may be, such in this case was the education of Mr. Malthus, and such was the result; it would be impossible to point out in the present age any distinguished person more moderate and contented, more exempt from jealousy and ambition, more disposed to rejoice with, those who, rejoice, or with more of the charity that envieth not, seeketh not its own.
Notwithstanding this moderation, there, was nothing he attempted in which he did not arrive at some distinction. He obtained prizes for declamations both, in Latin and English. He was always esteemed amongst the foremost in the classical lecture room and on taking his degree in 1788, his name appeared in the Tripos as the ninth wrangler. Besides all this he found sufficient time for the cultivation of history and general literature, particularly of poetry, of which he was always, a great admirer and a discerning judge. In 1797, he proceeded to his master's degree, and was made fellow of his college, and having taken orders about the same time, he undertook the care of a small parish in Surrey, near his father's house, occasionally residing in Cambridge upon his fellowship, for the purpose of pursuing with more advantage that course of study to which he was attached.
His first essay, as a writer, was a pamphlet called the Crisis, which he left in MS. and refrained from printing it at his father's request. It betrays some marks of a youthful taste both in the matter and in the style; but it is a work of great reflexion for so young a man, and shews considerable political sagacity and observation. It is further interesting at present on account of the many curious notices it contains of the temper and character of the times, and especially as exhibiting his early views and opinions respecting the condition of the poor. It was written about the year 1797, and its chief object was to
