad works continue to operate in the world long after the authors have ceafed to prepare the poi- fon, or to compound the antidote. To reexamine what they have penned, to analyfe the confequences of all their tenets, at lenft to fee that the general refult cannot encourage vice, weaken the principles, vitiate the fancy, or warp the judg- ment of poficrity, is an citice which refic61ion teaches us is right, and religion therefore requires us to perform. If they dilcover any thing erroneous, they fhould diligently ule the yet remaining light that their wafting taper affords to repair what is amifs. Perhaps the acknowledgment of error is the only reparation that they can make ; and if they cannot ex- fcind from their works the pafiages which they now feel to be objetStionable, tliey may at leaft take fome public method to refute them. « To err is human ;" to confefs error, though not *' divine," is the nearell: approach that coufcioua fallibility can make to perfeftlon.

479

Something, poffibly, may alfo be required by fociety in- dividually confidered. In the heat of controverfy, they may have fpoken injurioufly of their opponents, or they may have drefled oppohte opinions in falfe colours. Satire may have hurried them into calumny, or prepofleflion may have fhed a delufive brilliancy around a worthlefs objeft. In thefe particulars, whatever is wrong fhould be remedied by frank confeffion, as well as all other notions which experi- ence, or increafed information, fliall convince them were er- roneous.

Suppollng the rare cafe, that reafon fliould ftill l*eign in unclouded majefty, while nature waftes by gentle, impercep- tible, and ctlCj decay ; and that our affections were not ago- nized by thofe loffes Vvrhich often embitter protracted life, or thofe cares for immediate proviiion which muft be feverely felt by Jncrcaftng wants ftruggling with limited means ; we can hardly picture a more happy ftate than fuch a ferene, quiet, and, let me add, independent old age. The enjoy- ments of youth have always a degree of feverifh paflion an- nexed to them, which produces too much trepidation for lafting delight. The pleafures of mature age are interrupt- ed by fears and cares ; in either ftate, exquifite fenfations of pain and pleafure tread clofely upon each other, and the foul is alternately lifted high, and low ingulphed, like a vef- fel in a florm. But when the paffions are fubdued by time ; when dcfire is weakened by long experience of the unfub- ftantial nature of earthly enjoyments ; when the certainty of the fhortnefs of our ftay on earth abates our anxiety for the duration of what we ftill pofTefs ; when in our retrofpedt of our paft days we difcover no fearful record of unrepented mifdeeds ; when we ftill retain that beft part of us, the in- tellectual faculty, in full perfection, ftrengthened by the w^ell digefted treafures of our early days, and capable of the im- provement which leifure and inclination ftill promife to af- ford ; when, to the progreliive fatisfa<ftions of increafed per- ception, the duties of charity and the vifions of faith are fu- peradded, furely this is to lead the life of angels even while on earth.

May \VQ not acquire a faint image of its exquifite ferenity, by comparing it to the cool refrejhing calm of a beautiful fummer's evening, when the exhaujrlng heat of the day has fubilded } Let us fuppofe ourselves ftationed in a pleafant garden, refrellied with odiferous breezes, foothed by the murmurs of a diftant rivulet, or the foft tones of a flute mel-

480

lowed by intervening waters. Here, while the labour which we lately underwent renders the repofe that we now enjoy more balfamic ; while our refrefhing faculties awaken with. - new energy to contemplation or imagination j while every pulfe *< makes healthful mufic," and every fenfc conveys de- light to the foul ; does not our fatisfadtion increafe from the reflection that our toil is finiflied, and the hour of lawful re- pofe arrived ? Such, I conceive, muft be the feelings of healthful, intelligent, contented, and pious old age. The hope of living thus happily and wifely for ourfehesy when diflevered ties no more enjoin us to live to others^ folaces the fatigue attendant on anxious and incefTant employ- ment.

Is there, hovirever, a period in human life when we really are releafed from the obligation of being ufeful to our fellow- creatures ? Surely none. Let us therefore rather look for- ward to relaxation^ than to abfolute reft.

The pleafures of very advanced life muft chiefly fpring from recolle£lion ; and if the faculties are not much impair- ed, a retrofpedt of our paft lives will afford us afalutary and agreeable amufement. We muft not, however, place full confidence in the conclufions which Ve fliall then form of the real value of life. If youth is apt to be too precipitate in its decifions, and too fanguine in its views, flow and fatur- nine age is not more uniformly juft in its conclufions.

Seen through the vifta of erpedted years,

Life cheats our hopes with glories Tiot its own ; Each glittering vane a golden tower appears,

And every rock a temple or a throne ; While the dim fight of melancholy time

Involves the profpcdt in unnatural gloom. And the fond idols of onr days of prime

Change to a toy, a lliipwreck, or a tomb.

Here then, as in early life, we fhall need a guide to covrtCc the falfe views which prejudice is apt to to impofe upon us ; and where Ihall we apply, but to that never failing friend to whofe counfels, it is to be hoped, our youth has been deep- ly* indebted ; I mean to religion ,- and chiefly to the facred volume in which flie fpeaks in her own genuine and ;nithor- itative language ? As this is the moft proper of all books for thofc who have wandered far into the vale of years, it is ear- ncftly to be hoped that we fliall not fail to apply to what muft be our chief fource of confolation. The neceflity of

481 ^

acquiring a relifh for fuch ftudies at an early period Is obvi- ous, by confidering that whoever negle£ls to learn the laws by which they muft be judged, till their opportunities of obeying them are paft, can have no pretenlions to the re- ward of a faithful fervanty whatever hope they may cherifli to obtain forgivenefs as a bankrupt debtor ; for their obedience muft have been accidental, and therefore unmeritorious. Nor can their minds be enlarged to the comprehenfion of fcripture do^lrines, fo as to receive folid confolations from them, if they never entered upon the ftudy till their dull and blunted faculties were no longer capable of attending to worldly concerns, though habit had long familiarized their ordinary routine.

The ftudy of the holy fcrlptures will corredl the falfe views which melancholy and mifanthropy are too apt to exhibit to thofe who quarrel with a world which they have really loved too well, and whofe diflatisfa^lion is rather occafioned by grudging their fons the relicks of the feaft, or by the lofs of their own appetite, than from any real convidtion of the unfuitablenefs of the entertainment which they have been forced to quit. The only juft eftimate of our exiftence is, that it is a fcene of probation and trial. In which much Is to hefuffered and performed under the guidance of hope and patience, and much to be enjoyed under the tuition of moder- ation and gratitude. Man, the chief adtor in this motley drama, is neither a dsemon nor an angel ; for the attributes of either chara6ler, exclulively beftowed, would have made him unfit for the talk which has been affigned him \ and thus we fhould unwifely bring the righteoufnefs of God in- to queftion. Man is a being endowed vi\t\\free ivil/, or elfc he could not be refponfble ; he has great frailties, or in what would the merit of that virtue which cannot fall confift ? He requires corre£tion, or how can we reconcile the afflic- tions that he fufFers with the attributes of a juft God ? He has powerful encouragements and affiftances to enable him to vanquifh the temptations to which he is expofed, as well from the aflaults of his fpiritual enemy, as from his own evil inclinations. Subduing his erroneous propenfities, and cul- tivating his nobler properties, conftitute his beft employment in this ftate Of warfare and exercife ; but as all his efforts muft fall infinitely fliort of his Creator's holinefs, the merci- ful expedient of a Redeemer has been provided, in whofe merits and mediation he niTij fecurelyy but not fupinelyi truft, N n n

482

Being compounded of feemingly difcordant materials, mat- ter and fpirit, corruptibility and incorruptibility, fenfuality and intellect, the body, which his better felf inhabits, alfo requires his attention : hence fpring all the obligations of juftice, temperance, benevolence, and induflry ; and thus every chafm of exiftence becomes filled with appropriate du- ties j by neglecting which, he delivers hinifelf into the pow- er of his enemies ; for idlenefs is the mother of fin, and fm the parent of death. Hence fpring the duties of every period of life, and hence the trials to which all are expofed.

