THE FATE OF AN IMPARTIAL WRITER.

            “If I might give a short hint to an impartial writer, it would be to tell his fate. If he resolved to venture on the dangerous practice of telling unbiased truth, let him proclaim war with mankind—neither to give nor to take quarter. If he tells the crimes of great men they fall upon him with the iron hands of the law; if he tells them of virtues, when they have any, then the mob attacks him with slander. But if he regards truth, let him expect martyrdom on both sides, and then he may go on fearless: and this is the course I take to myself.”—Author of Robinson Crusoe.

            To tell unbiased truth, without respect to party or person, is our determination to the end of the chapter, as it has been our practice from the beginning; and our experience in the venture hitherto, has convinced us of the verity of De Foe’s prevision—it places one in antagonism with the devil and his angels, and with all his works. From these we ask no quarter, and intend to give none. Take from him the power of inflicting political pains and penalties, as in this country, and he is found to be a mean and contemptible coward; enticing to transgression for the sake of present advantage; but failing in this, instead of boldly meeting you in argument, he hypocritically charges you with “a bad spirit,” “bitter severity,” and “discourtesy,” and calumniates you with all manner of lies and evil reports. Whoever draws the sword against such antagonists, should throw away the scabbard; and, as De Foe intimates, be prepared for martyrdom on every hand, and in every shape. Such combatant need expect neither justice, mercy, nor real sympathy from any but the impartial and unbiased freedmen of the truth. Advances from any other sources, are but stratagems to make him fall.

EDITOR.

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