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Les cartas, planches, tableaux, etc.. peuvent «tre fiimte i dea taux de reduction ciiff«rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atra reproduit en un seul clich«, il est film« A partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut an bas, an prenant la nombra d'imagas n«cessaira. Les diagrammes suivants iliustrant la m^thoda. 32 X 1 2 3 4 5 6 ' -^ ♦#»!■■ V .>' THE %■ ECONOMY OF HUMAN LIFE. TRANflLATID PROM AN INDIAN MANUSCRIPT^ WRITTEN BY AN ANCIENT BBAMW. iSr,? '"'''' ^'^ "^«"«° GENTLEMAN * BSSIDJNG IN CHINA, TO THE EARL OJ * ^r * * ;1» W. L. MATTHEWS, PRINTEJt I / TO THE PUBLIC. The spirit of virtae and morality which breathes in this ancient piece of Eastern instruction,* its force and conciseness, and the hopes that it may do good, have prevailed with the person to whom it was sent, to communicate to the public what was trans- kted only for his particular amusement. There are some reasons, which at present make it proper to conceal not only his own nrme, but the name of his correspondent, who has now resided in China several years and been engaged in a business very different from that of collecting literary curiosities. Ihese reasons will not subsist long; and, as he seems to intimate a design on his return to England, to publish an entire translation of Cao-Tsou's whole journey. The pi.blic then m all probability will have an opportu- nily of being satisfied concerning any particulars which they may be curious to know. * Meaninir tho firof nai.^ t-u.'^u t ,. . . Wme before the other appeared. [IV] Pekin, May 12, 1749. To THE Earl of Mv Lord,— In the last letter which I had the honor of writing to your Lordsbip^ d»ted December 23rd, 1748, 1 think I concluded all I had to say in regard to the topography and natural history of this great empire. 1 purposed in this and some succeeding ones to havo set down such observations as I baTe been able to make on the Jaws, government, religion, and manners of the people. But a remarkable occurrence has happened lately, which engrosses the conversation of tlie literati here ; and may hereafter, perhaps, afford matter of ppeculation to the learned in Eun pe. As it is cf a nature which I know will furnish some enter- tainment to 3 our lordship, I will endeavour to give you as distinct and particular an account of it as I have been able to olitain. Adjoining 'o China, on the west, is the large country of Thibet, called by some Barantola. In a province of this country named Lassa, resides the Grand Lama or high priest of these idolaters ; who is reverenced and even adored as a God by most of the neighbouring nations. The high opii.ion which is entertained of his sacred character induces prodigious numbers of reli- gious people to resort to Lassa to. pay their homage to him, and to give him presents, in order to receive his blessing. His residence is in u most magniBcent pagod or temple, built on the top of the mountain Poutala. The foot of this mountain, and even the whole district of Lassa, is inhabited by an incredible number of La- mas of different ranks and orders ; several of whom have very grand pagods erected to their honour, in which they receive a kind of inferior worship. The whole country, like Italj , abounds with priests j and they entirely subsist on the great numbers of rich pre- sents which are sent them from the utmost extent of Tartary, from the empire of the great Mogul, and from, almost all parts of the Indies. When the crreat LamA MCDlves the adoration of the people, he is raised on a magnificont altar, and «ts cross-legged upon a splen- Cid cushion. His worshippers prostrate themselves before hira in the humblest and most abj ct m inner; but he returns not the least sign of respect, nor ever speaks, even to the greatest princes. He only lays big fC »kP°" ^'^y ^^^^^^ ''"^^ ^^^3^ »^° ^""y persuaded that thej receive from thence a full forgiveness of all Jm«I-""fv, 7,'''^ ^'^ ""^^^'^^ «« extravagant as to rhT„\^^ he knows all things, even the secrets of mimZyi \'' P'^^t;^"^^^ disciples, being a select T«m«r,, "^t'^'^^T"' ^^'^^'^'"^^ «f ^»^« most eminent Lamas, have Ihe address to make the people believe ha ^immortal; and that when he appears to die he only chMnges his abode, and animates a new body. in ihl V'^^ i^ China have long been of opinion that in the nrcluves of this grand temple some very ancient ^1„ . '''' ^o^mauj ages be^n concealed; and the thl TrU'^'^'T' '^i'^ \' ^"^ ^"'-'""^ i" searching after inLr ir^.°[''"^*^'"*^' ^'""^"^^ at length so fully determine;'^^'^? probability of this opinion, that he li Id T i try whether any discovery of this sort could be made. To this end his first care was. to find pnH o^ ? eminently skilful in the ancient languages and characters, lie at length pitched upon one of t' ' banl ins, or doctors of the first order, whose namewuj Boa-tsou, a man of about fif.y years of age, of a grave ana noble aspect, of great eloquence, and ^ho, Iv an Tad r^^^f' /"'"'^^'P ^^^'^ ^ ^'^'^'" '-«^"-d lama.'who ^asterofth.T"^^'''''f. ^^'^'°' ^'^^ ^^^°">« ^"^ire W th thl. ^^"^"i»^« .^b'ch the Lamas of Thibet use. nev id r ^':^^''fi?^t,ons he set forward on his jour- fhP^im " ' F""^ ^? commission the greater weight, the emperor honored him with the title of Calao or ZTo.T:T. '''. "^^^^ ""' ^'''^ - magnific'en ?Z fnd i*"'"^^"''' ^'^^ P'-^^^"^* f«r the Grand ii'™^ v° ^^^«r P"»cipal Lamas, of immense value, «i^ a xciier written with bis own hand, as follows:-! M TO THE GREAT REPRESENTATIVE OP GOD. Most High, Afost Holy, and worthy to b« adored: " Wb, the Emperor of China, Sovereign of all the respected pnmo Bim.ster Cao Tsou with all reverence and humilitj proslrate ourselres beneath thy sacred feet, and implore for ourselves, our friends, and our empire, thy most powerful and gracious benediction. Having a strong desire to search into the records of antiquity, to learn and retrieve the wisdom of the ages that are past; and being well informed that, in the sa.red repositories cf thy most ancient and vene- rable hierarchy, there are some valuable books, which .Jin '^t'/'^r^*' antiquity are become to the generality, even of the learned, almost wholly unintelligible. In order, as far as m us lies, to prevent their being totally lost, we have thought proper to authorise and employ our most respected minister Cao-Tsou, in this our present embassy to thy sublime holiness. The *>u8ines3 of which is to aesire that he may be permitted to read and examine the said writings, we expecting from uis great and uncommon skill in the ancient languages, that he will be able to interpret whatever may^e found, though of the highest and most obscure anti- ^"17* /! ^e hft^e commanded him to throw himself at thy feet with such testimonies of our respect as we trust will procure him the admittance we desire." I will not detain your Lordship with any particulars of his journey, though he baih published a large ac count of It, abounding with many surprising relations. tr«nl/ *,' 'ny return to England, I may probably • translate and publish entire. Let it suflSce at present lUat when he arrived in these sacred territories, the magnificence of his appearance, and the richness of ma presents, failed not to get him a ready admission, ae Had apartments appointed him in the sacred col- I i [711] lege, and was assisted in his inquiry by one of tb» most learned Lamas. He continued there near six months ; during which time he had the satisfaction of finding many valuable pieces of antiquity, from sorao of which he has made very curious extracts, and has formed such probable conjectures concerning their authors, and the times wherein they were written as proves him to be a man of great judgment and pene- tration, as well as most extensive reading. But the most ancient piece he hath discovered, and which none of the Lamas for many ages had been able to interpret or understand, is a small sjstera of morality, written in the language and character of the ancient Gymnosophists or Bramins ; but by what par- ticular persons, or in what time, he does not pretend to determine. This piece, however, he wholly trans- lated, though as he himself confesses, what an utter incapacity of reaching in the ChiLese language the strength and sublimity of the original. The judgments and opinions of the bonzes and iheloMrned doctors are very much divided concerning it. Those who admire It naoro highly are fond of attributing it to Confucius their own great philosopher ; and get over the diffi- culty of its being written in the language and char^^c- ter of the ancient Bramins, by supposing this to be only a translation, and that the original work of Con- fucius was lost. Some will have it to be the institutes of Lao kmn, another Ch- i?3e philosooher, contempo- rary with Confucius and bander of the sect Tao-sse : but these labour under the same difficulty in regard to the language, with those who attribute it to Cenfucius. There are others who from some particular marks and sentiments which they find in it, suppose it to bo written by the Bramin Dandamfs, whose famous letter to Alexander the Great is recorded by the European writers. With these Cao-Tsou himself seems most inclined to agree ; at least so far as to think that it i». ,_ — ^ „„„ „„i^ yj g^-jjg ancient JBramin, being fullj tviii] persaaded, W the spirit in which it is written, that it IS no translation. One ihinj?, howerer, occnsloiis some doubt amongst the«r, and that is the'plan of t. T^'h ch ,8 entirelj new to the eastern peon e. and so ?o"r J^irr'^^''^' ''^^'^ ^^^^«^«'^' ^b'' i?it was no? lor some turns of expression peculiar to the E.ist. and the impossibility of accounting for its being writfen"a this jery ancient language, many would suppose it to be the work of an European. But whoever was the writer of it, the great noise Which It makes in this city, and all 'over fhe emp' e' the great eagerness with which it is read by oil kinds of people, and the high encomiums which are given to It by some at length determined me to atfemnt a translation of it into English; especially as I am per* suaded it would be an agr;cable pre^sent to /ou; W f'lu' TT. *'"PP"^ ^^^ °^« you cannot judge how far I have fallen short of the original, or ev*n of the Chinese translation. One thing, however it mav perhaps be necessary to apologize for, at feast to Sve which I have translated it. I can assure your Lord- ship that xvhen I first sat down to the work,! had not the least intention of doing it in this way; bur the sublime manner of thinking which appeared in he introduction, the great energy of expression! an S the W r^tvlV'V'rf r^' naturally'led me'inio this Kind of style. And I hope that having so elegant a o?" Ob thi'p" T^'^'k"^'"" '' ""^ versfonof Ihf booS of Job, the Psalms, the works of Solomon and the prophets,have been of some advantage to my transTa! tioQ. Such as it is, if it affords your LoVLhU Jn^ eetertainment, I shall think myselfex rem ?;'h^p;?^ Hi iiziiv:\7r ^^ '^^^^--^ °^ ^^'^ ^-^'^ My Lord, Yours, &c. I INTRODUCTION. Bow down your heads unto the dust, ye inhabi- tants of the earth ! be silent and receive vv ith reverence instruction from on high. Wheresoever the sun doth shine, wheresoever the wind doth blow, wheresoever there is an ear to hear, and a mind to conceive, there let the precepts of life be nuide known, let the maxims of truth be honoured and obeyed. All things proceed ftom God. His power is un- bounded, his wisdom is from eternity, and his good- ness endureth forever. He siiteth on his throne in the centre, and the breath of his mouth giveth life to the world. He toucheth the stars with his finger and they rua their course rejoicing. On the wings of the wind he walkcth abroad, and performeth his will through all the regions of unlimited space. Order, grace, and beauty spring from his head. The voice of wisdom speaketh in j.ll his works, but the human understanding coraprehendeth it not. Tbe shadow of knowledge passeth over the mind of man as a dream; he seeth as in the dark, he reasoneth 10 raiBODroTiow. But the wisdom of God is as the liglit of htaven • h. rea.ooe.h not , his mind is the fountain of t,uh ' Justice and mercy wait before bis throne • bene™ lence and lo.e enlighten his countenance for Ue, Who IS like unto the lord in fflorv ? wk« • * Shan contend With theAimighty', ^Hath be r/eZI L7"" ' "'° ""^ '" «»»'""- '" --pared u'nt He it is, man I who hath created thee I thy station on earth is fi.ed by hi. appointment ; the pCs of tby m,nd are the gift, of his goodness the wonl of thy frame are the woric of his hand. ""'""'"of Hear then his voice, for it is graciona • .„j i, .,. . obeyeth shall establish his soulTnTeZ' ' "' """ heaven ; 'truth, benero- t^er. n power 3J equal ed unto station wers of idsrs of be that BOOK I. Duties Ibat relate to Man, considered as an Individual. CHAP. I.— CONSIDERATION. Commune with thyself, man ! and consider where- fore thou wert made. Contemplate thj powers ; contemplate thy wants and thy connexions : so shalt Ihon discover the duties of life, and be directed in all thy ways. Proceed not to speak or to act before thon hast weighed thy words, and examine the tendency of every step thou Shalt take ; so shall disgrace fly far from thee, and in thy house shall blame be a stranger; repentance shall not visit thee, nor sorrow dwell upon thy cheek. The thoughtless man bridleth not his tongne, ho s; -keth at random, and is entangled in the foolish- ness of his own words. As one that runneth in haste, and leapeth over a fence, may fall into a pit on the other side which he does not see, so is the man that plungeth suddenly into an action before he hath considered the conse- quences thereof. Hearken therefore unto the voice of consideration : Her words are the words of wisdom, and her path 5 ghail l^aa thee to safety and truth. n ECONOMY OF CHAP. II.—MODBSTY. Who art thou, man ! that presumest on thine own -vrisdora ! or why dost thou vaunt thyself on thine own acquirements? The first step towards being wise is to know that thou art ignorant; and if thou wouldstnot be esteemed foolish in the judgment of others, cast off the folly of being wise in thine own conceit. As a plain ga-ment best adorneth a beautiful woman so a decenj; behaviour is the greatest ornament of wisdom. The speech of a modest man giveth lustre to truth, and the diffidence of his words ab.