But our eftimate of life can never be juft, unlefs we en- large our views to eternal exiftence, of v;hlch religion (or, I fhould rather fay, chriftianity) affords us the only fuhjian- iial and definite profpect. A future ftate of rewards and pun- ifhments Imooths all the inequalities of this life, and affords to faltering virtue the only encouragement that can enable her to endure to the end. Among the conclufions refpe(n:ing futurity which revelation permits us to indulge, it feems ap- parent that the bleffed will never more experience fear or hope. Fear, we all know, is torture ; but we are fo indebt- ed to hope for our fublunary pleafures, that we feem unwill- ing to part with fo exhilarating a companion. Hope may be conildered as one of the flrongeftiw/^;-;/^/ evidences of our immortality ; for when did human enjoyment ever realize the vilions flcetched by her fairy pencil ? When have we found the good that we long toiled to poffcfs, afford us fuch delight as we expelled .'' Hope reminds us, therefore, of our immortal origin, by continually diredling our views to the futurey becaufe, like Noah's dove, fhe can find no f tire footing in this world, unwaflied by the waves of afflidlion. But flie will properly leave us at the entrance of the world to which Ihe conducts us, becaufe there the prefcnt affords fuch entire delight, that the mind is filled with the idea of immediate good, and wants nothing to confirm its blifs, but the certain- ty of its endlefs duration ; which, refting on the fure promife of omnipotence, is liable to no incertitude.

A¥hcii we are affured that at fome diftant period we muft remove to a remote region, from whence we Ihall never re- turn, and with which we are totally unacquainted, prudence teaches us to make all the inquiries that we can refpecting its laws, and produce, and inhabitants, that we may endeav- our to prepare ourfclves for the habits and accommodations which we ihall there meet with. But when we fi:and at the very hitrn of this country, our intereft in thefe difcoveries

483

increafes tenfold, and our diligence to prepare ourfelves for our new habitation feems likely to engrofs all our thoughts. But fince, in the cafe of exchanging the vifible for the un- feen world, we muft wait " till we are fummoned to pafs the feparating waters ;" and fince we are alfo aflured, that to perform our duty here is our paffport to the manfions of blifs j we muft not, even in the laft ftage of life, fo look on things eternal as to forget things temporal. This error is too rare to need much dilTuafive admonition. Our offences are chiefly on the other fide ; and life even appears more at^ tradtive to moft people when they know that they hold it by the flighteft tenure.

To counteradt this weaknefs, and to fubdue the felfiflinefs whch is fo natural to age, let the lively feelings of benevo» lence be carefully cherifhed. " I would attach myfelf to a tree or a plant," are, I think, the words of an amiable writer, " rather than exift without fome objedV to excite the tender '* afFedlions." Probably it is from an idea of this kind, that elderly people often keep fome fondled pet, whom they cher- ifti with ridiculous endearments. We muft pardon fucb habits in thofe who live alone, and have no near objedl of attachment on whom they may more properly lavifti their careiTes j but when our immediate defcendants or collateral branches can fupply us with prattling infancy or fprightly youth, to exercile our tender feelings, we feem both unjuft and unwife if we prefer irrational fociety. The advantages which age can afford to youth have been already remarked ; they are not wholly limited to the period of exertion ; as long as we can faow an example of patience and piety, we are ufe- ful to the rifing generation ; and the confcroufnefs of being fo, muft impart a ferene gratification.

In proportion as the v/ants of our nature increafe, our fen- fibility to our fellow-fufferers fhould enlarge. If aches and pains prevent us from fleeping even upon down, if we fhiver with cold under the warm envelope of furs and fleeces, what muft they do whofe equal infirmities are expofed to mufty ftraw and tattered wretchednefs ? If nourifliing food and balfamic cordials can hardly keep " the wheel turning round at the ciftern," how muft the faitit heart falter which lacks the ftimulant of neceffary fuftenance ! Is it not ftrange, that unfeeling avarice fliould fo often mark the extreme of life, while the faithful remembrancers of compaflion fpeak in ev- ery agonized feeling and languid fenfation ?

48 i

Combined with liberality to the pecuniary diftrefles of others, is the excrcife of candour, forbearance, and gentle- nefs i virtues extremely neceflary, but moft hard to pradlife, in declining life. Conlldering what many people then en- dure, afperity and petulance feem pardonable frailties ; and in that light they fliould ever be coniidered by thofe whofc duty it is to attend upon infirmity. But the fufFerers them- felves will ever act wifely by llriving againft thofe indulgen- cies of humour, which, like all other indulgencies, incrcafe tlie evil which they feem to relieve. Infirmity cannot be benefited by fpleen, envy, or morofenefs ; on the contrary, whatever robs us of the fympathy and affection of our fel- low creatures increafes our mifery. But the only perfect de- fence againft the temptations which fo forcibly befet us in declining life, is refignation to the will of God. He who gives, has a manifeft right to refume ; and fhall we not meekly bend to his difpenfations, when we know that he has promifed to reftore our temporal lofTes tenfold in a better world !

Thus the bitter ingredients which render the dregs of life unpalatable continue to be medicinal. The lofs of friends, the deprivation of faculties, the abridgment of enjoyments, all become ufeful preparatives, and lighten us for our journey. How dreadful is death to thofe who are in the prime of health and ftrength, and are cut off at the commencement of what promifed to be a profperous and happy life ! But when the king of terrors feizes on a vI6tim whom afiliction has difrobed and prepared for his dart, his approach is not only ivelcomed by the fufferer, but all v/ho witnefs the blow pro- nounce It to be merciful. To contemplate the advantages which they have derived from paft trials, feems to be one of the moft fuitable employments of old age. How often will they have reafon to exult at the difappo'mtments which croffed their youthful defires, and to blefs the privations which rent their agonized hearts ! The beneficial purpofes of misfortune cannot be immediately perceived. A child, when he is corrected, feels the punilhment, but not the ad- vantage of thofe Improvements which punifhment impels him to acquire. So, while we fink under the preffure of forrow, our down-caft eyes are never ralfed fo high as to difcern that good will fpring out of evil, even if we are fo far improved in piety as to confefs that our griefs proceed from an all wile God and merciful Father. But when we look at our trials through the dift^nce of intervening years,

485

we can generally difcern fome good purpofe which they im- mediately anfwered : and if this be the cafe with our finite powers of difcrimination -, if, while we " fee through a glafs darkly," we can all of us fay " it is good for us to be af- flidled ;" what conclufions muft we form of the ineftimable advantages of fuch difcipline, when our glorified faculties are enlarged in a ffcate of endlefs enjoyment ! Surely our no- tions of life, as they refpecfl the viciffitudes of fortune, will then fo far change, that we fhall denominate evil good and good evil.

But befide thefe trials, which muft neceflarily fall to the lot of declining age, it often happens, that fome great and overwhelming affliction, fome dreadful deprivation or change of circumftances, allaults us at this feeble period ; and to evils of this kind the female fex is more peculiarly expofed. Thefe are, however, felt more feverely in the autumn of our days, than in the laft years of life. The tree is moft likely to be overfet when it is loaded with its verdant honours ; for the tempeft which would have howled through its hare and naked branches without meeting with refiftance, will overwhelm oppofition. The want of a fympathetic feeling, which is fo univerfally afcribed to age as one of its errors, is in faft a chara£terifl:lc of bodily decay, and a merciful pre- parative for its departure hence. In thofe rare inftances, ia which the afflictions of advanced life encounter very acute feelings, they who have witnelTed the tears and bitter waiU ings of hopelefs infirmity muft ever regret that infenfibility has not dropped the veil.

