The Second Sight, with which the inhabitants of the Western Isles profess themselves to be molested, is of a ftill more extraordinary nature, than the usual mode of prediction. It is explained to be a kind of waking vision, or faculty of perceiving future events and distant objects, which are so strongly impressed upon the mental eye, that they appear to be really and substantially present to the Seer, when affected by their influence. Nor can this power by any means be employed at pleasure, or suppressed when disagreeable; but the most dreadful and unexpected visions will often intrude upon the hour of mirth and conviviality, and sadden the countenance, which was so lately overspread with the smile of festivity. Suddenly they will behold an absent friend, or a beloved chieftain bleeding at their feet, or the funeral of some dear relation gliding before their eyes. Happiness is thus for ever banished from their presence, and they give themselves up a prey to solitude, despair and melan, choly.

Not so the ingenious prophet; he enjoys the confusion that he has excited, and laughs at the folly of mankind for swallowing the idle inventions of his imagination with so much avidity. I have frequently pictured to myself the mingled

joy and astonishment that one of these gentry would express, were he to return to life, and discover the noise which his nonsensical impostures have created in the world.

It may indeed be a matter of curious speculation, whether this spirit of prophecy is productive of more harm or good to the public. That they are calculated to frighten and mislead the superstitious, is very evident; but the following anecdote with which I shall conclude this paper, is undoubtedly favourable to their cause, although its utility and effect was of very short duration.

Many

Some years ago, I recollect hearing of a man, who was in the continual habit of amusing himself, and alarming the public with predictions of a most terrifying and marvellous nature. Amongt others, in one of his prophetic moments, he declared that the City of London would be destroyed by an Earthquake, on a particular day. were weak enough to believe him, and those that did not, felt a considerable degree of apprehension, lest it should happen to be true. An universal consternation reigned in the City. Not a single lawyer dared to receive a fee; the inhabitants of Change-Alley forgot to lie, and the shopkeepers to cheat; the Parliament became honourable, and the Ministry sincere. At length the

much dreaded period arrived. It was a close, fultry day, in the middle of July. The cloudy appearance of the heavens about the hour of noon, seemed to confirm the prediction. The houses were mostly shut up, and the people crowded to Church, overcome with the burthen of their sins, and the horror of an approaching death. Never was religion cultivated with such true fervour and devotion. In this manner were they kept in a state of sufpense and agitation, until the evening, when a violent storm of thunder and lightening raised them to the highest pitch of horror; nor was it until the subsequent morning, that they were relieved from their distress, when St. Paul's clock at once convinced them of their folly; and called them forth to the customary duties of lying, cheating and making money.

The mistaken Prophet was prevented from taking a journey to Botany Bay, by being adjudged more worthy of a seat in Bedlam; where he still continues to favour his natural propensity, and prophecies with satisfaction and impunity to his fellow-lunatics.

E e

Ε

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

MAT MODISH defends the Bon ton with more. fpirit and ingenuity than justice.

CONFUCIUS has ftated his complaint very forcibly, but as I have already mentioned the fubject at large, his letter will be inadmiffible.

H. W. L's requeft fhall be complied with, as it is my intention to dedicate a whole number to my correfpondents after the vacation.

DAME MORAL has by her advice and well written inftruction conferred a favour on me, but Ecquid novi?

S. K. B's 'journal may be very laughable.

I am forry that I cannot in return to B. D's handfome letter, grant him his wifh; but he and my fellow citizens may depend on a number on the Monday I have mentioned.

X. X. X's complaint is unjuft. He should not pronounce fentence before he is, accquainted with the truth. His fuperior ftile might be better employed, than in making groundless accusations. Si sic omnes!"

The misfortune of Agrestis shall be made public.

I should be deficient in gratitude, did I not publicly acknowledge the very handsome letter of A Westminster, and its contents, The classical amusement which I shall receive, will be greatly increased by the very flattering manner in which the cause of it is conferred.

For reasons before stated, the next Number will not be published until Monday the 14th of January next.

THE

MINIATURE.

NUMB. XXV.

MONDAY, January 28, 1805.

Scribendi rete sapere est et principium et fons.

"Good sense, that fountain of the muses art." HORACE

ALTHOUGH from reasons which I have before stated, I can boast but a small portion of originality; yet in the present instance, I shall claim a share of that article, which in an author's catalogue stands in the highest estimation. For if any clergyman having delivered a certain text from the pulpit, was through the whole of his sermon to shew the fallaciousness of the doctrines contained in that text, the congregation would without doubt stare and regard him in the light of a fool, and perhaps of a madman. Yet of this folly and perversity I must confess myself guilty,

Ff