-^olveth his error. He relieih not in his own wisdom ; he weigheth the counsels of a friend, and receiveih the benefit thereof. He turnetb his ear from his own praise and believeth it not ; he is the last in discovering his own perfections. Yet, as a veil addfeth to beauty, so are his virtues set off by the shade which his modesty casteth upon them. But, behold the vain man, and observe the arrogant. He clotheth himself in rich attire; he walketh in the public street ; he casteth round his eyes, and courteth observation. He toss th up his head, and overlooketh the poor; h« tneateth his inferiors with insolence; and his superiors in return, look down on his pride and folly with laughter. He despiseth the judgment of others, he relieth on •hifl own opinion, and is ijonfonnded. BUMAN LIFE. 15 He is puflfed up with the vanity of his imagination; bis delight is to hear and to speak of himself all the day long. He swalloweth with greediness his own praise, and the jBatlerer in return eateth him up. CHAP. ni.—APPLTCATION. Since the days that are past are gone forever, and those that are to come may not come to thee, it behoveth thee, man ! to employ the present time^ vTithout regretting the loss of. that which is past, or too much depending on that which is to come. This instant is thine, the next is in the ^omb of futurity, and thou knowest not what it may brine forth. ^ Whatsoever thou resolvest to do, do it quickly. Defer not till the evening what the morning may accomplish. Idleness is the parent of want and of pain ; but the labour of virtue bringeth forth pleasure. The hand of diligence defeateth want; prosperity and success are the industrious man's attendants. Who is he that hath acquired wealth, that hath risen to power, that hath clothed himself with honor, that is spoken of in the city with praise, and that fitandeth before the king in his counsel? even he that hath shut out idleness from hia house, and hath said unto sloth, tdou art mine enemy. He riseth up early and lieth down late ; he exer- ciseth his mind with contemplation and his body witlfc ftQUon^ and preserveth the health of both. li ECONOMY OP The slothfal man is a burden to himself, his hours hang heavily on his head ; he loitereth about, and knoweth not what he would do. His days pass away like the shadow of a cloud, and he leaveth behind him no mark for remembrance. His body is diseased for want of exercise j ho wi'^heth for action, but hath not power to move • his mind is in darkness ; his thoughts are confused j he longeth for knowledge, but hath no application. He would eat of the almond, but hateth the trouble of breaking its shell. His house is in disorder, his servants are wasteful and riotous, and he runneth on towards ruin. He seeth it with his eyes, he heareth it with his ears, he shaketh his head and wisheth, but hath no resolution, till ruin cometh upon him like a whirlwind, and shame and repentance descend with him to the grave. CHAP. IV.— EMULATION. If thy soul thirsteth for honour, if thy ear hath any pleasure in the voice of praise, raise thyself from the dust whereof thou art made, and exalt thy aim to something that is praiseworthy. The oak that now spreadeth its branches towards the heavens was once but an acorn in the bowels of the earth. Endeavour to be first in thy calling, whatever it be, neither let any one go before thee in well-doing. Nevertheless do not envy the merits of another, \m^ Improve thine own taleatSo i I HUMAN LIFB. 15 Scorn also to depress thy competitor by any dis- Lonest or unvrorlhy method; strivre to raise thyself above him only by excelling him : So shall they that contest for superiority be crowned with honour, if not with success. By a virtuous emulation the spirit of a man is exalted within him; be panteth after fame, and re- joiceth as a racer to run his course. He riseth like the palm tree in spite of oppression : and, as an eagle in the firmament of heaven, he soar- eth aloft, and fixeth his eye upon the glories of the sun. The examples of eminent men are in his visions by night, and his delight is to follow them all day long. He formeth great designs, he rejoiceth in the exe- cution thereof, and his name goeth forth to the ends of the world. But the heart of the envious man is gall and bitter- ness ; his tongue spitteth venom ; the success of his neighbour breaketh his rest. Hesiueih in his cell repining; and the good that happeneth to another, to him is an evil. Hatred and malice feed upon his heart, and there is no rest in him. He feeleth in his own breast no love of goodness, and therefore believeth his neighbour like unto nimself. He endeavours to depreciate those that excel him. and putteth an evil interpretation on all their doings! He neth on the ^atch, and meditates mischief; but e detestation of man nursnofh h.»« • k- : u.^ th «s a spider in his own web. M !• ! Pit IM! 16- xcoNOMv or CHAP, v.— PRUDENCE. i! I' Hear (he words of Prudence, give heed unto her counsels, and store them in thine heart ; her maxima are universal, and all the virtues lean upon her. She is the guide and mistress of human life. ^ Put a bridle on thy tongue, set a guard before thy lips, lest the words of thine own mouth destroy thy peace. Let him that scoffeth at the lame, take care that he halt not himself. Whosoever speaketh of another's ftiilings with pleasure, shall hear cf his own with bitterness of heart. Of much speaking comqth repentance, but in silence is safely.. A talkative man is a nuisance to society ; the ear is sick of his babbling; the turrent of his words over- whelmeth conversation. Boast not of thyself, for it shall bring contempt upon thee ; neither d-ride another, for it is dangeroua. A bitter jest is the poison of friendship; and he who cannot resTain his tongue shal? have trouble. Furnish thyself with the proper accommodations belonging to thy condition ; yet spend not to the ut- most of what thou canst afford, that the providence of thy youth may be a comfort to thy old age. Avarice is the parent of evil deeds, but frugality is the sure guardian of our virtues. Let thine own business engage thy attention : leave the care of the state to the governors thereof. LQt not thy recreations be exnensi^ expensive, lest the gaia !l I HUMAN UTEi 17 jrT purchasing them exceed the pleasnre thou hast in, their epjoyment. . Bpection, n«r abundance ct off the hands of frnealitv- He that too much iodulge.h in the superfluities oS sball I„e to lament the want of it, necessaries. From the experience of others, do thou learn w!s. Trust no ma» befcre thou hast tried him ; vet mis- trust not without reason, it is uncharitable. But when thou hast proved a man to be honest st i rel^f " " •" ■"""' " " ''--"> "«"■> "'- as a jewel of inestimable price ioinTn'T- "",' ."" *■"""" "^ » ■»''«'""7 man, nor Ires a«o"f '■: ,""" ""' ^-''*^= '"v «"»> be Use r, ? / "?'• ""' '"'"^ ?""'' •"-«» ">y soul. Use not to-day what to-morrow may want- neither ees^fo^'the TT" '■™'" P™'^*'"™. '"^-Me sue The fool is not always unfortunate, nor the wise- e. ;m:nrerr ■ ^w- :-'' 'i: - "-" '--"^ J «. never wf wise man wbollj unhappj. CHAP. VI.— fortitctdb: ".«t;;m;th-.„;;:;:T„:;::;'"**" "" °^ ""'-"■ ■.'.ynri u—aaaai h ):, ii i I i IB SCONOliT OV It behoveth thee, therefore, child of calamity ! early to fortify thy mind with courage and patience, that thou mayest support with a becoming resolutioa thy allotted portion of human eril. As the camel beareth labour and heat, and hunger and thirst, through deserts of sand and fainteth, so the fortitude of man shall sustain him through all perils. A noble spirit disdaineth the malice of fortune j his greatness of soul Is not to be cast down. He hath not suflfered his happiness to depend upon lier smiles, and therefore with her frowns he shall not i)e dismayed. As a rock on the sea-shore he standeth firm, and the dashing of the waves disturbeth him not. He raiseth his head like a tower on a hill, and the arrows of fortune drop at his feet. In the instant of danger the courage of his heart Bustaineth him, and the steadiness of his mind beareth liim out. He meeteth the evils of life as a man that goeth forth into battle, and returneth with victory in his band. Under the pressure of misfortunes his calmness alleviates their weight, and by his constancy he shall surmount them. But the dastardly spirit of a timorons man betrayeth him to shame. By shrinking under poverty he stoopeth down to meanness, and by tamely bearing insults he invitetU imnriAa BcitAN Lira, 1« As a reed is shaken by the breath of the air, so the shadow of evil maketh him tremble. founVed* ""."thl T'Z "'. " ^-'"'"''"'^d and con. luunaea, m the day of misfortune he sinksth .„.4 despair overwhelmeth Lis soul. ' ""* CHAP. VII.-CONTENTMENT. ' i.„!T!,?'' '^ ""' ""»' "-y «««on on earth is T.T f '.""■ '"■'''"°' °f '"« Eternal, who knoweth Who often ° "'' V"" """"^ "^ "" '^y ^''"-.aS Who often in mercy denieth thy requests. voort v' I ■■'»'<""""« desires, for all honest endea- vours, h.s benevolence hath established, in the nature ofthzugs, a probability of success. »"«"»'"• The uneasiness thou feelesf f)io »«:„r j. bewa„est-beho,d the roo^t:; ^LT^Z^^t bnrrrrtrtrhr.tTh"*'-'°^«°*. DC happy ; for know they all hrmtr fn ♦»..• , possessors their pecnUar inconve'ef cls.*^ '*''"' „f th." • Tr? """' °"' '""^ ^«"«<"" and anxieties onelsure,. and therefo^er t^at ^=1:'^: Envy not therefore the ann -^,--_ . »»7»«»,fo,th.„tnowe«^-rMr;eo«rs:" " li ii ! : I Sr I00N0H7 or To be satisfied with a little is the greatest wisdom ;• and he who increa»eih his riches increaseth his cares : but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble findeth it not. Yet if ihou sufferest not the allurements of fortune to rob thee of justice, or temperance, or charity, or modesty, ev£n riehes themselves shall not make thee unhappy. But hence sbalt thou learn, that the cnp of felicky, pure and unmixed, is by no means a draught for mortal man. Virtue is the race which God bath set him to run, and happiness the goal, which none can arrive at till be hath finished his course, and received his crown, in the mansions of eternity. CHAP. VIII.—TEMPEBANCB. The nearest approach thou canst make to happiaesr on this side the grave, is to enjoy from Heaven, health,, wisdom and peace of ^ind.. The8« b »5sings, if thou posses«est, and wouldst preserve to old age, avoid the allurements of volup* tobusness, and fly fi'om her temptations. When she spreadetb her delicacies o» the board, irben her wine aparkletb in the cop, when she smileth upon thee, and persuadetb thte to be joyful an4 kappy ; then is the hear of danger, and let leftSOAv stand firmly on her guardi For ii tbon hearkenest unto the words of this ad** ifcr^arjr of Tirtue, thou art deceiv«d and betra^e^a , nuMiM Lm. n ^The joy which she promiseth changeth to madoes.. and her enjoyments lead on to disease, and death Look round her board, cast thine eyes upon her guests and observe those who have been allured b, 4er sm.les, who have listened to her temptations. Are they not meagre ? are they not sickly ? are ther not spinileas? ^ Their short hours of jolity and riot ,,re followed by bl'T'. 7 "' *""" ""' '''J""""- She hath d ' bauched and palled their appetites, that they have ^ow no rehsh for her nicest dainties ; her votaries a,I luT^H'"''"" ' ""«-'""«•') """"^l consequence wh ch God hath ordained in the constitution of thing, for the punishment of those who abuse his gifts But who is she that, wi,h graceful step, and with a lively air, trips over yonder plain ? the morning breatheth from her lips : joy, tempered wUh .nnocence and modesty, sp.rkleth i„ beTeye, ..d from the Cheerfulness of her heart she .^.l2l wb?!"""*!.' ^'"""' ' "■« " ">« "''"'g'"" of Exercise Who begot ber own Temperarce; their sons inhabU an?h:Verut!::::r::::uVor.Sir ^"'"-^^ "^ V.gour stringeth their nerves, strength dwelleth in thetr bone, and labour is their de.ight'al, the dly ong The employments o'thw-,. fo»i,..<, .>-.... ., . ^ ^' tites, and the repast, of their mothers refresh thein. lOONOMT 09 Ui! To combat the pflssions is their delight: to conouer •til babitf,th err glory. Th«Jr pleasures are moderate, and therefore they en- dure; their repose is short, but sound and undisturbed. Their blood is pure, their minds are serene, and the physician findelh not the way to their habitations. But safety dwelleth not with the sons of mcB, neither is security found within their gates. Behold them exposed to new dangers from without, While n traitor within lurketh to destroy them. Theirhealth,thoirstrength,theirbeauty,and activity bave raised desire in the bosom of lascivious love. She staudeth in her bower, she courteth their regard she spreadeth her temptations. Her limbs are soft, hor :ir is delicate, her attiro loose and inviting. Wantonness speaketh in her eyes, »nd on her bosom sits temptation. She beconeth them with her finger, she wooeth them with her looks, and by the smoothness of her tongue she endeavoreth to deceive. Ah I fly from her allurements, stop thine ears to her enchanting words. If thou meetest the languishing of her eyes, if thou hearest the softness of her , o:co, »f shecasteth her arms about thee she bindeth ib-Zrii chains forever. Shame followeth, and disease, and want, and care, an! repentance. L, 'eebled by dalliance, with luxury pampered, and sofl^R. ^ .., giMih, strength shall forsake thy limbs, and heftliu u.^ constitution. Thy days shall be few and CHc'3e 'lififlorimiR ? thv rtr\afa oVioll U« ^ meet with no compassion.. to conqnor re they en- idisturbed. 36, and the tations. 3 of meB, > n without, nd activity 18 love, eir regard, her attire 3 her eyes, beconeth her looks, deavoreth 5ars to her uisbiDgof t Yo!co, »f h lb"-'; :ii and care, ered, and by limbs, I be few, BOOK I. Tbe Passions. CHAP. I._HOPE AND FEAR. bud, and far moro flattering to expectation ; but th- threaten.ngs of fear are a terror (o tlie heart. f'rom'r-""'!^ '°' """ '"'P* """"- "<" <•«" -J"'" thee, from do,„g that which is right ; so shalt thou be pre- pa^ed to meet ail events with an equal mind. .he terrors even of death aia no terrors to the good : be that comm.tteth no evil hath nothing to fear an 1m .