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Greeks, and Chinese, as have devoted themselves to certain death, with no other motive than that of exchanging this life for the praises of posterity. How wonderful it is that men, who had no idea of a future state, should fly to meet their destruction to procure such a happiness!

This heroic principle flows from a secret hope, that flatters us with the view of enjoying reputation which will reach us when in the grave. A confused idea of immortality prevails even among those who have not a clear notion of this truth. But there is still another consideration: it is very probable that these illustrious persons may have been more happy in their death, than they would have been

had they enjoyed life longer, as they were admired by their friends and countrymen, and inwardly convinced they should be so by posterity, likewise by their enemies and mankind in general.

This multitude of admirers, to a cheerful imagination, forms an object truly delightful, and which, though of short continuance, appears more valuable than a long series of sensations, which, though pleasing, have an alloy of bitterness and chagrin

'Tis education forms the common mind,
Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclin❜d.

Those qualities which distinguish us from others, are not the only ones which

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flatter us. Whatever shews the perfection of our species, makes an agreeable impression upon us.

The magnificence and change of objects, as well as dignity of thought and sentiment, appear to trace the most part of their charms from the proof they give us of the excellence of human genius; and the resemblance of an object appears more pleasing in a picture than in a river, because the image reflected in the water only flatters our sight; whereas, the arts of painting or statuary seem to breathe life into the canvass or marble, and contribute to increase our pride and self-love by a consideration, which indeed ought rather to mortify us, when

we see the stupendous works of one man, which another is perfectly incapa

ble of.

There is a satisfaction accompanies all the motions of the heart, where fear and hatred are not predominant.

Hail, thought sublime!

Propitious power.

Nature, a mother kind alike to all,
Still grants her bliss at labour's earnest call.

NATURE has enlightened us with understanding, nor has she limited this to the sensation alone of what passes within us. The qualities of others are likewise the

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