It is plain that our old philosopher in the Fable did not take the
impertinent fellow for an honest man, and he gave him to understand
that it required a good light to find out one who fully came up to
that character; and he might have added, that the world very much
abounded with ignorant and impudent ones, who, with their empty
nonsense, which they call wit, often unseasonably interrupt men of
thought and business: for to those whose minds are wholly intent upon
matters of importance, nothing is so offensive as the intrusion of a
fool. Men of eminent parts and great natural abilities, make their
appearance in the world only now and then. These qualifications are
the gift of Providence, and seem to be intended to throw fresh lights
on the understandings of mankind; but in all the gradations from these
downwards, it is in the power of every one to improve their manners,
and integrity is within the reach of those of the meanest capacity, if
they will endeavour to amend their lives, and take it for their guide.
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