^'''' ""'^"""''''S' '«' * reasonable assurance tbou Shalt not succeed. Terriry not thy soul with vain fears, neither let thine heart .nk within thee from the phantoms of imagi- nation. "'"s* vllZjT P™"'"^"'' misfortune; but he that Lopelh, helpetU himself. f„rt!,','?A''"^7'"° P""""'- '"^'^"' his head, but fors ttelh h,3 body J so the fears of a coward expose nira to danger. ^ «h!n'^'l^''"''''''"^^'"^'°^P°^^''^^^^^^ despondency Shall make a so ; but he that persevereth shall overl come all difficnltles. "-u over- A vain hone flaHprpifi ti.« u l _^ _ « , , . , that IS wise pursueth it not. •24 ECONOMY OF ! 'i In all tliy desires let reason go along with thee, and fix not thy hopes beyond the bounds of probability ; so shall success attend thy undertakings, and thy -heart shall not be vexed with disappointments. OflAP.— JOY AND GRIEF. Let not tbymhrth be so extravagant as to intoxicate thy mind, nor thy sorrow so heavy as to depress thy heart. This world affordeth no good so transporting, nor inflicteth no evil so severe, as should raise thee far above or sink thee much beneath the balance of onoderation. Xo 1 yonder standeth the house of joy. It is painted on the outside, and looketh gay^ thoa mayest know it by the continual noise of mirth and exultation that issueth from it. The mistress standeth at the door, and calleth aloud to all who pass by ; she singeth, and shouteth, and laugheth without ceasing. She inviteth them to go in and taste the pleasures of life, which she telleth them are no where to be found but beneath her roof. But enter thou not into her gate ; neither associate thyself with those who frequent her house. They call themselves the sons of joy, they laugh and seem delighted j but madness and folly are in all 4heir doings. They are linked with mischief hand in hand, and the'iT steps lead down to evil. Dangers beset them round about, and the pit of destrucUon yawneth heaeath their ilaet. • ' !■ i; i! II HUMAN LIFE. 25 Xook now on the other side, and behold, in that vale orershadowed with trees, and hid from the sight of men, the habitation of sorrow. Her bosom heaveth with sighs, her mouth is filled . with lamentation, she delighteih to dwell on the aub- I ject of human misery. She looketh on the common accidents of life, and weepeth ; the weakness und wickedness of man is the theme of her lipg. All nature to her teemoth with evil; every olject fihe seeth is tinged with the gloom of her own mind, and the voice of complaint saddeneth her dwellinff aaj and night. ^ Come not near her cell; her breath is contagious: she will blast the fruits and wither the flowers that adorn and sweeten the garden of life In aroiding the house of joy let not thy feet betray thee to the borders of this dismal mansion ; hut pursue With care the middle path, which shall lead thee by a gentle ascent to the bower of tranquillity With her dwelleth peace, with her dwelleth safety and contentment Sbe h cheerful, bat not gay she IS serious, but not grave: she vieweth the joys' and Borrows of life with an ^ua\ and steady eye. Hence, as from an eminence, shalt thou behold the folly and misery of those, who, either led by the gaiety of their hearts, take up their abode with the coml panionsof jolliry and riotous mirth; or. infected by .gloominess and melancholy, spend all their dnys in OompI iningofthewoesand ca'amiUps of hp^_ ,:r. ,Thou Shalt view them both with txjttti till X)f their ways shall keep thy f.et from pity, and the errof straying. 26 BC0N0U7 6P I!:' ^!i:.. m: :ii If .! !! i :,! CHAPTER III.— ANGER. As the whirlwind in its fury teareth up the trees and deformeth the face of nature, or, as an earthquake m Its convulsion, overturneth cities, so the rage of an angrj man throweth mischief around him ; danger and destruction wait on his hand. But consider, and forget not thine own weakness, so Shalt thou pardon the failings of others. Indulge not thyself in the passion of anger; it is whetting a sword to wound thine own breast op ^, murder thj friend. If thou bearest slight provocations with patience, it shall be imputed unto thee for wisdom ; and when thou wipest tbem from thy remembrance thy heart shall feel rest, and thy mind shall not reproach ihee. Seest thou not that the angry man loseth his under- standing ? Whilst thou art yet in thy senses let the wrath of another be a lesson to thyself. ^ Do nothing in a passion. Why wilt thou put to sea in the violence of a storm. If it be difficult to rule thine anger, it is wise to prevent it; avoid therefore all occasions of falling into wrath, or guard thyself against them whenever they occur. A fool is provoked with insolent speeches, but a wise man laugheth them to scorn. Harbour not revenge in thy breast; it will torment thy heart, and discolour its best inclinations. ^ Be always more ready to forgive than to return an injury : He that watches for an nnr^^T.*,,*.:*,, ^* ^ HITMAN LIFE. 27 Ifeth in wait against himself, and draweth down mis- chief on his own head. «n^ ^,^^^/°^^^«^ to ^° angry man, like water cast upon the fire,abateth his heat, and from an enemy he shall become thy friend. Consider how few things are worthy of anger, and thou wi t wonder that any but fools should be wroth. m folly or weakness it always beginneth : but remember, and be well assured, it seldom concludeth Without repentance. On the heels of folly treadeth shame ; at the back of anger standeth remorse. 3u put to sea to return an CHAP. IV.-PITY. h/.?^r?'r^ ^°'''" "^" ^*^^^^^ "Po^t^e earth by the hand of spring; as the kindness of summer produceth in perfection the bounties of harvest ; .o the smiles of pity shed blessings on the children of mis- fortune. He who pitieth another recommendeth himself: but he who IS without compassion deserveth it not The butcher relenteth not at the bleating of the lamb • neither is the heart of the cruel moved with distress! But the tears of the compassionate are sweeter than dew drops falling from roses on the bo^om of the earth Shut not thine ear therefore against the cries of the* poor; neither harden thine heart against the calami- ties of the innocent. When the fatherless cftll imnn ♦k.^ ^,,-„ .1., widow s^heart is sunk, and she im^loreth thine assist- 28 EOONOHT Ot i'i;i i'\'' ^im 11!^ iti I TJ 71,. T" "^ '""'"'' ^ P"y •■« «»««<'», ana I .e.^nd ..,, hand to those who have none to help them ' ' .hi!l°!T'' "■' "'"'^'l ""■"J"" of the street, 6h»ver.ng wuh cold, and destitute of habitation, le bounty open thine heart, let the wing, of charitr Shelter hi. from death, that thine own foul mH^,:^!. Whilst the poor man groaneth on the bed of sicknesa, wh.lst the unfortunate languish in the horrors of a dungeon or the hoary head of age lift up a feeble ey. to Ihee for p.ty, how canst thou riot in superfluous •enjojments. regardless of their wants, unfeeling for CHAP, v.— DESIRE AND LOVE. iBeware, young man I beware of the allurements of wantonness and let not the harlot tempt theetoexcesi in her delights. The madness of desire shall defeat its own pursuitg- ^rom the blindness of its rage thou shalt rush upon ^aestructioH. ^ Thepctfare gire not up thy heart to her sweet entice- ments, neither suffer thy soul to be enslaved by her enchanting delusions The fouiuain of l^ealth, which must supply the Btream of pleasure, shall quickly be dried up. and •every spring ef joy shall be exhausted. In the prime^rf thy life,,old age shall overtake thee: Thy Hun shall decline in the morning of thy days But when virtue and modesty enlighten her cha^-ms iho lusue of a beautiful woman is brighter than tit* HUMAN LlPBi 2f> luore aeiicious than a garden of rosA^ it to receire the fair., ?'""""*''""* ''«'"•«. and »oftea, BOOK iir.. Woman. Qtv, ear, fair daagfifer of I„ve, to the InstrnctioDS- of prudence, a„4 let the precepta of truta .-Jitpt «^y hear. ; .o shall the charms of thy »i„d add lust e to the elegance of Ihy form ; and thy beauty lik^the ro.e .t resembleth, shall retain Its atee.ness'Jien t bloom is withered. " In .he spring of thy youth, i„ the morning of thr days, when the eyes ,f men g„.e on thee with dtiiehf «.d nature whisper.rh in thine eer the mean g o^ tte-r looks: Ah I bear with caution their sedulJ words, gaard well thy heart, nor listen to •--•- -^ fierauasions. ""' °"'* t 90 BCONOMr 07 iW' h III:.:.*' f' Ml mm ! liii^ ' Remember thou art made man's reasonable com- panion, not the slave of his passion ; the end of thy being is not merely to gratify his loose desire ; but to assist him in the toils of life, to soothe him with thy tenderness, and recompense his care with soft endear- ments. Who is she that winoeth the heart of man, that subdueth him to Idve, and reigneth in his breast. ^ Lo I yonder she walketh in maiden sweetness, With innocence in her mind, and modesty on her cheek. Ber hand seekeih employment, her foot delighteth not in gadding abroad. She is clothed with neatness, she is fed with tem- perance : humility and meekness are as a crown of glory circling her head. On her tongue dwelleth music, the sweetness of honey floweth from her lips. Decency is in all her words, in her answers are mildness and truth. Submission and obedience are the lessons of her life, and peace and happiness are her reward. Before her steps walketh prudence, and yirtue at- tendeth at her right hand. Her eye speaketh softness and love; but discretioa with a sceptre sitteth on her brow. The tongue of the licentious is dumb in her presence, the awe of her virtue keepeth him silent. When scandal is busy, and the fame of her neigh, hour is tossed from tongue to tongue, if charity and good nature open not her mouth, the finger of silenca resteth on her lip. HUMAN LIFE. 31 sweetness of answers are The care of her familj^is her whole delight • to h«f alone she anplielh her sinrtv o„^ i 8"" •">•"»' ga.it, is see'n^^ her Cfo'r ^^'"" "'"^ '^■'- th "moZ'ofhe;: ""'""' " "■" ""^ "^ "■«'' y-t". motion Of her eye commandeth their obedience ~"r ristr, .Tab r >" -' teth his heart in her baJI ''^7'^^«*^'°6°ts ; he put- nan« ♦!, '°°'» *°<^ receiFeth comfort iMii mM!^mmBm0mnmmr'^mimmm lii'i iiiii BOOK IT. Con.^anguinit J, or IVatural Relations. CHAP. I.~HUSBAND. Take unto thyself a wife, nnd obey the ordinance- of God ; take unto thyself a wife and become a faith- ftii member of Fociety. Bat examine with care, and fix not suddenly. On thy present choice depends thy future happiness. If much of her time i» destrojed in dness and adornments ; if she is enamoured with her own bea-ity and delighted with her own praise ; if she langheth much and talketh loud ; if her foot nbideth not in her father's house, and I er eyes with boldness rove on the faces of men : though her beauty were as the sun in the firmament of heaven, turn thine eyes from her ebavms, turn thy leet from her paths, and suffer not thy soul to be ensnared by the allurements of imagination.. But when thou findest sensibility of heart, joined with softness of manners; an accomplished mind, with a form agreeable to thy fancy, take hir to thine h^use, She is worthy to be thy friend, thy companion in lifo the wife of thy bosom.. <}heri8h her as a blessing sent thee from heaven. Let the kittdnesa of thy beiiavior endear iht« to ber heart. fc>he is the mistress es from her id suffer not arements of heart, joined 'd mind, with thine house, anion in life mm heaven, ihte to her ler tfaijrefore* her,. Oppose not her inclination wimout cause- she is Trust thjr secrets in lier breast; her cohnsels ta sincere, ihon shalt not be deceived ohn^rir"' '"'"'''''■ ^" »'■«"'''-<>'•'- of thy ness soothe lier affliction ; a lool£ from thee of nit, iove Shall alleviate her grief or mitigate berp^i^ and be of more avail th.j ten physicians. ' Consider the tenderness of her sex, the delicaor of rememrih"' "' '"" '''"' '" "" -=akne s, but remember thine own imperfections. CriAP. ir.-FATHER; tru^t °!hrh ?° "'' * P"^"' 'hcimportance of thy support ' """ ""' P™-^"""' " " '"^ 'l"'^ .0 : Upon thee also it dependeth, whether the child of % bosom Shall be a blessing or a cur.e to thys df / useful or a worthless member to the cx„,mnnity ' Prepare him early with instruction, and seaL hia mind wiih the maxims of truth- ' ^ Watch the bent of bis inclination, set him right i» b.» youth, and let no evil habit gain strength with hi'. ^'o shall he rise like a or^^^r. «« *u. ^-.. . . head shall be seen above the trees of the forest. ^- H I00MOM7 Of 1 I I i I i I':! t iiiiiil c A wicktd son is a reproach to his father, but h0 that doth right is an honour to his grey hairs. The soil is thine own, let it not want cultivation ; the seed which thou sowest, that also shalt thou reap. ^ Teach him obedience, and he shall bless thee ; teach him modesty, and he shall not be ashamed. £ Teach him gratitude, and he shall receive benefiffj leach him charity, and he shall gain love. Teach him temperance, and be shall have health j teach him prudence, and fortune shall attend him. Teach him justice, and he shall be honoured by the tyorld ; teach him sincerity, and his own heart shall not reproach him. Teach him diligence, and his wealth shfiU increase; teach him benevolence, and his mind sbaii be exalted, ^ Teach him science, and his life shall be useful ' teach him religion, and his death shall be happy. m ?b«: CHAP. IIT.—SON. From the creatures of God let man learn wisdom and apply to himself the instruction they give. 1 Go to the desert, my son I Observe the young stork of the wilderness, let him speak to thine heart • ho l?eareth on hia wings his aged sire, he lodgeth him in safety, and supplieth him with food. (?; The piety of a child is sweeter than the incense of Persia, oflfered to the sun; yea, wore delicious than odours wafted from a field of Arabian spices by tha western gales. Be grateful then to thy father, for he gave thee life; 6sd to thj mother, for she sustained thee. her, bat ho airs. cultivation ; b thou reap. thee ; teach I. ve benefits ) ive health j nd him. ured bjtho heart shall II increase; be exalted, be useful ; lappy. n wisdom, ive. oung stork heart; ho eth him ia incense of lous than :es bjths I thee life; SnUAK LIF«. 