Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

JETHRO.....No. 3.

I cannot well dismiss the subject of general truth, without noticing two particular branches, which, though implied in the preceding remarks, yet deserve a more distinct consideration. These are sincerity and fidelity. Their indispensable importance to the due administration of government, none will deny. Beginning then with the first, sincerity; let us observe, that it is opposed to hypocrisy in all its chamelion-like colours, and serpentine forms and contortions. Instead of making any mere professions of patriotism, or political friendship, it is rather cautious about a frequent and full expression of this sentiment, at least in words, even when most genuine and ardent. For the existence of this, as well as every other virtuous affection, it directs you to the tenor of a man's conduct, as the only test that can justify the smallest dependence. Infatuated freemen! if this be not a solicism—How long shall we see you contented to feed upon the breath of false hopes, and empty promises, dished and served up by the pretended "friends of the people." Have you not heard boasting enough of an enthusiastic attachment to your interest, to put you on your guard? But, I forbear;—any wise, however great the temptation, not to grow warm; but rather to preserve the calm and deliberate manner with which this discussion was commenced. My only view has been, in this paragraph, to impress the idea, that the very bustle and fever of public spirit affords a rational ground for suspicion. Scarcely any thing is more obvious, or oftener made the subject of remark, than the fact, that a hypocritical friend is worse than an open enemy. When an adversary takes the field before our eyes, we have a fair opportunity for providing the means of defence. But, the man who speaks peaceably to his neighbour, while war is in his heart, may do incredible mischief, before his conduct shall excite the smallest alarm. If this subject possess great & manifest importance in the limited affairs of individuals, what interest must it gather from being applied to the concerns of society! Deception is the same, in Nature, whatever be the circumstances which accompany it, but is more or less enhanced by the different consequences which it involves. Now it is easy to discover, that, where a multitude are deceived in the highest objects of their present existence, the result must be far more pernicious, than cases which affect merely the commerce of private life. The illustrious king of Israel often experienced the malignant nature of hypocrisy in those who surrounded his person and throne. He was disgusted in contemplating its hideous image: he suffered from feeling its destructive influence. He has left a portrait of his mind on the occasions, for the instruction of posterity. It is calculated to excite a just abhorrence of that monster composed of flattery and falsehood; and gives at the same time a lively impression of the amiable and sublime virtue, sincerity. "For it was not an open enemy that reproached me, then I could have borne it, neither was it he that hated me, that did magnify himself against me, then I would have hid myself from him. But it was thou, a man, mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days."

RECLUSE.