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CONVERSATION

Between the honourable Mr. Sharpless, a rich Gentleman, and Mr. Goodman, formerly an opulent Merchant, but by misfortunes, in his advanced age, was reduced to slender circumstances.

MR. SHARPLESS, a gentleman inheriting a large estate, took a morning's ride to a neighbouring village. On the road, observing a neat cottage, it brought to his recollection that there lived an elderly person with whom he formerly enjoyed an intimacy, at the time when he was a merchant of great respectability; but now, by adverse circumstances, had been compelled to retire to humble life. He felt the emotion of former friendship so sensibly, that he ordered his coachman to stop at the door, and sent in his servant to inquire if Mr. Goodman was at home. Informed that he was, and by indisposition confined to his chamber, he alighted from his carriage, for the purpose of expressing his sympathy to his old friend, and to enjoy a little conversation. By an old weather

beaten black servant, he was conducted into a very plain but neat apartment, where he found this old acquaintance confined to his easy-chair, suffering with a severe fit of the gout, and attended by an only daughter. The interview was mutually gratifying; and after reciting some of the events of their early life, and the various changes which frequently happen in passing through the world, Mr. Goodman happened to repeat the words of the Saviour, that a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke xii. 16.

"That may be, Mr. Goodman," said Mr. Sharpless," but I do not know how I could support myself under such a reverse of fortune as that which has fallen to your lot."

"Possibly so, Sir," replied Mr. Goodman, "transitions of this kind cannot but produce painful sensations, and the keenness of it arises from our false estimate of the nature of human enjoyments. True indeed, when I had an abundance of what the world affords, I considered myself easy and happy, but this arose from an incorrect estimate of its quality; and when my riches took wing and flew away, I began to inquire if there were not some source from whence I could find substantial good, that would supply the absence of earthly enjoyments, and not fail me in the extremity of death. If I am not mistaken, Sir, I have discovered that source, which more than a thousand fold compensates for all the losses which I have sustained."

Mr. Sharpless expressed his surprise, and said, "Perhaps, my good old friend, you have discovered the philosopher's stone, which, it is said, turns every thing it touches into gold. However, I am glad to find you so tranquil and contented, for it is common for aged people to be very peevish and fretful when they meet with heavy losses and disappointments. The secret you may have discovered to produce your tranquillity is such as I am unacquainted with ; and for my part, I am quite of opinion with Solomon, that there is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. Ecclesiastes ii. 24. However, Mr. Goodman, I should have no objection to hear from what source you derive so much satisfaction under the double pressure of your infirmities of age and your pecuniary misfortunes, for you know that I was always of an inquisitive turn of mind."

"I confess, Sir," replied Mr. Goodman, "the very book out of which you have named the sentiment of Solomon, is my only directory to cultivate content

His opinion is certainly correct, for if Providence smiles upon the honest labour of a man, he ought to enjoy the fruits of it with gratitude; but how frequently does it occur, that he is not contented, and very far from being happy! The good which Solomon speaks of is merely temporal, and which, at best, can only serve a man so long as he lives, and at death he will find himself at as great a loss for something on which to rest his hope for

future happiness, as though he had spent all his days in the most abject poverty. Now, Sir, the great thing for us to discover, is from whence we can derive that kind of happiness which supports us in our final hour, whether we shall have trodden the flowery path of prosperity, or the winding thorny road of adversity; I will, therefore, in my turn, select a passage from the same book, which assures us, that happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God." Psalm cxlvi. 5.

"O yes!" said Mr. Sharpless, "I know all this; and our minister constantly preaches to us such doctrine. I can have no objection to it; but then you know, Mr. Goodman, we do not all want it at present, if we have abundance we can do very well, and I suppose we shall grow something more religious before we come to die. Still I am not a little surprised that you, who formerly appeared to have no more religion than what is common to your neighbours, and was always of a jovial spirit in the circle of your companions, that you should now be so sedate and submissive under the reverse of fortune. I do not say that you are wrong, or because the world has used you so roughly that you are out of humour with it, and therefore turn your attention to something which may be called its opposite, I will not go so far with you as that."

Mr. Goodman answered with a smile, "I must confess to you, Sir, that when I first felt the blast

of adversity, it was received with no small share of repining at the hand of the Almighty, and like Jonah with his withered goard, I thought I did well to be angry. The irritation of my spirits finally sunk into despondency, and I began to feel more sensibly the infirmities and pangs of age. Under this dark cloud my heart was grateful to the Lord, that notwithstanding my losses in business were as severe as they were unexpected, yet I was still able to pay every man his due, and had a small surplus left, sufficient for a plain subsistence in this little cottage during the fragment of time I may be permitted to live. And ""

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Here Mr. Sharpless interrupted him. "My good friend, suffer me to interrupt you; no doubt the reverse of your circumstances, and the want of activity and lively company, must have sunk your spirits below par. You were always fond of innocent mirth, and that you know is always necessary to keep the chin above water; as to your good heart, no body ever doubted it, and you have given full proof of your Christian character by the honourable adjustment of your money concerns, and by paying every man his full demands, though you left yourself but barely sufficient for an humble subsistence. Indeed I think you were a little squeamish, for although I call myself as good a Christian as walks, if I had stood in your shoes I should have docked the end of their bills for my own comfort, for you know the old saying, love yourself best, and your friends ' will love you the better.' How valuable it is for

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