3ft He hath watched for thy welfare, he hath toiled for iis Z h r'" '^"^'^^^ '^ ^^^ -^^' *-d let no iis grey hairs be treated with irreverence. Forget not thy helpless infancy, nor the frowardnesg of thy youth, and indulge the infirmities of thy aJd parents ; assist and support them in the decline of 'fe •peacV an T ''"' '^ ^^ '^^° *^ ^^« ^-- • :peace and thine own children in reverence of thy example, shall repay thy piety with filial love. CHAP. IV.— BROTHERS. car An. H K '° °^ °"' ^^*^^^' P'°^^^«d for by his .care and the breast of one mother hath given you suet Let the bonds of affection, therefore, unite Zwitt Sfr;:ri^^-^^^^ ^^PPinessmaydwelTl' And when ye separate in the world, remember the «lat.on that bindeth yoa to love and uLitj, andTrefa «ot a stranger before thine own Wood ^ If thy brother is in adrersity, assist him: if th, ,8.8ter IS m trouble, forsake her not. ' r/ou all in. : t ""*' "'"' "'' '"« ". continuj *P you all, in your lore to each othe^. V..U BOOK V; iprovldence, or the Accidentail Dlf». fercnce of 31cu. ^f CHAP. I.— WISE AND IGNORANT. Tub gifts of the understanding are the treasures of God, and he appointeth to every one his portion in T^hat measure seemeth good unto himself. Hath he endued thee with wisdom? hath he ea-. lightened tliy mind with the knowledge of truth? Communicate it to the ignorant, for their instruction; communicate it to the wise, for thine own improvement. True wisdom is less presuming, than folly. The wise man doubteth often, and chaugeth his mind. Tha fool is obstinate, and doubteth not; he knowetli all things but his own ignorance. The pride of emptiness is an abomination, and to. talk much is the foolishness of folly : Nevertheless, it is the part of wisdom to bear the impertinence of fools to hear their absurdities with patience, and pity their. Weakness, Yet be not puffed up in thine own conceit, neither-. , boast of superior understanding; tha clearest human knowledge is but blindness and folly. The wise man feelet'i his imperfections, and ia humbled ; he laboureth in vain for hij own approba- tion. But the fool peepeth into the shallow stream of l^i? own mind, and is pleased with the pebbles which. hie seeth at the bottom : he bringeth them up and Bheweth them ns pearls, and with the applause of his brethren delightoth he himself. IJo boasteth of attainment in things that are of no woi th ; but where it is a shame to be ignorant, there He hath no understand-ng. Even in the paths of wisdom he toileth after follv • ehame and disappointment are the reward of his labor' liut the wise man cultivates his mind with know- edge ; the improvements of arts is his delight, and thejr utihty to the public crowneth him with honour. Nevertheless the attainment of virtue he accounteth OS the highest learning, and the science of happiness IS the study of his life. u v-«» CHAP. n.oRICH AND POOR. The man to whom God hath given riches, and blessed with a mind to enjoy them aright, is pecu iariy favoured and highly distinguished. P^^"^^*^^/ afffrdeth '"im th '" ""''^ "''' P^^*^^"^^' ^^^^"^« ^^ anoraetu lum the means to do good He protecteth the poor that are injured, he suffereth not the m.ghfy to oppress the weak. intf troi'r^' ""' ''^""^^ '' compassion, he inquireth into their wnnts, he relieveth them with judgment end without ostentation. J""gment He assisteth and rewaMAfh «,«„•* u : . 'ewaraetn merit, he encourno-Pffi Iw V .°'''''' '' '^P^oy^i; he f„r„,.th new' .vuem.., aaa lae arts receive improvemeat. ,1" s? idoNOHT or ,1, m j!!i|i;| ■«!H He considereth the superfluities of his table as belonging to the poor of his neighbourhood, and he defraudeth them not. The benevolence of his mind is not checked by his fortune ; he rejoiceth therefore in riehes, and his joy IS blameless. But woe unto him that heapeth up wealth in abun- dance, and rejoiceth alone in the possession thereof. That grindeth the face of the poor, and considerjetb not the sweat of their brows. He thrireth on oppression without feeling ; the ruia Qf his brother disturbeth him not. The tears of the orphan he drinketh as milk f the cries of the widow are music to his ear. His heart is hardened with the love of wealth ,* no grief or distress can make impression upon it. But the curse of iniquity pursueth him : He liveth in continual fear ; the anxiety of his mind, and the rapacious desires of his own soul, take vengeance upon him for the calamities he hath brought upon others. Oh! what are the miseries of poverty in comparison with the gnawings of this man's heart? Let the poor man comfort himself, yea, rejoice, for he hath many reasons. He sitteth down to his morsel in peace ; his table is not crowded with flatterers and devourers. He is not embarrassed with a train of dependents^ lior teazed with the clamours of solicitation. Debarred from the dainties of the rich, he escapetb also their diseases. J Al- . TUu bfOau itii&i ae eat^iO} is i& xi^Ot sw^^^ lO lU^ EtMAN LIf B. Z9- taste? the Water he drinketh, is it not pleasant to liia thirst? yea, far more delicious than the richest draughts of the luxurious. His labour preserveth his health, and produceth him a repose, to which the downy bed of sloth is a stranger He hmiteth his desires with humility, and the calm of contentment is sweeter to his soul than the acquire- ments of wealth and grandeur. Let not the rich, therefore, presume on his riches nor the poordespoad in his poverty, for the providence of God dispenseth happiness to them both, and the distribution thereof is more equally made than the fool can believe. CHAP. III.-MASTER AND SERYANTS. Repine not, man 1 at the state of servitude j it ia Ihe appointment of God, and hath many advantages : It removeth thee from the cares and solicitudes of life. The honour of a servant is his fidelity ; his higheafc virtues are submission and obedience. Be patient, therefore, under the reproofs of thy mas- terj and when he rebuketh thee, answer not again. The silence of thy resignation shall not be forgotten. Be studious of his interests, be diligent in his affairs, and faithful to the trust which he reposeth in thee. Thy time and thy labour belong unto him. Defraud him not thereof, for he payeth thee for them. And thou who art a master, be just to thy servant. If thou expectest from him fidelity, and reasonable ia rei r^Jii2iaa4s, if thou Qxj^ectest a ready obedienp©, ' -y^mmmm tntfu u mttti 4P9 tcojsoin 6v ill The spirit of a man h in him; severity and rigour may create fear, but can never command his love. Mix kindness with reproof, and reason with aatho- rity, so shall thy admonitions take place in his heart| and his duty shall become his pleasure. He shall serve thee faithfully, from the motive of gratitude; he shall obey thee cheerfully, from the principle of love; and fail not thou in return to give his diligence and fidelity their proper reward. CHAP. IV.— MAGISTRATES AND SUBJECTS. O Thou the favourite of Heaven ! whom the sons of men, thy equals, have agreed to raise to sovereign power, and set as ruler over themselves, consider the ends and importance of their trust, far more than the dignity and height of thy station. Thou art clothed in purple and seated on a throne ; the crown of majesty iovesteih thy temples, the scep- tre of power is placed in thy hand : But not for thyself were these ensigns given ; not meant for thine own, but the good of thy kingdom. The glory of a king is the welfare of his people; his power and dominion rest on the hearts of his subjects. The mind of a great prince is exalted with the grandeur of his situation ; he resolveth high things, and searcheth for business worthy of his power. He calleth together the wise men of his kingdom, he ccnsulteth among them with freedom, and heareth the opinions of all. Aiv xOO&vbu aiHOiig uiS pcoplc wltu dlscernment ; he ilDlflN LIFll. 41 aisMter«th the abilities of men, and emplojeth them according to their merits. His magistrate, are just, his ministers arc wise, and the favonr.te of his bosom deeeiveth him not He smileth on the arts, and th«y flourish ; the sci. ences improve beneath the culture of his hand. self, he kindleth in their br.asts emulation, and the glory of his kingdom is exalted by their lub^t'rs The spirit of the merchant who extendeth his com- meree, the .kill of the farmer who cnricheth hi and, he ingenuity of the artist, the improvements of the' scholar, all these he honoureth with his favour or rewardeth with his bounty. ' He planteth new colonies, he buildeth strong shins he openeth rivers for convenience, he formeU, bar-' hours for safety; his people abound in riches, and the strength of bis kingdom increaseth. ^ Heframeth his statutes with equity «„d ^i^^..^ . and^heir^'r "^'"^ "^ '™"^ "^ '""^ '^"^ '» --ri" :' the law! '"'"'' '"""'" '" "^^'^ ol'^ervancc- of He foundeth his judgments on principles of mercy imp'a;.;;."^ pumshment of offenders is strict a^d he"^::;Lrh\rharoVr tir ' ^"t"''- !• .. . ineir oppressors, and il*»- hvereth them from their tyranny. His people look therefore to him as a father with reverence and love : they consider him as the .aardian 42 idONOMT dB* T i Their affection unto him begetteth in his breast it love of the public ; the security of their happiness is the object of his care. N© murmurs against him arise in their heart ; the machinations of his enemies endanger not his state. His subjects are faithful and firm in his cause j they stand in his defence as a wall of brass; the army of his enemy flieth before them, as chaff before the wind. Security and peace bless the dwellings of his people, and glory and strength encircle his throna for ever. n i! BOOK VL The Social Dulles. CHAP. I.— BENEVOLENCE. When thou considerest thy wants, when thou be- holdest thy imperfections, acknowledge his goodness, son of humanity I who honoured thee with reason, endued thee with speech, and placed thee in society to receive and confer reciprocal helps and mutual obligations. Thy food, thy clothing, thy convenience of habita- tion, thy protection from the injuries, thy enjoyments of the comforts and pleasures of life : all these thou owest to the assistance of others, and couldst not enjoy but in the bands of society. It is thy duty therefore to be a friend to mankind, aa U U thy interest that man should hA frianA}-,, in B0MAN LIFB. 43 As the rose breatheth sweetness from its own nature, so the heart of a benevolent man produceth good works. He enjoyeth the ease and tranquillity of his owik breast, and rejoiceth in the happiness and prosperity of his neighbour. He opeueth not his ear unto slander; the faults and failings of men g)7e pain to his heart. His desire is to do good, and he searcheth out the occasions thereof; in removing the oppressions of another he relieveth himself. ^ From the largeness of his mind he comprehendeth' in his wishes the happiness of all men; and from the generosity of his heart he endeavoreth to promote it. CHAP. II.-JUSTICB. The peace of society depeadeth on justice; the happiness of individuals, on the safe enjoyment of all their possessions. Keep therefore the desires of thine heart within the bounds of moderation; let the hand of justice lead them aright. Cast not an evil eye on the goods of thy neighbour, let whatever is his property be sacred from thy touch. Let not temptation allure, nor any provocation ex- cite thee to lift thy hand to the hazard of his life. Defame him not in his character, bear no false witness against him. Corrupt not his servant to cheat or forsake him, and the wife of his bosom, tempt not to sin. *. !,.« wv a ijiici w uis aeari wnicu lUOH cans^ oo^ ^44 ECONOMY OP lii .'li H ii'i 'i!l,i! M > I !■ I I relieve, an injury to his life \\hich no reparation cah atone. In thy dealings with men be impartial and just, and do unto them as thou wouldst they should do to thee. Be faithful to thy trust and deceive not the man that relieth upon thee; be assured it is less evil in the sight of God to steal than betray. Oppress not the poor, and defraud not of his hire the laboring man. When thou sellest for gain hear the whisperings of conscience, and be satisfied with moderation; nor from the ignorance ef the buyer make advantage to thyself. Pay the debts which thou owest ; for he who gave thee credit relied upon thy honour, and to withhold flora him his due is both mean and unjust. Finally, son of society ! examine thy heart, call remembrance to Ihy aid ; and if in any of those things thou findest thou hast transgrei=^sed, take sorrow and shame to thyself, and make speedy reparation to the utmost of thy power. CHAP. III.-l CHARITY. Happy is the man who hath sown in his breast the seed of benevolence, the produce thereof shall be charity and love. From the fountain of his heart shall rise rivers of goodness, and the streams shall overflow for the benefit of mankind. He asslsleth the poor in their trouble, h^ rejoiceth la lartheriug the prosperity of all men. qpMAN LIF^. 45 He ceBSureth not his neighbour, he believeth not iheir talea of envy and malevolence, neither repeateth he their slanders. He forgiveth the injuries of men, he wipeth them from his remembrance, revenge and malice have no place in his heart. For evil he returneth not evil, he hateth not even his enemies, but requiteth their injustice with friendly admonition, ^ The griefs and anxieties of men excite his compas- SJon ; he endeavourcth to alleviate the weight of their misfortunes, and the pleasure o/ success rewardeth his labour. He calraeth the fury, he healeth the quarrels of an- gry m,eu, apd preventetl^ the mischiefs of strife and animosity. • ^ Hepromoteth in his neighbourhood peace and good Trill, and his name is repeated with praise and bene- diction. , " OHAP. iy.~GRATITUDE. As the branches of a tree return their sap to the rpot whence it arose, as a river pouring his streams to the sea whence his spring was s^ipplied, so the heart! of. a grateful man de.lighteth in returning a beneiit received.. He acknowledgeth Ms obligation with cheerfulness, be looketh on his benefactor with love and esteeem. And if to return it be not in his power, he nourish, eth the memorv of if. in h'-^ h^.