Characteristicks of Men, Manners, Opinions, Times - Volume 1

Section 2.
decorative horizontal scroll flourish
that neither the influence original: "Credit." of a Court, the power of a Nobility, nor the venerable authority original: "Awfulness." Here meaning the quality of inspiring awe or deep reverence, rather than the modern sense of being "bad." of a Church can give her protection, or hinder her from being criticized original: "arraign'd." in every shape and appearance. It is true, this liberty may seem to go too far. We may perhaps be said to make ill use of it. So everyone will say when he himself is affected original: "touch'd." and his opinion freely examined. But who shall be judge of what may be freely examined, and what may not? Where liberty may be used, and where it may not? What remedy shall we prescribe for this in general? Can there be a better one than that very liberty itself which is being complained of? If men are vicious, petulant, or abusive, the magistrate A civil officer or judge who administers the law. may correct them; but if they reason poorly, it is Reason itself that must teach them to do better. Correctness of thought and style, refinement in manners, good breeding, and politeness of every kind can come only from the trial and experience of what is best. Let the search go on freely, and the right standard for everything will soon be found. Whatever whim or trend original: "Humour." Referring to a prevailing cultural mood or frame of mind. has gained momentum—if it is unnatural, it cannot last; and ridicule, if misplaced at first, will certainly fall at last where it is deserved.

I have often wondered to see men of sense so greatly alarmed at the approach of anything like ridicule on certain sub-