At whatever period of life we endure the extreme prefliirc of calamity, we fhall do well to confider why we are fevere- ly afflitfted. Sorrow cannot vifit man but by divine permif- fion, and for two purpofes ; to prove or to eorreci him ; and both thefe ends are defeated, if we queftion inftead of fub- mitting to the blow. Repining murmurs are, in facSl, re- bellion againft God, who may be thereby provoked either to caft us off as irreclaimable, or to humble us by ftill more acute chaftifements. Even grief, when it becomes fo im- moderate as to injure our health or our temper, or abforbs our thoughts fo as to difqualify us for the duties we owe to our friends and the world, is queftionlefs a frailty, if not a fin. This confideration is very proper to women, who are too apt to attach merit to tyiX.xtn\e.fiiJceptibility. To fubn^it with cheerful refignation to the burden which Providence lays on us, and to improve it to our everlafting benefit, is

486

ehriftlan virtue. We mun: compaffionatc the faded form of grief, or the wild afpecSt of defpair ; but it is fortitude, " the «' nymph of the rock," and " patience with her meek arms ** folded on her throbbing breaft," whom we ejleent and venerate.

As death is the laft enemy of man, fo to fubdue the dread of it is the clofmg labour of a pious chriftian ; and, doubtlefs, it is to expedite this glorious achievement that the laft fcene of life is generally marked with privations and forrows. Our friends expire before us, to teach us how to die ; our powers of enjoymsnt decreafe, to convince us that we have little to relinquifh ; our fphere of ufefulnefs becomes con- trat^ed, to fliow us that our tafk in life is nearly finifhed. « The time was," fays the amiable Howel, writing to an old friend, " that you and I had all the fair continent of Europe «* before us to range in ; we have fince been confined to an •< ifland ; and now, Lincoln holds you and London me. *< "We muft expedl the day that licknefs will confine us to « our chambers, then to our beds, and fo to our graves, the « dark and filent grave, which will put a period to our pil- « grimage in this world. And obfervable it is, what method « nature doth ufe to contrail our liberty by degrees. But « though this fmall bag full of bones be fo confined, yet the « nobleft part of us may then be faid to be fet at liberty, « when, having fliaken off this flough of flefh, fhe mounts « up to her true country, the country of eternity, where one ** moment of joy is more than if we enjoyed all the plea- « fures of this world a million of years here among the ele- *< ments. But till our threads are fpun up, let us continue <«. to enjoy ourfelves as well as we can." Thefe refledtions are true iviplo"-!.

" You and I," he continues, " have luckily met abroad ** under many meridians j when our courfe is run here, I *' truft that we lliall meet in a region that is above the wheel " of time, and it may be in the concave of fome ftar, if thofe « glorious lamps are habitable." This pleafing hope, fo dear to thofe who humbly truft that they have many a loved connexion among the bleiTcd inhabitants of the unfeen world, renders the memory of the friends we have loft not only " pleafingly mournful," but diUghtful and improving. It is fandlioned by the opinion of many of our firft divines, and is implied, though not fully afferted, in fcripture. Where the veil has not been drawn afide, it is prefumptuous to at- tempt to pierce into the fecret counf^ls of God. But a huqi-

487

ble expc^ation of this kind is not without tWcd:, if it teach us to choofe our friends from religious motives, and confolc us when we are fo unfortunate as to have the bonds of vir- tuous attachment prematurely difTolved. Another happy ufe of this hope will be, to reconcile us to the irremediable ftroke of death, in the expectation of its rejoining us to thofe whom we beft loved.

To wait the approach of that event which fliall for ever conceal from our eyes all that we have been accujiotned to behold, and deliver us over to an untried and endlefs exift- ence, with iningled fenfibility and compofure, is the enviable lot oifeiv ; and if even the ftrong and enlightened mind of Johnfon faltered in this trial, what is the weaknefs and comparative ignorance of woman to expert, but extreme dis- may P We beheld in the above inftance, that firm faith, and habitual piety, were unable to proteCl the chriftian fage from being dejected by the apprehenfion of thofe tremendous evils, which haunt the fhadow of that dark valley through which he expected Toon to pafs, faint and alone. To thofe who lliudder with fimilar anticipations, it muft be a confola- tion to know, that it was owing to the keen fenfibility and devout humility of this admirable moralift, adting too forci- bly upon a difeafed and nervous frame, that he underrated his own fortitude, and feared the withdrawing of the efpecial grace of God. He contemplated his inevitable trial with doubt and terror ; he endured it with magnanimity and hope. He who exclaimed, " O, my friend ! the approach of death is " very dreadful ; I am afraid to think on that which I know " I cannot avoid ■, It is vain to look round and round for *' that help which none can afford," found in his laft hours the full power of the religion which he profelTed, and afford- ed another example to prove the propriety of the celebrated prayer of Balaam, *' Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my laft end be like his."

To thofe, however, who have had the mifery to witnefs the defponding or excruciating exit of fome dear connexion, whofe life gave better expectations, a few confolatory fug- geftions may be ufeful ; efpecially fince enthufiafm and fedta- rifm are fo apt to drefs the death beds of their converts and promulgators with as unnatural and fantaflical ornaments as RoufTeau beftovved on his foppifi Eloife. The manner of dying very much depends on the nature of the mortal dif- eafc, which often entirely overpowers the intellectual facul- ties by abforbing them in acute pain, diftorting them by

488

phrenzy, or benumbing them by torpor and ftupidlty. Rap- turous exclamations of joy, and clear premonitions of felici- ty, cannot be congenial except to the high ivrcught fenftbiliff of martyrs and confefTors ; for though a pious rational chrii- tian may, when death is at fome dillance, hail or even invite it as a blelTed releafe, he muft, when aftually ftruggling in its grafp, feel an indefcribable awe at the confcioufnefs of immediately approaching the prefence of his God. Even if the feverity of bodily anguiih do not compel him to cry aloud for help and deliverance, fervent and frequent ejacula- tions for mercy, and ardent profeffions of faith and hope in the great Mediator, are furely the moft fuitable expreffions for finful, repentant, dying man. To fee our fellow-creatures thus expire, is to behold them die the death of the righteous. When they talk of ravijljing foretajlcs of joy, golden crowns, and triumphant palms, may we not too generally lament that they quit this world in a ftate little fuited to thofe who are to be examined as to what they have " done in the body, whether it is good or evil," and who muft render a faithful account of their thoughts, words and actions .'' Bifhop Tay- lor calls a perfuaflon of fingle predeftination (or, as T believe it is now more generally called, alTurance of falvation) on a death bed, " one of the defigns of the tempter to interpofe *« between the end of the journey and the reception of the " crown."

We have now dropped the curtain on feeble age and con- dufled it, if not in prefumptuous certainty, yet in humble expedlation, to the " narrow houfe" which its ruined frame will never quit till " the earth and all things therein pafs away.** You well know on what promifes we found our hopes that it may then " burft a feraph from the tomb," pofleffing faculties of which the fulleft enjoyment of youth- ful alacrity, manly vigour, and fagacious experience, can give us but -a faint conception. In a fimilarity to the glorified body of our Redeemer, and in the enjoyment of the beatific vifion, every thing that is elevated, glorious, and defirable are combined.

The review of what age requires mufl imprefs youth with two confiderations ; a tender folicitude to miniftcr to the infir- mities of thofe who bend under its prefiure, and a provident forccafh to lay up the necefTary {lores for our own wants in that dreary feafon. Thefe, it is obvious, will be of two kinds, mental and bodily -, the former may be diminifhed by acquiring a reliflv for thofe pleafures and ftudies which wc

. 439

can enjoy alone, and which will be then fufficlently delight^ ful to occupy our attention, when vanity and intereft offer no inducements to their purfuit. But the grand intellec- tual cordial of old age is the remembrance of a well /pent life : if our years of prime have been devoted to the fer- vice of God and our fellow-creatures, if we have laid up a pi-ovifion of good works, fteady principles and juft ideas, *' the days" never can arrive ** in u hich we fhall have no pleafure."

