RRCAPITULATION* 385 



immature, of the tree which I had cultivated with 

 fuch unwearied perfeverance, before it was torn up 

 by the tempeft. 



But, I bear ho malice to any one of my perfecu- 

 tors. If I am, one day, laid under the neceffity of 

 expofing to the light their fecret pradices againft 

 me, it Ihall only be in the view of juftifying my 

 own condu6l. In other refpeds, I am under obli- 

 gation to them. Their perfecution has proved the 

 caufe of my repofe. To their difdainful ambition 

 I am indebted for a liberty, which I prize far 

 above their greatnefs. To them I owe the deli- 

 cious ftudies to which I have devoted my attention. 

 Providence has not abandoned me, though they 

 have. It has raifed up friends, who have ferved 

 me, as opportunity oifered, with my Prince; and 

 others will arife to recommend me to his favour, 

 when it may be neceffary. Had 1 repofed in God 

 that confidence which I put in men, I fliould have 

 always enjoyed undidurbed tranquillity : the proofs 

 of his Providence, as affeding myfelf, in the pad", 

 ought to fet my heart at reft about futurity. But, 

 from a fault of education, the opinions of men ftill 

 exercife too much dominion over me. By their 

 fears, and not my own, is my mind didurbed. 

 Neverthelefs, I fometimes fay to myfelf, Where- 

 fore be embarraffed about what is to come ? Before 

 you came into the World, were you difquieted 



VOL. IV. c c WlLh 



