not part of that happiness destined for us; let us look upon the acquirement of such to be as impracticable to be attained as the kingdom of Asia. If we submit ourselves to the power of our all-potent Creator, then we have the internal comfort to know, that if we were allowed to enter into his councils, we should magnify the motive of his laws, and be filled with inexpressible delight, on the contemplation of his unconceivable power and ineffable wisdom.

Mysterious word!

Which who so sees, no longer wanders lost

With intellects bemaz'd in endless doubt,

But runs the road of wisdom.

According to Spinoza and Epicurus,

the world seems to be nothing but a mingled collection of works, proceeding from an opaque cause; but to men of virtue and knowledge it is an illustrious temple, inhabited by an intransmutable divinity, who has communicated to them part of his intent, and shewn them the amazing works of his fathomless wisdom; who abundantly bestows upon them whatever is requisite, useful, or agreeable, and to all the blessings which he has showered upon them, he has also annexed the prospect of eternal felicity indesinently with himself,

But I lose myself in him,

In light ineffable.

Come then, expressive silence! muse his praise.

Of the pleasure, which accompanies the performance of our duties towards God.

"Tis from high life high characters are drawn ;
A saint in crape is twice a saint in lawn ;
A judge is just; a chancellor juster still;

A gownman learn'd; a bishop-what you will;
Wise, if a minister; but if a king,

More wise, more learn'd, more just, more every thing.

THE duties prescribed by moral philosophy, in respect to ourselves, may be brought under two heads: to know how to set a true value upon the goods which are offered to us, and to bear our calamities with fortitude.

There was a sect of philosophers, who seemed to wish to extirpate all pleasures. Their schools resounded with nothing but the rigid lesson of "Refrain from pleasure." But why so, since Necessity herself in a manner obliges us to enjoy them, either when we satisfy our hunger, or quench our thirst? In all our employments and diversions we cannot help feeling pleasure: in retirement as well as society. Are we then to contemn those blessings so closely connected with life? Ought we not rather with gratitude to rejoice in the possession of them.

Yet I venture to affirm, that pleasure springs from the bosom of Virtue. An inward satisfaction always accompanies

every employment that is suited to our abilities and rank. Relaxations are most

agreeable when procured by labour and exercise.

Among all the representations presented to us by history or tragedy, none are more delightful than those, in which the beauty of the soul shines forth with all its lucent brilliance. A friendship which arises from virtue, excites the most lively pleasure; and amid all the pleasing advantages which proceed from a social affection, there can be none more noble than that, which makes us fix our esteem upon the most worthy qualities of the person, who is the object of our regard, which adjusts our tastes, unites our views, and makes our interests reciprocal.