disposed to speak evil of any, unless there be some other reason for it, besides barely that it is true. If he be charged with having given an ill character, he will scarce think it a sufficient justification of himself to say it was a true one, unless he can give some further account how he came to do so a just indignation against particular instances of villainy, where they are great and scandalous; or to prevent an innocent man from being deceived or betrayed, when he has great trust and confidence in one who does not deserve it. Justice must be done to every part of a subject, when we are considering it. If there be a man, who bears a fair character in the world, whom yet ye know to be without faith or honesty, to be really an ill man; it must be allowed, in general, that we shall do a piece of service to society, by letting such an one's true character be known. However, no words can express too strongly the caution which should be used in such a case as this. Upon the whole matter: if people would observe the obvious occasions of silence, if they would subdue the inclination to tale-bearing, and that eager desire to engage attention, which is an original disease in some minds; they would be in little danger of offending with their tongue."-BISHOP BUTLER. NUMBER 17. ALTHOUGH the virtues of universal philanthropy and benevolence are in the present age held up to our view with every possible encomium, I must confess that I am not so superior to what are now fashionably termed prejudices, as to overlook the objects of commiseration which fall under my individual notice, wrapped up in the visionary projects of a modern philosopher. Whenever I turn my eyes to the contemplation of the country of my ancestors, I feel thankful that I can claim it for my own, and an honest pride in surveying its manifest blessings and superiority. And in no one instance do I more glory in this superiority, than in the spirit of true liberality and benevolence which so generally prevails amongst us. Whether I read the classic works of antiquity, and examine into the state of the most renowned heathen nations, or observe the manners and institutions of modern times, in none do I find such noble monuments of philanthropy as grace our island; a philanthropy not founded on the ridiculous principles of infidel philosophy, but inculcated by religion, and supported with cheerful activity. It were vain to look for buildings appropriated to the relief of the poor and distressed amongst the Greeks or the Romans; the whole heathen world did not contain so many as are to be found within the walls of a modern city. Nay their language did not even contain a word sufficient to express the meaning of charity. Their sages taught learning and wisdom, but it was reserved for christianity to add charity and benevolence, by teaching us the duties owing to our Creator. On this subject much more might be said than there is room for in the limits of this paper. It has indeed employed the pens of many able writers, and forms no inconsiderable share of common place declamation. But as this declamation is generally directed against the want of the exercise of the social feelings, and as it falls but too often to the lot of the moralist to condemn vice, it is surely not unreasonable to indulge in the exquisite gratification of beholding virtue retaining her powerful influence over the human mind, and appearing in her loveliest garb, in the exer cise of benevolence. Cold must the heart be that is not warmed by contemplating it so proudly pre-eminent amongst us. Locally also, as well as nationally, this is a source of real pleasure; and I cannot but heartily congratulate my townsmen on the distinguished rank which they hold in the practice of this virtue. The numerous and wellregulated charitable institutions in this town, are its proudest boast, and confer more importance on its inhabitants than their riches, their docks, or their commerce. It is nevertheless to be lamented, that, notwithstanding the laudable means taken to relieve the necessities of our fellow-creatures, a great proportion of them still struggle with adversity. That those who have once experienced the blessings of prosperity, are, when reduced to taste the bitter cup of adverse fate, the most deserving objects of our sympathy, will be generally allowed; from whatever event such a fall in life may originate, our sincerest commiseration is due to them. But, alas! too often does the unfeeling pride of wealth lead men to triumph over such a fall, and pass by the sufferer with contemptuous scorn. How bitter are his pangs none can tell, unless placed in a similar situation. In spite of all the arguments of reason and experience, to prove the frail tenure of riches,-and although such an S instance as I have just mentioned forcibly shows the uncertainty of their enjoyment,-yet does man hug himself in the possession of them, nor contemplates the possibility of a reverse of fortune. But if the situation of a man thus unfortunate be deserving of pity, how must the keen arrows of distress be sharpened ere they pierce the female breast. Born with flattering prospects, with pleasing hopes of future happiness, and nursed in the lap of affluence, woman's misfortunes interest our warmest feelings. With Jaffier may she say, "I have known *The luscious sweets of plenty; every night "Whose blossom scaped, yet's withered in the ripening." A man may find the means of subsistence in various ways; a female has difficulties peculiar to her sex to encounter. The avenues of trade are almost barred against her; and in the few employments to which she may turn, she will find her place supplied by beings unworthy of the name of men, whose whole lives are spent amongst ribbands and muslins, and whose effeminacy would be best cured by participating in the discipline of a seventy-four. |