40 



actions, when supported by adequate de- 

 termination, we have abundant and glorious 

 instances. Brutus condemning his son, and 

 Regulus returning to Carthage, are con- 

 vincing and sufficient examples. 



Some, indeed, might question whether 

 pride had not a great influence in producing 

 such noble conduct. They knew that the 

 eyes of the world were fixed upon them, 

 and that it would be shameful to deviate 

 from what justice and honour commanded. 

 But we may observe, even in the dawn of . 

 life, and within the circle of a single family, 

 that there are some little children upon 

 whose promises we can depend, and who 

 would not tell a falsehood to screen them- 

 selves from shame or punishment. That 

 persons possess this sentiment in very un- 

 equal degrees, must, I fear, be admitted- 

 but that none are destitute of it, may, I 

 think, be inferred from all representing 



