146 
^ lavater’s 
A knowledge of more than one foreign language 
is of tne iitmoft importance tor opening a commu- 
nication with thofe abfent or departed fpirits, whofe 
congenial tlioughts pave the way to trace a fyftem 
equally calculated for information and entertain- 
ment, It is true, that many plain folks either do 
not believe, or affea to ridicule, the fabric of opi- 
nions defigned for thofe falutary ends; but, as they 
pafs along^the crowded walks of both fexes,'let us 
appeal to their feelings,. in order to know whether 
they are not alternately imprelTed with love, re- 
verence, admiration, envy, flight, and indifference. 
Iffo, it is evident that they fee, read, and try to. 
decypher the type of Phyfiography on every reflect- 
ing mirror that they m.ect. Will it, then, be denied 
that luch learning is moft excellent r 
He is a falfe critic who praifes or condemns a book • 
of which he has feen no more than the print, or 
binding. A painter, however, draws the foldier, 
juflly, with all his accoutrements and military airs! 
But the Phyfiographer muft defpair of drawing 
faithful piCturesCvhile he is biafled by partiality 
^rifing from the confideration of birth, wealth, and 
power, or prejudiced by a fudden reverfe of fortune, 
borne with humility, fortitude, and refignation. 
A liff, 
* As examples are better than precepts, we may eafily fuppofe a 
cafe in* point We hear of two men fiifFering the fame fate in ^ dif' 
ferent 
