3$0 STUDIES OF NATURE. 



flids are produced the varieties and the contra- 

 dictions of human life. 



By means of the fentiment of our wretchednefs 

 it is, that we become alive to every thing which 

 prefents to us the idea of afylum and protection, 

 of eale and accommodation. Hence it is that 

 mod men cherifli the thought of calm retreats, of 

 abundance, and of all the bleffings which bounti- 

 ful Nature has provided, on the Earth, to fupply 

 our wants. It is this fentiment which gave to 

 Love the chains of Hymen, in order that man 

 might one day find the companion of his pains in 

 that of his pleafures ; and that children might be 

 enlured of the aiîiftance of their parents. It is 

 this which renders the warm and eafy tradefman fo 

 eager after relations of court-intrigues, of battles, 

 and defcriptions of tempefts, becaufe dangers exter- 

 nal and diftant increafe internal happinefs and fe- 

 curity. This fentiment frequently mingles with 

 the moral affections : it looks forfupport in friend- 

 fhip, and for encouragement in commendation. 

 It is this which renders us attentive to the pro- 

 mifes of the ambitious man, when we are eager to 

 follow him, like flaves, feduced by the ideas of 

 protection with which he amufes us. Thus the 

 fentiment of our wretchednefs is one of the moft 

 powerful bonds of political fociety, though it at- 

 taches us to the Earth, 



The 



