THE
RURAL MAGAZINE,
AND
LITERARY EVENING FIRE-SIDE.

Vol. I.     Philadelphia, Tenth Month, 1820.     No. 10.

FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.

THE DESULTORY REMARKER.

No. IX.

It is a fact of no infrequent occurrence, that erroneous estimates are formed of human conduct, and its immediate and remote effects on the interests of society. When this is the case, we sometimes denounce as hostile to social order and salutary improvement, those who are really their most faithful and efficient friends, and in this way become the agents and disseminators of error and injustice. There is nothing perhaps, more unfashionable, not to say mischievous, in the eyes of the present generation, than what they denominate Enthusiasm; a temper of mind, which they are disposed to treat with the greatest contempt, as altogether unworthy the enlightened period in which we live. If the legitimate import of the word were always observed in its application, there would be little controversy on the subject; as no one would become the advocate of "vain imaginations" or "violent passions." But it is believed that much that is truly valuable in its character and tendency, is improperly ascribed to this source; by which hostile prejudices are excited, in opposition to that which is entitled to the countenance and support of the public.

In Charles J. Fox's history of James II. there is this passage:—"We are accused of enthusiasm! are we then fanaticks? Are we enthusiasts because we do not rob—abstain from murder? If by enthusiasm be meant zeal and warmth, I freely acknowledge it; I glory in it. Enthusiasm, when it arises out of a just cause, is that which makes men act in it with energy; it is that, without which nothing was ever done great, since the creation of the world. Enthusiasm of this sort, I hope, therefore, I shall always possess." The historian referred to, will not be classed among credulous, weak-minded men; for he was one of the most eminent statesmen of his day; and his opinion is therefore justly considered as authoritative. The position taken, is corroborated by all experience, that great actions and great achievements are never the result of lukewarmness and indifference; but of "zeal and warmth," directed to "a good cause," without which honourable and permanent distinction can never be obtained. What is too frequently mistaken for enthusiasm, is in reality produced by a profound conviction of the truth, in connection with some particular object, of the greatest importance to mankind.

It was this that guided Columbus across the unknown and boisterous ocean, and opened to his view a new world; which enabled him to encounter and surmount every difficulty, which the malice of his enemies, or the combination of untoward circumstances, arrayed against his great design; a design which was branded as a chimera of enthusiasm.

It was this which induced Franklin to persevere in his philosophical experiments, until they were crowned with success; and the identity of lightning and the electric fluid, completely established, and eventually placed his name among the most eminent philosophers of the age.

It was this, that enabled Rittenhouse to emerge from the condition of an humble mechanic in Montgomery county, and by the construction of his wonderful Orrery, to obtain from Jefferson this great but well-merited testimony to his talents;—"that no mortal was ever permitted to make so near an approach to his Creator."

It was this that strengthened the hands of the immortal FOUNDER of Pennsylvania, in his noble determination of sacrificing the bright prospects which birth and connexions imparted, to a sense of duty; and of establishing an asylum in a remote wilderness, where the oppressed of all nations, kindred, and people, might find a covert from the storm of civil and religious persecution, and enjoy in perfect security the sacred rights of conscience.

It was this which guided the footsteps of Howard to the distant abodes of wretchedness and wo, unmindful of the comforts and delights of home, to bind up the sorrows of their miserable tenants, and to complete, in the language of Burke, his "noble circumnavigation of charity."

It was this which conducted Fulton to that astonishing result, justly considered as the great wonder of the age—navigation by steam; after a crowd of discouragements and difficulties had been subdued, sufficient to disconcert the plans and defeat the object of almost any other man, however sanguine his temper and resolute his purpose.

It was this which under Providence induced that signal victory, obtained in Great Britain, by Sharp, Wilberforce, and Clarkson, over the disgrace of humanity and civilization, the SLAVE-TRADE; after a most doubtful and arduous conflict of more than twenty years, with avarice and oppression.

To conclude, nothing but this active and persevering zeal, will, in future, lead to like glorious results. Instead, therefore, of its being opprobriously branded, let it be cherished, when directed to just and important objects, as a prolific source of good to man. Scientific research has an ample field before her still unexplored, in which no doubt laurels will continue to be reaped, and great and substantial advantages be derived by new discoveries. But the moral improvement of our fellow citizens, should be sedulously attended to, as more immediately soliciting our notice; and the cause of such of them as are denied the rights to which they are by nature entitled, should be fearlessly and constantly vindicated, as truth and justice may open the way; notwithstanding those may be denounced as ENTHUSIASTS, who believe that in the eye of the great Creator, "ALL MEN ARE EQUAL." ☞

VARIETY.

For the Rural Magazine.

The fogs of England have been at all times the complaint of foreigners. Gondomar the Spanish ambassador, when some one who was going to Spain waited on him to ask whether he had any commands, replied, "Only my compliments to the Sun, whom I have not seen since I came to England." Caracoli, the Neapolitan minister there, a man of a good deal of conversational wit, used to say that the only ripe fruit he had seen in England, were roasted apples; and in a conversation with George II., he took the liberty of preferring the Moon of Naples to the Sun of England.

JOHN HOWARD.

I have been frequently asked, says this great man, what precautions I use to preserve myself from infections in the prisons and hospitals I visit. I here answer, next to the free goodness and mercy of the Author of my being, temperance and cleanliness are my preservatives. Trusting in Divine Providence, and believing myself in the way of my duty, I visit the most noxious cells, and while thus employed, "I fear no evil."

FRANKLIN.

He that raises a large family, says Franklin, does indeed, while he lives to observe them, stand, as Watts says, a broader mark for sorrow; but then he stands a broader mark for pleasure too. When we launch our little fleet of barks into the ocean, bound to different ports, we hope for each, a prosperous voyage; but contrary winds, hidden shoals, storms