so destructive in most respects, there has at least resulted this advantage; it has furnished the most satisfactory comment upon the grand experiment of the philosophers, and proved most folly that it is religion alone that possesses authority to silence the clamours of interest, to control the passions, and to fetter the ambition of mankind.  The same year (1778) is memorable for the deaths both of Voltaire and Rousseau; the first is represented as exhibiting on his death bed the most melancholy spectacle of horror and remorse that can be possibly conceived; the latter is thought to have committed suicide at Ermenonville, where he found an asylum, after having been banished successively from many states.  This opinion is founded chiefly on the authority of Madame de Stael; it is related, that he rose in the morning in perfect health, and returned after his usual walk; that soon after, he desired his wife to open the window, that he might, as he expressed it, contemplate nature for the last time and that being presently taken ill, he refused to receive any assistance, and died in a few hours.

Those who have seen both those celebrated characters (who long attracted persons from all parts of Europe to this country) have remarked, that Voltaire at first sight was acknowledged to be a man of genius; but that Rousseau was only suspected of possessing superior abilities.

I have perhaps said too much on this subject, into which I have been led insensibly, by reflecting on what I had read of these philosophers, and shall therefore conclude with inserting the remark of a Savoyard peasant, who, according to M. Lantier, being asked his opinion of them, answered, “I think that Voltaire has done a great deal of mischief in the age in which he lived; and that Rousseau will not do less to posterity.”

The college of Geneva and its library are generally pointed out to strangers as worthy of a visit; for the Genevese are no less celebrated for their proficiency in literature, than for their commercial industry.  The college consists of nine classes, and owes its foundation to the celebrated Calvin, who was born at Nyon, where his father was a cooper.  He first arrived at Geneva in 1536, was exiled in 1538, and recalled finally in 1541; he became the legislator as well as the religious reformer of the state.  He is still the great hero of the Genevese, who believe him to be innocent of the death of Michael Servet, which has in the general opinion cast such disgrace on his memory.  He did not affect to deny the great perversity of his temper, which is indeed exhibited by many of his actions, so forcibly as not to admit of concealment.  His writings, in 44 volumes, containing 2023 sermons, and his portrait, are preserved in the college, library, which contains about 50,000 volumes, besides 200 manuscripts, some of which are of great value.  This library was originally founded by Bonnival, prior of St. Victor,