■,<,»^ ^:.i, i.:„j ».. fprgetteth U.not^all.the da^s of higJife^ ■ I i I *"ni| ^„ 46 BOONOMY «7 The hand of the generous man is like the clouds of jHeaven, which drop upon the earth fruits, herbage and flowers ; but the heart of the ungraleful is like % desert of sand, which swallo^weth with greediness th« showers that fall, burieth them in ^is bosom, and |)roduceih nothing. Envy not thy benefactor, neither strive to conceal ithe benefit he hath conferred j for though to oblige is better than to be obliged, though the act of generosity .commandeth admiration, yet the bumility of gratitude toucheth the heart, and is amiable in the sight of botfe X^od iind man. But receive not a lavour from the hand of the proud, to the sel^sh and avaricious have no obligation; the vanity of pride shall expose thee to shame, the jgreediness of avarice shall never be satisfied. CHAP, v.— SINCERITY. thou who art enamoflre.d with the beauties of itruth, and hast fixed thy heart on the simplicity of her Isharms, hold fast thy fidelity unto her, and forsake her not, the constancy of thy virtue shall crown thee with honour. The tongue of the sincere is rooted in his heart, iypocrisy and deceit have no place in bis words. He blusheth at falsehood, and is confounded j but in speaking the truth, he hath a steady eye. He supporteth as a man the dignity of his character, ^0 the arts of hypocrisy he scorneth to stoop. ^e is consistent with himself, he is neyejr embat» avviN Lira. 47 woriV«/v "''°'!."" ""■""'' °'' diMimuUlioo, tbo JTet with prudence and caution he openeth hia Iin= he^tudieth what is Hghtand speake.h ^ith disc ^t anfwhl l" '''«'"^^'"P.'"™P™Teth with freedom But the heart of the hypocrite is hid in his breast ^M.tt "' ^""^ '" »•"> "«"'"«« Of truth' He Mff hT- " °' "'^ "'" " only to deceive. ' words of his mouih have no interpretation. He worketh in the dark as a mole, and fancieth h« full view with his dirt on his head. »«5' ''"f l" ■"' ""y* '" P"P«'wl constraint his tonrae and hU hpAr* «».^ *u wuonumt, 1119 « o aaa nis neart are for ever at variance. He laboureth for the character of a riehteon. n,»n what^h Lt° «■« P"'"' '"'-'' thoutakest to hlf rt!™ T. "* ""O" """ ''ould make thee what « thv r ! ""T- "■" """^'^° "^""-^om shal mook « thy cunning when in the midst of security, thy dis! S.hee'Sr'"""''''"^'"^''*^^^''*'"" l{ %3a: ■mlii&i ■amim BOOK VI. % Religion. Therib 13 but one God., the Author, the Creator, the Grovernor of the world, Almlghtj, Eternal, and Incom- prehensible. « The sun is not God, though his noblest image. He enlightenelh the world with his brightness, hia warmth giveth life to the products of ihe earth. Adr mire him as the creature, the instrumeat of God; but worship him not. To the One who is supreme, mojt wise, and benefi- cent, and to him alone, belong worship, adoration, thanksgiving and praise. Who has stretched forth the heavens with his hant^i. who hath described with his finger the courses of the Btars. Who setteth bounds to the ocean that it cannot pass, and saith to the stormy winds, Be still. Who shaketh the earth, and the nations tremble; who darteth his lightnings, apd the wicked are djismayed. Who calleth forth wprldfs by the word of his mouth ; who smiteth with his arm ana they sink into nothing. 01 reverenca the majesty of the Omnipotent, and tempt not his anger, lest thou be. destroyed. The providence of God is over all his works, be, ?jaleth and directeih with infini;e wisdom. Ha hath instituted laws for the government of the HOUAH LIM. 4» world, he hall, wonderfulljr varied them in all beinc* «nd each by his nature conformeth to hia will ^ ' l,d.V^*, "^'"""'^ ■"'"""" ''^ "^'"''="' ""'knowt The thought, of Ihy heart are naked to hia view • h. kooweth thy de.er»i„atious before th.y arl "ade." W th respect to hi, prescience, there ia nothing CO .ngent; With respect to his providence, there if nptiiing accidental. insTr°u°t!;iI".',^ " '■" "" ■"■' ^''"- •"■^ ~'' ""■« TthTctCLr"' "''" """'''''' —'•■ Pay therefore to his wisdom all honour and venera re"d>:: IT, ■"""" "^^^^■^'" ^-''■'' -^ -""^ v; ooedicnce to his supreme direction. ted?h'ew"'J'-^"''°""""^ ''^"^ficent, he hath croa- ted the world in mercy and love. His goodness ia conap.xuoua in all his works ; he is the foun,a,„ of excellence, the centre of i,orfectio„ ^ The creatures of his hand declare his goodness all beauty he supporteth them with food, he preserveth thmw.th pleasure from generation to genltL" _ Jt we lift up our eyes to Heaven, his glory shinelh for h,. ,r ,„3. ,„,„ ,„^^ ^^^^ ^^^ earth, U is ;«' Of his goodness : the hills and the valley, r;j„ic and f.,y '. """' ■" •""" '^'"■'"Sm^oi With peculiar ftvour and e.alted thy station above al, creaLes. ..!r„-:-\*":'r."'^« """ "-^o- «« maintain thy, -..-.^...„, u. ua« n««a thee with language tp improva;'. „..-.J>! ■■»■:. «0 EOOVOitT or I'M M - by society, and exalted tby mind with the powers of meditation to contemplate and adore bis inimitable perfections. And in the laws he hath ordained as the rule of thy life, so kindly hath he suited thy duty to thy nature that obedience to his precepts is happiness to thyself. The Lord is just and righteous, and will judge the earth with equity and truth. Hath he established his laws in goodness and mercy, and shall he not punish the transgressors thereof? think not, bold man 1 because thy punishment is •delayed that the arm of the Lord is weakened, neither flatter thyself with hopes that he wiiiketh at thy doings. His eye pierceth the secrets of every heart, and he remembereth them for over. He respecteth not the persons nor the stations of men. The high and low, the rich and poor, the wise and iKnorant, when the soul hath shaken off the cumbrous fihackles of this mortal life, shall equally receive from the senteacd of God a just and everlasting retribution, according to their works. Then shall the wicked tremble and be afraid, but theheart of tho righteoujfr shall rejoice in ais judgment. 1 fear the Lord, therefore^ all the days of thy life, and walk in the paths wbieh he hath opened befora thee. Let prudence admonish thee,, let teraperanca restrain, lettjuaUoe guide thy baad, benevolence warmt tby hf art, and gratitud« to Heaven ianpire thee with devotion. These shall give thee bap{»ines9; in thy^ ]!i^#i$ 8lai«r and Mb^ theft to tke maMioofloffate^ nal fciUcifcjr inihspanadise Qf/<}od. Dowers of nimitablo uleof thy \iy nature thyself, judge the id mercy, ereof? ihmcnt is i, neither y doings. L, and he 1 not the nrise and umbrous jive from ;ribtttioD| raid, but idgm«ia. ' thy life, d befoiTQ iperance cevrairia i«e with 9i in tb^ THE ECONOMY OP HUMAN LIFE. PART THE SECOND. TBAWSLATID FBOK AN INDIAN MANUSCRIPT, Found SCO. after that .aich cont^intd the Origfn,! O*' THt FIRST PART^ AND WRITTEN BY THE SAME HAND, Itf A. '..?; SECOND LETTEB. ' 'ROM ^ ENGLISH GBNTLBIfAK RESIDING TO tMB EARL OF»«t IN Gmnjt tt 1 ;. An ,-r HI Ifi TOTSE RIGHT HOlfORABLB • IHE EARL OF * * * * * Pekin, January 20, 1749-50., My Lobd, — Not a month after I had enclosed t(> y9ur Lordship the translatioH I had attempted, of thQ. Oriental System of Momlity, so famous in theje parts, Tre were agreeably surprised with a manuscript of the oame size, wh'ope antiquity, characters, and other internal marks, determined it to be a performance pf th^ IBAme author; which, at the same time that it shewed us something was wanting to what we had before esteemed a complete system, very happily sup- plied the deficiency. I could uot rest after the first dipping into it without thjB pleasing task of a translation; nor, whfn I had^ finished it, without doing myself the honour of trans- mitting it to your Lcrd^phip. I need not lell your Lordship that the energy of thought, sublimity of style, and many other circurpstanc^s, piQve it to come from the divine hand that planned ihe other. The substance of it carries abundantly more proof of it. If I did not fl'aiter myself that the first part had met the honour of your Lordship's approbation, I should not be so earnest in disputchirg this after it. But while I know the value, of the work, and know your Lordship's distinguishing genius, it would be ridicu- lous to afifect a doubt about it. '' I am, Mjf Lord, •V t.^ Book i. - Man considered In general. CHAP. I._TflE HITMAN FRAME AND STEDOTUBE. Wkak and ignorant as thou art, man ! humble «, ITol?,^'^ " '■""'■'" "'^"o"" ''°»W«' thou "L :::tr '"""^'^ "^^-^ '^^^^ — p"''^ With re^ren'c" " " "" "'''' ""' ''^°'"'' '"'^'^ "- th J^r"'"? "^ "" "'"'""^ "' '*<»■ only erece biik tt: rr;t r L"' """" "■■^^^'^^ "' wherefore t. .h I °" ""'^*'^' *"5""" tbem? and^CcrLr;"' "" '"" """• "'*^-' "^^ «>«- Trr'" ""' "■•" "^ '^ ^-^O ^- Slaughter ' " Something ,, „dded to thee unlike to „h,. ,u ri;tr57,;t-'^-':^--«---- Th^ hi ^ '^°'^^- heboid I what is it^ eternal, ft free to IrrT"*'' '""''f-'' " ia for it. .,.i<^. '*' '° '"' *'«f»" " » accountablB 84 ACONOHT Of Knoweth the ass the use of food, because his teeth mow down the herbage ? or standeth the crocodile erect, although his back-bone is straight as thine ? ^ God formed thee as he had formed these : after them •tt wert thou created; superiority and command were IfiTen thee over all, and of his own breath did he bommunicate to thee thj principle of knowledge. Know thyself then the pride of his creation, the link uniting divinity and matter I behold a part of God himself in thee f remember thine own dignity, nor dare descend to evil or to meanness. Who planted terror in the tail of the serpent ? who clotl^d the neck of the horse with thunder? Bve^ he who hath instructed thee to crush the one under thy feet, and tame he other to thy purposes. CHAP. II.—THE USE OP THE SENSES. Vaunt not of thy body, because it was first formed ; nor of thy brain, because therein thy soul resideth. Is not the master of the house more honorable than its walls? The ground must be prepared before corn can be planted, the potter must build his furnace before he can make his porcelain. As the breath of heaven sayelh unto the waters of the deep, this way shall thy billows roll, and no other- thus high shall they raise their fury : so let thy spirit* man I actuate and direct thy flesh ; so let it repress its wildness. The soul is the monarch of thy frame ; suffer not its gublf^'^to it\ kaKaI ^ — :~-i. .'x amrAv tiri; Stii Thy body is as the gbbe of the earth, thy bonei thoi J^illars that sustain ib on its basis. As the ocean giveth ri8» to springs, whose watery return again into its- bosom through the rivers, So. runneth thy life from tiU) heart outwards^ and so re- furneth it unto its pibce again. Do not both retain their course foreter? Seholil: f he same God ordained them* , ,, ^ Is not thy nose the channel to petftames V'thy month the path to delicacies 7 Yet know thou that perfumes long smelt become oflffensire, that delicacies destror the appetite they flatter. ' Aro not thir eyes the sentinels that watch for thee?' yet how - n are they unable to distinguish truth from errui. Keep thy soul in moderation, teach thy spirit to bi attentive to its good, so shall these, its ministers, bo always to thee conveyances of truth. Thine hand is it not a miracle?' Is there in the creation aught like unto it? wherefore was it given thee, but that thou mightest stretch it out to the assistance of thy brother. Why of all things living art thou alone made capa- ble of blushing? The world shall read thy shamo upon thy face, therefore do nothing shameful. Fear and dismay why rob they thy countenance of Its ruddy splefidour ? Avoid guiit, and thou shalt know that fear is beneath thee, that dismay is unmanly. Wherefore to thee alone speak shadows in the visions of thy pillow? Reverence them, for know that. ureauiS u*e from oa high. I VCONOUT DF ^ ;Thou, man, alone canst speak. Wonder at thy gTo- nous prerogative, and paj to him who gave it thee a a rational and welcome praise, leaching thy children wisdom, mst. icting the offspring of thy loins in piety. CHAP. III.-THE SOUL OF MAN, ITS ORIGIN AND AFFEOTIOxVS. ■ The bfesslngg. man I of ihy External part, are health vigour, and proportion.. The greatest of these IS health. What health -is to the 'body, eVen that is honesty to the soul. That thou hast a soul is of all knowledge the most certaltl, of all truth the most plain unto thee Be meek, be grateful for it. Seek not to know it perfectly, it IS inscrutable. ^ Thinking, understanding, reasoning, willing, call not these the soul. They are its actions, but they are not its essence. Raise iL not too high, that thou be not despised. Be not thou like unto those that fall hy climbing, neither debase it to the sense of brutes, nor be thou like to the horse and mule in whom there is no understanding Search it by its faculties, know it by its virtu;^. Ihey are more in number than the hairs of thy headv the stars of heaven are to be counted with them ' Think not with Arabia that one soul is parted among all men, neither believe thou with the sons of Egypt ■that every man hath many : Know, that as thy heart! so also thy soul is one. ' ^Dolh not th€ s«n harden the clav ? nmh u „^* ^'-^ "snMAH LIIl. ST- ^Mften the wax ? As it is oue sua thai worketh both. «ven so .t .s one seal that wiUcth contraries. spread itself before her face as » curtain, so the soul remameth safe even in the bosom of a foM She .s im-nortal she is unchangeable, she is alike in :h rf««'"> caileth her forth to shew her loveliness, and appUcation anointeth her with the oil of wisdom Although she shall live after thee, think not she was born before thee. She was concreated with thy flesh, and formed wiih thy brain. Justice could not give her to thee ezalted by virtues BOV mercy deliver her to thee deformed by v es These must be thine, and thou must answer them Suppose not death can shield thee from examination ; think not corruption can hide thee from enquiry He " Who formed thee of thou knowest not what, can b! not raise thee from thou knowest not what again. Exalteth he not his voice to tell thee it is mornL ? Knoweth not the dog the footsteps of his master? and flieth not the wounded goat to the herb ha healet him? Yet when these die their spirit ret rt eth unto tue dust ; thine alone surviveth Envy not these of their senses, be.anse quicker thah thine own. Learn that the advantage lieth not in possessing god things, but in knowing to use them. ' Hadst thou the ear of the stag, or were thine