Musing the other day in a pensive attitude, my head reclining on my
hand, and my elbow resting on the table--methought--Why is the mind
either incessantly haunted with gloom, or wrapt in extacy? Why is man
generally peevish, morose, sullen, fretful or passionate, and seldom
enjoying that beautiful equilibrium of temper that alone can produce
happiness to himself and others? The object of all (said I to myself) is
to acquire comfort and happiness; but how wide do they steer of the
mark, that give way to hateful passions. I recollected how trivial
faults of persons in my employ made me impatient--that I sometimes was
subject to those disagreeable emotions, and that I thereby made those
and myself unhappy: I bethought myself of recent trials, which, though
afflictive, should not have excited discontent; and I put up a fervent
petition to heaven, to assist me in a resolution I then formed of never
giving way to chagrin, but of always endeavouring to possess, at least,
a pleasing equanimity. I am no enemy to transports of joy, when not
carried to excess: I fancy, that for this end are the passions given us;
but we have perverted into a source of uneasiness what was designed to
increase our pleasure, and to make this life of probation less
burthensome.
I will, continued I, from this, endeavour to be as happy myself as
possible, and it shall be my care to cause those around me, as far as
lies in my power, to participate in my bliss. My domestics, and all
under my care, shall be but gently reproved when they err; or rather,
I will acquaint them merely with their faults, and if they are wise they
surely will improve. My children I will advise with the utmost
tenderness, and use every art to allure them into the paths of virtue;
good shall be represented to them in the most glowing and fascinating
colours, and vice shall be depicted with the most frightful, hideous and
forbidding appearance. My wife, the partner of my joys, must be the
partaker of my happiness--hand in hand shall we go on in this blissful
path--no jar shall disturb our harmony, nor shall discontent or anger
ever wrinkle our brows: then shall we fulfil the design of our Maker in
sending us into the world, and shall pass through its variegated scenes
with as much comfort and content as can possibly be enjoyed here below
by mortals.