the medium of private character: and it will, therefore, be a change not rapid in its progress, and visible at every step; but gradual in its advances, and perceptible only when considerable effects have been produced. The British constitution stands among the nations of the earth, like an ancient oak in the wood, which, after having overcome many a blast, overtops the other trees of the forest, and commands respect and veneration, SECTION 6. WHAT an anchor is to a ship in a dark night, on an unknown coast, and amidst a boisterous ocean, that is the hope of future happiness to the soul, when distracted by the confusions of the world. In danger, it gives security; amidst general fluctuation, it affords one fixed point of rest. Our pride and self-conceit render us quarrelsome and contentious, by nourishing a weak and childish sensibility to every fancied point of our own honour or interest, while they shut up all regard to the honour or interest of our brethren. If there be any first principle of wisdom, it is undoubtedly this: the distresses that are removable, endeavour to remove; those which cannot be removed, bear with as little disquiet as you can: in every situation of life, there are comforts; find them out, and enjoy them. Instead of aspiring beyond your proper level, bring down your mind to your state; lest, by aiming too high, you spend your life in a train of fruitless pursuits, and bring yourself at last to a state of entire insignificance and contempt. Often have we seen, that what we considered at the time, as a sore disappointment, has proved, in the issue, to be a merciful providence; and that, if what we once eagerly wished for had been obtained, it would have been so far from making us happy, that it would have produced our ruin. Can the stream continue to flow, when it is cut off from the fountain? Can the branch flourish when torn away from the stock which gave it nourishment? No more can dependent spirits be happy, when deprived of all union with the Father of spirits, and the Fountain of happiness. Prosperity is redoubled to a good man, by his generous use of it. It is reflected back upon him from every one whom he makes happy. In the intercourse of domestic affection, in the attachment of friends, the gratitude of dependents, the esteem and good-will of all who know him, he sees blessings multiplied round him on every side. He that would pass the latter part of life with honour and decency, must, when he is young, consider, that he shall one day be old; and remember when he is old, that he once was young. In youth, he must lay up knowledge for his support, when his powers of acting shall forsake him; and in age, forbear to animadvert with rigour, on faults which experience only can correct. esteem of wise Let us consider that youth is not of long duration; and that in maturer age, when the enchantments of fancy shall cease, and phantoms dance no more about us, we shall have no comforts but the approbation of our own hearts, the men, and the means of doing good. men who are some time to grow old; it will be the most dreadful of all evils, to count their past years only by follies, and to be reminded of their former luxuriance of health, only by the maladies which riot has produced. Let us live as and to whom |