refinement in our fears. A rational apprehension of impending evil is the mother of security, but the mind that is terrified by remote dangers is weak and ridiculous. The imagination is like a magnifying-glass, which, by enlarging the dimensions of distant objects, makes them appear formidable. It is the office of reason to place them in proper situations, and to suggest, that we are not exposed to their effects. The Neapolitan, who lives at the foot of Vesuvius, has just cause for trembling at the symptoms of au eruption; but, he may depend upon it, his vines are in no danger from the volcanos in the moon. The stock-holder may well fear the consequences of the Belgic commotions. The farmer, whose hay is scattered over the meadows, may, without the imputation of weakness, be vexed at the torrents of rain. But why should the man, who has no concern but to walk from Cheapside to Whitechapel, apply to his barometer ten times before he ventures out; or be disturbed in his dreams for the safety of the grand signor? A club was once established by certain gentlemen, whose minds were too much polished by their travels not to banish every thing that is interesting to John Bull. Among their rules and orders it was enacted, That no mention should be made of the state of the weather or politics, but that all their conversation should turn upon literature and virtû. It happened, that the president of the club, who was a pretty petit maitre of twenty stone, was attacked by a violent ague. He was seized with a cold fit whilst adjusting a dispute between two dilettanti, whether the church of Santa Maria in Navicelli was larger than Santa Maria in Valicelli,. This important argument was interrupted by the presi dent's digression in abuse of the English climate, which he declared was calculated for no beings under the sun but draymen and shepherds. Some of the fraternity talked peremptorily of expelling him from the society, for breaking their first rule, and introducing a subject which ought to be left to the canaille. After great animosity, and abundant altercation, it was finally determined to expunge the rule, because they could not engage a party who were sufficiently refined by liqueurs to be freed from the grievance of their English constitutions. It was once seriously discussed by the French Academy, whether it was possible for a Gerinan to be a wit. It would be more worthy of the sagacity of the same learned body to determine whether it be possible for an Englishman not to be a politician. To form a right decision, let them converse with what order of men they please, and they will find, that the ruling passion is the regulation of the political machine. The ferocity which is natural to islanders may be the reason of our being more disposed to command than to obey. Hence it is no uncommon case for a man so far to mistake his abilities, as to talk of riding the state horse, when he is hardly expert enough to shoe him. All persons of all ranks harangue as if the secrets of the state would be best entrusted to their discretion, as if their own address qualified them for the most critical situations, and the judgment of their rulers should be suspended until superior sagacity pointed out the right path. Whilst the barber snaps his fingers among his customers, he talks of managing the mounseers, and laying on taxes without oppres sion. The aldermen, at a corporation dinner, do the same over their turbot and venison. To complete the climax, these are the identical points which perplex the understandings of the king and his counsellors in the cabinet. Notwithstanding the severity of military law, the different orders of society would sustain no injury, if, like a well-disciplined army, they neither broke their ranks, nor mutinied against their officers. A family is a kingdom in miniature: in that domestic, but important sphere of government, every man of common sense is able to preside. The master of a well-regulated house is more beneficial to the state, than a hundred political declaimers. To curb the passions, to fix religious principles in the minds of children, and to govern servants with mild authority, all ultimately promote the best interests of the public. Obedience branches out into various relations. The debt which we demand from our dependents, we owe to our governors. Subordination is to a subject, what resignation is to a Christian they are both admirably well calculated to silence the clamours of party, and administer the cordial of content. Let the Englishman repress his murmurs, by reflecting that he is a member of a constitution which combines the excellences of all governments; and that he breathes in a climate which permits him to be exposed to the air more days in a year, and more hours in a day, without inconvenience, than any other in Europe. : Q. KETT. INDEX. No. Introduction. Preface I. On the diffidence incidental to young authors. Character of Mr. Afflatus Page 5 13 . 17 11. The superiority of the Iliad to the Odyssey not imaginary, but real III. Letters from Mr. Cantwell, a clerical plagia- 92 30 IV. On the inglorious fate of books and authors 37 VI. On the credulity of the English nation.-In- quiry into the meaning of the phrase "a VII. General rules for conversation VIII. On ill-timed exhibitions of wit and judgment. IX. On visiting.-Correspondence of the editor 42 47 64 X. The pleasing retrospect of a well-spent life XI. Essay on laughter XII. Rules for conversation, (being a continuation of No. vii.) XIII. On the excellences and failings of Dr. Johnson . XIV. On propriety in dress . 79 86 |