eye as strong and piercing js the eagle's, didst thou equal he hound in smell, or could the ape resign to thee ^- ►as.e, or tn? tortoise her feeling ; j-et, without 69 soONour or li! iiflpR reason, what would they Rvail thee ? Perish not ftfl these like these like their kindred ? Hath an J one of them the gift of speech ? Can anir one say unto Ahee, Therefore did I so ? The lips of the wise are as the doors of the cabi&et •• no sooner are they opened, but treasures ar« poured out betbre thee. Like unto trees of told arranged in beds of silreii. »re wise sentences uttered in due season. Canst thou think too greatly of thy soul, or can too much be said in its praise ? It is the image of him who gave it, • -« Remember thou its dignity forever, forget not how. great a talent is committed to thy charge. Whatsoever may do good may also do harm. Be- ware that thou direct its course to virtue. Think not that thou canst lose her in the crowd suppose not that thou canst bury her in thy eJoset' Action is her delight, and she will ::ot be withheld from it. Her motion is perpetual, her attemp' • are universal her agility is not to be suppressed. I*-it at the utter- most part of the earth ? she w,:i have it. Is it beyond the region of the stars? yet will her eye discover it? Enquiry is her delight. As one who traverseth the burning sands in search of water, so i. the soul that thirsteth after knowledge. ^ Guard her, for she is rash; restrain her, for she is irregular; correct her, for she Is outrageous. More supple IS she than water, more flexible than wax, more yielaing than air. la th^rA onn-K* ♦u^* -_- v . , . ' - — — - .i«guu liittfc van uiuQ ner? BUMAN LIFI. i not 9X1 Can any- cabinet ;; I poQred >f silref can too I of him iot bow. a. Be-^ crowd, closet. ithheld iversal, 5 utter- 3ejond erit? Jth the il that she is More , mure i her? 69 ionl' ? r'"^'" *^' ^^"'^ '^ * "'^°»"' «^«° «o i3 the aoul of him who wanteth discretion. onr/v'""^ °^ ^"' "*'"'*^ " *''°**^' ^«' °»««n8 to dis. weak nZT"""" r,^-^---•• B«t are not these rtLt::::tr'°''^""^°"' how then shaUahe ramlT^ '^'°^°° '' "' P'"°^ *^^ *'»th, for the gene, ralitj of men are ignorant, JZ',^u''''f '^^''^^' '^' ^^^^^^^e^ of him who hi! ?/^ ''"'" "^'^^ ^*^"^'> thou owest nnta him are not these plain before thy face ? And, behold , what ,s there more that man needeth to icnow ? CHAP. IV.-THE PERIOD AND USE OP HUMAN LIFE. As the eye of the morning to the l«rk, as the shade of the evening to the owl, as honey to the bee, or as «.e carcase of the vulture, even such is life unto the neart of man. Though bright, it dazzleth not; though obscure ifc d^spleaseth not; though sweet, it cloyeth „otT ho Ih Ttrvtrr^^-'^^ Learn to esteem Jife as it ought, then art thou near the pinnacle of wisdom. Think not with the fool that nothing is more valu- able nor believe with the pretended wise that thou oughtest to contemn#. Love is not for itself, but for the good it may be to others. Gold cannot buj it for thee, neither can mines of «0 1*1 l!f ECONOMY OF diamonds purcbase back the moment thou hast now lost of it. Employ tlie succeedfng ones in virtue. Saj not that it were best not to have been born ; or, if born, that it had been best to die early; neither dare thou to ask of thy Creator, where had been the evil had I not existed? Good is in thy pow<^r. The want of good is evil ; and, if thy question be just, lo I it condemneih thee. Would the fish swallow the bait if he knew the hook was hid therein? would the lion enter the toils •if he saw they were prepared for him ? so neither were the soul to perish with this clay, would man wish to live, neither would a merciful God have created him. Know hence thou' shalt- live ftfter-wards. As the bird enclosed in a cage before he seeth it yet teareth not his flesh against its sides j so neither labour thou vainly to run from the state thou art in but know it is allotted thee, and be content with it. Though its ways are uneven, yet are they not all painful. Accommodate thyself to all, and where there is least appearance of evil, suspect the greatest danger. When thy bed is straw thou sleepe?t in security; T)ut when thou stretchest thyself on roses, beware of 'the thorns. A good deaf is better than an evil life. Strive to live therefore s long as thou oughtest. not as long as thou canst. While thy life is to others worth more than thy death, it is thy duty tq^preserve it. Complain not with the fool oTthe shortness of thy time, remember that with ihy days thy cares we shortened. hdst now born ; or, •; neither been the rer. The i just, lo I £Bew the the toils her were 1 wish to ted him. seeth it, neither I art in, 71th it. Y not all ire there danger, ecuritj ; iware of trive to long as h more of thy es ore HUMAN LIPir. 61> Tlike from the period of thy life the useless parts of U; and what remaineth ? Take off the time of thine " Infancy the second infancy of age, thy sleep, thy thoughtless hours, thy days of sickness, and, even at " the fuluess of years, how few seasons hast thou truly numbered. ^ He that gave thee life as a blessing, shortened it to make it more so. To what end would longer life have ' served ihee ? Wishest thou to have an opportunity of more vices ? As to the good, will not he wuo limited^ thy span, be satisfied with the fruits of it. To what end, child of sorrow I wouldst thou live longer ? To breathe, to eat, to see the Tvorld ? All th^s thou hast done often already. Too frequent repetition, IS It not tiresome ? or fs it not superflcous ? Wouldst thou improve thy wisdom and thy virtue 7 Alas I what art thou to know? or who is it that shall teach thee? Badly thou eraployest the little thou hast; dare not therefore to complain that more is not ' given thee. Repine not at the want of knowledge, it must perish with thee in the grave. Be honest here, thou shalt be ' wise hereafter. Say not unto the crow, Why numberest thou seven times the age of thy lord ? or to the fawn, Why are ' thine eyes to see thy offspring to an hundre^l genera- tions? Are these to be compared with thee in the abuse of life ? are they riotous ? are they cruel ? are they ungrateful? Learn from them rather, that inno- -, ...^ „.,„ siuipuciiy 01 manners are the pains- t9 a good old age. ■ ' \ -* '« "■« CS „„!' '" """■ "^ •"" ■»" tl'o fl»ttervof unmeamng word»V Thou r..,owc... when returned «hee,yet be knoweth .hou wik ,^,^„k im for it Soeak •n s,„ceru,, and thou shalt he. «i,h inat^c.ion' The Tarn del.gbteth to speak of himself but he «eeth not that other, like not to hear him ' sees that'lh'T-'""' """«' """"^ P""«' '^ "o Pos- sess that which ,3 worth; admiration, his joT is to proclaim it, bis pride is to hear it reported. not, Behold he ha.h done i„ or, See, be possesseth u' but, Mark bow proud he ie of iti .hi!t! "b " "J T" """"" »"^'"» "' <"■«« to many thtngs. He wbo fixeth bis soul on show, loseth reality Heporsueth babbles which break in i l.eir Bight. wbU. he treads to earth what would do him honour. CHAP. II — I.NCONSTANCV. Nature urgeth thee to in. onstancy, man! there- fore guard thyself at all times against it. Thou art from the womb of thy mother various and wavering; from the loini of thy father inheritest tboD '*•""•■•"'/ 7 ""w men soau iiiou be firm? It Hi » ■ r 6& BCOiroMr OF Those who gave thee a body, furnished it wilft, weakness ; but he who gave thee a soul armed it with resolution; employ it, and thou art wise; be wise, and thou art happy. Let him that doeth well, beware how he boasteth. of it, for rarely U it of his own will. Is it not the event of an impulse from without, born of uncertainty, inforced by accident, dependent on- somewhat else? To these then, and to accident, is; due the praise. Beware of irresolution in the intent of thy actions; beware of instability in the execution; so shalt thou; triumph over two great failings of thy nature. What reproacheth reason more than to act contra- rieties ? What can suppress the tendencies to the»e, but firmness of mind ?• The inconstant feeleth that he changeth, but he knoweth not why; he seeth that he escapeth from bimself, but he perceiveth not how. Be thou incapa-. ble of change in that which is right, and men will rely upon thee. Establish unto thyself pnnciples of action, and seo that thou ever act according to them. First know that thy principles are just, and then be thou inflexible in the path of rhem. So shall thy passions hav^ no rule over thee, so BhaU thy constancy insure anto thee the good thou possessest, and drive from thy door misfortune. Anx- let} and disappointment shall be strangers to thy gates. Suspect not e-il in any one^ until thou seest, ifr; ml\eii thou f eest it forget It not, ' Bra AH Ltrm. tt Whoso halh been an enemy cannot be a friend, for- man mendeih not of his faults. life°?°Vl"" *"' '""''" ''' "«•" '"'° '""' "o ™«eof mson "*" ^^"'' "'"''''' P'"""*"*"' "0' from The inconstant hath no peace in his soul, neither can any be at ease with whonx be coucerneth himself! soul changetli with the w«ather. » ' « bv Wm °^ '! '°r'? ""'' '"-"""ow thou art detested Z' "", "^^' ''™^«'f'<»oweth not wherefore he I«»ed, or wherefore he now hateth. lesshumbe: and why? he who is arrogant without power W.U be servile where there is no fubjecU.n. • /"-^"y he » profuse, to-morrow he grudgeth unto ' h,s moutb that which it Should eat. Thus ft is ^ith bm who liooweth not moderation. Who say of .he chameleon, He is black, when th» moment after, the ordure of grass overspreadeth him. Who sh«ll say of the inconstant, He is joyful, when his next breath shall be spent in sighing? What is the life of such a man, but the phantom of ad earn? I„ the morning he riseth happy, at noon he .s on the rack, this hour he is a goSti.e «.« below a worm ; one moment he laugheth, the next ho weepeth; he now willeth.in.n insUnt hewilleth not: and .n another he knows not whether he willeth or no yet ne.tlier ease nor pain have fixed themselves on ' b..a; ne„b.r is he waxed greater, nor become le„! v«H«eP a.lb he had cause for laughter, nor «ns„a fej 6$ lOONOMY Of 'i i ' ■ ) f * i » t 1 'i i' $! bis sorrow; therefore shall nose of them abide with him. The happiness of the inconstant is as a palace bnilt on the surface of sand, the blowing of the wind blow- eth away its foundation: what wonder then that it falleth. But what exalted form is this, that hitherward di- rects its even, uninterrupted course ? whose foot is on the earth, whose head above the clouds. On his brow sitteth majesty, steadiness is in his port, and in his heart reigneth tranquillity. Though obstacles appear in the way, he denieth not to look down upon them ; though heaven and earth oppose his passage, he proceedeth. The mountains sink beneath his tread, the waters of the ocean are dried up under the sole of his foot. The tiger throweth herself across his way in vain, the spots of the leopard glow against him unregarded. He marcheth through the embattled legions, with his hand be putteth aside the terrors of death. Storms roar against bis shoulders, but are not able to shake them ; the thunder bursteth over his head in Tain, the lightening serveth but to shew the glories of his countenance. His name is Resolution 1 he cometh from the utmost part of the earth, he seeth happiness afar off before bifn, his eye discoverek.^ her temper beyond the limits of the pole. He walketh up to it, he entered boldly, and he re- maineth there for ever. Establish thy hesrt, inan! in that vhich is ri'^ht BUMAN LIFl. «0 and then know the greatest of haman praise is to be immatable. CHAP, in.— WEAKNESS. Vain and inconstant as thou art, O child of imper- fection I HoT^r canst thou but be weak? la not inconstancy connected with frailty? Can there be Tanity without infirmity? Aroid the danger of the one, and thou shalt escape the mischiefs of the other. Wherein art thou most weak? In that whereia thou seemest most strong, in that wherein most thou gloriest, even in possessing the things which thou hast, in using the good that is about thee. Art not thy desires also frail? or, knowest thou even what it is thou wouldst wish ? When thou hast obtained what most thou soughtest after, behold it contenteth thee not. Wherefore looaeth the pleasure that is before thee its felish? and why appeareth that which is yet to come the sweeter ? Because that thou art wearied with the good of this, because thou knowest not the evil of that which is not with thee. Know, that to bo content is to be happy. Coaldst thou choose for thyself, would thy Creator lay before thee all that thy heart could ask for, would happiness then remain with thee ? or would joy dwell always in thy gates ? Alas I thy weakne^'s forbiddeth it, tby Infirmity de- clareth against it. Variety is to thee in the place of pleasure; but that whwb permanently 4elighteth aost 9e per maucat. ♦ 'W icOONo'lIY 'i# *i(,] When it is gone, thon repentest the loss of it J though, while it was with thee, thou despisedst it. That which succeedeth it hath no more pleasure fot thee, and thou afterwards quarrelest with thyself for ^refering ?t. Behold the onlj circtim stance in which TOOu errest not I ' ' Is there anything it which thy weakness appeareth more than in desiting things ? It is in the possessing, ^nd in the using them. Good things cease to be good in our enjoying of them. What nature meant pure sweets, are sources 6t bitterness to "us ^ from our delights arise pain 5 from our joys, sorrows. Be'iAoderatein thyenjoymefnt, and it shall remain in thy pofises^Ion ; Jet thy joy be founded on reason^ and to its 6nd shall sorrow be a stranger. The delights of lore are ushered in by sighs atttf they terminate in hmguishmfent aid dejection. The object th or 'umest for nauseates with satiety; and' no sooner hbdst thon possessed it, but thou wert weary 'of its presence. iJoin esteem to thy admiration, unite friendship with thy lore J so shalt thou find in the end content so absolute that it surpasseth raptures, tranquillity more worth than ecstasy. -i God hath given thee no good without its admixt6i»6 of evil; but he hath given thee also the means of throwing off the evil from it. '< As joy is not without its alloy of pain, so. neither 19 Borrow without its portion of pleasure. Jov and i^rief ?r«v«g« «uiiac, aic uuucu. v«r own CjiOiee only can i;ive them to us entire. . { «UHAW LiFE. n ^elanclroly itself often giveth delight, and the ex- ^cmity of joy is mingled with tears. The best things in the hands o: a fool may be turned ^ his destruction, and out of the worst the wise will •find the means of good. So blended is weakness hi thy nature, taan 1 that thou hast not strength either to be good, or to be an evil entirely. Rejoice that thou canst not excel ia «vil, and let the go<.d that is within thy reach content thee. The Tirtues are allowed io Various stations. Seek not after impossibilities, nor grieve tbri thou canst not possess them all. Wouldftt thou at once ha/e the liberality of the rich fnd the contentment of the poor ? or shall the wife of thy bosom be desjvised, because she sheweth not the ' ▼irtuesof the widow? . If thy father sink before thee in th« divisions of thy qouDtry, can at once thy jusUce destroy him, and thy duty save his life? -^ If thou behold tlyr brother in the agonies of a slow 4eath, is it not mercy to put a period to his life ? and is not also he who takes away his life his murderer? Truth is but one. Thy doubts are of thine own raising. He who mude virtues what they are, planted also in tliee a knowledge of their pre-eminence. Act as thy soul dictates to thee, and the end shall be always right. CHAP. IV.