most superstitious of mortals! Misled by the eloquent sophistry of a few proud modern illuminati, they are neither free in thought nor action, but led captive by their tyrannic appetites. The freethinkers of the last century, both French and English, endeavoured to depreciate the Christian religion, by impudently asserting that it was invented by statesmen to overawe the credulous multitude, and render them obedient to human laws. But the infidels of the present day have gone farther, and contend that our established religion is subversive of morality! The exertions of certain English atheists and deists, for they are of the same fraternity, are unremitted; and so gross is their presumptuous infatuation, that they will suffer any penalty rather than acknowledge their error. As church and state are established by law in this country, the Reformers, as they modestly. term themselves, at once aim at the subversion of all political and religious distinctions; and under the plausible semblance of universal liberty, not only cherish a disposition to licentiousness, but to gross immorality, and horrid impiety, in the minds of their ignorant partisans. A free people, and such the English now are, notwithstanding the assertions of Cobbett, Wooler, Hunt, Cartwright, and even the bold Hobhouse, to the contrary, are apt to censure those who exercise authority over them, however moderately administered. Yet the history of England affords many proofs, that the nation has also been prompt in the expression of their approbation of any act of patriotism by the Prince or the Senate. The aristocratical part of our legislature indeed, derives its right to assist in the enactment of laws, from hereditary custom, and to the honour of the House of Peers, be it mentioned, that they have, in many instances, been tenacious of the people's rights, and identified them with their own. As for the House of Commons, though some abuses have crept into the representation, the majority of the county members, whether on the side of the Ministry, or the Opposition, are men of education, integrity, and fortune. The clamour about parliamentary reform, by a few adventurous egotists and demagogues, and the bold assertions of a few scribbling pamphleteers, are therefore not only untrue, but dangerous. It is an easy matter to excite the evil passions of an ignorant and envious populace, but not so easy to keep them within legal bounds; hence the present Ministry have been compelled to make some encroachments on our political constitution, for the preservation of public tranquillity. The servants of the Crown are responsible to the King and the people for their public ac `tions, and they have, in general, performed their political duties with great cleverness and success. Their opponents, if placed in the same situation only six months, probably would become as odious to the readers of certain political pamphlets, as they now are. The Opposition indeed, possess in a pre-eminent degree the talent of satire; and may be compared to reviewers, who can point out the errors in a new publication, though their own powers may be inferior to those of the author. But an opposition in both Houses of Parliament, has from the sanction of custom been deemed indispensable; it has gradually grown up with our free constitution, and is useful. The Ministry and the Opposition may be termed the flint and steel of British liberty; and by occasional collision, produce those sparks which revive the flame of patriotism. By the frequency of violent contact, however, Opposition, like the flint, seem to have lost part of their materiel; insomuch, that some of their best friends are apprehensive, that they will eventually become so diminished and dull, as to be incapable of producing either political light or heat. SKETCHES OF PUBLIC CHARACTERS. THE PINK OF NOBILITY. This amiable and accomplished woman, whose heart beats in unison with the most generous emotions, has, on all occasions, evinced a superiority of intellect, combined with the most conciliating urbanity. With a poetic genius, chaste and classic, and a taste refined by conversation with the most intelligent persons of both sexes, the pink of nobility is estimable for still greater perfections. It is the pride and pleasure of her heart to fulfil the social duties of daughter, wife, and mother; and happy would it be for many high-bred dames were they to imitate her example, and relinquish their chase of the phantom PLEASURE, which they now pursue through the labyrinth of life. The fair subject of this sketch has long been the patroness of genius; and if she has, in some instances, been attracted by the whirlpool of fashionable amusements, she ever preserved the dignity of virtue; and shared the frivolities of others, rather to avoid the imputation of singularity, than from levity of disposition. THE MODERN FINE LADY. It is only in the serenity of retirement that the amiable and social qualities of woman appear in their genuine lustre. In London the beautiful sex assume an unnatural character. Their passion for admiration, and love of pleasure, become excessive. Not content with natural beauty, the modern fine lady has recourse to art. The hairdresser supplies her with artificial locks; the corset-maker manufactures a false bosom; and the vender of cosmetics prepares his beautifying wash; the light drapery of fashion is supplied by the mantua-maker and milliner; and the lovely dupe of vanity obscures her charms with artificial decorations. She eyes herself at the mirror; adjusts her dress, limbs, and deportment; and steps into the public walk, or the assembly, courting observation. All her native grace and amiable simplicity are lost in affectation; she revels in the giddy whirl of fa shionable life, at routs, masquerades, and musical parties; and at length finds that happiness "allures from far, but, as she follows, flies." THE FALSTAFF OF REFORM; OR, AN EGOTIST ON STILTS. "Will his own merit sees.This gives him pride This boaster, like his great prototype, is convinced, that "the better part of valour is dis |