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deal more pleased
with themselves than the wise can reasonably be. They look down upon men
with haughtiness; they argue with boldness and confidence, others with fear
and diffidence; and this gaiety of countenance often gives them the
advantage in the opinion of the hearers, such favour have the imaginary wise
in the eyes of judges of like nature. Imagination cannot make fools wise;
but she can make them happy, to the envy of reason which can only make its
friends miserable; the one covers them with glory, the other with shame.
What but this faculty of imagination dispenses reputation, awards respect
and veneration to persons, works, laws, and the great? How insufficient are
all the riches of the earth without her consent!
Would you not say that this magistrate, whose venerable age commands the
respect of a whole people, is governed by pure and lofty reason, and that he
judges causes according to their true nature without considering those mere
trifles which only affect the imagination of the weak? See him go to sermon,
full of devout zeal, strengthening his reason with the ardour of his love.
He is ready to listen with exemplary respect. Let the preacher appe
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