of self-denial, by moderating the demand of passion: the other increases it, by rendering those demands imperious6 and violent.What distresses that occur in the calm life of virtue, can be compared to those tortures, which remorse7 of conscience inflicts on the wicked; to those severe humiliationss arising from guilt combined with misfortunes, which sink them to the dust: to those violent agitations of shame and disappointment, which sometimes drive them to the most fatal extremities,9 and make them abhor their existence ? 6 Imperious, a arrogant, haugh ty. 7 Remorse, s sorrow for a fault. 8 Humiliation, s act of humil ity. 9 Extremities, 8 the utmost parts. 5. How often, in the midst of those disastrous situations, into which their crimes have brought them, have they execrated the se + Seduction, ductions of vice; and, with bitter act of seducing. regret, looked back to the day on which they first forsook the paths of innocence! Douglass' Account of Himself. MY nane is Norval. On the Grampion hills/ My father feeds his flocks; a frugal swain, Whose constant cares were to increase his store, And keep his only son, myself, at home. For I had heard of battles, and long'd To follow to the field some warlike ford: K And heaven soon granted what my sire deni'd.. This moon, which rose last night, round as my shield, Had not yet filled her horns, when by her light, A band of fierce barbarians, from the hill, Rush'd, like a torrent, down upon the vale, Sweeping our flocks and herds. The shepherds fled I alone For safety and for succour. drawn, An arrow from my bow had pierced their chief, 7 On Contentment. 1. Contentment produces, in Contentment, s satisfaction. 2. 2 Alchymist, a studier of al some measure all those effects which the alchymist2 usually ascribes o what he calls the philosopher's stone; and if it does not bring chymy. riches, it does the same thing by banishing the desire of them. If it cannot remove the disquietudes 3 Disquietude, arising from a man's mind, body or suneasiness, un fortune, it makes him easy under happiness. them. It has, indeed, a kindly influence on the soul of mau, in respect of every being to whom he stands related. 2. It extinguishes all murmur, 4 Ingratitude, s repining and ingratitude, 4 towards unthankfülness. that Being who has allotted bim his part to act in this world. It destroys all inordinate ambition, and every tendency to corruption, with regard to the community wherein be is placed. It gives sweet ness to his conversation, and a perpetual serenity 5 to his thoughts. 3. Among the many methodst which might be made use of for acquiring this virtue, I shall mention only the two following: First of all, a man should always consider2 how much more he has than he wants; and secondly, how much more unhappy he might be than he really is. 4. First, a man should always consider how much he has more than he wants.. Lam wonderfully 5. Serenity, s calinness peacer † Metl.ods, s modes or man ners. 2 Consider, v to examine, to think. 1 • Wonderfil ly, ad. In a won derful manner oly pleased with the reply which Aristippus made to one who condoled him on the loss of a farm: Why, said he, I have three farms still, and you have but one; so that I ought rather to be afflicteds for you 3 Afflicted, part than you for me." grieved, tormented. 5. On the contrary, foolish men are more apt to consider what they have lost, than what they possess; and to fix their eyes on those who are richer than theinselves, rather than on those who are under greater difficulties.4 All the real pleasures and conveniences of life lie in a narrow compass;5 but it is the humor of mankind to be always look-n ing forward; and straining after one who has got the start of them in wealth and honour. : 6. For this reason, as none can properly be called rich, who have not more than they want, there are few rich men in any of the politer nations, but among the middle sort *of people, who keep their wishes within their fortunes, 6 and have more wealth than they know how to enjoy. Persons of a higher rank live in a kind of splendid poverty ;7 and are perpetually wanting, because, instead of acquiescing8 in the solid pleasures of life, they endeavor to outvie9 one another in shadows and appearances. 4 Difficulties, s troubles, hard ships, perplexity affairs, 5 Compass, a circle, space, limits • Weaith, riches, money, goods, any pos session. 6 Fortunes marriage portion, chance, riches 7 Poverty, state of being poor. 8 Acquiescing, part agreeing. 9 Outvie, v to exceed, out shine. 7. Men of sense have at all times beheld with a great deal of mirth, this silly game that is playing over their heads, and by contracting their desires, enjoy all that secret satisfaction which others are always in quest of. † Satisfaction, 8 content, pleas ure, delight, re compence, a 8. The truth is, this ridica. lous chase after imaginarys pleas- mends. ures, cannot be sufficiently exposed, 2 Imaginary, as it is the great source of those e- only in imagin ation. vils which generally undo a nation. Let a man's estates be what it may Estate, s prop he is a poor man, if he does not erty plantation, live within it; and naturally sets farm, condition. himself to sale to any one that can give him his price. 9. When Pittacus, after the death of Lis brother who had left him a good estate, was offered a great sum of money by the king of Lydia, he thanked him for his kindness, but told him he had already more than he knew what to do with. In short, content is equivalent 3 to wealth, and luxury to poverty; or give the thought a more agreeable turn. "Content is natural wealth," says Socrates, to which I shall add, luxury2 is artificial poverty. F پر 10. I shall therefore recommend 3 Consideration to the considerations of those who serious tho't, are always aiming at superfluous reason. and imaginary enjoyments,4 and 4 Enjoyment, who will not be at the trouble of ness. fruition, |