He has greatly blessed me; yes, even me, who, loaded with kindness, have not been sufficiently grateful. No persons feel so much the distresses of others, as they who have experienced distress themselves. SECTION 7. See Vol. 2. p. 93. CONSTANTINOPLE was the point, in which were concentrated the learning and science of the world. Disgrace not your station, by that grossness of sensuality, that levity of dissipation, or that insolence of rank, which bespeaks a little mind. A circle, a square, a triangle, or a hexagon, pleases the eye by its regularity, as a beautiful figure. His conduct was equally unjust and dishonourable. Orwas as unjust as it was dishonourable. Though, at first, he began to defend himself, yet, when the proofs appeared against him, he durst not any longer contend. Many persons will not believe that they are influenced by prejudices. Or-Many persons believe that they are free from prejudices. The pleasure or pain of one passion, differs from that of another. The rise and fall of the tides, in this place, make a difference of about twelve feet. Five and seven make twelve, and one makes thirteen. I intended yesterday to walk out, but I was again disappointed. The court of Spain, which gave the order, was not aware of the consequence. If the acquisitions which he has made, and which have qualified him to be a useful member of society, should be misapplied, he will be highly culpable. There was much spoken and written on each side of the question; but I have chosen to suspend my decision. Were there no bad men in the world, to vex and distress the good, these might appear in the light of harmless innocence; but they could have no opportunity of displaying fidelity, magnanimity, patience and fortitude. The most ignorant, and savage tribes of men, when they looked round on the earth, and the heavens, could not avoid ascribing their origin to some invisible, designing cause, and feeling a propensity to adore their Creator. Let us not forget, that something more than gentleness and modesty, than complacency of temper and affability of man ners, is requisite to form a worthy man, or a true Christian. One of the first and the most common extremes in moral conduct, is that of placing all virtue either in justice, on the one hand, or in generosity, on the other. It is an inflexible regard to principle, which has ever marked the characters of those who have eminently distinguished themselves in public life; who have patronised the cause of justice against powerful oppressors; who, in critical times, have supported the falling rights and liberties of men; and have reflected honour on their nation and country. When it is with regard to trifles, that diversity or contraricty of opinions shows itself, it is childish in the last degree, if this become the ground of estranged affection. When, from such a cause, there arises any breach of friendship, human weakness is discovered in a mortifying light. In matters of serious moment, the sentiments of the best and worthiest may vary from those of their friends, according as their lines of life diverge, or as their temper, and habits of thought, present objects under different points of view. But by candid and liberal minds, unity of affection will still be preserved. Desires and wishes are the first springs of action. When they become exhorbitant, the whole character is likely to be tainted. If we suffer our fancy to create to itself, worlds of ideal happiness; if we feed our imagination with plans of opulence and splendour; if we fix to our wishes certain stages of high advancement, or certain degrees of uncommon reputation, as the sole stations of felicity; the assured consequence will be, that we shall become unhappy in our present state; unfit for acting the part, and discharging the duties that belong to it; we shall discompose the peace and order of our minds, and shall foment many hurtful passions. Maria always appears amiable. She never speaks severely or contemptuously. PART IV. PUNCTUATION. CHAPTER I. CONTAINING APPLICATIONS OF THE COMMA, DISPOSED UNDER THE PARTICULAR RULES. RULE I. See Vol. 2. p. 97. THE tear of repentance brings its own relief. Manhood is disgraced by the consequences of neglected youth. Idleness is the great fomenter of all corruptions in the human heart. It is honourable to be a friend to the unfortunate. Slovenliness and indelicacy of character commonly go hand in hand. The friend of order has made half his way to virtue. combinations in pleasure. The indulgence of harsh dispositions, is the introduction to future misery. The intermixture of evil in human society, serves to exercise the suffering graces and virtues of the good. RULE II. See Vol. 2. p. 97. Gentleness is, in truth, the great avenue to mutual enjoy ment. Charity, like the sun, brightens all its objects. The tutor, by instruction and discipline, lays the foundation of the pupil's future honour. VOL. II. Gg Trials, in this stage of being, are the lot of man. The best men often experience disappointments. RULE III. : See Vol. 2. p. 98. Self-conceit, presumption, and obstinacy, blast the prospect of many a youth. In our health, life, possessions, connexions, pleasures, there are causes of decay imperceptibly working. Discomposed thoughts, agitated passions, and a ruffled temper, poison every pleasure of life. Vicissitudes of good and evil, of trials and consolations, fill up the life of man. Health and peace, a moderate fortune, and a few friends, sum up all the undoubted articles of temporal felicity. We have no reason to complain of the lot of man, or of the world's mutability. RULE IV. See Vol. 2. p. 98. An idle, trifling society is near akin to such as is corrupt ing. Conscious guilt renders us mean-spirited, timorous, and An upright mind will never be at a loss to discern what is just and true, lovely, honest, and of good report. base. The vicious man is often looking round him, with anxious and fearful circumspection. True friendship will, at all times, avoid a careless or rough behaviour. Time brings a gentle and powerful opiate to all misfortunes. RULE V. See Vol. 2. p. 98. The man of virtue and honour will be trusted, relied upon, and esteemed. Deliberate slowly, execute promptly. A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends resolutely, and continues a friend unchangeably. Sensuality contaminates the body, depresses the understanding, deadens the moral feelings of the heart, and degrades man from his rank in the creation. Idleness brings forward and nourishes many bad passions. We must stand or fall by our own conduct and character. The man of order catches and arrests the hours as they fly. The great business of life is, to be employed in doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our Creator. RULE VI. See Vol. 2. p. 99. This unhappy person had often been seriously, affectionate ly admonished, but in vain. To live soberly, righteously, and piously, comprehends the whole of our duty. When thy friend is calumniated, openly and boldly espouse his cause. Benefits should be long and gratefully remembered. RULE VII. See Vol. 2. p. 99. True gentleness is native feeling, heightened and improved by principle. The path of piety and virtue, pursued with a firm and constant spirit, will assuredly lead to happiness. Human affairs are in continual motion and fluctuation, altering their appearance every moment, and passing into some new forms. What can be said to alarm those of their danger, who, intoxicated with pleasures, become giddy and insolent; who, flattered by the illusions of prosperity, make light of every serious admonition, which their friends, and the changes of the world, give them? RULE VII. See Vol. 2. p. 99. If, from any internal cause, a man's peace of mind be disturbed, in vain we load him with riches or honours. Gentleness delights, above all things, to alleviate distress; |