Page images
PDF
EPUB

situation, that our manners preserve the medium between the Northern barbarity and Eastern luxury; and form a system of politeness and urbanity, which is ever acceptable and engaging.

Lady L. I now rejoice in the comforts of our situation, and should be sorry to change it for any other. But is this all you intend to say on the subject?

Ment. I shall endeavour to form a metaphorical allusion of the degree of comparison the different climates will bear to the different states of life; and shall begin this inquiry, by comparing grandeur and power to the torrid zone; not only from the luxury which attends it, but also because they oppress those who feel their weight. The slaves who are licenced in those countries, are like the venal flatterers, who are subservient to those in power, and whose freedom is bartered for gain.

Lady M. What is the next point you intend to explain?

Ment. The similitude between the temperate zones, and the state of life usually called competency: they both afford every requisite necessary to our happiness. Riches, as well as heat, in the superlative degree, are in general oppressive

oppressive to the possessors, and rather cause pain than pleasure, from their attendant consequences. On the contrary, moderate wealth, like a temperate clime, makes every object smile with peace and plenty.

Lady L. My dear Mentoria, are you not now drawing a comparison from the state of life we are in?

Ment. Yes, my dear; and am going to trace that, from which you are happily exempt. The traits are so strong which form the likeness of poverty to the frigid zone, that they are easily delineated. It is needless to inform you, this state deprives all who are under its dominion, of every source of suste nance or support, but what is obtained by the efforts of their own industry. As the seas of the frigid zone are sometimes frozen, and refuse their produce to the inhabitants of those parts; so too often is the human heart petrified, and incapable of receiving the soft impression of pity; and the tears congealed, which ought to flow in commiseration of the indigent. Health and strength are annexed to both these states, which arise from the same cause; a total exemption from inactivity and luxury.

Lady M. But are those people happy, my dear Mentoria?

Ment.

Ment. The beautiful lines I have just recited from Pope, clearly indicate, the inhabitants of the frigid zone are not dissatisfied with their situation. It appears equally clear to me, that poverty is not incompatible with happiness; as by industry all the necessaries of life may be acquired, which are all our state requires. These, with temperance and health, place those who possess them above contempt, though they are entitled to our compassion and assistance.

Lady L. What a striking resemblance you have pointed out, which I should never have thought of! What effect ought it to have on my mind!

Ment. If you apply it to your own situation, you are to infer from thence, that the state which is allotted you, in respect of climate and station of life, is a peculiar blessing. It will also teach you not to envy the powerful, nor despise the indigent; the former being only entitled to respect, the latter to your best endeavours to relieve their distresses; as the true use of riches consists in supplying our own wants, which should ever be confined within the rules of temperance and frugality, that we may be enabled to provide for the necessities of others,

DIALOGUE

DIALOGUE VI.

SATURDAY.

ON HISTORY; WITH THE LIFE OF ROMULUS AND REMUS.

I

Mentoria.

PROPOSE, Ladies, this morning, to give a short dissertation on History; and shall endeavour to convince you of the necessity of making it your peculiar study.

Lady Mary. Are there not many different kinds of history, my dear Mentoria?

Ment. Undoubtedly, my dear. I will proceed to consider them under their different classes, and shall begin with the Scriptures, which are often called Sacred History; to which I shall oppose the Heathen Mythology, which contains

contains a description of the deities worshipped by the Heathens; from hence called Profane

History.

Lady Louisa.

What history do you think

is most proper for us to read?

Ment. I shall pursue the discussion of each particular branch, and then determine my choice. Natural History delineates all the productions of nature, and enables us to form an idea of all her works: such as animals, fishes, birds, insects, trees, plants, ores, and fossils.

Biography, or the history of famous persons, is very entertaining, and also instructive, as it inspires the mind with a desire to attain those qualities which have so eminently distinguished others. The history of your own country teaches you the progress of arts, manufactures, and commerce, and clearly proves the advantages which are derived from a well regulated. state; it also informs you of the various means which were used to form the system of the British constitution. The persecution and arbitrary measures authorized in former times, should excite in us joy and gratitude, for the lenity and freedom of the present government. Ancient history (particularly the Roman) enlarges the understanding, and quali

« PreviousContinue »