e, yet extremely attentive to
interest, where it does not interfere with that laziness which is their
governing passion.

They are rather devout than virtuous; have religion without
morality, and a sense of honor without very strict honesty.

Indeed I believe wherever superstition reigns, the moral sense is
greatly weakened; the strongest inducement to the practice of morality
is removed, when people are brought to believe that a few outward
ceremonies will compensate for the want of virtue.

I myself heard a man, who had raised a large fortune by very
indirect means, confess his life had been contrary to every precept of
the Gospel; but that he hoped the pardon of Heaven for all his sins, as
he intended to devote one of his daughters to a conventual life as an
expiation.

This way of being virtuous by proxy, is certainly very easy and
convenient to such sinners as have children to sacrifice.

By Colonel Rivers, who leaves us in a few days, I intend myself the
honor of addressing your Lordship again.

I have the honor to be
Your Lordship's, &c.
Wm. Fermor.

LETTER 153.

To the Earl of ----.

Silleri, June 9.

Your Lordship will receive this from the hands of one of the most
worthy and amiable men I ever knew, Colonel Rivers, whom I am
particularly happy in having the honor to introduce to your Lordship,
as I know your delicacy in the choice of friends, and that there are so
few who have your perfect esteem and confidence, that the acquaintance
of one who merits both, at his time of life, will be regarded, even by
your Lordship, as an acquisition.

'Tis to him I shall say the advantage I procure him, by making him
known to a nobleman, who, with the wisdom and experience of age, has
all the warmth of heart, the generosity, the noble confidence, the
enthusiasm, the fire, and vivacity of youth.

Your Lordship's idea, in regard to Protestant convents here, on the
footing of that we visited together at Hamburgh, is extremely well
worth the consideration of those whom it may concern; especially if the
Romish ones are abolished, as will most probably be the case.

The noblesse have numerous families, and, if there are no convents,
will be at a loss where to educate their daughters, as well as where to
dispose of those who do not marry in a reasonable time: the convenience
they find in both respects from these houses, is one strong motive to
them to continue in their ancient religion.