l^gi' on popularity. 283 



justice to be found, or a y encroachments made up- 

 on the rights of others, within their department, and 

 correct them without dela}'. The rich can defend 

 themselves, but the poor have often no relief but in 

 crying to God ; and he will hear them. Thej complain 

 too in private to the men of their own condition, and 

 their voice is carried as upon wings, and makes, up- 

 on all ranks, the deepest imprefsion. Promises Ihould 

 not be rafhlj made^ because circumstances may oc- 

 cur which may render the performance difficult, or 

 impracticable ; but when they are made, and no valid 

 objection afterwards arises, they ought to be per- 

 formed. Promises convey a certain kind of right, and 

 therefore raise expectations ; a failure, then, or o- 

 mifsion, in these cases, creates disappointment ; and 

 disappointment, resentment, and disgust, and com- 

 plaints, and many disagreeable effects. 



Considering how different the characters, and tem- 

 pers, and opinions of men are, it will easily appear, 

 that no man can act so a» to please all. Whoever at- 

 tempts this, attempts an impofsibility. By varying 

 his conduct like the wind, instead of gaining applause, 

 he incurs the contempt and displeasure of all ; where- 

 as the man who obeys the dictates, and courts the 

 approbation of his own well informed mind, is na- 

 turally led to act his part steadily and uniformly 

 well ; and bids fairer than men of a different charac- 

 ter not only for the enjoyment of internal peace, but 

 for obtaining the confidence, the approbation, and 

 friendfhip of all the worthy and the good. 



In a word, of his plan who would wiih for sub- 

 stantial popularity, or durable fame, piety or rt^li- 



