 quoted as a Proof of Capacity and Knowledge in this Way, proves wholly the Reverse, as I take it; their Judgment of
Socrates
is opposite to Truth in every Instance; they pronounce him the most debauched, irascible, and malicious of Men; and it is a very poor Apology that
Socrates
makes for their Ignorance, when he affirms that he was, by Birth, the very Person they deemed him, but that Philosophy had given him a new Nature; for if Education can change the Heart, without changing the Countenance, how can we form any Conjecture of the one by the other?
Though I insist, Mrs.
Clement,
that you are wrong in your Thesis, replied Mr.
Fenton,
I admit that you are perfectly just in your Inference. For, if a Change of Mind or Manners can make no Change in the Aspect, the whole Science of Physiognomy must fall to the Ground. I therefore take this Passage, relating to
Socrates,
to be a mere Fiction; and I affirm that neither Philosophy, nor Christianity, can make a new Heart or a new Nature in Man, without making a suitable Alteration in his Visage.
As the Heavens are made expressive of the Glory of God, though frequently overcast with Clouds and Tempest, and sometimes breaking forth in Thunders that terrify, and Lightenings that blast; so, the general Tenour of a human Countenance is made expressive of the Nature of the Soul that lives within; and, to which it is ordained an involuntary Interpreter.
Many Persons have made it the Study of great Part of their Lives, to counteract Providence in this honest Appointment; to shut this Window, by which, an impertinent World is so apt to peep in, and spy what they are about; and, as far as possible, to make the Expressions of their Countenance, to belie every Sentiment and Emotion of their Heart.
I have known
Hypocrisy, Treachery, Pride, Malice,
and
Lust,
assume the opposite Semblance of
Saintship, Fidelity, Lowliness, Benevolence,
and
Chastity:
But, it is painful to keep the Bow of Nature long bent; its Elasticity will still struggle to have it restored; and a skillful Discerner, at the Time of such Delusion, will often detect the Difference between a real Character and the acting of a Part. For, when Nature dictates, the whole Man speaks; all is uniform and consenting in Voice, Mien, Motion, the turn of each Feature, and the Cast of the Eyes. But, when Art is the Spokesman, and that Nature is not altogether suppressed; the Turn of the Eye