The bodily wants of infirmity and imbecility are a claim upon the prudence, the osconomy, and the diligence of the active portion of our exiftence. The means that are foolifh- ly fquandered in one part of our lives, are generally wanted at another. As comforts are more necelTary than luxuries, and as it is better to enjoy than to outjhine ; fo it is infinitely more defirable that the evening of life fhould be ferene, than that its morning fhould be brilliant. The difappointments and privations that afiault us in the prime of our days, may be vanquiflied by induftry or encountei'ed by fortitude ; but age fits fliivering on its frozen perch, like a bird in winter, too weak to feek materials to build itfelf a neft, and yet un- ' able to endure the fl:orm. Whatever anxiety, exertion, or privation, I may endure while I have fi:rength to fufliain the burden, grant me kind Previdencey a comfortable retreat at the lajl ; where I may abide, fheltered andL ferene, and trim fny ruffled plumes at leifure, before I launch on the ocean of eternity.

And now, my dear young friend, my talk is ended, and my confcience feems difcharged of a debt which it has long felt, and bade me often ponder on the meanf, of paying. / have ivritten to youy whether in fuch a manner as your blefled mother requefted I would, I fometimes doubt ; buc this I know, I have in all my precepts kept her in my eye, and endeavoured to enforce thofe fentiraents, and recom- mend thofe habits, which my intimate knowledge of her character tells me fhe would have approved. I may, there- fore, folace myfelf with the thought that I have endeavoured to fulfil her injunftion.

At the commencement of thefe letters, I felt difcouraged ut the extenfivenefs of the plan, for the due execution of which my numerous domeftic duties left me little leifure. Whoever juftly appreciates public favour muft be ftrongly folicitous to prelerve it, and of courfe anxious to ward off O o o

490

whatever threatens its diminution. In this point I continue vulnerable, even to ti?jiid ftifceptibility. The difilcuhy of writing upon fubjedls which we have before difcufled, in- creafes with every fucceffive compofition. A defire to guard againft repetition, on the one hand, obliges us to a weari- fome purfuit of novelty ; and the dread of contradidling what we have before advanced, impofes a painful reftraint upon invention. If, while we avoid thefe faults, we can alfo fleer clear of affectation and dulnefs, we muft efteem ourfelves fingularly fortunate. Writing from the di6lates of my heart, and from jixed principles, made it lefs probable that I fhould unfay my former teflimony ; but the danger of difgufling my readers by endlefs repetition proportignably increafed.

Popular applaufe is proverbially capricious *, it is often diftributed by mere chance, and frequently it is rather a caf^ ual bounty, extorted by the fituation of the writer, or the fubje^l of the work, than the juft tribute which difcernment pays to defert : in either of the above cafes it cannot be umfonn or ptrmamut. To this confideration muft be added, the certainty of meeting with that increafed degree of oppo- fition which fuccefs is fure to create. The firfl efforts of a young author are generally mofl favourably received by the public ; not only from a generous defire of encouraging merit, but from the forbearance of thofe who are feldom in- clined " to cry havoc and let flip the dogs of war" on igno- ble game, and who confequently indemnify themfelves for this moderation by their more vigorous purfuit of what ap- pears like eflabliflied reputation. This temper is particular- ly vifible, ^vhen the envy incident to authorfliip is ftimulat- cd by theological (I will not fay by religious) differences. It is impnjfible for the liveliefl imagination to predici what a doughty polemic will report of a work v/hich labours to pull down the flrong holds of herefy and fchifm. In different circles, and in different reviews, this book will probably be ftyled formal and fanatical, inculcating mere worldly wifdom, and enforcing unneceffary niceties, while its author is fuc- ceflively termed a latitudenarian and a bigot. I could men- tion other general reafons which might have induced me to lie by on the fhelf for the remainder of my days, befidc feveral private caufes of a depreffing nature, that are conneft- ed with my peculiar fiiuation. One of thefe is the lofs of near- ly all the friends of my early life, who encouraged or affifted my literary purfuits j and my fecluiion from fuch fociety as is

491

mod apt to invigorate the intelle<n:ual faculties, which ever receive their beft ftlmulus from the colllfion of aftlve and ingenuous minds employed In fimllar purfuits.

Perfeverance gradually leflcned the difficulties which at firft feemed fo formidable. I found my mind gather ftrength in proportion as I detached It from ujelefs contemplations and vain regrets ; and the apprehenlion of forfeiting the es- timation In which my former attempts have been kindly held (at firft fo formidable,) was gradually weakened, under the flattering fuggeftion that my prefent attempt might be allowed to ftand by their fide, and rank with them in the warfare which the friends of decorum (I hope not unfuc- cefsfuUy) maintain with « every evil word and work." To promote the eternal welfare of our fellow-creatures, is a ftimulus, compared to which, all the allurements that fame and ambition ever prefeated are lighter in the balance than vanity itfelf.

I had no intention to fpeak of the political afpeft of the times ; fuch difcuffions, further than as they are connefted with religion and virtue, are ill adapted to my fex or my abilities. On its moral features I have dwelt diffufely -, and general opinion will bear me out when I fay that they are truly alarming. A very refpectable authority has determin- ed, that the danger to be apprehended from what are fi:yled French and German principles rapidly dimlnifhes. The bolder dogmas of thofe impious fchools were, I believe, al- ways too abfurd and profligate for the found fenfe and de- corous habits of Englilhmen : but it Is impofiible to touch pitch without being defiled ; and the general rage for tliat peftilential literature, though it has not changed us Into n nation of delfts, anarchifts, and reprobates, has made us in- dlfferents and fenfuallfts ; while the cant phrafes of liberty and energy, though they have not roufed us to ruin the fair- eft: fabric of government that ever human wifdom contrived, have introduced a fplrit of inrubordinatiou and envy of our immediate fuperiors, which Is vifible In the delight that all ranks feel to outftiine and traduce thofe who are above thcni- felves. Our commercial opulence greatly Increafes thcfe faults ; a reftlefs purfuit of wealth leaves little lelfure for re- ligious attainments : hence we may trace, on one fide, the alarming progrefs of fanatlclfm, which boldly and exclufive- ly claims to itfelf the honours due to rational, fteady, hum- ble piety ; and on the other, we fee the dreadful negledl of public worfliip, and all that blind and timid dependance on

4D2

fccond caufes, which befpeak a people " who know not God." To thefe we muft add that laxity of public opinion, with refpeiS^ to moral turpitude, which is fo alarmingly vifible in the raafs of local publications and general converfation. I will inftance in probity and chaftity, the cardinal virtues of the two fexes. To counterbalance this mafs of evil in our national charafter, we may plead that we ftill retain our an- cient dillin£tions of courage and liberality, which certainly fisver were more confpicuous than under the prefent fevere trial.

The accufations that have been brought againft: our fex for contributing to, or I fhould rather fay accelerating, the downfal of our moral fame, are of a very ferious nature. It is faid that we have deferted the ftation in which our Creator placed us, and that, from the help-mates, we are become the incumbrances of man. We are charged with ingrafting the worft part of the Afiatic on the Britilh character, and with being now as volitptiioiiSy but not -ds fuhmijfive^ as the degrad- ed inhabitants of the eaftern harems. The word wife is conlidered by men as indicative of a vehicle for extravagant expenditure ; and woman is fuppofed to mean a venal batibki whom few can afi'ord to purchafe. It would be eafy for us to recriminate on the bad habits of the other fex ; but this would produce no good effect. I fear v/e have too much reafon to own the foibles and faults on v/hich this fevere charge is founded \ and though I think the queAion of our fuperiority in comparative worth is fairly tenable, enough of blame ftill adheres to us to render the talk of immediate refornration indifpenfable.

