How often is debility of mind, and even badness of heart, concealed
under a splendid exterior! The fairest of the species, and of the sex,
often want sincerity; and without it every other qualification is rather
a blemish than a virtue or excellence. Sincerity operates in the moral,
somewhat like the sun in the natural world; and produces nearly the same
effects on the dispositions of the human heart, which he does on
inanimate objects. Wherever sincerity prevails, and is felt, all the
smiling and benevolent virtues flourish most, disclose their sweetest
lustre, and diffuse their richest fragrance.
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