Sivut kuvina
PDF
ePub

As this letter will be sent by a small vessel called a Packet, which carries dispatches from this government to the council of Calcutta, it will probably reach the happy region of Almora some weeks before thy friend.

I anticipate the comments which thou wilt make upon its contents. Thou wilt observe, that to extend our knowledge of the world, is but to become acquainted with new modes of pride, vanity, and folly. Thou wilt perceive that in Europe, as in Asia, an affected singularity often passes for superiour wisdom; bold assertion for truth; and sickly fastidiousness for true delicacy of sentiment. Thou wilt see that the passions of men are every where the same; and that the variety made by the Idol of Doctor Sceptick (existing circumstances) is not in the passions themselves, but in the complexion of the objects which excite them. Thou wilt remark, that though vice and folly have the appearance of being every where predominant, that it is only the

superficial observer, who will from thence infer the non-existence of Wisdom and Virtue. These have been traced by Maandaara to the bosom of retirement, where he will have observed them employed in scattering the sweet blossoms of domestick peace and though the torch of vanity glares not on their dwelling, and the trump of fame sounds not at their approach, he will nevertheless have remarked with pleasure the extent of their silent reign, and, with Zaarmilla, will pity the man who can form a doubt of their existence.

Of the various religions of the English, I have given you a full and distinct account. You will perceive by it, that notwithstanding the progress of philosophy, and the report of Sheermaal, that that of Christianity is not yet entirely extinct; but that, like Virtue and Wisdom, it has still some adherents, in the retired scenes of life.-You will, perhaps, not have been able to discover how the practices enjoined by its precepts can be injurious to society; and inclined to

[ocr errors]

think, that the love of a Being of infinite wisdom and goodness, and such a government of the passions, as enables a man to love his neighbour as himself, can do no great harm to the world.-Obnoxious as the precepts which command purity of heart, unfeigned humility, sanctity of morals, and simplicity of manners, may be to the philosopher; you will conclude, that they have, in reality, been found as little detrimental to the repose of the individual, as the expectation of everlasting felicity has been to his happiness. I am sorry, that the want of success attending the experiments of the worshippers of System, presents me with nothing to oppose to your conclusions better than assertion: but if you have the complaisance of the people of England, you will think that ought to be sufficient to overturn the dictates of common sense; though confirmed by the experience of ages!-Such faith do these good people put in the assertions of philosophers!

I am called from my pen to witness a ceremony called Signing the Settlements,

which is preliminary to the marriage of Mr. Darnley and the blooming Emma. The day after to-morrow is fixed for their nuptials, and on the day following, the amiable bride departs with her husband, loaded with paternal blessings. Though every thing is to be conducted in common form, and exactly in conformity to Christian prejudices, I do not know but this gentle and unassuming girl may have as great a chance for happiness, as if she had gone off with her lover on an experiment of abstract principle.

"May the conduct of those who act well, afford pleasure to the mind!-May you, ye good, find friends in this world! May virtue be for ever to be found!”

In reading the letters of a friend, may the goodness of his intention be put in the balance with his errours; and where the former is found predominant, may the latter be consigned to oblivion !

What can I say more?

FINIS.

« EdellinenJatka »