e more than
ich I must
when offered
ation.
-ize the man
t he believes,
to believe it,
Tea than the
iter and the
distinction.
Ortal might,
at the man
Hnot write
w but two
On. What
he Chinese
to discover.

ny are ex.
towns and

as we treat etire every gence such mportance. aving once ever calcuhere being at could I

ving said, - right at

cumstance. But this line he has selected as an instance of virulence and acrimony, and confutes it by a lofty and splendid panegyrick on himself. He asserts, that he finds many things right at home, and that he loves his country almost to enthusiasm.

I had not the least doubt that he found in his country many things to please him; nor did I suppose that he desired the same inversion of every part of life, as of the use of Tea. The proposal of drinking Tea sour shewed indeed such a disposition to practical paradoxes, that there was reason to fear lest some succeeding letter should recommend the dress of the Picts, or the cookery of the Eskimaux. However, I met with no other innovations, and therefore was willing to hope that he found something right at home.

But his love of his country seemed not to rise quite to enthusiasm, when, amidst his rage against Tea, he made a smooth apology for the East India Company, as men who might not think themselves obliged to be political arithmeticians. I hold, though no enthusiastick patriot, that every man who lives and trades under the protection of a community, is obliged to consider whether he hurts or benefits those who protect him; and that the most which can be indulged to private interest is a neutral traffick, if any such can be, by which our country is not injured, though it may not be bene

fited.

But he now renews his declamation against Tea,

!

6

REPLY TO A PAPER

defending it. I am sure they are not great, hope they are not powerful. Those whose nation leads them to continue this practice, ar numerous, but I believe their power is such, a Journalist may defy without enthusiasm. love of our country, when it rises to enthusias an ambiguous and uncertain virtue: when amm enthusiastick, he ceases to be reasonable, and he once departs from reason, what will he do drink sour Tea? As the Journalist, though thusiastically zealous for his country, has, with gard to smaller things, the placid happines philosophical indifference, I can give him no turbance by advising him to restrain even the of his country within due limits, lest it she sometimes swell too high, fill the whole capacit his soul, and leave less room for the love of tru

Nothing now remains but that I review my sitions concerning the Foundling Hospital. W 1 declared last month, I declare now once m that I found none of the children that appea to have heard of the catechism. It is inqu how I wandered, and how I examined? Ther doubtless subtility in the question; I know well how to answer it. Happily I did not wan alone; I attended some ladies with another gen man, who all heard and assisted the inquiry w equal grief and indignation. I did not conceal observations. Notice was given of this shame defect soon after, at my request, to one of highest names of the society. This I am n told is incredible; but since it is true, and t past is out of human power, the most importa

man is

d when do but

gh en-ith re

mess of

o dis

e love

hould city of ruth.

y poWhat

more,

Pared

uired

ere is

not

nder

tle

with

my

eful

the

IN THE GAZETTEER.

7

incredible? Because in the rules of the hospital the children are ordered to learn the rudiments of religion. Orders are easily made, but they do not execute themselves. They say their catechism, at stated times, under an able master. But this able master was, I think, not elected before last February; and my visit happened, if I mistake not, in November. The children were shy when interrogated by a stranger. This may be true, but the same shyness I do not remember to have hindered them from answering other questions: and I wonder why children so much accustomed to new spectators should be eminently shy.

My opponent, in the first paragraph, calls the inference that I made from this negligence, a hasty conclusion: to the decency of this expression I had nothing to object: but as he grew hot in his career, his enthusiasm began to sparkle; and in the vehemence of his postscript, he charges my assertions, and my reasons for advancing them, with folly and malice. His argumentation being somewhat enthusiastical, I cannot fully comprehend, but it seems to stand thus: my insinuations are foolish or malicious, since I know not one of the Governors of the Hospital; for he that knows not the Governors of the Hospital, must be very foolish or malicious.

He has, however, so much kindness for me, that he advises me to consult my safety when I talk of corporations. I know not what the most import

8

REPLY TO A PAPER, &C.

for I meant well; and for any other safety, not used to be very solicitous.

I am always sorry when I see any bei bouring in vain; and in return for the Journ attention to my safety, I will confess some passion for his tumultuous resentment; sin his invectives fume into the air, with so little upon me, that I still esteem him as one th the merit of meaning well; and still believe h be a man whose failings may be justly pardon. his virtues.

Contributions begun at London, Dec. 18, 1758, for
Clothing French Prisoners of War.

THE Committee entrusted with the money contributed to the relief of the subjects of France, now prisoners in the British dominions, here lay before the publick an exact account of all the sums received and expended, that the donors may judge how properly their benefactions have been applied.

Charity would lose its name, were it influenced by so mean a motive as human praise: it is there, fore not intended to celebrate by any particular memorial, the liberality of single persons, or distinct societies; it is sufficient that their works praise them.

Yet he who is far from seeking honour, may very justly obviate censure. If a good example has