148 



how many tears have flowed over the tenderness and magna- 

 nimity of Andromache and Hector. How many have wept 

 for the glory of a fate Hke his, and lived to deserve it. 



A sense of piety is early implanted by the example of re- 

 ligious parents. But it has not struck its roots deeply and 

 immoveably in the mind, until we have experienced our con- 

 tinual dependance on the Author of our being for its mo- 

 mentary preservation — until perilous escapes assure us of his 

 providential protection, — untildespairingof our usual. supply, 

 we unexpectedly receive our daily bread ; and, though by 

 natural means, acknowledge that we owe it, nevertheless, to 

 his bounty, — until we are sensible that all the inhabitants of 

 the earth are equally his pensioners, — 'until we regard with 

 grateful wonder, the goodness that inspired, and the wisdom 

 that contrived the marvellous, yet natural arrangements, by 

 which he feeds us. Then, and not until then, when these 

 views and feelings are interwoven in our minds by the unre- 

 mitting and invincible force of habit, we may be satisfied 

 that we have laid the true foundations of our happiness. 



But speculation is not sufficient to erectlhe edifice. Temp- 

 tations solicit and must be subdued, disappointments harass 

 and must be disregarded, afflictions overtake and must be 

 endured. But these habits are not often acquired in the 

 outset of life. We must long be familiar with temptation, 

 disappointment and affliction, before we attain the habitual 

 power of rising superior to them. It would be curious to 



