which are contrary to his natural inclination, but for those agreeable to it, he need appoint no fixed times; because his thoughts will spontaneously fly to them, as other studies and business give leave. That is the best part of beauty, which a picture cannot express; or even the life itself at first sight. Tender and delicate persons are in danger of being often angry, as being ruffled by so many things, which are scarce felt by more robust natures. To keep anger from being mischievous, three things require most particular caution. First, to avoid severe words, especially such as are cutting and apposite; next, to reveal no secrets ; thirdly, however passion may rise do nothing that is irrevocable. The virtue of prosperity is temperance; of adversity, fortitude. Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity of the New. Studies and reading serve for delight, for ornament, and To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too niuch for ornament is affectation; and to judge wholly by their roles is pedantic. Letters perfect nature, and are perfected by experience ; for letters do not sufficiently teach their own use; but this is a wisdom beyond and above them, gained by observation, operating opon native sagacity and good sense. Virtue is the health of the soul, and cleanliness is the virtue of the body. A virtuous man fights against temptations, and is victo. rious. ' A virtuous woman comes not within their reach : she must not only be innocent but ignorant of ill. Other things are soiled by the touch of a finger, but a breath will dim the pure crystal. : In part she is to blame, who has been tried; for use. Mark how it snows! how fast the valley fills, And the sweet groves the boary garment wear; Yet the warm sunbeams, bounding from the hills, Shall melt the veil away, and the young green appear. But when old age has on your temper shed Her silver frost, there's no returning sun; Swift flies our summer, swift our autumn's fled, When youth, and love, and spring, and golden joys are gone. Know then this truth, enough for man to know ; Forgiveness to the injur'd does belong ; The bloom of op'ning flow'rs, unsullied youth! O woman, lovely woman ! Nature form’d you, you. There is a world where no storms intrude, a haven of safety against the tempests of life. A little world of joy and love, of innocence and tranquillity. Suspicions are not there, nor Jealousies, nor Falsehood with her double tongue, nor the venon of Slander. Peace embraceth it with outspread wings. Plenty broodeth there. When a man entereth it, he forgetieth his sorrows, and cares, and disappointments; he openeth his heart to confidence, and to pleasures not mingled with remorse. This world well ordered home of a virtuous and amiable woman. What hero like the man who stands himself; To morrow I will live, the fool does say ; I am, the great Jehovah cries, Replies, O Lord, thou art ! We are all cooperating to one great work, some with knowledge and understanding, others ignorantly and undesignedly. One contributes to this one way; and another, another way. Nay, even the querulous and the murmurers, who attempt to oppose the course of nature, and to obstruct what happens, contribute also to this purpose, for the world must - needs have within it such persons also. Think, then, in what class you would choose 'to rank yourself. The presiding mind will certainly make a right use of you one way or other, and will enlist you among his labourers and fellow workers. Whatever is beautiful or honourable is so from itself, and it's excellence rests in itself. It's being praised is no part of it's excellence. No man can hinder you from living according to the plan of your nature, and nothing can befal you contrary to the plan of the universe. Observe that all things exist in consequence of changes. The things now existing are a sort of seed to those, which shall arise out of them. Does any one despise me, let hiin see to it: I shall endeavour not to be found acting or speaking any thing worthy of contempt. Does any one hate me, let him see of 1 lo it: I shall be kind and gentle towards all, and even ready to show to this man his mistakes; not to upbraid him, or to make a display of my patience, but from a genuine goodness. Never value that as advantageous, which may force you to break your faith, to violate your modesty or sense of honour, to hate any one, to dissemble, or to desire any those things, which need walls or curtains to conceal them. All nature is but art, unknown to thee; Like leaves on trees the race of man is found, Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, And is there a last day and must there come Shine all, in all your charms together rise, - Good name in man or woman Is the immediate jewel of their souls. [thing; Who steals my purse steals trash, 'tis something-no'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands : But he, who filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed. Heaven has but The quality of mercy is not strain’d, And finds, too late, that men betray, What charm can sooth her melancholy? What art can wash her stains away? The only art her guilt to cover, To hide her shame from ev'ry eye, To give repentance to her lover, And wring his bosom, is- to die. You took her up a little tender flow'r |