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and whatever precepts he may hold forth at other times, will at least lose half their influence by such strange inconsistency.

A correspondent has observed, that arguments at Westminster are frequently ended, by one party offering to lay a wager that he is right; but that wagers are the arguments of fools, and only used to supply the place of sense. This may be: but it is perhaps to be wished that such discussions were more frequently decided in that way: for I never knew an argument, I might say any where, but certainly at Westminster, which, when discussed otherwise, ended to the satisfaction of the parties on the contrary, it is generally the case, that each disputant departs lowered in the estimation of the other, as to sense, or temper, or both. Nay, misunderstandings and aversions are sometimes the consequence. I hope I have not

led my readers to suppose me an advocate for wagers, I only reckon them comparatively good. I agree with my correspondent in thinking it a foolish way of deciding arguments, but am almost inclined to think it a wise way of breaking them off, X. and Q.

No. XI.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1816.

Fuit Ilium, & ingens

Gloria Teucrorum.

VIRGIL.

THE detestable sin of innovation is now universally supposed to be making more rapid strides than at any period in the annals of Westminster. We are likely to be as violently persecuted in these enlightened times, for our heresies with regard to manners and customs, as the Lollards ever were for their Religion, in the darkest and most superstitious ages.-Nay, I am told that those of the true faith are preparing a crusade against us, and have bound themselves by an oath never to speak to us, unless we reform our new-fangled ways, and instantly put a stop to the "Exemplo trahenti Perniciem veniens in ævum."

They are surprised that our vanity does not induce us to respect the old established laws, and to preserve them as precious monuments of antiquity. But these laws, these precious monuments, are in reality only the relics of barbarism, which as the world becomes more refined, men naturally begin to be ashamed of; and of which if it be laudable to be vain, with just as much reason might a nation boast of a despotic government, or Spain of its Inquisition, because it happened to be the only one existing: How truly they lament that Westminster has fallen from its high estate, the following letter may serve to illustrate, which I should have been most happy to have given entire; but as the greater part of my readers have not had the means of acquiring that information which my Correspondent through his College acquaintance has obtained, I have taken the liberty of altering it, so as to adapt it to the understanding of all with as little mutilation and addition as possible.

E

SIR,

I am a man, who from a small beginning, have by industry and a succession of fortunate events, been enabled to acquire somewhat more than an easy independence. Having a son, whose welfare I have more particularly at heart from the circumstance of his being an only child, I am determined to spare no expence or trouble in giving him the very best education possible. After a good deal of enquiry and consideration, I have fixed on Westminster as the most eligible place for my purpose, and have determined that my boy shall soon become one of your community.

Just after I had settled this in my own mind, I invited three gentlemen, relations of mine, to spend a short time at my house. They have all been King's Scholars of Westminster, and are now members of one of our universities. These gentlemen I acquainted with my design with regard to my son, moreover intimating to them

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