Vol. I. Philadelphia, Tenth Month, 1820. No. 10.
FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.
It is a fact of no infrequent occurrence,that erroneous estimates areformed of human conduct, and itsimmediate and remote effects on theinterests of society. When this is thecase, we sometimes denounce as hostileto social order and salutary improvement,those who are really theirmost faithful and efficient friends,and in this way become the agentsand disseminators of error and injustice.There is nothing perhaps, moreunfashionable, not to say mischievous,in the eyes of the present generation,than what they denominate Enthusiasm;a temper of mind, which theyare disposed to treat with the greatestcontempt, as altogether unworthy theenlightened period in which we live.If the legitimate import of the wordwere always observed in its application,there would be little controversyon the subject; as no one wouldbecome the advocate of "vain imaginations"or "violent passions." But itis believed that much that is truly valuablein its character and tendency, isimproperly ascribed to this source;by which hostile prejudices are excited,in opposition to that which isentitled to the countenance and supportof the public.
In Charles J. Fox's history ofJames II. there is this passage:—"Weare accused of enthusiasm!are we then fanaticks? Are we enthusiastsbecause we do not rob—abstainfrom murder? If by enthusiasmbe meant zeal and warmth, Ifreely acknowledge it; I glory in it.Enthusiasm, when it arises out of ajust cause, is that which makes menact in it with energy; it is that, withoutwhich nothing was ever donegreat, since the creation of the world.Enthusiasm of this sort, I hope, therefore,I shall always possess." Thehistorian referred to, will not beclassed among credulous, weak-mindedmen; for he was one of the mosteminent statesmen of his day; andhis opinion is therefore justly consideredas authoritative. The positiontaken, is corroborated by all experience,that great actions and greatachievements are never the result oflukewarmness and indifference; butof "zeal and warmth," directed to"a good cause," without which honourableand permanent distinctioncan never be obtained. What is toofrequently mistaken for enthusiasm,is in reality produced by a profound[362]conviction of the truth, in connectionwith some particular object, of thegreatest importance to mankind.
It was this that guided Columbusacross the unknown and boisterousocean, and opened to his view a newworld; which enabled him to encounterand surmount every difficulty,which the malice of his enemies, orthe combination of untoward circumstances,arrayed against his great design;a design which was branded asa chimera of enthusiasm.
It was this which induced Franklinto persevere in his philosophicalexperiments, until they were crownedwith success; and the identity of lightningand the electric fluid, completelyestablished, and eventually placed hisname among the most eminent philosophersof the age.
It was this, that enabled Rittenhouseto emerge from the conditionof an humble mechanic in Montgomerycounty, and by the constructionof his wonderful Orrery, to obtainfrom Jefferson this great b