It is a fafe and prudent rule, to conclude, that where uncommon heat 

 and zeal are employed, in the propagation of a report, and are accom- 

 panied with an impatience of contradiftion, and a refiftance to all free 

 difquifitions, fuch circumftances are an indication of a fabricated tale, 

 which will not bear the tell of rigid enquiry. And we mud be ftill more 

 confirmed in this perfuafion, when we find a tendency to revile and de- 

 preciate thofe, who would enter into any difcuffion, of the probability of 

 the ftory, or the merits of the reporters. Surely, with impartial men 

 and lovers of truth, fuch a conduft mull be fufficient caufe of doubt. 

 The language of truth is calm and moderate ; it refts its fuccefs on its 

 own intrinfic merit ; it does not feek to prepoffefs or intimidate the hearer; 

 the fpirit of truth does not prefcribe and anathematize examination. 



When a report has a tendency to blacken a charafter already unpopu- 

 lar, or to villify a feft or party already obnoxious ; and to aggravate the 

 load of hatred and fufpicion, under which they already labour ; we 

 fliould receive it with caution and referve ; for we may be fure, that the 

 ftory is charged with much of the labouring of pafEon and prejudice ; 

 and is circulated to anfwer a particular purpofe of malevolence. With 

 equal hefitation and diftruft fliould we liften to the voice of party, when 

 it is lopd, in difplaying the merits, the fufferings, or the fervices of the 

 idol of the hour ; or defcants on its own purity of principle, numbers, im- 

 portance, and refources. We fliould clafs thefe exaggerated tales, with 

 the legends, which bigotted fefts forrtetimes propagate refpe<fting the 

 fanftity and miracles of their faints and founders. The fpirit of party is the 

 grand foftcner and concealer of all abfurdity, the grand promoter of all 

 belief. 



In 



affembly. Faldioods and forgeries were the conftant refource and favourite weapons of the 

 Cabals in Paris, the moft pofitive affertions, the moft minute details of fafls, the ftrongeft 

 appearances of probability were made to accompany the groifell falihoods. Some were even 

 audacious enough to publifli forged letters, in the name of the national aflembly, and forged 

 edifls, in the name of the King, exhorting the peafants to dellroy the patents and pedi- 

 grees of the pobility. 



