part, I have a very great aversion to novelty, having experienced and been an eye witness to the great inconvenience it has produced. Although it cannot be averred with truth, that all the miseries which have for so many years defolated France, are wholly occasioned by innovation, yet it is probable that the mischiefs which have since occurred, were principally derived from a change of the old fyftem:

"Alas! my wounds originated from my own fatal weapons."

They who give the first shock to a state, are usually the first to be overwhelmed in its ruin. Besides, it is very doubtful whether greater advantages or greater dangers are likely to be produced by innovation. Government is a structure composed of several parts and members, joined and united together with such a strict affinity and union, that it is almost impossible to move one brick or stone without endangering the whole building. The legislation of the Thurians ordained, that whosoever would either abolish old laws or establish new, should present himself with a halter about his neck to the people; to the end, that if the innovation should

not

not be generally approved, he might be instant

ly hanged.

The Christian religion has all the marks of the highest utility and justice: but in nothing more manifest, than in the severe injunction which it lays indifferently upon all its followers, to yield absolute obedience to the civil magistrate, and to maintain and defend the laws; of which God has left us a wonderful example, who to work and establish the salvation of mankind, and to conduct his glorious victory over sin and death, in his Divine Wisdom ordained these benefits to be brought to pass by the ordinary forms of justice, submitted the progress and issue of so high and salutary an effect to the blindness of our cuftoms and forms, and permitted the innocent blood of his elect to be shed, and many years to pass away before this inestimable fruit was brought to maturity.

ESSAY 2.

By various methods we arrive at the same end.

THE usual method of softening the hearts of those who have revenge in their power, and whom we have offended, is to submit to their mercy, and endeavour to move them to commiseration. Formerly contrary methods were adopted, and have succeeded; viz. constancy, bravery, and resolution. Edward, prince of Wales, who ruled in Guienne, and who doubtless had many shining qualities, being exasperated against the Limofins, and taking their city by storm, was not to be deterred from slaughter by the cries of the women and children, who threw themselves at his feet for mercy; till perceiving three French officers, who with incredible boldness alone opposed his victorious army, he felt so much respect for such an extraordinary effort of valour, as at first deadened the edge of his resentment, and then led him to pity and spare the remaining inhabitants.

A fol

}

A foldier belonging to Scanderbercg, prince of Epirus, having offended his master, had in vain tried every effort of humiliation and supplication to appease him, but seeing him determined to take away his life, in this extrémity resolved to defend himself sword in hand; which resolution immediately suspended the fury of the prince, who, on beholding him act so boldly, received him into favour.

The emperor Conrad III. having besieged Winsberg, a city belonging to Guelph, duke of Bavaria, would not listen to the most submissive conditions that the citizens proposed; but would only agree that the women, who were besieged with the duke, should go out of the city on foot, loaded with whatever themfelves could carry. These magnanimous women soon appeared, some laden with their husbands, others with their children; and even the duke was escorted in the fame manner. The emperor was so delighted to see these signs of their affection and courage, that he could not forbear weeping; the implacable and mortal antipathy which he bore Against the duke was immediately softened, and he treated him and his conquered

quered city with humanity. Scenes like these would easily move me, as I have a wonderful inclination towards mercy and gentleness; and, according to my way of thinking, I should he more willing to yield to pity than to esteem. Yet pity is represented by the Stoics as a weak passion: they approve of our succouring the afflicted, but not that we should be moved to compassion; representing that to feel or suffer for the miseries of others, is only calculated for the weak minds of women, children, and the lower classes: but that dif daining to weep, and yielding only to the holy image of virtue, is the effect of a firm character, implying a masculine and vigorous disposition.

In former times, to persons of inferior generosity, astonishment and admiration might produce a similar effect; as the Thebans accused their captains, and tried them capitally for having held their charges beyond the time prefcribed. Yet when Epaminondas related authoritatively the deeds performed by himself, and boldly represented his actions to the people, they were not able even to take the ballots in their hands, but departed from the assembly highly praising his courage and demeanor,