Year: 1873

able, on all occasions, to do it in such
manner as TO avoid betraying him
self. -s


Whatever degree of affection or es-
TEEN is gained without being de-
seryed-though, at first, it may be
both paid and received with pleasure
viii probably, after a time vanish into
nothing, or prove a source Of disappoint-
ment and modification to both parties.
Even while the delusion lasts, it is
scarcely possible it should be attended
with entire satisfaction to the deceiver:
for deceit of all kinds, from the great
est TO the most trifing instances Of it,
must be attended with degree of anx-
iety, and can never enjoy that perfect
ease and security which attend on those
words and actions that are natural, un-
disguised expressions of the sentiments
of the heart. But, as mankind are apt
to run from one extreme to another, we
sometimes see that from dislike to this
artificial pofteness, which is continually
CLOSING over vaults, both in those who
practice it, and those they practice it
upon, roughness and even brutality of
manner is adopted, and dignfed with
the title of sincerity.


Some persons pique themselves upon
saying all they think, and are continual
ly protesting to do so. As a proof of
this, they will say things the most shock
ing to others, and give them pain, with
out the least remorse. And all this for
fear of being suspected of fiattering
them!. But, is this, then, the language
OF their hearts? Alas! if it be so, let them
set about reforming it, and make it fit to
be seen, before they make their boast of
exposing it to public view.


Pride may think to gain its own ends
by an appearance of singularity, and
by setting itself above an appreciation
of Others, as vanity does by condescend-
ing to the meanest methods, in order to
obtain it. That sincerity which is dis
played with ostentation, is generally to
be suspected. The conduct which an
honest heart inspires flows naturally
from it; and those who say rough
things, in order to convince others of
their sincerity, give some reason to
doubt oftheir beiug perfectly convinced
of it themselves. Their conduct is per-
nicious to the peace and pleasure of So
ciety, and may also be led to very fatal
consequences They do what they can
to frighten every one from what is
right. If sincerity then discovers such
heart, disguise must appear desirable.
Few consider sufficiently how much the
cause Of virtue must suffer, whenever
good quality is made to appear in an
unamiable light.


Sincerity is indeed the ground work
OF all that is good and valuable. How
ever beautiful in appearance the struct-
ure may be, if it stand not on this foun-
dation it cannot last. But sincerity
can hardly be called virtue in itself,
though deviation from it is fault
Aman may be sincere in his vices, as
well as in his virtues. Now, he can
throw off all remorse or shame, and even
makes boast of his vices, can claim no
merit from the sincerity he expresses in
so doing. If he who is sincere cannot
appear amiable, his heart is wrong, and
his sincerity, far from being virtue,
seems only 10 add to the rest of his
faults, that of being willing to give pain
to others, and able SO throw aside the
shame which would attend on every
fault, whether great or small, and which
is sometimes restraint to such as are in
capable Of being influenced by nobler
motives.