>* LETTER X. 



tenancc, which in the sable African, or the olive-co- 

 loured Asiatic, is a far less distinct index of the mind 

 than in the fair-corn plexioned European. 



From this general survey of the human race, it ap- 

 pears to be not without reason, that we consider the 

 European figure and complexion as the standard. of 

 <-;<-uuuee ami beauty. But if we contemplate the in- 

 tellectual attainments of the nations of Europe, we 

 cannot but perceive their decided superiority over 

 all the other people on the Globe. Arts imperfectly 

 practised, and sciences totally unknown in the other 

 l uarters of the world, are in Europe brought to the 

 highest perfection, and every kind of mental improve- 

 riK-iii is an object of attention. 



In contemplating the faculties of man, and his su- 

 periority over the rest of animated nature, you can- 

 not, my dear Sir, but feel your mind expanded with 

 gratitude to the All-bountiful Creator, who has eix- 

 tlo wed 'you with those exalted privileges, those su- 

 per, or qualities of body and mind, which you pos- 

 sess; aiid when you consider the pre-emir.ency of 

 the European above every other class of mankind, 

 when you observe how Europe is embellished by the 

 arts and sciences, and illuminated by the radiance ol' 

 Christianity, the grateful emotions of your soul will 

 receive additional force and animation. A cele- 

 brated Grecian philosopher used to say, that he thank- 

 ed the gods that he was not a barbarian but a Greek ; 

 and you, my dear Sir, will undoubtedly consider 

 yourself under a still greater obligation, to be thank- 

 ful to the Supreme Disposer of all events, who has 

 allotted you your station, not among uncivilized sa- 

 vages, but in Europe, where the human mind is en- 

 lightened by philosophy and religion ; and especially 

 in Great Britain, where, the influence of the best of 

 governments renders happy and prosperous a nation 

 in which science flourishes, and liberty reigns, 



With unfeigned affection and esteem, 



I am dear Sir, 



Your*s, &c. 



