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the whispers of Calumny; we heed not the wink of the eye of malevolence, nor the frown on the scowling brow of Malice:~our basis is truth; our superstructure candour, Christian charity, and forbearance. Conscious of the imperfections of our nature, we delight not in the exposure of the faults of others; and, aware of the disposition of the world to aggravate and magnify the errors of those placed in an elevated rank of life, we shall sift every information which is transmitted to us in the most scrupulous and fastidious manner: we will not be made the dupe of the designing, nor the tool of the political emissary.

The life of the illustrious individual, whose Memoirs are now under our hands, presents, indeed, few scenes of political interest for the contemplation of the historian or the philosopher; for the orbit in which she moved extended very little beyond the circle of private life, but that circle contained every thing that was good-that was great and virtuous. It was in the display of every Christian virtue, in the exercise of every religious duty, in the fulfilment of every moral obligation, and in the practice of every conjugal affection, that she shone conspicuous; and therefore, as far as the dearest relations of human existence ex

tend, the history of her life will assume a decided character of importance, and will be held forth as a model of female virtue, excellence, and perfection.

Acquainted with the wishes of her own heart, we shall lift the veil with a delicate hand in the exposure of those scenes which first threw the shade of sorrow o'er her brow. The confidence which has been reposed in us shall not be abused: we will not harrow the feelings of the parent in the justification of the child; and at the close of our labours we confidently anticipate the applause and approbation of a liberal and enlightened public.

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