The mind of man is not formed for unremitted attention, nor his body
for uninterrupted labour; and both are in this respect like a bow.
We cannot go through any business requiring intense thought, without
unbending the mind, any more than we can perform a long journey without
refreshing ourselves by due rest at the several stages of it. Continual
labour, as in the case of the bended bow, destroys the elasticity and
energy of both body and mind. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary
for the studious man to unbend, and the laborious one to take his rest,
or both lose their tone and vigour, and become dull and languid. It
is to remedy these extremes, that pastimes and diversions ought to be
kept up, provided they are innocent. The heart that never tastes of
pleasure, shuts up, grows stiff, and is at last incapable of enjoyment.
[Illustration]
[Illustration] [Page 335]