MEMOIR OF THE LATE MR. JOHN JUST, OF BURY. 



119 



the days gone past, when alone, in woods and wilds, I took 

 my solitary rambles, unnoticed by any one, and conversing 

 with God and his wonderful works, in nature alone. Such a 

 course gives an elevation to the mind and a tranquility to the 

 conscience, which not all the flattery of the great and the 

 approval of the wise in this world, can produce. Often have 

 my friends, when I lived in retirement in Kirkby Lonsdale, 

 scolded me for the apathy and indifierence which I manifested 

 towards my own welfare in the world, and my advancement 

 in society ; but, spite of all, I was then wise. The improve- 

 ment of my own heart and mind was then the sole object of 

 my ambition, and would it still were so! I would I had 

 the chance of retiring into some sequestered vale, with the 

 prospect of a pittance for life, just sufficient to keep me from 

 the meanness of poverty, without the power or the temptation 

 of becoming rich ; that every night I might lay my head 

 upon my pillow with the satisfaction of knowing that I was 

 becoming wiser and better every day." 



Again : — " We live not by time, but by thoughts ; and a 

 truth once felt, — it lives with us and becomes a part of our 

 being." 



One more extract: — " Happiness is within the reach of all. 

 Affliction may impair our relish for one kind of happiness ; 

 but if we improve it, it sharpens our relish for another kind. 

 Bad health may becloud one sense; but it throws bright- 

 ness and daylight upon others. Whatever betide, happiness 

 may be ours, if we be but resigned. Nay, give us all we 

 desire, — make our wishes start up into realities, fast as we 

 form them, — and instead of being happier, we shall be more 

 miserable. We are all placed by Providence just in that 

 situation which is, on earth, calculated to furnish us with most 

 happiness. Whether we make it so, depends upon ourselves, 

 and is one of our many responsibilities. * * Nature is 

 my garden ; and who or what man or woman, or destroying 

 spirit, can spoil it? I may have no pet place wherein to 



