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!
And hast thou then no law besides thy will,
No just criterion fix'd to good and ill?
Futurity is wisely concealed from our view; but of this solemn truth there can be no question,—VICE and OPPRESSION will not always go unpunished. Almost unconscious of it, the unjust bias, above alluded to, had in some degree taken possession of my mind; but was, it is hoped, almost entirely removed, by an attentive and thorough examination of his doctrines. He, as well as Locke, contemplates true philosophy in the elevated character of a hand-maid to Revelation. One of his leading objects is, to establish, by a course of fair and manly reasoning, the veracity of the Mosaic account of the creation.
When I sat down at my desk, I had intended to consult a few of the pages of our early history, for the purpose of finding some profitable lessons for the instruction of the present generation; but, by indulging a desultory propensity, the original purpose has almost been lost sight of. The salutary effect, which results from frequently ascending to first principles, has been long known and acknowledged. There is many a prodigal spendthrift among us, who would do well, in various respects, to imitate the example of his industrious and unostentatious ancestor, from whom he has inherited the means of indulging his extravagant desires. He should remember, that the highest privilege of wealth is to aid the meritorious who stand in need of assistance; and that industry, properly directed, does, even to the man whose necessities do not require such exertion, always bring with it an ample reward. "Health and length of days are in her right hand, and in her left riches and honour!"
The corner stone of this Commonwealth was laid in immutable justice; and the hands of her founders were never stained by the blood of an Indian. Our primitive annals, therefore, solicit, and will endure, the closest and most rigid scrutiny. The first settlers were plain in their habits, and simple in their manners. They laboured indefatigably with their own hands, and their lives were distinguished by pure morals, and unaffected piety. The blessing of Providence followed them; and their descendants have become a great people. But how long will this prosperity last, should their maxims of economy, simplicity, and temperance, continue to be utterly disregarded? Necessity, it is believed, is at the present time, teaching some of them with effect. William Penn, whose amiable and great qualities furnish an opulent subject, on which, if the narrowness of my page did not forbid, I should delight to dwell, was one of those bright luminaries which, at distant intervals, have cheered and irradiated a benighted world.
Thus lovely halcyons dive into the main,
Then show far off their shining plumes again.
In conclusion, permit me to relate an anecdote of the great lawgiver, which is traditional, it is true, but, at the same time, direct and authentic. Being on a visit at the house of one of his friends, who resided at Gwynedd, a Welch settlement, twenty miles from Philadelphia, he remained there during the night. When shown into his chamber, in which there was a considerable quantity of grain, apologies were made to him, and regrets expressed, that no better accommodations could be furnished, on such an occasion. With that urbanity and goodness of heart, for which he was so remarkable, he immediately put to rest every anxiety, which had previously existed, by a single observation: "I do not wish to see more appropriate furniture in a new settlement; nothing could give me more pleasure." It should not be forgotten, that Penn could number among his intimate friends, many of the English nobility and gentry; and had stood, with no infrequency, in the presence of princes, but still his humility and unassuming manners were unimpaired.