conceded too much to theory, in defending one of them against Rousseau, when he allowed, that should men gradually grow better, it might be reasonable to expect they should be satisfied with the social pleasure they would enjoy within their families, and neglect other resources. But this is not the common course of things. In proportion as nations refine and improve, what is useful is separated from what is agreeable, by the division of labour, that both of them may be made more beneficial in their several ways; and thus it is likely that the fine arts, as well as all others, will be cultivated daily with less distracted attention. We may by these means superadd the pleasures of imagination to the pleasures of society and friendship; and there is no reason to think them, with Rousseau and D'Alembert, naturally separable. I must here acknowledge the judgment with which Miss Hannah More, in a work of which a large part possesses real merit, reconciles all interests, by reflections very instructive to those who cultivate poetry; neither circumscribing their exertions on the one hand, nor justifying in them, on the other, the slightest departure from the rules of Christian morality.

As sentiment should prevail over reason in the

fine arts, the end of which is to amuse and interest, so reason should prevail over sentiment in those pursuits, the ultimate tendency of which is, to profit and instruct. The improper censure and discouragement, therefore, of fitness, and the injudicious sacrifice of its interest, to that of other qualities in things we either produce, or pronounce our judgments of, should be carefully avoided in material concerns, and reason allowed to remain' quite neutral, with her head cool, and her affections under regulation, so far, at least, as never to infringe that justice, which is then frequently the question, between man and man. The worst consequence, which may in such a case be experienced of letting the sublime and beautiful encroach upon the province of fitness, though already described, shall first be reconsidered here, with a view of pointing out the means of avoiding it; especially as it is to cooperate with some sensible gentlemen of the present time, who profess to encourage good behaviour in the poor; to do which, we should all be on the watch, so as not to be influenced by the sublime and beautiful, in imposing forwardness, and in flattering and advantageous attention.

Unless taste itself be corrupt, it will be gratified

H

with its proper object. The prudent use, then, of a knowledge of the world, pleasing artless manners, and a favourable physiognomy, will generally make their way. The difficulty is for the character of a life, which cannot equally affect the feelings, to press upon our attention; and where its claim is urged, the man may seem a creditor, having a demand upon us, and perhaps at best a general agreement takes place for the acknowledgement of his merits. But this boastful reward is better suited to a Heathen, than a Christian; and he will besides benefit the commu,nity, by sharing real advantages with others, so long as he preserves a due independence, instead of separating from them, as one rather to be admired, than imitated. For we judge wrongly, that consequent brilliancy will compensate to him for coldness; nor is his proper place like that

Where CLEARER skies glow round the FROZEN pole.

On the contrary, it is a task worthy of any society or insitution emulous to disprove the saying, that "every body's business is nobody's," to let in upon him the genial summer ray of fortune; and warm him into a being, animated enough to interest, and deserve good offices, from all around, instead of

leaving him environed by a cold and repulsive atmosphere. We see from a contemplation of man in every state of society, that to do justice is not, singly considered, at all an interesting occupation; for could it be ranked among pleasures, it would prevail universally. It is only in countries where, by a happy concurrence of circumstances, good habits are formed, that the irregularity of the passions is restrained, and that men, vanquished by the undeniable force of truth, cannot stand by one another to resist it. It is the object of science to make truth more and more irresistible, and afterwards prevent the natural rebellion against its established power. How far this end may be attained in morals I will not say; but if it be visionary and theoretical to hope, it is equally so to despair, in regard to uncertain things; and it has never been demon→ strated, though it may be doubted, that men will be made to blush at a continued encouragement of imposture. They are indeed called upon to do so the more, for the very reason they conceive excuses it. They say in their own vindication, that virtue is daily found to occasion prosperity, and se cure friends, in the world. It is so; but they should not take that merit to themselves which belongs

to the Deity. He has by these means done his part, enjoining them by the dictates of natural justice, the task of completing what he began. They should therefore be judiciously attentive to every claim, neither injuring worth by too much officiousness, nor too much neglect; and neither making its cause odious by ill-timed and unaccountable favour, nor by uniform contemptuous opposition to its wishes. They should likewise allow a man indulgence in proportion as he has voluntarily foregone it; and not, from a false and cruel idea of consistency, punish him, by imposing new hardships, for the sacrifices by which he has benefited others. Some remarks of Butler, in his apology, form a kind of hint to the present friends of true improvement, to effect these desirable purposes. "Power," he says, "in a society, by being under the direction of virtue, naturally increases, and has a powerful tendency to prevail over opposite power, not under the direction of it." And afterwards, " it is to be hoped, that the disproportion between the good and the bad, even here on earth, is not so great, but that the former have a natural power of prevailing to a considerable degree, if circumstances would permit this power to be united." "However, good