2q6 studies of nature. 



the third, by that of ether. Thefe two laft, were 

 both celebrated Phyficians (2), of the Faculty, at 

 Paris, both of high reputation for their medical 

 writings, and particularly on the fubjedt of nervous 

 afFedlions. 



I difcovered afrefh, but for this once by the ex- 

 perience of another, what an illufion I had prac- 

 lifed upon myfelf, in expedihg the cure of my 

 complaints from men ; I difcovered how vain their 

 opinions and their dodrines were, and what a lilly 

 part I had been ading through the whole courfe 

 of my life, in rendering myfelf miferable, while I 

 exerted myfelf to promote their happinefs, and in 

 maiming myfelf to procure eafe for others. 



Neverthelefs, from the multitude of the calami- 

 ties which opprefTed me, I derived a powerful mo- 

 tive to refignation. On comparing the good and 

 the ill with which our fleeting days are fo (trangely 

 variegated, 1 caught a glimpfe of a mofl: important 

 truth, not generally known : namely, that Nature 

 produces nothing which deferves to be hated , and 

 that her Author, having placed us in a career 

 which mud, of neceflity, terminate in death, has 

 furnidied us vvith as many reafons for being re- 

 conciled to the thoughts of dillolution, as for che- 



riihing the love of life. 



All 



