version of it, has been my aim. I do not affect to talk of "twopenny trash;" for, as you justly observe, truth and reason may be spoken for twopence, and so may irreligion and untruth; and a pennyworth of poison may kill.-I say nothing in admiration of respectable people.-Sense and talent and integrity are universally respectable.-As to any "reviling" of the poor, I can hardly conceive a worse sin; for I have learnt, that whoso mocketh the poor, reproacheth his Maker; and I know, that brotherly kindness is of the very essence of the Gospel.-I say nothing to stifle argument, for then I could not undertake to refute your conclusions.-I utter no such sentiment as that I would "leave you in hell," because of your opinions.-What Christian could ever care so little for another's salvation?-But this I say, that Scripture must be read with an honest mind, and applied according to its meaning; otherwise it may turn its edge upon those who abuse it. It was said of the Gospel, and it holds good of the word of Scripture too, that "whosoever shall fall on "this stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it "shall fall, it shall grind him to powder." Reflect upon this. At the conclusion of your Dialogue you direct us to "search the Scriptures." I join in that advice. You also direct us to certain passages of the Old Testament, by reference. I would respect and reverence them all. The first passage in your list is Jer. v. 25-31. It contains a severe reproof of false prophets, of priests, and people too. See the impartiality of Scripture! But let me turn your

attention to what goes just before, ver. 22-24.—

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66

Fear ye not me? saith the Lord; will ye not "tremble at my presence?-But this people hath a revolting and rebellious heart; they are revolted "and gone; neither say they in their hearts, Let us now fear the Lord our God."-You see the loss of the fear of God is at the bottom, when men fall into gross sin, whether they be priests or people. You ought therefore to be convinced by this chapter, to which you yourself refer, of the great importance of keeping alive that principle, the fear of God, instead of destroying it, if you wish our priests and people not to be as wicked as those here described.

Ref. Perhaps you are an interested person.

Chris. I am deeply interested, wherever the Religion, Morals, and Happiness of my country are.

Ref. Well, I leave you, Sir. But do not report that I am convinced by you.

Chris. I am not obliged to furnish you with Conviction; only with Reasons for it.

THE END.

SOME POINTS

IN

THE QUESTION

OF

THE SILK TRADE STATED:

IN A LETTER

ADDRESSED TO

THE RIGHT HON. GEORGE CANNING, M.P.

HIS MAJESTY'S PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 1826.

Tt

LETTER

TO THE

RIGHT HON. GEORGE CANNING, M.P.

SIR,

IN the report of an eloquent and animated Speech, which is ascribed to you, among other topics which it embraces, you are represented to have made the following Statement respecting the Silk Trade ; "That a gradual but material accumulation of Stock "had taken place, and that in the last year it had "doubled the amount of any former year."

The object of this statement, is, to refer the blame of the overwhelming distress, which is now crushing down the Silk Trade of this country, to the sanguine cupidity of traders, drawing into it an excess of Stock beyond the real and fair demands of the consumption.

Sir, I shall willingly entertain the belief that you would not, for purposes of argument, knowingly sanction a false representation of any material fact. But I entreat you to revise your present information. It is not correct: it does not come near the truth it betrays, in effect, the great deficiency of your inquiries.

I submit to you, that if your other engagements of public duty will permit you to resort to the