I have ftated, that happinefs is combined with duty ; but then I fpoke of happinefs in a religious point of view, not as including external profperity, or exemption from trial. I have faid little of expedience •, for though, in a political fenfe, we muft connect piety and virtue to thofe external circumftances with which they can well incorporate, fitnefs and propriety are not the legitimate foundations on which we fhould feek to erecl the maify pile of perfect hollnefs •, for that purpofe, we muft fele6l materials that are the growth of another world. I have paid little attention to external appearance, or polite accompliftiments -, not becaule I think them unimportant, much lefs from a deftre that genuine vir- tue fliould unwifely decline all adventitious adornings ; but^ becaufe the prefent times lliow no difpofition to underrate ihefe advantages. I'd a limilar reafon, I have not beftow-t

493

ed much, labour in recommending fajhiomhle virtues ; I have only endeavoured to place them on their proper bails, chrif- tianity.

I have particularly pointed my hoflillty at that falfe can- dour, and puling liberality, vs^hich meets with fo much fuf- picious admiration among the teachers of the new fchool ; who, under the pretext of introducing more exalted purity, prepare our minds for every vice, bydivefting us of our nat- ural abhorrence of what Wjififtd. That rage for diftindlion and parade which infatuates the moft refpedlable and impor- tant part of the community, and all its ridiculous appenda- ges, of vanity, frivolity and afFetStation, have called forth my fevere reprehenlion. In fine, I have endeavoured to the vtmoji of my abilities, not only to enforce the domeftic duties, but to enlarge the foundation on which they Hand j and to this purpofe I have employed a confiderable portion of this work in elucidating the elements of chriftian knowledge, and recommending them to univerfal attention. My guide in this particular has been our maternal churchy whom I have laboured to defend from the cenfures of her avowed ene- mies, and the charge of defe<ftion, now fo ftrongly and un- juftly urged againfi: her by dubious brethren. My motive fo to do has proceeded from my firm belief of her general excellence, and my conviction, founded on experience, that, next to indift'erence on religious points, indifcreet zeal is moft fatal to individual virtue and peace ot mind. Lamenting to fee well meaning people place that merit in diflent and An- gularity, which (except in very peculiar cafes) is due to con- formity and humility, I have endeavoured to refcue the Church of England from the reproaches that have been thrown upon her ; and in this the labours of her befi: de- fenders have been my revered guides. My motive for incor- porating fo much of their arguments with my own conneiV- ing remarks, will, I hope, be candidly excufed by their zeal for the glory of God ; fince it proceeded from my very fin- cere defire to fee much important knowledge univerfally dif- fuled among my own fex, who are generally fearful of read- ing extenfive works in divinity, that are profeffedly contro- verfial ; and being by this difiidence kept ignorant of what can really be urged in fupport.of the church into which they are baptized, they fall a ready prey to thofe preachers of dif- fenfion, who, in their zeal to make profelytes, neither re- fpedt the fundamental laws of our confiitution, the privacy of domeftic retirement, nor the peace of families.

494

To originality of defign I make no prctenfions. I am only one of man^ thoufand labourers who h.zvc for ages cultivat- ed a fruitful field ; and I difclaim every attempt to pradlifc experimental hufbandry. The fcene of our toil is fpacious j briers and weeds rapidly fpring up ; and the enemy to the Lord of the foil, not content with furreptitioufly fowing tares, endeavours to introduce new modes of culture, which, under the pretence of improvements, will convert the garden of God into a lleril and naked wildernefs, where the feed of immortality can never take root. Hence the necellity of additional labourers, fome of whom muft aft as watchmen while others carry home the harveft. " BlefTed are they whom the Lord, when he cometh," fhall find vigilant and faithful, fpeaking the words of truth with Jifig/enefs of heart, and preferring the unchangeable approbation of God to the evanefcent praife of men.

I have been fo anxious to avoid omitting any reflexions that feemed connefted with my defign, that I fear I ought to ofFer many apologies to the public for reintroducing fome fubjecls under another head, which I had previoufly dif^ cufled. Whatever indulgence I may hope from the candour of my readers, or from the partiality of my friends, I antici- pate many jells from the adverfaries of my defign (I am not confcious of having any perfonal enemies •,) and the not un- apt comparifons of the jog-trot of the pack-horfe, and the tedious monotony of his bells, may deter many people from looking at my book, before they protefl that they are difguft- ed with its famenefs. The truth is this : the leading ideas which occupied my mind were fo fuperlatively important, that I felt it to be my duty to bring them frequently upon the foreground, and to prove their confequence by fliowing their various bearings and relations. Generally fpeaking, they are either confiderations which the prefent age is in- clined to overlook, or elfe erroneous principles fanftioned by cuflom, or eftabliflied by fophifiry- In either cafe, my difTuafive warnings feemed to require all the enforcement which they Gould receive. Even verbal repetition has been fometim^'s fludloufly adopted, from a conviction that per- fuafion is more important than novelty, and from the hope that by this means memory might become an ally to virtue and piety.

I plead guilty to the charge of wifliing to keep my fair countrywomen entirely Britifh. I think that epithet infi- nitely more defirable than pliilofopher or cofmopolite. Thefe

495

latter terms can only be applied to a few in an honourable fenfe •, and, if univerfally afpired to, muft occafion the facri- fice of that part of our characters which is moft valuable. Thofe who are merely pretenders to thefe diftinftions are worfe than worthlefs, they are detejiahle ; but fhe who fets out with a humble yet firm refolution of *' doing her duty « in that ftate of life to which it fhall pleafe God to call *' her," cannot fail of being refpe£lable, however mean her ftation, however calamitous her lot. And infinitely more blefled will her condition be than my own, if I confine my fenfe of chriftianlty to the eafy labour of teaching others^ with- out recoUefting that I alfo am required to fight the fame good fight of faith ; for it is not the orator who encourages the combatants to buckle on their arms, but the viElor who iubdues his fpiritual enemies, that will receive the crown.

My motives for addrefllng thefe admonitions to one who fo little requires to be taught her duty, have been ftated. I have moft happily experienced the effefts which I predicted. By keeping you principally in my eye, I have felt my thoughts flow in a natural and eafy train ; and I flatter my- felf that you have been interefted by topics remote from thofe in which your immediate utility was concerned. The judges to whom I am going to appeal will determine how I have executed the extenfive defign that I fonned. Should this work be deftined to celebrity, I fhall be much gratified by the public atteftation that will then be given to the fin- cere afletHiion of.

My dear Mifs M ,

Your faithful and hereditary friend.

THE END.

CONTENTS.

PREFATORY ADDRESS. Page j

R.

_EASONS for the prefent Work. General inattention to the middle orders, in moral compolitions. Thefe Letters, though addrefied to an individual, were originally compofed for publication.

LETTER I. page 9

XNTRODUCTORY SKETCH OF THE DESIGN.

Lively recolIecTtlon of a loR friend. The attempts of revolutionifts in this kingdom have hitherto met with more fuccefs in morals than in poli- tics : Inftanced in the reception of bad characters, free behaviour of married women, univcrfal increafe of luxury and expenfivenefs, danger- ous fophifms, unfettled and erroneous notions of religion, which are in- troduced into all kinds of writings. Delicacy of the female character. Women mofl fitted for domeflic life. Their duties, refoiirces, and re- wards; their de^y;radation and fiAitious trials. Thefe fubjetSts propof- ed as the ground work of a dilFufe correfpondence.

LETTER II. page 20

ORIGINAL DESTINATION OF WOMEN.

