CHAP. XIV.

The Popularity of Sir Charles. Mr. D--- commences his Lectures. Roger Trusty gives his Opinion on the Subject. A Conversation overheard by Sir Charles, which he communicates to Mr. D---.

That Gentleman's Behaviour on

the Occasion. A Resolution formed by Sir Charles.

THE

HE time at length arrived, when Sir Charles's prospect was completed. The manufactory began. The town filled with inhabitants, and presented one of the most gratifying spectacles a benevolent mind can behold--industry, and its attendant consequences-health, and complacency. Sir Charles himself was dignified with the title of---The Philanthropist. The language of panegyric was bestowed by every tongue; for even those, whom envy might have silenced, fashion obliged to speak: for not to admire and extol Sir Charles Bright was an offence in every genteel company. It was the Christian only, that could discover a flaw in his character, that could drop a tear of regret, to

behold rank, fortune, and talents, natural and acquired, all inlisted on the side of deism, and every energy exerted only to effect the temporal interests of society. To such, he became, in proportion as he was justly the object of their love, the object of their prayers; and none so much so as Roger Trusty. Every day witnessed a fervent address on his behalf at the throne of grace; and every interview with which he was honoured, was improved to the utmost of his power to effect the object of his petitions.

Mr. D-- commenced his lectures. There was no necessity to invite the fashionable to attend,. for Mr. D---'s lecture was the fashion. The poorer sort, for whose advantage Sir Charles was really solicitous, and Mr. D--- pretendedly so, were desired to attend, and part of an immense room was fitted up for their accommodation. The subject of his first lecture was---The importance of man, considered as an intellectual and moral agent. This led him to consider the vast powers of the understanding, capable of fathoming the depths of science, and investigating the secrets of nature; from this part of his subject he made a transition to his moral powers, and proved, in various instances, how capable he was of performing heroic actions, of forming benevolent purposes, and personifying virtue. The Christian hearers who were present

waited with some impatience for the application of this eloquent oration, which they hoped would consist of an energetic exhortation, to improve all these noble faculties, to consider for what purposes they were bestowed, and what a weight of responsibility was attached to creatures thus constituted. But in this hope they were disappointed: for Mr. D. had never accustomed himself to reflect on the doctrine of responsibility. Man being, in his opinion, in the strict sense of the term, a free agent. He was indeed willing to allow, that it was mean, base, and he always added unnatural, to be vicious; but if man chose to be so, though he was highly to be blamed, and ought to meet with appropriate punishment from society, he was accountable to no higher tribunal for his actions. It was unreasonable to be vicious, but it was not reasonable that it should be punished in a future state. The audience was dismissed with a few general reflections on the beauty of virtue. A beauty indeed of such superlative degree, that too many are tempted to be dazzled by her brightness, instead of being attracted by her loveliness.

Of all the hearers present none were more attentive than Roger Trusty; he sat in mute astonishment and concern, that a man so wise, so learned, and so eloquent, could be such a

nger to human nature, as to suppose a moral

lecture could make men virtuous. But Roger, with all his penetration, had not penetrated into Mr. D's character. He was not in fact such a stranger to human nature as Roger supposed, nor did he expect any other consequence to arise from his lectures but that of fame to himself; and this, as it was the utmost of his expectation, was also the ultimatum of his desire. As Roger returned home, he revolved in his mind the propriety of making a proposal to Sir Charles, for the establishment of a Sunday school, which he would superintend. He thought it impossible, that his honoured friend could object to such a plan; and this he imagined would afford him an opportunity to counteract the principles he saw plainly were now likely to prevail. Accordingly, the next time he was favoured by an interview with Sir Charles, he made his proposal. But what was his surprise and mortification when Sir Charles replied," No, Roger, I cannot consent. I have been informed, that Sunday schools are hot-beds for fanatics, and it is reasonable to suppose they are so; early prejudices are imbibed by their attendance at churches and chapels, which are never eradicated. I intend to establish a school, but the sabbath-day, as it is puritanically called, I wish to leave free for pleasure and recreation. Roger sighed deeply, but saw evidently, by the

Sir

manner of Sir Charles, this was not the season to pursue the subject. He made no reply. Charles proceeded.. "I make no doubt but that this town will be as orderly and moral as any of those which have to boast of their sunday schools, and their multitude of parsons. A propos--did you not admire Mr. D--- the other evening?--I saw you were very attentive." "Sir," replied Roger, "you have always given me leave to speak my mind, and I know you never wish me to say what I do not think; I will, therefore, be free to say, that I don't think Mr. D---'s preaching will be of any use for in the first place, I am sure there is not one in a hundred of us poor people that will understand his fine words; and in the next, it is not agreeable to Scripture, and nothing that is contrary to Scripture will do good." "You have a low opinion of the understandings of your poor. neighbours," said Sir Charles. "I cannot sup-. pose but what they will understand his general meaning. I allow there may be some of his words unintelligible, and I shall give him a hint on that subject, which, I doubt not, but he will attend to. As to the unscriptural part of his. discourses I am no judge." "What! sir," exclaimed Roger, in an accent of astonishment, are you no judge of a book you are so earnest opposing? Why, I have concluded, that you

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