to fortune; and in adversity, triumph over adversity.

Remark.

Adversity is the field in which true greatness displays itself to most advantage. When misfortunes pour down upon a man, to sustain them, is like contending with and beating up against the rolling tide of the ocean: the resolute swimmer is sometimes overwhelmed; but he rises again, and mounts on the wave that covered him, to strike with a yet firmer arm against the flood. Faint spirits sink under calamity, repine, and die; brave ones erect themselves, breast every adversity as it approaches, and though "the iron enters their souls," throw their enemy to the ground. How admirable is the sight of invincible fortitude struggling with misfortune! How low and contemptible seem all the appendages of factitious greatness, when opposed to the son of affliction standing unsheltered in the storm, his noble heart bare to the arrows of unnumbered foes, and his eye fixed with steady and

patient observation on the heavens! "Beat on! ye cannot shake my soul!" No; the soul, in a brave bosom, grows under miseries, dilates, and becomes almost divine : by strong self-collection it obtains the mastery over itself; and by such sway, the world and its assailants lose half their might. Nothing can have power over the man who is inflexible in the resolution to bear; and " to bear is to conquer out fate." Who can view so magnanimous a sufferer, without acknowledging his pre-eminence over all who enjoy their lives in uninterrupted prosperity. What thanks need be given to such men, that they are cheerful, grateful, and active in the proper use of their means? Is not their way strewed with roses, and do not their exertions find luxurious rest on the lap of abundance? These men may wear a wreath, but it is the fading one of an easy triumph; the crown that binds the brows of the victor in adversity, though it be twined with thorns, will yet bloom for ever.. So far the honour due to magnanimity: but not only the glory which beams from an invincible fortitude, but the benefits produced to the mind,

arise from such proof of its powers, ought to animate us to contend with adversity; and to greatly scorn those indolent and fruitless repinings, which blemish our characters without mitigating our calamities."Prosperity (says Bacon,) does best discover vice; but adversity does best discover virtue." "True virtue (adds the same divine author,) is like precious odours, -sweeter the more incensed and crushed!"

5.

Fortify courage with the true rampart of patience.

Remark.

How nobly did Madame Roland practice this maxim! Thus she speaks of herself: "The resignation of a patient temper; the quiet of a good conscience; the elevation of spirit, which sets misfortune at defiance; the laborious habits, which make hours pass rapidly away; the delicate taste of a sound mind, finding in the consciousness of existence, and of its own value, pleasures which the vulgar never know: these were my riches."

6.

The great, in affliction, bear a countenance more princely than they were wont; for it is the temper of highest hearts, like the palmtree, to strive most upward, when it is most burthened.

7.

A noble heart, like the sun, sheweth its greatest countenance in its lowest estate.

Remark.

It is the custom to measure men's minds by their fortunes; to affix the greater honours on the higher prosperity: but the nobility of the soul knows no adventitious distinctions; (though it rendereth unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, it reigneth even in a prison, when the wearer of many a diadem would grovel in chains.

8.

I call the immortal Truth to witness, that no fear of torment can appal me, who knows that it is but a different manner of appareling death; and have long learned to set bodily pain but in the second form of my being.And as for shame; how can I be ashamed of that, for which my well-meaning conscience will answer for me to God?

9.

The truly great man is as apt to forgive as his power is able to revenge.

Remark.

It is difficult to sacrifice pride, as a peaceoffering on the altar of forbearance; but unless virtue do this, she fails in the sublimest part of her duty; she abrogates her own covenant of forgiveness with heaven.

10.

It is a notable example of virtue, where the conqueror seeks for friendship of the con quered.