of self-denial, by moderating the demand of passion: the other increases it, by rendering those demands imperious6 and violent.— What distresses that occur in the calm life of virtue, can be compared to those tortures, which remorse7 of conscience inflicts on the wicked; to those severe humiliations8 arising from guilt combined with misfortunes, which sink them to the dust to those violent agitations of shame and disappointment, which sometimes drive them to the most fatal extremities,9 and make them abhor their existence? 5. How often, in the midst of those disastrous situations, into which their crimes have brought them, have they execrated the seductions of vice; and, with bitter regret, looked back to the day on which they first forsook the paths of innocence! Douglass' Account of Himself. MY nane is Norval. On the Grampion hills My father feeds his flocks; a frugal swain, Whose constant cares were to increase his store, And keep his only son, myself, at home. For I had heard of battles, and long'd To follow to the field some warlike lord: K And heaven soon granted what my sire deni'd. This moon, which rose last night, round as my shield, Had not yet filled her horns, when by her light, fled For safety and for succour. I alone An arrow from my bow had pierced their chief, The shepherd's slothful life and having heard On Contentment. Contentment produces, in +Contentment, $ satisfaction 2 Alchymist, a studier of alchymy. some measure all those effects which the alchymist2 usually ascribes to what he calls the philosopher's stone; and if it does not bring riches, it does the same thing by banishing the desire of them. If it cannot remove the disquietudes3 arising from a man's mind, body or suneasiness,unfortune, it makes him easy under happiness. them. It has, indeed, a kindly influence on the soul of man, in respect of every being to whom he stands related. 3 Disquietude, 2. It extinguishes all murmur, 4 Ingratitude, s repining and ingratitude,4 towards unthankfulness. that Being who has allotted bim his part to act in this world. It destroys all inordinate ambition, and every tendency to corruption, with regard to the community wherein he is placed. It gives sweetness to his conversation, and a perpetual serenity 5 to his thoughts. 3. Among the many methodst which might be made use of for acquiting this virtue, I shall mention only the two following: First of all, a man should always consider2 how much more he has than he wants; and secondly, how much more unhappy he might be than he really is. 4. First, a man should always consider how much he has, more than. he wants. Lam wonderfully* 5 Serenity, s calinness peacemodes or man-† Methods, s ners. 2 Consider, v to examine, to think. * Wonderful ly, ad. In a won derful manne Oddly, pleased with the reply which Aristippus made to one who condoled him on the loss of a farm: Why, said he, I have three farms still, and you have but one; so that I ought rather to be afflicteds for you than you for me.' 5. On the contrary, foolish men are more apt to consider what they have lost, than what they possess ; and to fix their eyes on those who› are richer than themselves, rather than on those who are under greater difficulties.4 All the real pleasures and conveniences of life lie in a narrow compass 35 but it is the humor of mankind to be always looking forward; and straining after one who has got the start of them in wealth and honour. 6. For this reason, as none can properly be called rich, who have not more than they want, there are few rich men in any of the politer nations, but among the middle sort of people, who keep their wishes within their fortunes,6 and' have more wealth than they know how to enjoy. Persons of a higher rank live in a kind of splendid poverty ;7 and are perpetually wanting, because, instead of acquiescing8 in the solid pleasures of life, they endeavor to outvie9 one another in shadows and appearances. 3 Afflicted, pars grieved, tormented. 4 Difficulties, s troubles, hard ships, perplexi- • Wealth, riches, money, goods, any possession. 6 Fortunes marriage por tion, chance, riches 7 Poverty, state of being poor. 8 Acquiescing part agreeing. 9 Outvie, exceed, out shine. 7. Men of sense have at all times beheld with a great deal of mirth, this silly game that is playing over their heads; and by contractingtheir desires, enjoy all that secret satisfaction which others are al-† Satisfaction, ways in quest of. & content,pleas ure, delight, re compence, a mends. 2 Imaginary, a only in imagin ation. 8. The truth is, this ridica Ious chase after imaginary8 pleasures, cannot be sufficiently exposed, as it is the great source of those evils which generally undo a nation. Let a man's estates be what it may § Estate,s prop he is a poor man, if he does not erty plantation, live within it; and naturally sets farm, condition. himself to sale to any one that can give him his price. 9. When Pittacus, after the death of his brother who had left him a good estate, was offered a great sum of money by the king of Lydia, he. thanked him for his kindness, but told him he had already more than he knew what to do with. In short, content is equivalent 3 to wealth, and luxury to poverty; or give the thought a more agreeable turn.Content is natural wealth," says Socrates, to which I shall add, luxury2 is artificial poverty. 10. I shall therefore recommend to the consideration3 of those who are always aiming at superfluous and imaginary enjoyments,4 and who will not be at the trouble of 3 Equivalent, a equal in value. Content, & capacity, satisfaction. Luxury, s ex cess in eating, dress. 3 Consideration serious tho't, reason. 4 Enjoyment, fruition, happi |