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 numbers, some in points of wit, and others in short proverbs. Think those more faithful, who reprove thee for thy faults, than those who praise thee for thy virtues.

AFFECTATION is to be distinguished from hypocrisy, being the art of counterfeiting those qualities which we might with innocence and safety be known to want; therefore hypocrisy is criminal, but affectation only ridiculous. He who gives himself airs of importance, exhibits the credentials of impotence. Affectation sooner discovers what we are, than makes known what we would appear to be.

2. We are never made so ridiculous by the want of qualities, as by those we affect to have. If affectation is so unbecoming in common life, it is more so in religion; if it be so disgustful in the parlour, it is much more so in the pulpit. Affectation is certain deformity; by forming themselves on fantastic models, the young begin with being ridiculous, and often end in being vicious. No man is ridiculous for seeming what he is, but only for affecting to be something more, either as to what respects the mind or the body.

3. Affectation proceeds either from pride or hypocrisy; for as vanity puts on false characters, in order to purchase applause; so hypocrisy sets us on an endeavour to avoid censure by concealing our vices, under an appearance of their opposite virtues.

4. It is possible that beauty in a woman,