The Rural Magazine, and Literary Evening Fire-Side, Vol. 1 No. 03 (1820)

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Vol. I. Philadelphia, Third Month, 1820. No. 3.
Virtue is a good, No foe can spoil, and lasting to the grave. Glover .
To that branch of the harmonious family of Literature, of which the Essayist is a legitimate member, one peculiar immunity has uniformly been accorded. He has permission, at all times, to commune with his readers, unrestrained by drawing-room etiquette, and without being required to appear in full dress. He can, in this respect, plead immemorial usage, or literary common law, as a privileged personage. But, as neatness of costume and decorous deportment are never disregarded, by the well-bred man, in any circumstances; so, the well-bred writer will not fail in his observance of neatness of style, and, what is of infinitely more importance, correctness of sentiment. Familiarity, inordinately indulged, is another name for rudeness. Motives of the most imperious character, calculated to prompt him to such a course of conduct, may be found, in contemplating the splendid union of talent and virtue, by which many of those were distinguished, who have trodden the same path before him. They were, alternately engaged, in culling, from its borders, flowers variegated with every tint of beauty, or in gathering the ripest, most salutary, and most delightful fruit. Although, on the authority of Bacon and Roscommon, the author of the English Dictionary has defined an Essay to be an irregular, indigested piece , yet there are other eminent scholars, who, it would appear, did not consider such a definition as perfectly correct. John Locke, one of the greatest men, of whom Great Britain can boast, and the late Dr. Smith, of Princeton, have imparted a degree of dignity to the term, not in exact accordance with the generally received acceptation of its import. These may, however, be viewed in the light of exceptions to a general rule. While furnished with the opportunity, permit me to dwell for a moment, with some emphasis, on the meritorious Essays of these celebrated writers. The philosophy of Locke has no affinity, whatever, with the infidel philosophy of more recent times. He was a firm believer in the sublime, and inexpressibly important, truths of Revelation; and consequently, a serious and devout Christian. His analysis of mind, and the index he has given by which to ascertain where its strength may be profitably exerted, and where the depths of profundity present themselves, which its limited line cannot fathom, are calculated to teach its true nature and powers. The perusal of such a work, will necessarily widen the mental horizon of every intelligent reader, and, at the same time, impart a taste for that practical mode of inquiry which is characterized by closeness of research. He advances step by step in his investigations; you are never solicited to adopt his conclusions, but they are made manifest, in the broad and clear light of truth. Dr. Smith, a countryman of our own, was a man of profound learning, possessing a genius of the highest order. One reason, for entertaining a high opinion of his Essay on the causes of the difference of complexion, &c. in the human species, shall be stated. We all have our prejudices; some of which, viewed through the deceptive medium of education and habit, are probably concealed from ourselves.—Amongst these prejudices, there are none, perhaps, stronger or more inveterate, even in Pennsylvania, than those which exist against the unfortunate and injured African. Oh, my country! thou art madly provoking the tremendous indignation of Heaven, by a perilous perseverance in wrong and injustice!