hero of his own romances; he has been in dangers from which nobody but himself ever escaped; he has seen with his own eyes whatever other people have heard or read of; he has had more bonnes fortunes than ever he knew women; and has ridden more miles post, in one day, than ever courier went in two. He is soon discovered, and as soon becomes the object of universal contempt and ridicule. Remember, then, as long as you live, that nothing but strict truth can carry you through the world, with either your conscience or your honor unwounded. It is not only your duty, but your interest; as a proof of which you may always observe that the greatest fools are the greatest liars. For my own part, I judge of every man's truth by his degree of understanding. [Sept. 21, 1747.]
Perception of Character.—Search, therefore,
with the greatest care into the characters of all those
whom you converse with; endeavor to discover their
predominant passions, their prevailing weaknesses,
their vanities, their follies, and their humors; with
all the right and wrong, wise and silly springs of
human actions, which make such inconsistent and
whimsical beings of us rational creatures. A moderate
share of penetration, with great attention, will
infallibly make these necessary discoveries. This is