Unlverfal fubjeAion of women. Their happy fituation in England. Por- trait of the fex fulfilling their required duties. Intended by nature to be domeflic. As accountable beings, mufl be religious. Should pof- fefs a competent knowledge of the world, and of common tranfa<5lions in bufinefs. Their conduA traced through the different ages of life. Women the refiners of morals, the confervators of manners, the arbiters of tafte, might reform public amufements. Simplicity, decency. The trials of the fex. Subjedlion to man in every fituation of life. Their mofl acute miferles refult from the mifconducSt of thofe whom they love. How thefe may be foftened. Trials of temper in managing fervants and children. Ill health, ill regulated fancy, romantic cxpedlations, nervous afFeiSiions, acute fenfibility. Women phyfically conftrudted for retirement. Their unfitnefs for public bufinefs. Reflexions on the reigns of Q. Mary I. Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scots, Mary II. and Anne. Their domeflic fuhjedlion. Happinefs in domeflic life, their f e- curity from many vices : intemperance, profanenefs, cruelty, ambition ; dangerous extremes of anger. Paflive virtues the mofl difficult and glorious. Women mofl difpofed for piety.

LETTER III. page 5 a

\ CHANGE OF MANNERS IN THE MIDDLE CLASSES.

Comparifon of pafl and prefent manners. The greatefl change is in the middle orders ; much of which is afcribable to female vanity. Inflan- ced in entertainments, furniture, drefs, employments, arrangements. Pleas of promoting bufinefs, and introducing the family to good con- nexions, proved to be futile. Mifery and guilt of extravagance. Need-, lefs eipenfc is ungentecl. Awkwardncfs of vulgar finery. A»refpedla- ble character may be more cheaply purchafed. Slavery of a life of pleafure, and of a citizen's Sunday retirement. Luxury injurious to trade and morals. The views of different ranks, in regard to expeoditure^ P p p

498 CONTENTS.

jliould be different. EffccSl of the con<hi(5l of the middle orders iipen the lower. The vital part of foctcty dreadfully injured by extravagance and luxury.

LETTER IV. page ^^

ABSDKDITIES and LICBMTIOUSNESS among TTOMEN or FASHION.

Prevalence of dcmocratical notions. Folly of birth and greatncfs in fanc- tioning fuch errors, and courting mobs. Rcfponfibiiity of every kind of eminence; wliich is a great bleffing when v^^ell applied. Mifery of mere felfifli enjoyment. The great are now flron<5ly tempted to vanity and expenfc by competition : preeminence in thefe is impoffible : fomc feck preeminence in vice. Falfe apologies for vicious condudl. The alarming contagion of bad example in exalted ftations. Female profli- gates in high life without escufc, as they are placed above temptation. Nothing fo much degrades the Great in the eyes of their inferiors as vice. Bad effecSts of loft cliaratSters being countenanced by the virtu- ous. True penitence ever wlflics for retirement. Unremitting purfuit of amufement endangers innocence, diminillies pleafure, deftroys conju- gal atFedlion. Dangerous cuftom of cicifbeos : matronly flirts. Rage for education. Its excefles confidered in accompliflxments, occupations, and morals. Loofe ideas refpecling hontfty and puncftuality in payment. Ruin of great families draws with it many dangerous confequences. Frugality neceffary to benevolence. Confined views among people of fafliion refpecling the value of their inferiors. Occafional mixture be- tween different ranks on terms of refpedlful intercourfe recommended- Lukewarmnefs in religion too general among the higher circles.

LETTER V. page 117

ON REtlGIOUS KNOWLEDGE, AND THE PECULIAR NOTION 07 CALVIN.

Our anceftors excelled us in religious knowledge, which they thought the bafls of education. Difficulty of acquiring it afterwards. The convert* of reafon likely to be mere controvcrfialifts. Religion is ftrengthened by the aflaults of her enemies. Danger of a fcieiitiiic preceding a reli- gious education. Faith fliould never be feparated from morals. Reli- gious inquiries fliould be bounded by judgment as to their limit and na- ture. Office of reafon. Ncccffity of divine revelation : its authentici- ty. Choice of the perfuafions into which the Chrifliian world is divid- ed. Duty of church communion. The church of God has always been proved by fuffisrings. Religious difputes are her prelent trials. Guilt of thofc who foment them, though tliey have benefited the caufe of pure chriftianity. Obligations to obedience to the national church. Her apolLolical conftitution, regard to ancient ufages, moderation, as legally cftablillied in this kingdom. Women fliould know not only the gener- al outline of chriftianity, but the diftinguifliing dortrines of the churcli to which they belong. Confiderations on the cliarge of Calvinifm urg- ed againft our original church. Proof of what it is from Calvin's Works : thcfc opinions contraftcd with our articles, liturgy, and the hiftory of that period. Confequences of teaching Calvinifm as Chrifti- anity. Necclfity of fubmitting to our fpiritual rulers.

LETTER VI. page i6o

rURTHKR OBSKRVATIONS ON THE CALVINISTIC CONTROVERfV.

The Church of England enjoins piety, fcrioufncfs, and humility : infills on the independence of her miniftcrs. Toleration different from religious liberty, conlidered as chriflians. Itincrancc from our parifli church. Mtthodifticai cxcufc of edification couiidcrcd. The topics of Gofpcl

CONTENTS. 499

preachers difcuffed. Imputed righteoufnefs of Chrift. Filthlncfs of good works. Total imbecility and depravity of men. Chrift hath done all for finner^. Typical and allegorical allufions. Senfible influence* of the holy fpirit, calls, experiences, inftantaneous converfions. Prefer- ence of the fermon to the prayers in public worfhip. Amatory ad- tirefTes to the Deity. Falfe notion, that guilt muft precede a call to ho- linefs. Self-examination difJercnt from affarance. Orthodox opinion of regeneration. Calviuiftic notions on that head. Diflike of moral preaching. Appeal to the Methodifts on the bad confequenccs of their fchifra. Tendency to popery. Danger of good and pious people adop-? Jin^ fingularities. Serioufnef* is not reparation.

LETTER VII page 194

ON THE TENETS OF RATIOKAL CHRISTIANS, OR UNITARIANS.

The dodbrincs of rational Chriftians arc rather addrefled to philofophy and fcience,than to the community. Attachment to ournational church is not bigotry nor perfecution ; inftanced from the example of St. John. The divine inftitution of facrifice prefigured the atonement. We can- not judge why man required a ranfom. Various contradidlory opinions of the Socinians. Interpolation briefly confidered. Teftimony of an- cient enemies to the faith, and of Michaelis to the genuinenefs of our feriptures. The dodtrines that we are required to renounce too impor- tant to be facrificcd even to the love of peace. MoraJ inftrudlion not the primary end of our Lord's coming. The milhon of the Baptifi: con- fidered. Eternity of Hell torments. Salvation of the heathens. Coin- cidence between the revealed will and vifible works of God. Analo- gies between the limited difFufion of Chriftianity, and the difference of polar and temperate climates. The favour fhown to the people of 11- rael, and the common diftributions of Providence. Order is preeminent in the Scripture, and in the creatiou. The flow development of the Chriftian covenant, and the gradual growth and perfedlion of animated nature. The refurredtion of the body, and the revivification of vegetal ble feed. The law of diftindlions of degree, and reciprocity of benefit, is univerfal. Plurality of worlds, and other modern difcoveries, not contrary to Scripture. The failure of the full effetfls of revelation, compared to the failure of produce through bad hufbandry : the prel- ervation of the church, to the continuance of all the tribes of creation. General adaption of chriftianityto man in his natural and civil capaci- ty. Application to the Unitarians.

LETTER VIII. page 434

ON THE DUTY OF STUDYING THE SCRIPTURES, AND ON RELIGIOUS CON" FORMITY.

Dodtrines are more valuable for being old. The errors of perfecHonifts. Advantages of a liturgical fervice, and an independent miniftry. Dan- ger of wrefting the fcripture by unfkilful interpretation of difficult texts : Inftances of this fault : May be avoided by an intimate acquaintance with holy writ, which will prevent our faith from being iTiaken by light or ridiculous allufions to fcripture narratives : It would foften religious animofities. Prefent flate of religion in England. Vices of believers do not impugn the verity of the faith that they profefs, or afford an excufe for deiffs. Prevalence of fuieide. Too confident dependence on the mercy of God. Negledt of the facrament. Great eagcrnefs of in- quiry. Suitability of the church to the national charadter : Review of her offices ; The buriu.1 fervice ; The marriage ceremony ; The catc- chifm ; Confirmation ; Churchirg of women ; Vittation cf the fick \

5od CONTENTS.

