santly describe. We are congenial, I see, in the choice of our planets, as well as our plans; and have no great objection to a slice of the Mahometan Paradise. But the rolls and butter of Leicester call me to a more solid repast; so I shall now resign the pen to Mr. Pridden, who is with me, and will answer for himself. May the comforts of this globe be long continued to us both, and to all our deserving friends; and be succeeded by the consequential rewards of a better existence.

Yours ever,

Dear Doctor,

J. NICHOLS.

If possible, I will gladly join the jovial crew.
Yours respectfully,

J. P.

LETTER CXCVII.

Dr. ROWLEY to Dr. LETTsom.

Saville-row, Jan. 21, 1803.

I have read, my dear friend, your "Apology," and am much obliged to you for the perusal; but am concerned, that in these enlightened times, you should have so just a cause for writing it. It is the business of little minds to traduce every honourable and eminent character; the source is envy, and the intention, low premeditated mischief. It has always been a severe tax upon superior merit, generosity, and liberality. No man

less deserves detraction than yourself; for you have been, through life, a distinguished benefac tor in the cause of Science, and none but base minds could have levelled their poisoned arrows to wound the feelings of such conspicuous benevolence.

The chief reward for acting with integrity, and strict moral rectitude, is an honourable reputation; but sullen malignity sickens at fair fame, and hates what deserves universal approbation; it eases its miserable sensations in private calumny and stabbing in the dark; which, to the disgrace of literature, can be effected in Reviews. No man has experienced more abuse than myself; but, except very lately, I have disregarded underhand detraction.

The opportunity of scandalizing in Reviews is so well known, that it is not much regarded by the discerning and candid part of society, and can be pleasing to base minds only, similar to those of abusive scurrilous writers, whose cowardly dark attacks dare not face the light. To injure and conceal themselves is their highest pleasure.

The law, as it now stands, can oblige any printer to give up his author in case of libel, before any magistrate, so that libellers can be exposed to just punishment for their nefarious practices; but if a man were to proceed legally to discover the writer, perhaps he would be beneath any honourable man's notice. It would be found that it was some unsuccessful candidate for medical

practice, whose confined talents and groveling spirit keeps him in the back-ground; or some young noviciate, whose want of science, experience, and good manners, renders him quite inadequate to the office of just criticism. It may even be amongst a man's pretended friends; and, perhaps, those whom he has served. The best punishment for such unfortunates would be to bring them out to the public; or to give them a good dinner, and a cheerful glass of wine, to alleviate their misery. Want stares some in the face, and they consider the wealthy, and truly great in mind, fair game to run down, and bring to a level with themselves, by every mean art envy can suggest. There is one great comfort, they never attack mean low talents, but those from whom society has received the greatest benefits; those who are elevated above vulgar mediocrity. Adieu, my dearest friend, persist in charity, and every other virtue, and laugh with me at low detraction, originating in envy, and terminating in falsehood.

Adieu, your sincere friend and well-wisher, WILLIAM ROWLEY.

LETTER CXCVIII.

The Earl of BUCHAN to Dr. LETTSOM.

Sir,

Melrose by Carlisle.

Dryburgh Abbey, March 31, 1792.

I have, for more than twenty years, observed the pernicious consequences of the universal use of tea, and ardent spirits, in our islands, both to the health and morals of the people; and believing you to be a truly good citizen, and worthy person, from your writings and activity in behalf of useful economy and humanity, I have communicated to you, on this sheet, an address which I have long wished to be consecutively and permanently inserted in our daily and weekly papers, and to be affixed to the doors of our churches, and other places of common resort, for the consideration of the people; which, if you and your worthy associates shall think proper, may be adopted, with such alterations as may be thought adviseable. For my own part I am free to declare, that it is my opinion that if something is not speedily done to remove these evils, and that France shall establish her freedom, your best people will leave you; you; and though I cannot dare to class myself as such, I should be tempted to do so likewise.

I am, learned Sir,

Your obedient humble servant,

BUCHAN.

Men of England, Scotland, Ireland, the United States of North America, of all Free Nations.

Brethren,

Remember, that there exists in the economy and course of Nature, an inseparable union between Virtue and Happiness, between Prudence and Prosperity, between Justice and a Good Name, which is better than Riches, between Fortitude and Tranquillity, between Temperance and Health. Banish from your borders therefore, and from your lands, the liquid Fire of the West, and the enervating Tea of the East, with all their fatal accompaniments. Return again to the invigo rating Food and Beverage of your Fathers. Practise Industry, Frugality, Temperance, Moderation, Obedience to the Lord, and the whole lovely train of Virtues.

Thus ye may become truly great and respectable as Nations, and happy as Individuals, averting, by these means, the horrors and disgrace of Slavery, which are the infallible consequences of Corruption of Manners in the body of the People. These are the sentiments and admonitions of a Man whose soul is penetrated by the desire of your Happiness, and of General Prosperity; and who wishes to assure you that it is in vain to look for these Blessings by any other means, or to attempt to change the eternal rules of Right, which Heaven itself has universally ordained.