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Dialogue Between a Federalist and a Democrat.

Democrat. "Well, neighbor, you have hit it for once: Bonaparte is playing the devil with the French, sure enough, and is making himself a king. You used to say that the French nation would shortly re-establish a monarchy, and now, I suppose, you will dub yourself a prophet."

Federalist. "My conclusions, respecting this subject, were founded on plain reason and common sense, aided by some knowledge of the history of man. I make no pretensions to the spirit of prophecy: but since you have given me the hint, I would remind you of the wretched misapplications of the scripture prophecies by some clerical enthusiasts of your own party. When some time ago, I attempted to awaken your sensibility, by describing the unparalleled scenes of cruelty and murder, which had been acted in France, you apologised for those enormities, by alleging that they were committed, under the guiding hand of Heaven, for the accomplishment of the predicted downfall of Antichrist: Nay, you went so far as to say, that all good protestant christians ought to shout an Alleluia at beholding the torments of the expiring "Beast." And, for my conviction, you remember, that you handed me a little book, which had been written upon the subject by the great Doctor Fungus, wherein, as I told you then, there are greater mystifications than ever lawyer used at the bar. And besides, you now see that the Doctor's comments are entirely falsified by the events which have lately happened: for Bonaparte has entered into alliance with the ghostly father, the Pope, and has re-established popery in France; so that this sect has now become predominant there, while the other christian denominations are placed at the feet of the papal power. Far be it from me to have mentioned this with approbation: I am heartily a friend to the equal rights of all christian sects and denominations, & cannot but view the recent establishment of popery in France, and the consequent degradation of the several classes of protestants, as a measure totally unjust and fraught with awful mischiefs—But, in the mean time, what can your great Doctor say for himself?"

Democrat. "The best may miss it.—Doctor Fungus, I must confess, has been a little out in his reckoning. However, I believe that he published his opinions with an honest heart and with the best intentions."

Federalist. "With his heart and his intentions I have nothing to do: I hope his heart is better than his head. 'Sure I am that these misapplications of scripture prophecies have had very mischievous effects; "inasmuch as many well meaning people have been led thereby to rejoice at deeds, which ought to have filled them with horror. And I think you yourself are among the number.—I know you, neighbor, to be a humane feeling man. You would shudder at any atrocious cruelty, especially murder, that should be committed among ourselves and under your eye; and yet the murder of thousands and hundreds of thousands has even feasted your mind, by reason that Doctor Fungus has made you believe, that it was brought about by the immediate agency of heaven, in fulfilment of the predictions of the sacred Book. For my own part, I believe the Doctor would have been much better employed in gathering cockle-shells, or feeding his chickens, than in making and publishing such commentaries upon the prophetic writings."

Democrat. "Neighbour, you bear rather hard both upon the Doctor and myself, (Aside my conscience tells me, 'tis true, but I won't own it to him.) If you please, we will drop this subject. Our conversation begun about Bonaparte. I had a most exalted opinion of that man: I verily thought that he was raised up to deliver the world from slavery, and that he would spread liberty and equality to the ends of the earth; and truly it grieves me much that he should turn out an impostor.—I should sooner have thought it of any man living."

Federalist. "I well know you have had a most exalted opinion of Bonaparte. How often have I heard you prefer him to our venerable Washington. In comparing them together, you used to place the latter at the feet of that aspiring Corsican. You triumphed in all his bloody conquests, and seemed willing to sacrifice the lives of half the world to that idol of your adoration. Switzerland and Italy, strewed with the corses of the slain, and "soaked with blood," were a pleasing spectacle in your view, inasmuch as the miseries which those countries offered, added "new laurels to your Hero,—"

Even after Bonaparte had usurped the government, I heard you confidently declare, that, after he had settled the affairs of the nation, he would give up his power into the hands of the people. You now see your mistake; and if you would lay aside prejudice, you would soon perceive that the general tenor of your zeal for the French nation has not been "according to knowledge." In your blind attachment to a foreign nation, you have forgotten your own; for you have been much more zealous, during the last seven years, for the honor of France, than for the honor of America.

Democrat. "I defy you to prove it; for I am a true-born American, and no Frenchman."

Federalist. "Neighbour, if you will give me a patient hearing, I pledge myself to prove my assertions. Tho' widely differing in political opinions, we have ever been on terms of strict personal friendship. I have confidence in your integrity, and it grieves me the more to see you so misled: I therefore wish to open my mind to you freely and fully. Let me give you a sketch of the conduct of your party, in the general tenor of which you yourself have apparently concurred."

Democrat. (Looking at his watch) "I will hear you, another time: I this moment recollect that I had engaged to meet 'Squire Longhead; and the hour is at hand. You will excuse my leaving you so abruptly, and will, in no wise, impute it to resentment; for well knowing your friendship and your frankness, I can bear from you what would be highly provoking, if it were to come from another man."

(Democrat Solus. I sometimes rue the day that I was first acquainted with 'Squire Longhead: I fear he has led me astray, but he has got me so entangled that I know not how to break with him.)

Balance.