A person may be easily
misrepresented with regard to a particular action; but it is scarce
possible that he should be so with regard to the general tenor of
his conduct. An innocent man may be believed to have done wrong: this,
however, will rarely happen. On the contrary, the established
opinion of the innocence of his manners will often lead us to
absolve him where he has really been in the fault, notwithstanding
very strong presumptions.'
I perfectly coincide in opinion with this writer, for I verily
believe that few of either sex were ever despised for certain vices
without deserving to be despised. I speak not of the calumny of the
moment, which hovers over a character, like one of the dense morning
fogs of November, over this metropolis, till it gradually subsides
before the common light of day, I only contend that the daily
conduct of the majority prevails to stamp their character with the
impression of truth. Quietly does the clear light, shining day after
day, refute the ignorant surmise, or malicious tale, which has
thrown dirt on a pure character. A false light distorted, for a
short time, its shadow- reputation; but it seldom fails to become just
when the cloud is dispersed that produced the mistake in vision.
Many people, undoubtedly, in several respects obtain a better
reputation than, strictly speaking, they deserve; for unremitting
industry will mostly reach its goal in all races. They who only strive
for this paltry prize, like the Pharisees, who prayed at the corners
of streets, to be seen of men, verily obtain the reward they seek; for
the heart of man cannot be read by man! Still the fair fame that is
naturally reflected by good actions, when the man is only employed
to direct his steps aright, regardless of the lookers-on, is, in
general, not only more true, but more sure.
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