148 
L AV ATER’s 
fuch comparlfons as we recommend to be made, in 
various ranks and fituations of life, in order to at- 
tain what we may juftly call a quick fixth fenfe of 
comprehending with half an eye the fecret fign 
peculiar to each llation, trade, country, talfe, reli- 
gion, wit, raillery, comedy and tragedy, in every 
real feene that we witnefs on this ftage of life. 
In ftudying a vifage, painted or engraven, when 
its proper title is found, the contour of the head 
fhould be copied exactly, at lead on a rapid (ketch ; 
but if a ftriking obje 61 : could not be penetrated by 
a fuperficial look, a negative quality would furnifli 
an index, by comparing it with other clafTes, until 
either a refemblance or its peculiar originality was 
afeertained. 
The more difficulty there was in difeovering any 
clafs to which fuch a new face belonged or rc- 
fembled, fo much the greater right would the 
(Indent have to call it an original that promifed 
• him frefli difeoveries. Nature has formed mankind 
in the fame perfeef mould, without deviating from 
her juft proportions any more than a ftraight line, 
grees exhibited of fenfibility. The refpeftablc and cenforioiis part 
of the community ought, therefore, to be on their guard in judging 
their neighbours by mere appearances, tvithout attributing to infen - 
fibillty or improper affurance the bold looks of a man, who, under a 
cloud, dares to read the faces of his fuperiors in riches, — his equals 
only in honeft pride and integrity. 
notwith- 
