He then sought for solitude, not to sleep with the man of nature; or
calmly investigate the causes of things under the shade where Sir
Isaac Newton indulged contemplation, but merely to indulge his
feelings. And so warmly has he painted, what he forcibly felt, that,
interesting the heart and inflaming the imagination of his readers; in
proportion to the strength of their fancy, they imagine that their
understanding is convinced when they only sympathize with a poetic
writer, who skilfully exhibits the objects of sense, most voluptuously
shadowed or gracefully veiled- And thus making us feel whilst dreaming
that we reason, erroneous conclusions are left in the mind.
Why was Rousseau's life divided between ecstasy and misery? Can
any other answer be given than this, that the effervescence of his
imagination produced both; but, had his fancy been allowed to cool, it
is possible that he might have acquired more strength of mind.
Still, if the purpose of life be to educate the intellectual part of
man, all with respect to him was right; yet, had not death led to a
nobler scene of action, it is probable that he would have enjoyed more
equal happiness on earth, and have felt the calm sensations of the man
of nature instead of being prepared for another stage of existence
by nourishing the passions which agitate the civilized man.
But peace to his manes! I war not with his ashes, but his
opinions. I war only with the sensibility that led him to degrade
woman by making her the slave of love.
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