

LETTER XLI. 



Royal Oak, Sept. 19, 1813. 



AN compliance with the promise I made in my 

 last from Kilkenny, I sit down to a task of not 

 less difficulty than delicacy. 



Truth is the primary object in all investiga- 

 tions, but pre-eminently so in matters relative to 

 different religious persuasions. To arrive at the 

 truth, every precaution should be taken, that 

 the passions do not influence the understanding, 

 or warp the judgment: in the ordinary con- 

 cerns of life, this on all occasions is deemed in- 

 dispensable, and admitted to be just : how 

 greatly then is it to be deplored that in the 

 discussion of a subject, where a more than usual 

 share of temper, moderation, and forbearance, 

 is required, we find these virtuous qualities least 

 in practice, even by those eminently distin- 

 guished for liberality, wisdom, and piety. We 

 are always disinclined to avow our private sen- 

 timents in the examination of controverted 

 points, lest out opinions should prove to be ge- 



