The world has been often, and properly enough, compared to a theatre, in
which men step forth to public view, and act their several parts. These
parts are allotted by the Governor of the Universe, who best knows the
characters to which we are suited; and it is our greatest wisdom to
acquiesce in them, and to endeavour to sustain them with propriety,
whilst we are upon the stage of this life.---Happiness is distributed
with a more impartial hand than we generally imagine. It consists not in
the possession of riches and honours, in outward shew and splendor: it
is something internal. It is seated in the mind, and if we seek it
elsewhere, we shall seek it in vain. The contented peasant in his humble
cot is happy with a sufficiency, whilst the greatest Lord in the
Universe, in the midst of all his wealth and grandeur, is often a prey
to anxiety and discontent. Does not the poor beggar, with all his
apparent want, frequently enjoy more real happiness than the rich miser
in the midst of his abundance? The latter is continually tormented with
the fear of losing his superfluous treasures: eager of adding to his
store, he even denies himself common necessaries, and leads a miserable
life; whilst the former, unmindful of future wants, is heard to sing
over his scanty meal. Contentment is a most valuable blessing. It is the
sovereign medicine of afflictions. By bearing them with patience and
resignation, we in a great measure lessen their weight, and are better
prepared to withstand any future adverse stroke of fortune. But instead
of alleviating, we only add to our troubles by repining. Often do we
wantonly contrive to be our own tormentors, by looking with an envious
ill-natured eye, upon the condition of others, or by contemplating only
the dark side of our own. Often, too often, do we reject our own
happiness, by neglecting every substantial blessing that is within our
reach; and court misery, by creating imaginary wants to ourselves, and
hunting after some fugitive enjoyment, which, like a shadow always flies
from us in proportion to the swiftness with which it is pursued.
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