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men are generally more alike in their opinions, than when controled by others. Truth is uniform and consistent, but error is multifarious, and the child of constraint, and so natural is liberty to man, that the more he is dictated to, the more likely he is to do wrong. Tho' some men tell us, that variety is desirable in all things, yet it is not to be denied, that, in things of importance the greatest similarity of opinion, consistent with liberty, is to be wished for, but in things that are indifferent, the greatest variety produces the greatest pleasure. Liberality, therefore, which leaves every man to think and act as he pleases, is the best remedy for difference of opinion, and the surest promoter of harmony among all parties. The experience of the world sufficiently proves, that there are hardly opinions in themselves destructive of the peace of society; it is not opinions which do harm, but the opposition to them. Many errors, which would have vanished before time and reason, have grown strong and vigorous by being encountered, and the very force by which they were opposed, has destroyed many thousand lives, and left the opinions which it meant to root out, confirmed and strengthened. Liberality of sentiment is shewn not only in Liberality, religious and political differences, but consists 7 Sent makis

of

us considerate

to the failings

others!

The Liberal adorse, but not dictate

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also in a benevolent attention to the failings and ignorance of our fellow-creatures in all ranks and stations. A man of true liberality never judges harshly of the conduct of others, he makes allowance for the defects of education aud the errors of judgment, he estimates with impartiality the opportunities and advantages which those who do wrong, have had of knowing better, and whenever he can put a favourable construction on the conduct of any human being, he never imputes it to a bad motive, but at most to a false conception of things.

A liberal man will advise, but he will never dictate, because he desires that every man should be allowed the free exercise of his judgment in things which concern his happiness, and where it is necessary to resent an injury, he will do it more as a painful duty, than a pleasure, and without insult, violence, or malice, so that the person corrected, if he has any feeling, will be more hurt by such generosity, than he could have been gratified by his own ill-nature. To love those that hate us, tho' a precept of religion, is beyond the reach of our nature; the utmost that can be expected, is 6 forbearance from injury.

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Liberality Liberality is a god-like virtue, for it arises the offspung only from superior intelligence. Ignorance and of Intelligence

10.

illiberality are always found together. Whatever be his rank, profession, or pursuits, a liberal man will treat those of others with respect, at least where he differs, he will forbear to insult or injure, for even in politics and religion, which divide men the most in their opinions, it is possible to differ materially, and yet to be gentle and tolerant ; to seek to convert, without dictating, and to give advice without offence. Liberality of sentiment gives an amiable cast to all our words and actions, and distinguishes one man from another, more than any other quality, for it is more extensive in its operation. Other virtues can only be exercised at particular times, and towards particular persons, but liberality is perpetually requisite. It is called for in judging and in acting, in council, in debate, in the senate, the pulpit, and the bar; it is shewn towards our friends and our enemies; to the wicked, the ignorant, and the foolish, the learned, and the gay; to all ages, sexes, and complexions; and even the virtuous are not above its beneficence, for it palliates their indiscretions, and prevents their good from being evil spoken of; it endeavours to make virtue more amiable, and to soften the deformity of vice; it pardons the errors of youth, and pities the vanity of beauty; and

wherever it is possible to extenuate the faults and failings of our frail nature, it covers with a veil of kindness what cannot be totally concealed. The vices of the heart are alone beyond its gentle influence, and can never be touched by its power; they are hard, obdurate, and inflexible, and yield neither to mildness nor generosity: they must be treated as they treat others, for liberality is lost upon them. Avarice, meanness, selfishness, cruelty, and dishonesty, deserve no quarter, and he that is not their enemy, is an enemy to the world, for they desire no friends, and are at open hostility with every thing noble, generous, or beneficent; severity towards such enemies, is not only justifiable, but requisite.

Prejudice So great is the weakness of human nature,

occasions and such is the force of prejudice, that there are

illiberality men who are liberal in some things and not in

others. Where the passions are strongly excited, men, the most liberal in other respects, suffer themselves to be led away without examination, and, from the implicit faith which they attach to certain opinions, think themselves justified in reprobating all those who differ from them, and, contrary to the mildness of their nature, use a degree of severity when they speak of such differences, which nothing

but the importance of the subject could produce or palliate.

The good effects of liberal sentiments can Good effects never be sufficiently felt and understood, till never suffic? they are contrasted with those of an opposite acknowleged

quality, for such is the constitution both of the natural and moral world, that virtue and beauty derive all their lustre from their opposites.

Illiberality is generally connected with the

liberality.

worst of our passions, and he whose mind is associated with: engrossed by any one of these, has no con- the worst passions sideration for the feelings or the comfort of those who surround him. Ambition, envy, pride, malice, hatred, jealousy, revenge, and avarice, are passions which endure no rivals; every thing must yield to their gratification, or be sacrificed to their power; the gentle voice of moderation and reason is never heard in their presence; a benevolent feeling for the wants, ignorance, and desires of other people, is never experienced for a moment, and he who dares in any instance to oppose their power, will feel whether he deserves it or not; the violence with which they bear down all before them, right or wrong. Liberality stops to examine the true state of things, and mildly interprets the motives of others; but illiberality never deigns to reflect any further, than that

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