by *.*.T.
Originally published in The Literary Chronicle and Weekly Review (J. Limbird) vol.1 #28 (27 Nov 1819).
Purity is the best symbol of innocence[1].
The lapidary who sets a sparkling diamond in iron or tin, resembles her, whose beautiful person is unpolished with the graceful accomplishments of the mind.
The wild democrat is a political firebrand; and a firebrand, whilst it injures other objects, consumes itself.
'Revenge is sweet,' says the man of anger; 'then it is sweet poison,' says the man of feeling.
The fool iguorantly laughs at the rich source from whence the man of study derives his intellectual pleasure; I mean the contemplation of those truths, which reason impresses upon the mind, and which raises a vivid perception in the organs of rational sense.
Happy is he who can regard the near approach of difficulty and misfortune, with the serene eye of cool, yet reflective philosophy.
False mercy is an offence against justice.
Happy is the man who is unincumbered with the trammels of tumultuous passion.
What a splendid victory has he achieved, who has overcome his enemy with kindness, forbearance, and mercy.
The man of learning, although he be poor, commands universal respect, and feels a conscious independence of soul and rectitude of thought, by far more valuable than gold and pearls.
The glitter of courts may dazzle the eyes, but it should not captivate the understanding.
He who enjoys the virtue of self-command, indulges not in extreme grief, but seeks to repair his loss, however severe.
A gnat can bite a hero.
1. Quid est innocentiæ optimum symbolum? When I was at school, this question was given out for discussion. Oue of my fellow schoars argued in favour of virtue, another said justice, another goodhess, another benevolence, another truth, another conscientiousness, and I contended for purity; virtue, justice, conscientiousness, and purity, were referred for decision to the president, who decreed in favour of the last.