Ordination fervlces ; Corttmination ; Offices for the 5th of Novcmbrr, January ^cth. May 29tli, and the King's acceflfion. Temperate loynlty of the Church of England. Choice of the religious focicty to wiiich wc will belong. ChrlRian liberality, as oppofed to philolophiftical.

LETTER IX. . page 269

ON THE VIRTUES MORE ESPECIALLY FEMININE.

Change of opinion on the fubjecSl: of chaflity. Juft portrait of a feduclion, exhibited in Shenftone's JeiTy, contrafled with the charaiilers <if Ade- laide, Elvira, and Mary Thornbury. Kindnefs to penitents dilTers from indulgence to audacious oflfenders.. Pique at being deferted is not re- pentance. Freedom of manners. Danger from y(ning women thinking lightly of female frailty. Benevolence niufl be fupported by acononiy and felf-denial ; Extends to more duties than the acft of giving ; Con- traded with fhowy liberality. The great fliould be their own almo- ners. Indifcriminate relief blamable. Parable of the good Samaritan. Candour is very popular ; its reftraints chiefly exerciftd in forbearance, gentlcnefs, and acquicfcence ; may be urged too far. Command of temper neceffary to women : Should be founded on principle. A foft manner often miftaken for real fweetnefs. Cheerfulnefs is not levity ; is a prcfervative of health. Induftry ufeful to the temper. Prudence in feledling amufcments. Senfibility prejudicial to the temper, when it is fulFered to be extreme; mull be reflrained when real. Falfe feeling ridiculed. Imbecility not gentlenefs. Danger of aiming at praife for one particular virtue. Piety the erowning grace. Devotion lliould be chaftened by judgment ; an impaflioned ilyle condemned. Rational pi- ety our belt fupport.

LETTER X. page 307

ON FEM.ILE EMPLOYMENTS AND STUDIES.

Needle-work. Religious fliould precede fcientific information. Abftradl knowledge not well fuited to women. Hillory and ethical efiays re- commended. Biography ; faults in modern biographers ; indifcriminate publication of private letters of deceafed public chara<Sl:ers condemned. Geography, voyages and travels. Fictitious reading apt to infpire falfe views of life. The beft kind of novels ufefui introductions to the world. Modern poetry. Tragedy and Comedy ol' late dale not intended for the clofet. Brief review of the drama. Works of hmnour defended ; have materially bencrited virtue and tafle. General information on po- litical fubjecils neceffary to women, wlio fliould cherifli patriotic feel- ings. Excellence of the Britifli conflitution. National evils afcribablc to God as punifliments for national fins. She fervcs her country who reforms her own condudl, and guides her houfehold well. Conlidcra- tions on the lawfulnefs of war. Caufcs of our late contefls. Maternal objections to a military life, nuift: now yield to circumftances. Chriftian obedience is not flavifli fubmiifion. Knowlcdire of the elementary prin- ciples of government is a prcfervative from party diftindtions. Read- ing fhould not be confined to what is new or local. ExtratSts, beauties, ,&c. condemned. Criticifm ufeful to improved taflc. NecefTity of guarding againfl party mifrcprcfentations. A choice ftlcclion is pref- tiabl* to multifarious reading.

LETTER XI. page 343

ON CONVERSATION, SOCIETY, AND FRIENDSHIP.

The dcfire of pleafing, is natural; the wifii to flilne, dangerous. Advan- tages of a literary taCte in age, in conver-;itiou : to excel in this requires

CONTENTS. 501

a variety of talents. Fafliionable converfation, its iitfinccrity, frivolity ; is accufed of licenlimifnefs. ReqiiiQtes in converfation, regard to truth, attention to all prefent, duty of liflening to the fpeaker ; lidelityin en- j;agements. Civility is no impeachment of fmcerity. Self-importance inadmifiibk'. AfFed:ation condemned. Egotlfm a fpecies of oftentation : May be manaf'ed with liumour. Preconcerted wit is generally unfuc- cefsful. Loquacioufnefs cenfured. Petty contradii.T:ions condemned. Opinions flioiiid never be rudely attacked. Bitter irony and uncandid conflruiHiions blamed. Polite attention to the affairs of others. Con- folation and advice are difficult duties. Slander. Goffiping. Flattery, An accommodating characTter defcribcd. The efTentiaU of good breed- ing are contained in the New Te(tamcn,t. Happinefsof afamily whofe manners and condutfl are formed on cliriftian rules. Capability of wo- men for friendfliip. The clofer bond of marriage often diflblves, or rather fufpends, the ties of early afTetfHon. Value of a friend in old age. Great prudence requihte in the friendfliip of married women. Friendfliips oftencr the effetSl of chance than feledfion. Early friend- fliips. A mother is the beft friend of her daughters : Bad efFedts of having an unworthy injudicious friend. Flattery inconfiftent with friendfliip. If our choice has been culpably precipitate, we mufl: re- nounce it. * Ineftimable value of a faithful friend. Friendfliip admits of plurality,

LETTER XII. page 373

ON CELIBACY, LOVE, AND MARRIAGE. f^

Utility is the true eftimate of a happy life. Single women have many rc- fources : Can befl enjoy and cultivate friendfliip. Their eligible fitua- tion, if enlightened and amiable. Remarks on their ufual foibles ; Hab- its which ihey ought to acquire. Reafons for declining marriage : dil- pofitions befl fuited to that ftate. Young women now are generally- more mercenary than fufceptible. Women fliould rather be faidto re- jedi than choofe lovers. Competence neceiFary in marriage. Unequal alliances feldom are happy. Immorality is an infuperable objection; fo is irreligion, and alfo weakntfs of intelle(£h. Libertines are rarely re- claimed, or fools governed. Female afcendancy ridiculed. Great fVick- lers for freedom are generally domeftic bafliaws. Women are apt to prefer wit to plain ftnfe. A facrifice to wealth deprecated. Long de- ferred attaclnnents feldom produce happy matches. Young women arc apt to underrate the trials of a married life. They fliouId carefully in- vslligate their lovers' condud:. The earlieft duty of a wife is, to con- form to her hufband's habits. Art is moft deteifable, though often fuc- ctfsful with men. Indifference to a hulband's conducl condemned. Home mufl always be made agreeable. Danger of exciting a hufband's jealoufy. Dangerous fituation of a young neglecSted wife, who is follow- ed by an agreeable man. Jealoufy in a wife is irritating and powerlefs, A female confidant is often pernicious. Young wives muft beware of fwelling trifles into mifcries. Matrimonial quarrels. Attention to a hufband fliould depend upon lus temper and wiflies ; iuflanced in men of ftern tempers, in the fnftidious, in the fufceptible, and in the choler- ic. Domcflication may be too extreme. CEconomy in drefs. Regard to a hufliand's circumftanccs and profeflion. Relative duties to his chil- dren or connexions. Happinefs of a well fuited couple.

LETTER XIII. page 406

ON THE DL^TV OF MOTHERS.

