No. II.
Virtue is a good,
No foe can spoil, and lasting to the grave.
_Glover_.
To that branch of the harmonious family of Literature, of which the
ESSAYIST is a legitimate member, one peculiar immunity has uniformly
been accorded. He has permission, at all times, to commune with his
readers, unrestrained by drawing-room etiquette, and without being
required to appear in full dress. He can, in this respect, plead
immemorial usage, or literary common law, as a privileged personage.
But, as neatness of costume and decorous deportment are never
disregarded, by the well-bred man, in any circumstances; so, the
well-bred writer will not fail in his observance of neatness of style,
and, what is of infinitely more importance, correctness of sentiment.
Familiarity, inordinately indulged, is another name for rudeness.
Motives of the most imperious character, calculated to prompt him to
such a course of conduct, may be found, in contemplating the splendid
union of talent and virtue, by which many of those were distinguished,
who have trodden the same path before him. They were, alternately
engaged, in culling, from its borders, flowers variegated with every
tint of beauty, or in gathering the ripest, most salutary, and most
delightful fruit. Although, on the authority of Bacon and Roscommon,
the author of the "English Dictionary" has defined an ESSAY to be "_an
irregular, indigested piece_," yet there are other eminent scholars,
who, it would appear, did not consider such a definition as perfectly
correct. JOHN LOCKE, one of the greatest men, of whom Great Britain can
boast, and the late Dr. SMITH, of Princeton, have imparted a degree
of dignity to the term, not in exact accordance with the generally
received acceptation of its import. These may, however, be viewed in
the light of exceptions to a general rule. While furnished with the
opportunity, permit me to dwell for a moment, with some emphasis, on
the meritorious ESSAYS of these celebrated writers. The philosophy of
LOCKE has no affinity, whatever, with the infidel philosophy of more
recent times. He was a firm believer in the sublime, and inexpressibly
important, truths of Revelation; and consequently, a serious and devout
Christian. His analysis of mind, and the index he has given by which
to ascertain where its strength may be profitably exerted, and where
the depths of profundity present themselves, which its limited line
cannot fathom, are calculated to teach its true nature and powers. The
perusal of such a work, will necessarily widen the mental horizon of
every intelligent reader, and, at the same time, impart a taste for
that practical mode of inquiry which is characterized by closeness
of research. He advances step by step in his investigations; you are
never solicited to adopt his conclusions, but they are made manifest,
in the broad and clear light of truth. Dr. SMITH, a countryman of our
own, was a man of profound learning, possessing a genius of the highest
order. One reason, for entertaining a high opinion of his ESSAY on the
causes of the difference of complexion, &c. in the human species, shall
be stated. We all have our prejudices; some of which, viewed through
the deceptive medium of education and habit, are probably concealed
from ourselves.--Amongst these prejudices, there are none, perhaps,
stronger or more inveterate, even in Pennsylvania, than those which
exist against the unfortunate and injured African. Oh, my country! thou
art madly provoking the tremendous indignation of Heaven, by a perilous
perseverance in wrong and injustice!
And hast thou then no law besides thy will,
No just criterion fix'd to good and ill?
Futurity is wisely concealed from our view; but of this solemn truth
there can be no question,--VICE and OPPRESSION _will not always
go unpunished_. Almost unconscious of it, the unjust bias, above
alluded to, had in some degree taken possession of my mind; but was,
it is hoped, almost entirely removed, by an attentive and thorough
examination of his doctrines. He, as well as LOCKE, contemplates true
philosophy in the elevated character of a hand-maid to Revelation. One
of his leading objects is, to establish, by a course of fair and manly
reasoning, the veracity of the Mosaic account of the creation.
When I sat down at my desk, I had intended to consult a few of the
pages of our early history, for the purpose of finding some profitable
lessons for the instruction of the present generation; but, by
indulging a _desultory_ propensity, the original purpose has almost
been lost sight of. The salutary effect, which results from frequently
ascending to first principles, has been long known and acknowledged.
There is many a prodigal spendthrift among us, who would do well,
in various respects, to imitate the example of his industrious and
unostentatious ancestor, from whom he has inherited the means of
indulging his extravagant desires. He should remember, that the highest
privilege of wealth is to aid the meritorious who stand in need of
assistance; and that industry, properly directed, does, even to the man
whose necessities do not require such exertion, always bring with it an
ample reward. "Health and length of days are in her right hand, and in
her left riches and honour!"
The corner stone of this Commonwealth was laid in immutable justice;
and the hands of her founders were never stained by the blood of an
Indian. Our primitive annals, therefore, solicit, and will endure,
the closest and most rigid scrutiny. The first settlers were plain in
their habits, and simple in their manners. They laboured indefatigably
with their own hands, and their lives were distinguished by pure
morals, and unaffected piety. The blessing of Providence followed
them; and their descendants have become a great people. But how long
will this prosperity last, should their maxims of economy, simplicity,
and temperance, continue to be utterly disregarded? Necessity, it is
believed, is at the present time, teaching some of them with effect.
WILLIAM PENN, whose amiable and great qualities furnish an opulent
subject, on which, if the narrowness of my page did not forbid, I
should delight to dwell, was one of those bright luminaries which, at
distant intervals, have cheered and irradiated a benighted world.
Thus lovely halcyons dive into the main,
Then show far off their shining plumes again.
In conclusion, permit me to relate an anecdote of the great lawgiver,
which is traditional, it is true, but, at the same time, direct and
authentic. Being on a visit at the house of one of his friends, who
resided at GWYNEDD, a Welch settlement, twenty miles from Philadelphia,
he remained there during the night. When shown into his chamber, in
which there was a considerable quantity of grain, apologies were made
to him, and regrets expressed, that no better accommodations could be
furnished, on such an occasion. With that urbanity and goodness of
heart, for which he was so remarkable, he immediately put to rest every
anxiety, which had previously existed, by a single observation: "_I do
not wish to see more appropriate furniture in a new settlement; nothing
could give me more pleasure._" It should not be forgotten, that PENN
could number among his _intimate_ friends, many of the English nobility
and gentry; and had stood, with no infrequency, in the presence of
princes, but still his humility and unassuming manners were unimpaired.