[From the same.] "But then I sigh! and with a piece of scripture, With old odd ends, stol'n forth of Holy Writ, MANKIND are easily deceived by pretences. Few possess a knowledge of human nature; and the greater part of those who can discriminate, are generally prevented by indolence, timidity, or the love of popularity, from exposing Vice when it assumes the garb of Virtue. The rest, content with following the current, never trouble themselves about its direction. Thus we either practise frauds, or consent that they may be practised. If we can only avoid the flame, it is enough—we seldom venture to burn our fingers by attempting to drag others from it. In a world where hypocrisy is worth so much, and may be exercised with such impunity; where counterfeit virtue is more current than sterling sincerity; it is not surprising that subtlety and craft should combine successfully against independence and integrity. Man is a selfish being; and the majority will ever pursue their interest, however crooked the paths through which they must travel. How many, who pass as pious Christians in Europe, would be good Mahometans in Africa? How many, who seem to be good republicans in America, would, by proper inducements, become genuine royalists in Europe? Each has a voyage to perform. He will endeavour to render it lucrative, and will not fail to steer his barque by the chart of the sea on which he sails. The fable of Truth and Falsehood contains an excellent moral. They are represented as going into the same bath. Falsehood came out of the water first, and, slipping on the vesture of Truth, escaped, leaving her companion in a state of nudity. The author leaves us to draw this natural inference, that most persons would be shocked at the advances of the naked damsel; and being easily deceived by the appearance of Falsehood in her stolen dress, readily follow her counsels: so that, in the end, connecting the strongest allurements with greater industry and cunning, she must have the greater number of votaries. An enumeration of the various modes of deception would be highly amusing. We can hardly conceive it possible, that credulity itself would be subject to the endless variety of trifling deceptions, which a slight reflection will convince any one, occurs daily within his own observation, and is sanctioned by his own approbation. Repetition weakens attention; and that, which at first is regarded as improper or immoral, is soon raised by custom, habit, or fashion, above censure. Look at the intercourse between acquaintances and friends, regulated by rules of politeness. The visiter, who is greeted with all the testimonials of hospitality, is often an unwelcome guest. The friend, who offers you, without being requested, all the assistance in his power, on all occasions; whose purse is always at your command, while you do not want a dollar; and whose patronage will always be ready to advance your fortunes, when you are independent; will seldom be found at home when you call to draw on the first, or solicit the latter. Such is the common law of good breeding. We are accustomed to it, and, therefore, never complain, because the language, in which it is promulgated, is not to be interpreted by its meaning. When a man subscribes his name to a note, "with great respect," as your 66 very humble, obedient, and devoted servant," what a fool would you be, to imagine, that he possessed the least humility; that he would obey you, on any consideration, in the most trifling matter; that he entertained one atom more of respect for you than for any other mortal; or, that he had the faintest idea of serving you in any thing? These are, indeed, venial offences against truth and sincerity, that become harmless by reciprocity. A man of the world is in no danger from them; and, if they sometimes impose on the credulous and unsuspecting, experience will soon supply weapons of politeness, with which they may be combated. It is only by pretences of a grave and serious nature, that we are injured. Of this description, the most wicked, and yet the most common, are those made in the hallowed name of Religion. We need not go back to the days of pagan superstition, or advert to the history of modern idolatry, to show what enormities can be practised by men, who pretend to superior sanctity of character. Adoration of the Omnipotent, and the desire of obtaining eternal happiness, are coeval with our being; and, as ninety-nine of an hundred are better able and more willing to believe than to examine, to obey than to question, there is no difficulty in convincing them, that austerity and virtue, gravity and wisdom, prayers and piety, are synonymous. The exalted ideas entertained of Deity, and the respect paid to every religion, impart an imposing and almost a resistless influence to those, who profess a knowledge of the one, or have even the appearance of conforming to the dictates of the other. No power is so great and extensive as that, which can be exercised over the mind by such professors. Consequently there is none more dangerous. The bounty on hypocrisy in religion, is higher than can be found for any thing else. The certainty of success, the reward of talents, the love of distinction, the improbability of detection, present so many