The generous never recount minutely the actions they have done; nor the prudent, those they will do. He needs not proceed in such haste. The business that related to ecclesiastical meetings, matters, and persons, was to be ordered according to the king's direc tion. In him was happily blended true dignity with softness of manners. The support of so many of his relations, was a heavy tax upon his industry: but thou knowest he paid it cheerfully. What avail the best sentiments, if persons do not live suitably to them? Reconciliation was offered, on conditions as moderate as were consistent with a permanent union. Not one of them whom thou seest clothed in-purple, is completely happy, And the fame of this person, and of his wonderful actions, was diffused throughout the country. The variety of the productions of genius, like that of the operations of nature, is without limit. In vain our flocks and fields increase our store, Thou shouldst love thy neighbour as sincerely as thou lovest thyself. Hast thou no better reason for censuring thy friend and companion? Thou, who art the Author and Bestower of life, canst doubtless, restore it also but whether thou wilt please to restore it or not, that thou only knowest. O thou my voice inspire, Who touch'd Isaiah's hallow'd lips with fire. " Who touchedst or didst touch." Accept these grateful tears: for thee they flow, "Didst feel." Just to thy word, in every thought sincere; Who knew no wish but what the world might hear. "Who knewest, or didst know." The following examples are adapted to the notes and observa tions under RULE I. See Vol. 1. p. 143. Vol. 2. p. 45. 1. To do unto all men, as we would that they, in similar circumstances, should do unto us, constitutes the great principle of virtue. From a fear of the world's censure, to be ashamed of the practice of precepts, which the heart approves and embraces, marks a feeble and imperfect character. The erroneous opinions which we form concerning happiness and misery, give rise to all the mistaken and dangerous passions that embroil our life. To live soberly, righteously, and piously, is required of all men. That it is our duty to promote the purity of our minds and bodies, to be just and kind to our fellow-creatures, and to be pious and faithful to Him that made us, admits not of any doubt in a rational and well-informed mind. To be of a pure and humble mind, to exercise benevolence towards others, to cultivate piety towards God, are the sure means of becoming peaceful and happy. It is an important truth, that religion, vital religion, the religion of the heart, is the most powerful auxiliary of reason, in waging war with the passions, and promoting that sweet composure which constitutes the peace of God. The possession of our senses entire, of our limbs uninjured, of a sound understanding, of friends and companions, is often overlooked; though it would be the ultimate wish of many, who, as far as we can judge, deserve it as much as ourselves. All that makes a figure on the great theatre of the world, the employments of the busy, the enterprises of the ambitious, and the exploits of the warlike; the virtues which form the happiness, and the crimes which occasion the misery of mankind; originate in that silent and secret recess of thought, which is hidden from every human eye. 2. If the privileges to which he has an undoubted right, and which he has long enjoyed, should now be wrested from him, it would be flagrant injustice. These curiosities we have imported from China, and they are similar to those which were some time ago brought from Africa. Will martial flames for ever fire thy mind, And wilt thou never be to Heav'n resign'd? 3. When two substantives come together, and do not signify the same thing, the first of them must be in the genitive case. Such is the constitution of men that virtue, however it may be neglected for a time, will ultimately be acknowledged and respected. 4. The crown of virtue are peace and honour. His chief occupation and enjoyment was controversy. Idleness and ignorance are the parents of many vices. Wisdom, virtue, happiness, dwell with the golden mediocrity. In unity consist the welfare and security of every society. Time and tide wait for no man. His politeness and good disposition were, on failure of their effect, entirely changed. Patience and diligence, like faith, remove mountains. Humility and knowledge, with poor apparel, excel pride and ignorance under costly attire. The planetary system, boundless space, and the immense ocean, affect the mind with sensations of astonishment. Humility and love, whatever obscurities may involve religious tenets, constitute the essence of true religion. Religion and virtue, our best support and highest honour, confer on the mind, principles of noble independence. What signify the counsel and care of preceptors, when youth think they have no need of assistance? The examples which follow are suited to the notes and observations under RULE II. See Vol. 1. p. 149. Vol. 2. p. 47. 1. Much do human pride and self-complacency require correction. Luxurious living, and high pleasures, beget a languor and satiety that destroy all enjoyment. Pride and self-sufficiency stifle sentiments of dependence on our Creator: levity and attachment to worldly pleasures, destroy the sense of gratitude to him. 2. Good order in our affairs, not mean savings, produces great profits. The following treatise, together with those that accompany it, was written many years ago, for my own private satisfaction. That great senator, in concert with several other eminent persons, was the projector of the revolution. The religion of these people, as well as their customs and manners was strangely misrepresented. Virtue, joined to knowledge and wealth, confers great influence and respectability. But knowledge, with wealth united, if virtue is wanting, has a very limited influence, and is often despised. That superficial scholar and critic, like some renowned critics of our own, has furnished most decisive proofs, that he knew not the characters of the Hebrew language. The buildings of the institution have been enlarged; the expense of which, added to the increased price of provisions, renders it necessary to advance the terms of admission. One, added to nineteen, makes twenty.-Better thus: one and nineteen make twenty. What black despair, what horror fill his mind! 3. Thou, and the gardener, and the huntsman, must share the blame of this business amongst you. My sister and I, as well as my brother, are daily employed in our respective occupations. RULE III. See Vol. 1. p. 151, Vol. 2. p. 47. Man's happiness, or misery, is, in a great measure, put into his own hands. Man is not such a machine as a clock or a watch, which moves merely as it is moved. Despise no infirmity of mind or body, nor any condition of life; for it is, perhaps, to be your own lot. Speaking impatiently to servants, or any thing that betrays unkindness or ill-humour, is certainly criminal. There are many faults in spelling, which neither analogy nor pronunciation justifies. When sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune, affects us, the sincerity of friendship is proved. Let it be remembered, that it is not the uttering, or the hearing of certain words, that constitutes the worship of the Almighty. A tart reply, a proneness to rebuke, or a captious and contradictious spirit, is capable of imbittering domestic life, and of setting friends at variance. The following sentences exemplify the notes and observations under RULE III. See Vol. 1. p. 151. Vol. 2. p. 48. 1. Either thou or I am greatly mistaken in our judgment on this subject. I or thou art the person who must undertake the business proposed. 2. One or both of the scholars were present at the transac tion. Some parts of the ship and cargo were recovered; but neither the captain nor the sailors, were saved. Whether one person, or more than one, were concerned in the business, does not yet appear. The deceitfulness of riches, or the cares of this life, have choked the seeds of virtue in many a promising mind. RULE IV. See Vol. 1. p. 152. Vol. 2. p. 48, The people rejoice in that which should give them sorrow. The flock, and not the fleece, is, or ought to be, the object of the shepherd's care. The court has just ended, after having sat through the trial of a very long cause. The crowd was so great, that the judges with difficulty made their way through it. The corporation of York consists of a mayor, aldermen, and a common council. The British parliament is composed of king, lords, and commons. When the nation complains, the rulers should listen to its voice. In the days of youth, the multitude eagerly pursue pleasure as their chief good. The church has no power to inflict corporal punishment. |