SECTION X, .figl in scripture. And if in some points of less importance he takes leave to differ from the sentiments of his elders, it is with such a becoming modesty, that convinces his father how unwilling he is to dissent from him ; and yet he maintains his opinion with such an appearance of argument, and such an honest concern for truth and piety, that makes it plain to his friends, that he is under the strong constraint of an inward conviction. Thus, though he has perhaps some new apprehensions of things, yet he is by no means led into them by a licentious humosr of opposing his teachers, nor a wanton pride of free-thinking. He was not kept a stranger to the errors and follies of man- kind, nor was be let loose among them, either in books or in cons- pany, without a guard and a guide. His preceptor let him know the gross mistakes and iniquities of men, ancient and modern, but inlaid him wills proper principles of truth and virtue, and furnished him with such rules of judgment, as led him more easily to distinguish between good and bad ; and thus he was secured against the infection and poison, both of the living and the dead. He had early cautions given him to avoid the bantering tribe of mortals, and was instructed to distinguish a jest from an argument, so that a loud laugh at his religion, never puts him nor his faith out of countenance. IIe is ever ready to render a reason of his Christian hope, and to defend his creed ; but he scorns to enter the lists with such a disputant that has no artillery but squib and flash, no arguments besides grimace and ridicule. Thus he supports the character of a Christian with honour ; he confines his faith to his bible, and his practice to all the rules of piety ; and yet thinks as freely as that vain herd of Atheists and Deists, who arrogate the name of free- thinkers to themselves. You will enquire, perhaps, how lie came to attain so manly a conduct in life at so early an age, and how every thing of the boy was worn off so soon. Truly, besides other influences, it is much owing to the happy management of Eraste, (that was the name of the lady his mother) she was frequent in the nursery, and inspired sentiments into his childhood becoming riper years. .When there was company in the parlour, with whom she could use such a freedom, she brought her son in among them, not to entertain them with his own noise and tattle and impertinence, but to hear their discourse, and sometimes to answer a little ques- tion or two they might ask him. When he was grown up to a youth, he was often admitted into the room with his father's ac- quaintance, and was indulged the liberty to ask and enquire on subjects that seemed to be above his years : he was encouraged to speak a sentence or two of his own thoughts, and thus to learn and practise a modest assurance. But when the company was gone, he was approved and praised if he behaved well, or receiv- vo$
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