allurements to pride, avarice, and ambition. With such a prospect in view, where is the knave, or the unprincipled man, who would hesitate to adopt the means which lead to such golden ends? He has only to look grave, profess much, choose the "uppermost seats in the synagogue, and, for a pretence, make long prayers ;" and he will obtain applause, have "greetings in the market-place," acquire public confidence, and-make money. Of such men beware. They are wolves in sheep's clothing, and deceive many. Against the open, bare-faced villain, we are guarded. But the class, of which I here speak, resemble the midnight assassin, or the crafty savage, who gives no notice of his design; and is never better prepared to stab you than when he smiles, or is expressing great solicitude for your welfare. They are ready, on all occasions, to minister ghostly consolation; rebuke without mercy; quote scripture in conversation; have a wonderful abhorrence for those whom they wish to represent as in the bond of iniquity; publish their chari 66 ties on the house-top; talk loudly about piety and grace; are overflowing with zeal; and grieve piteously for every one's sins but their own. They wear long faces, enlarge the borders of their phylacteries," and worship as though the Almighty were better pleased with sour looks, bold pretensions, and lofty carriage, than with " an humble voice, a broken spirit, and a contrite heart." They thank God, that they pray often, give alms to be seen of men, and are not like publicans and sinners. Avoiding the company of all, whom interest, or fear, or hatred, induces them to denounce as unbelievers, they wrap themselves in the mantle of self-righteousness; and, from the throne of spiritual pride, seem to look down with sovereign contempt on sublunary things. Yet, if you will observe them closely, it will be seen, that no men are more anxious in the pursuit of worldly wealth; no men are more careful of their pence; no men make better bargains; no men think more of riches, and honour, and profit. They will pray for you to-day, and cheat you to-morrow. Professing a regard for your soul, they can, with greater ease, ruin your reputation. In short, they are precisely the same sort of animals, as are noticed in scripture, under the appellation of "scribes, pharisees, and hypocrites." Their professions are as hollow, their practice is the same; their hearts, their desires, and lusts, are the same;-but their numbers have multiplied a million-fold, to answer the demands of the market, and their influence has increased with their numbers. Even fashion has contributed to establish for them a kind of temporal dominion; and language has been perverted to assimilate their names to their characters. Without being Christians, they emphatically style themselves, Professors. Mingling with the humble followers of the lowly Jesus, they deceive the public by "outward show;" blind the credulous; fleece their neighbours, and bring a lasting scandal on the church of Christ. They are the greatest enemies of the true religion; because they are continually breaking down the line of distinction between christians and infidels. counterfeit bills, the vulgar cannot easily distinguish Like them. Private life alone can evidence the sincerity of the heart, and the blessed effects of faith. Do not believe, without trying, any man, whose professions are loud; who condemns, without scruple, all that are not as he is. THE REAL CHRISTIAN is silent, humble, meek, forbearing, charitable, unassuming; averse to disputation; of no pretensions; opposed to back-biting, railing, and scorn; of long-suffering, and of great goodness. He loves his neighbour as himself; and will not stop to inquire the creed of him, that has fallen " among thieves," before he administers oil and wine, and pours the balm of consolation into his wounded spirit. He will nevercast the first stone." But he will rather go out into the wilderness, in search of a lost sheep; and when he has found him, will place him on his shoulder, and tenderly bear him to the fold, rejoicing. His trea sure is not here; for he seeks his reward in heaven! [From the same.] "The world is still deceived with ornament." WHAT a propensity we have to impose on each other, in the most trifling as well as the most serious concerns! It is amusing to witness the attempts made to pass under assumed characters, and make the world believe we are what we are not. The boy is eager to mount a cravat, strut in a long coat, and swell his voice to the " thoroughbass" of manhood. The young miss, as soon as she enters her teens, will begin to play the woman; while the superannuated damsel of thirty will ogle, and simper, and play off her airs, with all the simplicity of fifteen, just to show that there is a mistake in her age. How many great men are seen in public places, who shrink into insignificance upon acquaintance! How many women would be thought to grace a diamond, who have never learned any thing but to scour a kettle! Whoever will dress as a gentleman, and has money enough to keep up appearances, is easily satisfied that he is as good as the best. Every one can judge of externals; and, as few look below the surface, it is not surprising that "the world is still deceived with ornament." |