sion to converse more with mankind, never more need their good opinion or good word, it were then no great matter (speaking as to the concernments of this world) if a man spent his reputation all at once, and ventured it at one throw; but, if he be to continue in the world, and would have the advantage of conversation while he is in it, let him make use of truth and sincerity in all his words and actions; for nothing but this will last and hold out to the end.-Tillotson.

CLXIX.

Appetite, Reason, and Will.-Appetite, which is elder brother to reason, being the lad of stronger growth, is sure, on every contest, to take the advantage of drawing all to his own side. And will, so highly boasted, is, at best, merely a top or football between these youngsters, who prove very unfortunately matched; till the youngest, instead of now and then a kick or lash bestowed to little purpose, forsakes the ball or top itself, and begins to lay about his elder brother. "Tis then that the scene changes. For the elder, like an arrant coward, upon this treatment, presently grows civil, and affords the younger as fair play afterwards as he can desire.-Shaftesbury.

CLXX.

Theory and Practice of Religion.-Every one who has read the New Testament will acknowledge, that the principal traits in the character of the Gospel, are mildness, benevolence, charity; but who, that has taken a view of the conduct of its professors, will not confess, that these virtues appear with very faint light, amid the gloomy shades of Christian bigotry and intolerance. This consideration gives countenance to the opinion, that religion, among most men, is rather to be attributed to prejudice

than conviction-is rather the effect of education than the result of rational inquiry.-The Bee, 1791.

CLXXI.

Discretion.-There are many more shining qualities in the mind of man, but there is none so useful as discretion; it is this, indeed, which gives a value to all the rest, which sets them at work in their proper times and places, and turns them to the advantage of the person who is possessed of them. Without it, learning is peḍantry, and wit impertinence; virtue itself looks like weakness; the best parts only qualify a man to be more sprightly in errors, and active to his own prejudice.-Addison.

CLXXII.

Origin of Trades and Professions.-Most of the trades, professions, and ways of living among mankind, take their original either from the love of pleasure, or the fear of want. The former, when it becomes too violent, degenerates into luxury, and the latter into avarice.— Ibid.

CLXXIII.

Woman's Love.-As the dove will clasp its wings to its side, and cover and conceal the arrow that is preying on its vitals, so is the nature of woman to hide from the world the pangs of wounded affection.-Anon.

CLXXIV.

Friendship.-Aristotle considers friendship as of three kinds, one arising from virtue, another from pleasure, and another from interest; but justly determines, that there can be no true friendship which is not founded on virtue.-Bolton.

CLXXV.

Of Innovation.-Under the sanction of that tyrant, custom, the most calamitous abuses are consecrated, and we have invariably exerted our best abilities to undermine a system, so fatal to the peace and general happiness of the world. All the arguments that have been advanced, or that is possible to advance against innovation, originate in the grossest error and prejudice. If it had not been for this happy spirit of innovation, what would be the state of mechanics, mathematics, geography, astronomy, and all the useful arts and sciences tending to the instruction and felicity of mankind at this day? Are governments which carry error and misery on the face of them, capable of less improvement, or are politics the only science to be neglected? If we inquire, who are the stanch advocates of this anti-innovation doctrine, it will be found that they are persons whose best stake is at issue, or if they keep concealed behind the curtain, they who appear in front, are agents dependent on them. The rulers themselves are contented with pronouncing high-sounding encomiums on the constitution, but if pressed to argument they make a retreat, and do no more than repeat the assertion. Assertion and argument may be as different from each other, as truth and falsehood. With equal consistency, I might proclaim Sir Isaac Newton the most arrant blockhead that ever existed; and, if urged for any reasons, might get off with equal eclat, by replying in the same manner.-A Sketch of the Manners of the Age.

CLXXVI.

Of the dread of Reform.-The true and only reason for not attempting a reform in the state of things is, that the interest of corruption requires them to remain as they are. Hence, as we have before observed on this topic, all parties now seem to agree; they who possess the good things, being afraid to risk the least alteration that might affect their possession, and the candidates of future expectation, dreading the utter extinction of those good things, which they still look up to with hope and avidity.-Ibid.

CLXXVII.

The British Constitution.-If the British constitution be fundamentally good, why is the nation precluded from the full benefits of it? Let the army and navy be reduced to the proper legal establishment-to an establishment founded on just principles; and, as the first step preparatory to the annihilation of corruption, restore integrity and purity to parliament; shorten their duration; and render to every man, not disqualified by nature or by crime, the right of voting for his representative; then the system may be meliorated-wars abolished-no more the real interests of the people be sacrificed to the ideal honour and dignity of crowns, nor fresh burdens imposed, merely to increase the revenue, and to enslave themselves.-Ibid.

CLXXVIII.

Reason and Philosophy.-In proportion as reason and philosophy are extending their empire over the world, the rulers of nations are straining every nerve to check their progress and destroy the effects. The genius of liberty,

however, is roused, and, aided by such powerful succours, victory must eventually ensue. The human faculties have been long under the dominion of a barbarous Gothic ignorance. The lights of knowledge begin to dissipate the gloom, and a successful example will convince all nations of the abuses that have been practised on them.-Ibid.

CLXXIX.

Of Criminal Laws.-Our criminal laws are too indiscriminate and sanguinary. The murderer, and the wretch, who, prompted by want, and unrestrained by the precepts of example or education, destitute of the benefit of either, commits a theft to support existence, receive an equal punishment. All these abuses are tolerated. Why?Merely to avoid the risk of innovation.— Ibid.

CLXXX.

Causes of War.-It is apparent, that lust of power, and the senseless quarrels of princes, are generally the causes of wars, and of the devastations and slaughter of their subjects attending them. About a hundred years ago, the King of Pegu made war against the King of Siam, with an army of above a million of foot, two hundred thousand horse, five thousand elephants, three thousand camels, &c. The cause of this war was to take two white elephants from the King of Siam; and to do the like from the King of Pegu, the Kings of African and Tangu waged war with him.-Considerations on War.

CLXXXI.

How to prevent Wars.-But surely, if the people have no real interest in the quarrels of their princes, as it is certain they very seldom have, it would be highly reasonVOL. I.-9