-lNS0FPrCIENCY OP KNOWLEDGE. If there Ig aiyr thing lovely, jf there is anj thing tk^ m m m fl 1 m 1 u HOonoiir Of i',^ *iA L ilP i^.' 4 i.t' desirabl. ^ there is any thing wirhin the reach nf man that ,s ^.orthJ of praise, is it not knowled<,cf Md yet who is he that attaineth unto it ? The statesman proclaimeth that be bath it, the r^hr ■abject, that he p» gsesseth U. Evil is not requisite to mai), neithe .-, ric^e be ne- ttiUed by the connivance of the lairs i h^ir -lan^ crm;^ are committed ^y the decrees of the .ou^.ii? Bat be wf.., G ,uier i and learn, thou th.t an to command the... i...f one .i«e authorised by thee IS worse than tfct. es.^pe of ten from punishmenn W^en tbr pm^u. are numerous, when thy fons increase nbont iky table, sendest tbou them not c..> to ■lay the mnoceBt, and to fall before the sword of Mm wiiom they hare not offended ? If the ooi^t of thy desire, d«,„ndeeh ,he Ii,e» ^f • thousand, sftyest thou not, I will h»To it? Surrir ftou forgetteat th.t he who c««eed the. created Zl tti«e. and that their blood fs a, rich .9 thine JZT !?"","'"/•""•» ««"'»' »>• exe«ot«J without wrong 1 Surely thine own words condemn the. that he may confew his guilt, art not thou unto him I .nm.„anoristhyguiltthe,e.3hecau,.hecato: When thou commandest to the torture him who b bntsuspected of ill, dareat thou to remember that t^o^ "ayest rack the innocent? "moit Is thy punose annw^fArf k. •!.. .». .. BDIIAN tlfB. ^3 '«ati86ed with his confession ? Pain will enforce him to say what is not as easily as what is. and anguish natb caused innocence to accuse herself. That thou mavest not kill him without cause thou dost worse than kill him ; that thou mayest prove if he be gu.jty thou destroyest him innocent O blindness to all truth ! insufficiency of the wisdom of the wise I Know, when thy ju d'g« s Ja bid thee account for this, thou shalt wish ten thousand th.„^ . T. ^"""^ ^'■'^' '^^^^' ^^«° «»« innocent then to stand forth against thee. Insufficient as thou art to the maintenance of justice how Shalt thou arrive at the knowledge of truth ? how Bhalt thou ascend .o the footstep of her throne ? thv! .r. r"!^"' '"^"°' "P ^°'^ ^'' throne, first bow - thyse f at her footstool; if thou wouldst arrive at the knowledge of her, first inform thyself of thine ow^ Ignorance. ^ .aJlrr'"!" ""• """ P«"'». '""rfore seek be, caremily. Tb. emerald, sapphire, and r«by, ,re «, d.rt be„e.tb their feet, therefore pursue her LZ,;. Sa, not unto tbjself, behold, truth hreedeth haired and w n avoid it, di,s.u.„,a.i„„ raisetb rZ'tZ'^ I w U follow ,t. Are not the enemies u,.,d. by ruth better than the friends obtained by flattery ? Naturally doth man desire the truth ; yet wh.n it is before h.m he will not apprehend it; and if it tb ce Jtself upon him, is he not offended at it 7 thJlt'r" '" T '" """'■ '■'" """ " """"We; but ♦he weakness of man beareth not i.» »ni.„ j ' Wouldst thou see thy Insufficiency mo"re""pl«inIy n BcoNouy ef Mew thyself at thy devotions. To what end was i^ igion instituted, but to teaci thee thine infirmities, to remind thee of thy weakness, to shew thee that trom H«av€ii alone thou art to hope for good ? Doth it notremind thee that thou art dust? Doth It not tell theo that thou art ashes? And, beholdl repentance, is it not built on frailty? When thou Rivest thy oath, when thou swearest thou JiU not deceive, behold I it spreadeth shame upon thy face, and upon the face of him that receiveth it. Learn to be just, and repentance may be forgotten; learn to be honest, and oaths are unnecessary. The shorter follies are, the better: say not therefore to thyself, I will not play the fool by halves. He that heareth his own faults with patience shall reprove another with boldness. He that giveth a denial with reason shirfl suffer « tepulse with moderation. If thou art suspected, answer with freedom. Whom iBhouId suspicion affright, except the guilty ? The tender of heart is turned from his purpose by ^upphcations.the proud is rendered more obstinate by intreaty the sense of thine insufficiency commandeth thee to hear.; but to bo just, thou must hear without i^' i r^^ r iN' i BOOK III. The AflTections of IHan nrhfcli ard builful f o lilmself and others. CHAP. I.—CpVETOUSNESS. Riches are not worthy a strong attention, therefore ^ an earnest care of obtaining them is unjustifiable. The desire of what man calleth good, the joy he hath taken in possessing it, is grounded only on opinion. Take not up from the vulgar, examine the worth of things thyself, and thou shait not be cove- tous. An immoderate desire of riches is a poison lodged in the soul. It contaminates and destroys everything that has good in it. It is no sooner rooted there than all virtue, all honesty, all natural affection fly before the face of it. The covetous would sell his children for gold, hig parent may die ere he would open his coffer ; nay, he considereth not himself in respect of it ; in the search of happiness he maketh himself unhappy. As the man who selleth his house to purchase or- naments for the embellishment of it, even so is he -who giveth up peace in the search of riches, in hope he may be happy in enjoying them. Where covetousness reigneth, know that the soul is poor. Whoso account eth not riches the principal good of roan, will not throw away all other goods io the pursuit of them. HUMAN LIFB. Thou fool 1 is not virtue of more worth than riches ? is not guilt more base than poverty ? Enough for his necessities is in tho power of every inan, be content with it, and thy happiness shall einile at the sorrows of him who heapeth up more. Nature hath hid gold beneath the earth, as un- worthy to be seen ; silver hath she placed where thou tramplest it under thy feet. Meaneth she pot by this to Inform thee that gold is not worthy thy regard, that silver is beneath thy notice ? Covetousness burieth under ground millions of Wretches ; these dig for their hard masters what re- turneth the injury ? what maketh them more mise- (table tiian their slaves. The earth is barren of good things where she (bdardeth up treasure. Where gold is in her bowels, there no herb groweth. As the horse findelh not there his grass, nor the mule his provender ; as the fields of corn laugh not on the sides of the hill, as the olive holdech not forth there her fruits, nor the vine her clusters, Even so no good dwelleth in the breast of Mm whose heart broodeth over his treasure. ^ Riches are servants to the wise j but they are tyrants over the soul of the fool. The covetous serveth his gold ; it serveth not him. He possesseth his wealth as the sick doth a fever ; it burneth and tortu :;i,h LIm, and will not quit him qnto death. Hath not gold O-.'^^vojed the virtue of millions ? j^lu it evcF aid to i'ue goodness of any r is it not 86 stDONoanr or u * I ^ \i M 4- most abundant with the worst of men ? wherefo« then shonldst thou desire to be distinguished br whTbl'^^i? "''' '"" '"« '""" '-» those Who have had least of it ? and, is not wisdom happi- Have not the worst of thy species possessed the ereatest portions of it ? and hath not their end been miserable ? " fl.!l°.ir-f TT'' """"y "■'"S^i •"" coretousness Goaieth Itself all. The covetous can be good to no man, but he is to none so cruel as to himself. In the disposal of ifc. Man never is so happy- as when he giveth happiness unto aether. CHAP. II.— PEOFFSOH. If there be a vice greater than tha uoardiis im Of riches, It is the empleymg them m useless iZ poses. He that prodigally laviaheth that which he hath to spare, robbeth the poor of what Nature giveth mm a right unto. He who squandereth awaj his :-asnre, refiaseth the means to do good. He den.e ^.mself the practice of virtues, whose reward is in their hand. Whose end is no other than his own happiness. It IS more difficult to be well with riches, than to be at ease under the want of them. Man governeth himself much easier in poverty than abundance. ?-,«.v iCHUirem mi one virtue, patience to sup- dTHAN IIFI. tor herefopi shed by n those I happi- sed the ad been ousness tie ig to onerous s whea ttf up t ■)ur- e hath ^veth 'asetb f the hand, s. an to rneth e. sup- |>ort it : The rich, if he hath not charity, pru« dence, temperance, and many more, is guilty. ■ The poor hath only the good of his own state committed unto him ; the rich is entrusted witk ^e welfare of thousands. He that giveth away his treasure wisely, giveth tiway his plague : Be that retaineth their increase, heapeth up sorrows. Refuse not unto the stranger that which he want- eth ; deny not unto thy brother that which thou wantest thyself. Know there is more delight in being without what thou liast given, than in possessing millionl which thou knowest not the use of. CHAP. ni.^REVENGB. The root of revenge is the weakness of the soul ; the most abject and timorous are the most addicted to it. Who torture those they tate, but cowards ? "Who tnurder those they rob, but the timid ? The feeling an injury, must be previous to the re- venging it ; but the noble mind disdaineth to say, It jhurts me. If the injury is not below thy notice, he that dotk it unto thee, in that maketh himself so ; Wouldst thou enter the list with thine inferior ? Requite with kindness the man who attempted to wrong thee ; do good to him who would give thee disquiet. lu this thou u(A 0Ji\j jpreseryest thine own peac*!, I; ^i !<>; > ' I \' inpf f I iKil . ' f ^8 JkOONOHV Oy erolll^r/'""""'" P""''"""""' "'tout stooping Uf employ reveDge against him. v nwr As the teuipest and the thunder affect not the sun hiw *';:"••""' '"'"^ '"-^"^ - tones and;::: ^low so injunes ascend not ttf the souls of the oTlhef '" "*•""'"" °" ^"''' - "">- "<» -"o ae,?o°f so^ni f '"'''"7"' """"'"' ^"^"^^ '• 'h« g^eat. nntlh V '""''"■ "■' ■'*^^''^^ = ^^y ■' " lolt good Mto h,m who intended to have disturbed it. Why seekest thou vengeaace, man I with what paTthi:: ;"" '"-P"--' -'^ thinnest thou to pain thine adversary by it ? Know that thyself feel- est Its greatest torment. »a!::t,; easj. " "'""' """"^ " " ""^^^O "' It is unjust in the anguish it inflicts, therefore Na- injur d, more pain ? or ought he to add force to the affliction which another hath cast upon him ? The «,an who meditateth revenge, is not content with the injury he bath received ; he addeth tn Tl anguish the punishment due untL anottr Wh L^rA* '''"'"■ '" ""''• 6»^"> hi^ way laugh.ni he maketh himself merry at this addition to Ms mU ry Eevenge ispaipful in the intent, and it is dangerZ* iQ^the e«cution ; Seldom doth the axe fall wherl h« Who ifteth it up intended, and lo 1 he remembemh not that It must recoil against himself. ^ BUMAV LIFB. 89 tflentimes pursneth his or r deatruction ; while he airaeth at one of the eyes of his adversary, lo I he putteth out both his own. If he attain not his end, he lamenteth it ; the fear of justice taketh away the peace of his own soul ; the care to hide him from it, destroying that of his friend. Can the death of thy adversary satiate thy hatred t Can the setting him at rest restore thy peace ? Wouldst thou make him sorry for the offence, con- quer him by sparing him ; In death he owneth not thy superiority, nor feeleth he any more the power of thy wrath. In revenge, there should be a triumph of the aven- ger; and he who hath injured him should feel his displeasure. He should suffer pain from it, and re- ptent him of the cause. This is the revenge inspired from anger ; but that which maketh the greater, is to repay injuries with Ikindness. Murder for an injury, ariseth only from cowardice j te who inflicteth it feareth that the enemy may live ftnd avenge himself. Death endeth the quarrel, but it restoreth Hot the reputation : Killing is an act of caution, not of -our- age, it is safe, but it is not honourable. There is nothing so easy as to revenge an offence, but nothing so honourable as to pardon it. The greatest victory man can obtain, is over him* self. He that disdaineth to feel an injury, retorteth it upon him who offered it= oWben thou medifcatest revenge, thou confessest that ^1 mi tft i'l'-l I 1*" ' I .. *^ " HCOITOir? OF I thou feeleat the wrong ; when thou complainest thotl acknowledgeat thyself hurt bj it. Meanest thou to add this triumph to the pride of thine enemy ? That cannot bean injury which is not felt, how then can he who despiseth it revenge it ? Good offices will make a man ashamed to be thine «nemy greatness of soul will terrify him from the thought of hurting thee. The greater the wrong, the lore glory is in par- Zoning It J and how much more justifiable would be revenge by so much the more honour is in clemency. Hast thou a right to be a judge in thine own cause, to be ^ party m the act, and yet to pronounce sen. tenceonit? Because thou condemnest, let another fiayitisjust. but; he t^at is emn.,d with clemency is adored. The praise of his action^ remaineth forever, and the lov« of the world atteudeih him. CHAP. IV.