Education a fafliionable fludy. Its foundation fliould be in religion. In- ftrudlion is now made to depend upon agreeablenefs, ii>ftead of obcdi-

502 CONTENTS.

ence, and more dircAcd to open the undcrftanding than c»rre<fk the heart. It tends to make children confident. Over attention a^d ex- treme watclifulnefs have fcrious bad confequences on children. School is the befl remedy for felf-importance in boys. Premature intelligence is generally deceptions. Vanity of mothers. Common lenfe fliould be mod cultivated. Moft fyftems of education require more .ittention than is pradticablc. Scheme of keeping children apart from fcrvants would make the former fupercilious. Servants improper confidants for chil- dren. Each fex fliould early receive its proper bias. Boys fliould be prevented from tyrannizing over their fillers. Domeftic education feem» bcft adapted to girls. Education fhould be appropriated to the rank of life. Amiable deportment fuits every ftation ; is the cement of family harmony. Mothers fliould be impartial ; fliould prefervc their own authority. Artifices in education are inadmifTible. Teafing injurious to a fpetful temper. The fyftem of reafoning with a young child is ab- furd. When their reafon ripens, it fliould be dire(5ted to correft their own faults. Confidence fliould be fapprefl'ed, difiidence encouraged. Genius requires extraordinary culture and difcipline. Parental partial- ity apt to miflake in this particular. Sentimental liberality different from chriftiau benevolence. Value of arithmetical knowledge. Induf- try, neatnefs, and regularity commended. Irrefolution highly injurious to children. Clear and jufl nations ufeful in every flacion. Religious knowledge. Ufe of the Bible : It will correcft erroneous notions rcfpedt- ing worldly profperity; will improve and regulate the difpofition. The confcioufnefs of having inftilled religious principles, is the beft confola- tion of unhappy parents. The comforts of age muft. be procured ia youth.

LETTER XIV. page 44a

ON OUR DUTY TO SERVANTS AND INFERIORS.

Change in the principles and manners of the lower orders evident by their diflike of their immediate fupcriors. Improper notions of wealth. Ge- neral tendency to extravagance. Much of this evil owing to bad in- ftru6tion ; much to the fcparation between the ranks in fociety ; »ioft of all to the luxurious habits of the middle orders, their neglecl of watchfulncfs, preference of ability to moral worth, and fabbath break- ing. Dreadful confequences of this in manufacturing towns. Sunday, when well fpent, a great check on the profligacy of domeflics. Family inftrudbion and worlhip. Proper books for fervants. Inftru(£tion o£ the lower clafTes fhould not proceed too far. Great fkill is necellary bi compofing books adapted to illiterate people. Domeftic management fhould avoid the extremes of rigour and lenity. CarelefTnefs and fufpi- «ion condemned. Falfehood and envy are the principal vices of the lower orders. Laying traps for veracity and integrity is highly blama- ble. Confcicntioufncfs in giving a character. CompafTion to the frail- ty of ignorance. Principle is relaxed in the lower orders in refpe<St to female chaftity. Min:rcfre.3 fliould rcftrain extravagance in drefs. Ex- ample ii the mofl ufeful means of inftrucling fervants and inferiors. Ia the excrcifc of benevolence, care fhould be taken not to render the poor luxurious or totally dependent. The Ingratitude of the poor no cxcufe for omiuirig our duty to them.

LETTER XV. page 465

ON TUB DUTIES OF DECLINING LJFE AND OLD AGE.

J^others fliould relax their authority, as their children advance in years. Women arc charged with finding it difficult to grow o'd with propric*

CONTENTS. 503

fy. iMflipation of autumnal ladies. Gradual refignatlon of ornaments and diverfions. Attention to daughters. Should not renounce fociety. Advantages refulting from a mixture of different ages with mutual good will. Cheerfulnefs commendable in declining life. Atflivity and ener- gy recommended on prudential motives. Obflinacy and ill humour cenfured on the fame grounds. Premature feclulion is unwife. Value of an old friend when we are compelled to be fedentary. Great merit of thofe who facrifice their amufements to divert the aged and infirm. Worldly concerns fliould be finally adjufted, and the care of them re- iinquifhed. Capricious teflamentary bequefts condemned. Old age often falls into mercenary hands. As long as poffible, cherifli a relifh for literature. Avoid brooding on your own miferies. Termination of a literary career. Authors fliould leave off compofition in time, review the moral tendency of their works, and corredt miftakes. Happinefs of an independent rational old age. RecoIlecSlion its chief employment. Religion its beft comfort. Jufl: eftimate of life. Profpedt of futurity. Preparation for departing hence. Cherifli the feelings of benevolence, pradlife candour and patience. AfHidbion a good preparative for deatV Its extremes either in privation or fufFering confidered. ViAory over the fear of death. Confiderations on the clofing fcene. What youth owes to age in compaflionate offices and provident care. Satisfaction at finifliing a work that was undertaken on confcientious motives. The moral afpedt of the times is porteiHou*. General retrofpcft of the work. Conclufion.

FROU THE PRESSES OF O.PENNIMAN &CO. AND PARKER & BLISS.

The Guardian of Ediicniioii^ a valuable periodical ivork^ puhlljhcd in Englandy /peaks of the Letters of Airs. V/efl to a Tourig Lady J in thefollo^uing terms of commendation.

<c THE allufion in the title pnge, to a popular and juft- ly efteemed work of the author's,* is fufrlcient to recom- mend this volume to public attention ; for, the writer who could give fuch excellent advice to youth of the other fex, may reafonably be expcffted to be well qualified to inftruft her own ; nor will this expectation be difappointed in the prefent inflance. Mi's. Well has taken a \ery extenfive range, including every female duty, and has enforced the practice of each by the mod powerful motives ; flie has alfo painted, in the ftrongeft colours, the vices and the follies of the age, as depreciating the charadler of her cotemporaries in the different ranks of fociety, and exemplified their ef- feCls on individual happinefs, and the welfare of the nation ; in fliort, this amiable author has left no point untouched, that could tend to excite in the minds of the females of the higher and middle ranks, a laudable ambition to fill their refpedlive ftations with dignity and propriety ; to check the progrefs of impiety, vice, and folly •, and to promote the knowledge and^ practice of religion and virtue upon the beft principles."

\Cuardlan cf Education for March, 1806. --<■ * Letter* to a Youn5r Man.

mwr:.

I!"**' ^' H''

Jt-'f .^» V ,V

rH\« riit?vit^i'irfV>fi'.!

.'• >■ .**•

1- f ,»• * .H'

f.:«•'^• U'*'*';4''<i- ^' "^

il'i.H-^f--i'K^

-r i / .,: i;i j; /; f . 'i

■t- *• *• ^j "

^ I. £■

i, r. ii -wf ■■^\ }\'

■ ?-- -'.' ■•i %* -^i '<•

< '£ « j<i *. <i ("i */ •* : '•». !'

= '2 ^' **.' ■*';■. **♦' vi "A *i ' ' ■ ./■■ *> 4- V I *' ?i *.» r

			'. ^ f,	^ y ^
		:^ ?. U	T- »■ f.	^' T'. r^, ^
		^'/fit'	> 1 f	^: f > ft •
	r.	fc f.'i* !	KKr	•i' ••
		'^: r ►' '	r % r	i[ ■
		K r. ^	?■ i-- ?	•«*
	f.	>> # »
	i^	r ;		1 ■ 1 ■ ■
; . • ♦ . >	K	W f, v' i- f, ^		1 ■ ■
	t^!			1 m m
W p w
^.. i' V'				II 1 ■ ■
)• fc	*.	t i		1'^ ■

! t'i i: »■ i i^ J. s. I.

K H K K ^ {■■ ^' • • i' 1^

* I' i> «

•. ' . ► . * t I

i^ -k' ^' V >

^ 4 /f ' /« ^: Ft, n:

. ^. ..■ 'if. }^> .1^ ;^f' ;i H- '^^ It ; ^' ^ ;*■ ^t /^

i: H' ^-i .:f '-r .:t ^*-,i\

•t^ ,t' ^^

•#■ .#' «■

;^' "at- ?t« .f^.

■. I ^- '[f. |i. V' ■«' ''I'

^^, >^. * 1 >«• >^> H'

■ ^ i -4' '.i- ^- ^<^ ;^ * fV ^i s"; «S ;i ^^

4^ :*• 4-

■ *:''i- ;4^ >f

'r '^- 'i- *;• ■