count is balanced between you. But a generous person compassionates the lot of those, who are obliged to toil for his benefit or gratification. He lightens their burthens; treats them with kindness and affection; studies to promote their interest and happiness; and, as much as possible, conceals from them their servitude, and his superiority. On the distinctions of rank and fortune, he does not set too high a value: and though the circumstances of life require, that there should be hewers of wood, and drawers of water, yet he forgets not that mankind by nature are equal; all being the offspring of God, the subjects of his moral government, and joint heirs of immortality. A conduct directed by such principles, gives a master claims, which no money can purchase, no labour can repay. His affection can only be compensated by love; his kindness by gratitude; and his cordiality, by the service of the heart."

PERCIVAL.

SECTION X.

Arachne and Melissa; or, the happiness of cultivating a good temper.

A GOOD temper is one of the principal ingredients of happiness. This, it will be said, is the work of nature, and must be born with us: and SO,

in a good measure, it is; yet it may be acquired by art, and improved by culture. Almost every object that attracts our notice, has a bright and a dark side. He who habituates himself to look at the displeasing side, will sour his disposition, and consequently impair his happiness; while he who beholds it on the bright side, insensibly meliorates his temper; and, by this means, improves his own happiness, and the happiness of all about him.

Arachne and Melissa are two friends. They are alike in birth, fortune, education, and accomplishments. They were originally alike in temper too; but by different management, are grown the reverse of each other. Arachne has accustomed herself only to look on the dark side of every object. If a new literary work makes its appearance, with a thousand beauties, and but one or two blemishes, she slightly skims over the passages that should give her pleasure, and dwells upon those only that fill her with dislike. If you show her an excellent portrait, she looks at some part of the drapery that has been neglected, or to a hand or finger which has been left unfinished. Her garden is a very beautiful one, and kept with great neatness and elegance; but if you take a walk with her into it, she talks to you of nothing but blights and storms, of snails and caterpillars, and how impossible it is to keep it from the litter of falling leaves,

and wormeasts. If you sit down in one of her temples, to enjoy a delightful prospect, she ob

serves

you, that there is too much wood, or too little water; that the day is too sunny or too gloomy; that it is sultry or windy; and finishes with a long harangue upon the wretchedness of our climate. When you return with her to the company, in hopes of a little cheerful conversation, she casts a gloom over all, by giving you the history of her own bad health, or of some melancholy accident that has befallen one of her children. Thus she insensibly sinks her own spirits, and the spirits of all around her; and at last discovers, she knows not why, that her friends are grave.

She

Melissa is the reverse of all this. By habituating herself to look on the bright side of objects, she preserves a perpetual cheerfulness in herself, which, by a kind of happy contagion, she communicates to all about her. If any misfortune has befallen her, she considers that it might have been worse, and is thankful to Providence for an escape. rejoices in solitude, as it gives her an opportunity of knowing herself; and in society, because she communicates the happiness she enjoys. She opposes every man's virtues to his failings, and can find out something to cherish and applaud, in the very worst of her acquaintance. She opens every book with a desire to be entertained or instructed;

INTRODUCTION &c.

ᏢᎪᎡᎢ Ꮮ.

and therefore seldom misses what she oos forWalk with her, though it be but on a heth or a

beau

common, and she will discover numberless

ties, unobserved before, in the hills, the les the brooms, the brakes, and the variegated flower of weeds and poppies. She enjoys every cha weather, and of season, as bringing wa advantages of health, or conv

sation, you never hear

grievances, or the

any one

is not permitted

worst of alor honour. It is believed

any thered by an impious hand, can

acceptable to Heaven, nor profitable to the state; and that an undutiful son cannot be capable of performing any great action, or of executing justice with impartiality. Therefore, my son, if you are wise, you will pray to Heaven to pardon the offences committed against your mother. Let no one discover the contempt with which you have treated her; for the world will condemn, and abandon you, for such behaviour. And if it be even suspected, that you repay with ingratitude the good offices of your parents, you will inevitably forego the kindnesses of others; because no man will suppose, that you have a heart to requite either his favours or his friendship."

PERCIVAL.

135

SECTION XII.

SOCRATES AND DEMETRIUS.

Brethren should dwell together in harmony. Two brothers, named Timon and Demetrius, Sorrelled with each other, Socrates, their der, "without plicitous to restore amity bethere is a favourableherefore, with Demetrius, is, therefore, a species of friendship the

"I should think so," answered reatest enthen," pursued Socrates, "ingratituderjustice, does it not follow, that the degree of it must be proportionate to the magnitude of the favours which have been received ?" Leander admitted the inference; and Socrates thus pursued his interrogations. "Can there subsist higher obligations than those which children owe to their parents; from whom life is derived and supported, and by whose good offices it is rendered honourable, useful, and happy ?" "I acknowledge the truth of what you say," replied Leander; "but who could suffer, without resentment, the ill humours of such a mother as I have ?" "What strange thing has she done to you?" said Socrates. "She has a tongue," replied Leander, "that no mortal can bear.""How much more,” said Socrates, "has she endured from your wrangling,