-CRUELTF, HATRED AND ENVF Revenge is detestable : What then is cruelty I Lo I €th even the pretence of its own provocations. Men disown it as not of their nature ; they are TotTan /\" ' ^*^^°^" '' *^- heartMo'they not call It inhumanity ? ' When thence is her origin 7 unto what that is ?ear:ndrh ,/."' '" *^'''^'"=«^ Herfathe. fear and behold dismay, i, it „ot her mother ? Xlie hero lifteth hia «m«>j .„..., "'*=■"«*" »iiai*i-i tae euemy that BTTMAR Lnfl. 91 fesisteth, bat no sooner doth he submit than he i$ satisfied It is not in honour to trample on the Object that feareth, it is not ia. virtue to insult What is bereath it. Subdue the insolent and spare the humble, and thou art at the height of vict< ry. He who WttHteth virtue to pr-rive at this end he Who hath not courage to ascend thus unt , lo ! he suppli3th the place of conquest by l aer, of Boyereigntj- hy slaughter. He ' bo feareth all striketh at all ; why are Ty- rants cruel but becau&e they live in terror ? The cur will ar the carcase, though he dare not look it in the face while living : the hound that hunt- eth it to death mangleth it not afterwards. Civil wars are most bloody, because those who fighteth them are cowards. Conspirators are mur- derers, because in death there is s'lence ; is it not fear that lelJeth th' m they may be betrayed ? That thou mayest not be cruel, set thjself too high for hatred; thp^ thou mayest Lot be inhuman, place thyself above the reach of envy. Every man maj; be viewed in two lights, in one he will be troublesome, in the other less offensive. Choose to see him in that in which he least hurt- eth thee, then ehalt thou do no hurt unto him. What is there that a man may not turn unto his good ? In that which offendeth us most, there is more ground for complaint than hatred. Man would be reconciled to him of whom he complain- eth. What murdereth he but what he hateth ? If thou art prevented of a benefit, fly not into a I » f IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 ltt|2S |2.5 2r 114 "'"^ 1.1 Sf 1^ III 2.0 IIJi& 1.25 1^ i^ h /. {./ ^ ^€^ /L % <- Hio Sdaices Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14SS0 (716) 872-4503 \ iV « % h. <«^>. «>' m 111 BOONOXT OF »«o J the loM of thy re..on is the w«»t of ,g,e.te,. Because thou art robbed of thy cloak, would, t,, .,,,,, ,,,.^ ^4Hf^eanner> garment of the aoul I tii0«nt thilM Pii» Oik by kirilh the fleah,«id4h6 lastit layeth dmni •iJtepaparaiionlromGit. ., . . - a ig It ii aa hoQout to thy. niia» j|rh«K wmthS^ m^ t I 1^ let I* 9 P- ':*• ^ BOOHOMT OV pXojed ; when tboa dlreciest it to wrong purpoiei. It. iiiameih aad destro^eth tbe« In the breasl of a traitor ambition is covered, bjMN triay hideth iU face under her mantle, and cool dii. ' •iwulatioo fHrm^hethitwiih smooth words; bul in *f» end men sballsee what it is. ^^Tbe serpent baeth Bot his sting, though bennnibei} ^ith frost; the tooth of the Tiperis not broken though the cold closeth his mouth. Take pity on his state. •t»d he will shew thee big spirit,; war.r, him in thj icsom, and b« will re<^uite thee with death. ^ He that is truly tiriuous, loveth virtue tor herself) *^di8daineth the applause which ambition aimeth. _ How pitiable were the state of virtue, if she could lt»t be happy h«t from another's praise I She is too ■oble 10 seek recompeuoe, aad no moce wiUahan omi iKjewardE^d. ' ^ The higher tbb son ariselh, tfie lei^s shadow dotk he make. Even so the greater is the virtue, the lesf *>lh it covet pr«ise, Yfit caaoot it avoid its reward Qlorjr, like a Bimdow, fljeth him who pursaeth IL *ut It followeth at the l^cls of him who woaldi Z mm it, U tkm oouriest it without mitnt, thou sibalt Wvw attoin moil; it tbon defi,:rve*h ivihdmA thou hidest thyself itwillneTirfureake thee ^! yi^Xm Ihsfl whicOi IS hOOQuraWe, do thatwlrichiig mnt; ao4 tlw upplttiisfi of thme own conscie«ce witt fce more jo> to thee than the 8hoi*t8.»f miiijunt mim ^9fmt^ tb^M^w*tihsni. . .: u^ui arpoiei,It| i* ■ I cool dli« 8 ; bul in, wnambttd ^n tboagi^ his sutflii Q ia thj r berielf ; 1 aimeth be could he is too ttUB OMh, ow doUk the leti I reirarcl. a»eUi Uy wild/ % cnifiihali I tiboiiilpll, vbichlig ■cft wU^ BOriiAN UFI. ^ 'C&AP. tr.-SCrENCB A^D LfcARNlNO. ^j^"" r.^^"' empl6ji«»ent of the mind of wan isthf •nwj of 1 be worka of bis Creator. To him whom the science of Nature de!i,..htetk t^rj object bringeth a proof of bis God : overyihlntf that proretb it gireth cause of Hdoration Iff!'' Tr^'i' "/''^ "P "^ *''''^" ^'"^y «o«»«»t, fa^ life IS the h»ntinned act of devoHoB. ^ Casteth be his eye towards the clondf. '"findeth faj^ «o the heaven Ml of wonders ? Looketb he dowa to the earth, doth not the worn, proclaim, Less tba. ©mnipotence could not have formed me? While the planets perform tbelr courses, whilb dl'^hir^^'rl' *" displace, while the comet wan- dereth through the l^oid air and retumeth to its dtnl ^ned road again, Who but thy God, man I co^ bave formed them ? what but infinite wisdom could Hfcve ai pointed them their laws ? JtT'^'- ^\ """^"^ '^''' •P^^^d*^"^ yetdothsy not diminish. Lo, how rapid rheir mdtions I yet ono wnneth not in the way of another. ^ Look down upon the earth, and see ber produeiL Bath not wisdom and power ordained the whole ? Who b.ddo.h the grass to spring up 7 who t.ate.e^^ ^ at ,t« due seasons? Behold I the ox croppeth if. ^e bc^se and the sheep, feed they not upon itf WM Iflhe that provide h it for tbem ? ^ Who giveth in<'>AAaA>A ♦k«. ^.-.-^ _l«-i- .. 1 •to teuuaetb jt to thee a tboaswd fold t T «i scoNoiiT or M «* 9' f I Who rlpennth for thee t^e olire in itg time ? and the grape, though thou koowest not the cause of it 7 Can the meanest fly create itself? or wert thoa ^ aught lean then God, couldst thou h^ye fashioned It I "^ The beasts feel that they exist, but they wonder not at it; the^ rejoice in iheir life, but they know not that it shall end. Each performeth its course in sue cession , nor is there a loss of one species in a thousand generations. Thou who seest the whole as admirable as its parts, canst thou better employ thine e^e than in tracing out thy Creator's greatness in them ? thy mind, than ^in examining their wonders? Power and mercy ara displayed in their formation, justice and goodness shine forth ia the prorision that is made for thrm ; all are happy in their sereral way». nor eufieth one the other. What is the study of words compared with this ? la What science is knowledge, 'mt in the study of nature? TV hen thou hast adorned the fabric, enquire into its use ; for know, that the earth produceth nothing but What may be good to thea. Are not food and raiment and the remedies for thy diseases, all dermd from this Bouree alone f > njt, ,a Who is wrse then, but U that knoweth it ? ifto fiath understanding, but h« that contemplatelh it t For the rest, whatever science h«th most uiilitj. whatever knowledge hath least vanity, prefer these iktito the others, and profit of them for the sake of thy neighbour. ' -*u^*i..cj'4^' m .i^i^uaai^in .t/ ,it«* ^ BUMAN LIFi. 103 ime ? and 86 of it ? «^ert thoa faahioned onder not mow not 16 in sac* thousand its parts, n tracing nd, than nnatioD, 3ion that al waj9, this ? la nature? ' into its ling bat raiment id froza t? #fao eth it T utilitj, r these tofthjr I To lire and to die, to command and to obey, to do and to suffer: are not these all that thou hast further to care about? Morality shall teach thee these, tho' Economy of Life shall lay them before thee. Behold I thej are written in thy heart, and thou aeedest only to be reminded of them. They are easj Of conception, be attentcre and thou shalt retain them. All other sciences are rain, all other knowledge is boast. Lo I it is not necessary or beneficial to man oor doth it maite him m ore good or more honest. * Piety to thy God, and benerolence to thy fellow creatures, are they not thy great duties ? What shall teach thee one like the study of his works? What Shall inform thee of the other like understanding thy dependencies? * ' L BOOK V. Hataral Accldentf. CHAP. I.-.PROSPEKITY AND ADVERSITY/ Let not prosperity elate thy heart above measure- neither depress thy soul unto the grave, because for- tone beareth hard against thee. Her smiles are not stable, therefbrrbnild not thy confidence upon them; her frowns endure not forever, therefore let hope teach thee patience. I To bear adversity well is difficult, bnt to be tcmic^ raw m prosperity is the height of wisdom. J If 0»i ! I.; I f m e.se Will «t his life o„ .he i,^,Z7 " " "' with it. ^***° accidents concar oi:t:tir:hari';, i'i'r -"-^--^ ^r^ within himself he rn^^, ^""^ *'" *^«°''<»red fco^eU: ..r.,,,: .;" in '.f »« '»■■'' table, h, Wat i. before kimXTuZh.^""' ""* ''•"»" en,d the, deceive him *° *"""""«« '» «"• ' .Ever, man can advise his own «,„. i. ii:.....:' ,!' "f Prespettty blindeth theteuOi. ~ -»'™i»i est on skttio ) that caa therefore eth thee ! agtii and fortune ; J yet hj strength I m^yest ;ess and t is the enough AC is at 368, but, concur ed by entered itereth rnketh j ^e, he anger n the:; 5, bii wntJOf Lnri. ids thrt the.joy th.t reodereth mM onable to endure distress, and afterwards plaogetb him unto it Hdaeratioh 18 the elfect of wisdom. Be upright if, thjr trhole life, be content in all Itt Changes, so .halt thou make thy profit out of a" tliee be the soiirce of praise. The Wise man maketh ererything the means o'f S. f» .^V"**'"" "" '""°« <=»"n.enance I oldetU hej.ll theTaces «f fortdhe, he governeth the good, he ttSilquereth the evil , he is nnmored in all presume not in prosperity, neither despair in adver- 8fty, court not dangers, nor meanly fly from before ttem, dare to despise whatever will not remain with Ut ptokpetity obscure the light of prudehce. He who despaireth of the end shall neVer attaM ?h«hrfB ''^*' ''''** """^ ^^' ^^' "^^^ P^'^s^ He who cAlletL prosperity his gtood, Whb hath 8ali ' «ato b*!., With thee will I establish my happiness f Lo 1 he bulldeth his foundation oh the sand Which the ^ rain and storms will wash away. ii . jAs the watet that passeth from the iriountftina Wi8*th in its wiay to the ocean every field that hbtl dereth on the rivers, as it tarrieth not in any plac^ even so fortune visiteth the nonA nfm^r, v ^s-_ fa tocessaat, she will not stay; she is as unstable at the winds, how then wilt thou hold her ? .? Kl -^0^ d^ IM VOONOIIT OV »• thou turnesUo thank her she is gone nnta another. . ,_,, . CHAP. li.-PAIN AND SICKNESS The sickness of the body affecteth eren the soul the one cannot be in health without the other ' ^ Pain is of all ills that which is most felt, and it is that which from nature hath fewest remedies , When thj constancy faileth thee call in thy reasoi: when thy patience quitteth thee call in thy hope- To suffer is a necessfty.entailed upon thy nature ,,^uldst thou that miracles should protect thee from fh "' K u , *^'''' ''P'°' ^''"""^^ ** happeneth untq thee, wheii lo I if; happeneth unto all. It is injustice to expect exemption from that thou Wouldst thou say to the seasons, Pass not on leall row old? I, u not better to suffer well iTwh L thou canst not avoid ? ? ; Pain that endureth long ig moderate, blush tlere- . fare o complain of it; that which is violent is shZ behold thou seest the end of it. ' ' 'J^^t^^ J^« created to be subservient to thy apul • .jfjiile thou afl^ ctest theawU forijs pains behold^n„ aettest that ^bove it. '^ ^^''' ^*^ ' ^^ ^^^" tea eth h,s garment, so the patient grieveth not h^ soul, because that which covereth it is injured. CHAP. III.— BEATH. Aithe pifDducttdu of themi^fiii ..li^^^C'USL .. . HUMAN LIFJ, )Ut behold r ta another . S. .. ,., the goal, ler. ^y- and it js 8. I J reasoni lope.' , J nature, thee fro2ii eth unto hat thou e laws of on lest I Ett whiph h there- is short, i J soil; Id tlioa I tnorn not hi9 107 li the alchymist, so is death the test of our lives, tho assay which sheweth the standard of all our actions Wouldst thou judge of a life, examine the period of it; the end crowneth the attempt; and where dissim- ulation is no more, there truth appeareth. He hath not spent his life ill, who knoweth to die well; neither can he have lost all his time who em- ployeth the last poriion of it to his honour. ' He was not born in vain who dieth as he ought • neither hath he lived unprofitably who dieth happily! He that considereth he is to die is content while ho hveth. He who striveth to forget it hath no pleasure in any thing. His joy appeareth to him a jewel which he expecteth every moment he shall lose. Wouldst thou learn to die nobly? let thy vices die before thee. Happy is he who endeth the business of his life before his death ; who, when the hour of it Cometh, hath nothing to do but to die ; who wisheth not delay, because he hath no longer use for time. ^ Avoid not death, for it is a weakness ; fear it not ,for thou understandeth not what it is : all that thoii >rtainly knowest is, that it putteth an end to thy sorrows. Think not the longest life the happiest; that which is best employed doth man the most honour; himself •hall rejoice after death in the advantages of it. ror& of THIS IS THB OOMPLBTX tojiiv *<^vA^vi¥i}L ua avMA^ LIFE. !A I* m '.•f^. ^1' *«><-^ ,1 % m :3V/ ■ X\. ^•^ lit TO THI FIRST PART.. . INTRODUCTIOSr. n^ 12; 1» 20, 21 23: ' 1* Consideration! 2* Modesty, 3f Application, 4. Emulation, 6w Prudence, •« Fortitude, 7i Contentment, 8. Temperance, BOOK 11^ TBJB PASflinyfl, li Hopa and Pear, 2. Joy and Grief, 3. Apger, 4. Pity 6, ^Qsiro and Loye, ,1 ij^OWjm, WOlliV, BOOK IV. 2. Father, ' 3i iron,' 25r. 28 31 3^ 34 30; 30i 4^^ 43m *!Wf ' 1^ 1 u I'.i 11^ COHTIRTI, BOOK v.- , PW««.., or the 4ccuiental Dif^^^ ^^en. 1. Wise and Ignorant, 2. Rich and^Poor, 3. Masters and Serranls, 4. Magistrates and Subjects 1. BenevoIencOi 2. Justice, 3. Charity, **. Gratitude, ^' Sincerity, BOOK vr. SOCIAL DUTlBf, fBOOK VII. MLIOIOK, 45 4T 49 51 64 55 57 58 ) 69 ea i tti SECOKai?ART. *. Of Iheiwnod aod oaes of Unmaa Ufc" *' JJ C^ruehy, Hatred and Bnyy, |. fleariness of Heartj 114 116 119 123 BOOK IV. — — — — ^ ^ V a Of the Adomtagee Man may acquire oper hit Felloi^ Oreiture^,. f 128 132 I. Nobility, I. Science and Learning,* -^^ ov Of Natutai Aceidente, I. Prosperity an^ Adrersity, ^ 3. Pam and SidciJeli, ^ '' rbtnn^ ^^^^ 3«^eath. . . , . ■'*^ 136 139 I