He who depends on the assistance of others to perform what he is able
to do himself, must not be surprised to find that his business is
neglected. He may be sure that it will be best done when he puts forth
his own hands, and looks after it with his own eyes. How indeed can any
man imagine, that other people will be active in his interest, while he
himself remains indolent and unconcerned about his own affairs. Men of
such tempers and dispositions, live in a state of suspense, and subject
themselves to perpetual disappointments and losses, which their own
industry would have prevented, and have kept their minds at ease. They
do not use their reasoning powers, but sink down into a kind of stupid
abject dependence upon others, which degrades even the finest talents
with which human nature is dignified.
[Illustration] [Page 43]