ti'A MEMOIR OF THOMAS BEWICK. 
some of his less important opinions may, to person; 
who knew him not, appear but as whimsical fancies, 
they are the levities of a great and benevolent soul, 
that, like the brilliant air-bubbles of a deep clear 
fountain, rise playfully to the surface, without sully- 
ing its purity. The style is plain and simple, but 
sinewy and nervous, marking his character as much 
as his manners and even his dress, and is strongly 
tinctured, as was his conversation, with broad 
Northumbrian and Scottish provincialisms, which, 
particularly when he read it aloud, strengthened the 
efficiency. The narrative is replete with anecdote, 
especially in the earlier parts, wittily recorded and 
morally applied, and very much reminded me of 
that of the excellent Benjamin Franklin ; indeed, 
to that good and great man, both in his religious 
and political sentiments, he appeared to bear a 
nearer resemblance than to any other. He was in- 
defatigable and intrepid in his search after truth, 
dauntless and strenuous in the declaration of his 
matured sentiments, however opposite to received 
opinions, and fearless of any pains or penalties which 
the avowal of them might bring upon him from per- 
secuting bigots. But the objects nearest to his 
heart were, to render the works of the Creator 
familiar to youth, by dressing them in their most 
alluring form, and thereby leading to the knowledge 
and admiration of their great Author, and to the 
principles of what he believed to be true religion, 
and what all believe to be those of sound morality. 
These were his constant aim and study, and to these 
