They do not always answer the end proposed. They are eluded by refinements upon "Luxury" until it becomes "Luxury" in excess. It must be the province of the legislature to prevent this abuse. The most effectual laws would be those, which would remove that ridiculous respect, which is paid to frivolous exteriors, and would attach real respect to merit alone; which would destroy that unjust contempt into which modest simplicity has fallen by a depravity of taste and reason. He, who by a wise legislation would discover the secret of banishing those prejudices, would render an essential service to humanity. Virtue and emulation would flourish--vice and folly no longer appear. After all, I would not have it forgot, that I have agreed, that what would be "Luxury" at one time, and for one order of people, is not so for another. The "Luxury" which destroys a republic, would not perhaps destroy a large kingdom; but there is a degree of "Luxury" prejudicial to the most opulent monarchy. The universal use of wine would be ruinous to this country, but not so to France. The detail and analysis of those distinctions, are perhaps the most important object to humanity. I am persuaded, that the public good, the repose of families, and the happiness of the present and future generations depend upon it. B. B. B. H. For the Southern Literary Messenger. TO ---- "_Agite Mais Constant_." "Though the speed with which we are hurried through the immensity of space, is not perceptible to our vision; yet the _truth_ that '_Time_ is ever on the wing,' should teach us to be wise while it is called '_to-day_.'" Pleasures of _time_ and _sense_ can give No hope or real joy; They leave an aching void behind, Are mixed with base alloy. Say, wouldst thou twine a lasting wreath To deck thy forehead fair, Go--wipe away the _widow's_ tear, And sooth the _orphan's_ care. Wouldst thou be meet to join the choir Who sing in endless bliss, Go--drink at that Eternal Fount, Whose stream shall never cease. Wouldst thou improve the talents here, Transmitted from above; Go--turn the sinner from his way, And prove a Saviour's love. POWHATAN. EXTRACT. Men will wrangle for religion; write for it; fight for it; die for it; any thing but--_live_ for it. For the Southern Literary Messenger. ELOQUENCE.