is constant to them. He is satisfied with the good intentions of his actions, though their utility is not always conspicuous or publicly acknowledged.-Fedur.

CCXI.

The Value of Affections.-The tender affections, comprehending all the different modifications of love, appear in various forms and degrees, from the transient goodwill we feel for a common stranger, to the fondness with which the mother watches over her child in distress, or which unites the hearts of absent lovers. They may be accompanied with disappointment or other circumstances productive of pain, but that they are in themselves delightful requires neither proof nor illustration. But the affections are never so engaging as when they improve the character. This, indeed, is their natural tendency, inasmuch as they prevent our attention from being confined to ourselves, and create both an interest in the welfare of others, and also an anxiety to recommend ourselves to their esteem. And it is wonderful how far, in many instances, they have subdued the ferocity and selfishness of human nature, and roused its timidity and indolence to indefatigable exertions and heroic exploits. The power of love to support the affectionate, in the most trying situations, is so great, that the very consciousness of being beloved by the object of our attachment, will disarm of its terrors even death itself. As the tender affections may be exhibited in such various forms, to contribute at once to our improvement and delight, it is a pity that men of genius should sometimes degrade themselves to win our attachment to worthless characters, or to allure us to a vicious, indolent, or effeminate life. And although it is, indeed, meritorious employment to warn the inex

perienced against the arts of the profligate, and to represent the errors and crimes into which the most amiable dispositions are apt to be betrayed; it is also of the highest importance, sometimes to exhibit our fellow-creatures in a more favourable point of view, to rouse our emulation by characters who unite the respectable to the amiable qualities, and to show, what is not unfrequently exemplified in the world, how the tender affections, when properly directed, are productive of the most generous and heroic virtues.-D'Israeli-Essays on Literary Plea

sure.

CCXII.

Candour of greater Worth than Prudence.-Simplicity and gentleness are more beneficial to the human race, than the prudence of all its individuals; for nobody has ever described the golden age as composed of prudent, but of candid men. If it be objected, that much of that which is called simplicity in women is thoughtlessness or inattention, I reply, that much of that which is called prudence in men, is fallacy, duplicity and treachery, which are much worse qualities. Even that very discreet frankness, with which they sometimes incautiously unbosom themselves, is a token considered as a symptom. No person is ignorant of his vices; and whoever finds himself loaded with them to a large amount, is very careful to shut the crevices of his heart to prevent the pryings of curiosity. Whoever commits criminal disorders within his house, does not leave his doors open at all hours, and by that means expose himself to be detected. Reserve is the inseparable companion of a bad heart; and you may conclude that those who familiarly and with ease unbosom themselves, have little about them that they are anxious

credit but with bigots or enthusiasts, fools or madmen. It being evident, then, that these are no other than pretended motives, what are the real?

An inhuman temper, with a combination of the worst of men's passions, particularly malice, envy, covetousness, pride, ambition, a desire to domineer, and tyrannize over others to which are sometimes added bigotry and enthusiasm; these are the real incentives to persecution, and, when joined with a large measure of hypocrisy, complete the character of a persecutor.-Ibid.

CCXLII.

How to Prevent Religious Persecution.-On this subject of preventing persecution, I shall only add, that if those who are set apart to instruct others, instead of entertaining them with what neither teachers nor hearers understand, and (what is still worse) stirring up the latter to dislike and hate one another for difference in opinions, would preach the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is, “peace on earth, and good-will to men ;" and also enforce this excellent doctrine by their own examples, and recommend all other virtues by the same means, we should undoubtedly soon experience a great alteration in the world. It could then be no longer justly said, "that the leaders of the people cause them to err." Neither is it probable we should then see any more treatises published “Of the Cause of the Contempt of the Clergy:" on the contrary, they would be treated with that respect and reverence, which are due to public benefactors. Indeed, it behooves us all to consider, that the best and most solid title to esteem and respect from mankind, is the doing real and substantial service. And what service can be more real and substantial, than persuading men to lay aside malice and VOL. I.-13

envy, hatred and persecution, and to be peaceable, gentle, and loving to one another?-Ibid.

CCXLIII.

Of Barristers.-There cannot be, in my opinion, a more exalted character, nor a more glorious situation, than that of an advocate arguing the cause of truth and justice, and pleading warmly in the defence of oppressed innocence. On the other hand there cannot be a more contemptible one, nor one guilty of a more execrable act than he who labours to disguise facts, colour over falsehood with the semblance of truth, and takes pains to countenance and support the oppressor. Such a one deserves to be handed down with the name of liar, the sound of which rankles in the ears of every real gentleman: for though he may find untruths in his brief, and of course is not the first utterer of them; yet by being the propagator of them, he fathers them, and is equally criminal with the forger: and however fallacious reasoning may do credit to his ingenuity, it redounds very little to his honour. Whilst a barrister will accept of a retaining fee, and oblige himself to stand forth and espouse a cause, before he has read his brief, and is acquainted with its contents; his professional character will not, in the minds of honest men, extenuate his offence; for with all its learning, iniquitous must that profession be, that induces a man, for gain, to declare what his heart disavows, and to contend against the conviction of his own mind. Nothing should tempt a man to support a cause, which he is convinced is not a just one, nor to make what be calls the best of it. If he does, the greater his professional character is, and the more consummate his abilities, the greater crime he com

mits. If he is deceived by his instructions, the instant he discovers the deception, he should throw down his papers and the fee that accompanied them, execrate the solicitor that would have hired him to do mischief, and avow his detestation of it in the face of the court. If by this practice he had fewer briefs, he would have more reputation; and would have the satisfaction of knowing, that though he possessed less money, he had a clear heart. In a little time he would have no occasion thus to fly in the face of his employers; for if men (who are best acquainted with their own cases, and can very well distinguish between right and wrong) found they should meet with no support in their advocates, many an unjust cause would not be brought into court.-Trusler's Memoirs.

son,

CCXLIV.

On retiring from Business.-As on the one hand it is odious for a man of an overgrown fortune to go on in business to a great age, still striving to increase a heap already larger than is necessary, to the prejudice of younger people, who ought to have a clear stage and opportunity of making their way in life; so it is vain for a perwho has spent his days in an active sphere, to think of enjoying retirement, before the time of retirement is come. He who resolves at once to change his way of life from action to retirement, or from one state to another directly contrary, without being prepared for it by proper age and habit, for some continuance of time, will find, that he will no sooner have quitted his former way of life, than he will desire to be in it again.

It is on this, as well as other accounts, of great advantage, that a man have acquired some turn to reading, and