church, or conspicuous office in the state; while their daughters are trained in those arts, which, however they may add attractions to the person, are generally unfriendly to that virtuous prudence, and those domestic accomplishments, which are the true and lasting ornaments of the feminine character. For a man of the world to act in this manner is naturally to be expected; but for those to copy the example, who profess themselves to be the disciples and subjects of a master whose doctrine and kingdom are not of this world, is one of those unhappy contrarieties which are too often to be lamented in human conduct.

II. The founders or promoters of charitable or other practical institutions.---Men of this character deserve to be placed high in the scale of utility, and would be, disgraced by a comparison with those of the former description. To raise a family to a state of opulence and distinction, is, as we have seen, a probable way to ren

der it more vicious, without any real advantage to its enjoyments; and were the effect in both these respects the most favourable, it would be confined within narrow limits. Whereas to erect a hospital, or to form any other public establishment, on the principles of humanity and sound policy; or by an active inspection, as well as by pecuniary contributions, to promote the end of such institutions, is to confer a probable`benefit on society at large. Persons employed in such services, whether it is to provide relief for the diseased, to liberate, the poor unfortunate debtor, to form vagrant and destitute children into useful members of the community, to improve the state of our prisons, or in any other way to mitigate the distresses and ameliorate the condition of human life, undoubtedly deserve to be placed in the first rank of public benefactors. And whenever such men, by. the ingratitude with which their labours are received, or by any other discouragement, are driven from their station in so

ciety, their retreat is to be regretted as a public detriment.

III. The patrons of genius and learning. To encourage and direct the studies `of ingenious youth; to search out, and bring into public view, men who are qualified to instruct the world, and whose superior knowledge lies obscured by want, or concealed by modesty; or to procure the publication and aid the spread of productions which are suited to improve the understandings and morals of mankind; are works which must do honour to any rank or fortune, and entitle their author to a place in the first class of good citizens. A patron thus highly distinguished, ought never to be confounded with any finical ambitious pretender, who, if now and then he makes a pecuniary compliment to a poor author for his dedication, or helps him upon the stage to divert the audience with something he calls a play; or promotes some splendid edition of a heathen classic, or opens his

house once a week for literary tattle, is ready, on the strength of such services, to applaud himself, and to challenge the applause of others, as a very Mecenas. Let us hope, however, that among his other claims to public favour, he will not plead his merits as a useful citizen.

The last character I shall consider under the head of public utility, is of a higher order, its influence is far more extensive and commanding, and, according as it is well or ill directed, is productive of the greatest benefit or injury to society; I mean the character of a statesman.

A man placed at the head of public affairs, who estimates national prosperity by the diffusion of virtuous happiness, and, agreeably to this maxim, employs every lawful measure to prevent idleness, to encourage industry, to restrain licentiousness, and to protect and cherish true liberty, is undoubtedly to be ranked among the greatest of human benefactors, has a just

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claim to the warmest gratitude of his fellow-citizens, and to the general esteem of mankind, To such a patriot minister the pious recluse will look up as to a tutelary angel, and attend him with emotions of veneration in all his endeavours to promote the virtue and ameliorate the state of his country,

The statesman who proceeds upon lower principles, and who looks no farther than to the outward splendour of affairs, is entitled to no such reverence. Though he may pompously harangue in the senate, and may be ardent in his schemes to advance the wealth, and power, and renown, of his country, his soul is vulgar, and wants true moral elevation; he wants a just sense wherein the real prosperity and glory of a state consists, and of what is necessary to secure its permanence and stability. Every age has experienced, what every age is disposed to forget, and the statesman no less than any other individual, that national wealth and power, without the strong cor