ABSTRACT
To ascertain the true characters of men in elevated stations is of much importance. Posterity, not less than the living generation, participates in the advantages resulting from free enquiry. The difference is but trivial, between those possessed of a judgement unexercised, and those whose / intellects are clouded by ignorance. But indolence is predominant in the human composition. Genius is too often shackled by inertion. The various avocations of life are ever more operative than matters of research or speculation; these circumstances prevent the generality of mankind from forming an estimate for themselves – and hence the mass of citizens relies not upon the exercise of faculties bestowed on us by Providence for forming a judgment of things – but upon the report of others – who are, perhaps, blinded by prejudice, or biassed by interest – and who are certainly under the dominion of some passion which presses upon the heart and governs the head. We regret, while we mention, that in questions of political disputation, candour or sincerity is rarely to be found. The fountain stained – every stream that issues from it betrays the discoloured tinge of its source – thus in productions of this nature, which originate in party – the visible footsteps of their parent / are to be traced in every page – and in every line. Should we be surprised, then, if popular opinion is, in two many instances, erroneous? When they resign their judgment to those who of all others are most interested in their delusion, is it to be wondered at, that the public are the dupes of art and imposition? Certainly not.
