LETTERS TO BROTHER JOHN. 311 



there is scarcely any one well-ascertained truth 

 which was not once in opposition to the general 

 opinion. Leave the general opinion, then, to those 

 who, rather than examine closely into things, are 

 content to take them for granted : but you, dare 

 to think for yourself; and, in doing so, rest not 

 satisfied with a shining surface, but look through, 

 and beyond, the surface. I want YOU to look through 

 the gloss, and the glare, and the glitter, and the 

 gingerbread gilding, wherewith Civilization, like a 

 painted courtesan, carefully conceals her deformi- 

 ties. I w r ant you, not to swallow the gilded nut 

 whole; but to crack it, in order that you may see 

 the rottenness and bitterness which lurk within. 

 Depend upon it, the Refinement, of which we make 

 so loud a boast, is no better than a cheat a smiling 

 impostor, who comes to us with a wreath of roses 

 round her brow, and Pleasure's tempting wine-cup 

 in her hand ; while she conceals poison, and the 

 dagger, beneath her spangled robe. 



I am, my dear John, yours truly, 



E. JOHNSON. 



