The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Messieurs Fowle, please to publish the following.

In Reason's Scale every Action weighs.
All the Difference betwixt a wise Man & a Fool, is, the former follows the Dictates of Reason, and the latter his Appetites and Passions. The cunning, enterprising and learned Prince, encircled with royal Glory, may be a Fool: and the humble unlettered Peasant, may be a wise Man. 'Tis acting agreeable to the Light of Reason, that distinguishes between the Sons of Wisdom and Folly. To make the Honor of God, and the Welfare of Mankind, the Rule of Action, is to follow the Dictates of Reason, and denominates a Man truly wise. By this Rule we should try ourselves, and take measure of Mankind. He who falls short of this Standard, is destitute of Wisdom and Honor, and ranks no higher than a Son of Folly, although the various Degrees he has taken at Universities entitle him to the Addition of all the Letters in the Alphabet to his Name.

The Man of Wisdom, who aims to promote the divine Honor, and human Happiness, is he "to whom Honor is due", whatever be his Situation in Life: but a Magistrate of this shining Character, merits high Veneration and peculiar Respect. He, in the Community, is like the Sun in the solar System, which dispels noxious Vapours, nourishes and invigorates every noble Plant. He is a Terror to every Transgressor, Life, Animation and Praise to the Sons of Virtue.

A Man through Inadvertence or sudden Temptation, may break the Laws of Society and be culpable, and yet be a Man of Honor whose Course is Virtue; in like Manner a Magistrate may err; but neither forfeit the Character of Wisdom, nor the Respect of Mankind. A good Character is not won nor lost by one Action; it is a Course of Actions, or the reigning Principles of the Mind, which denominate a Man good or bad.

The most effectual Way to increase the Number of virtuous Men, and to promote the Prosperity and Happiness of Society, is to make a great Distinction between the Virtuous and the Vicious, that all Men seeing the Rewards of Goodness, may be stimulated to noble Actions. The Wise and Just, who will faithfully execute the Laws against all Transgressors of every Denomination, should be exalted to the high and honourable Seat of Magistracy, and firmly supported in the Execution of their Office.

And as good Laws impartially executed, are the Basis of all Happiness in civil Society, the faithful active Magistrate who suffers no Transgression to go unpunished, will receive the highest Love and Honor from every Man of Wisdom, Truth and Honor. He will be regarded as an Instrument of Happiness and a rich Blessing to Society. Merited Applause and conscious Virtue will attend him through Life, and immortalize his Memory!