184 



from the misfortunes of others ; nor so intense or durable ; 

 and consequently their happiness is much inferior to that of 

 persons engaged in speculative pursuits. 



To ensure the continuance of the pleasures resulting from 

 the exercise of the intellectual or other mental faculties, the 

 concurrence of certain circumstances are nccessar}', or con- 

 tribute much. 1st. Health, Avhich indeed is the substraction 

 of any sort of happiness, and consequently moderate exei- 

 cise, as without it health cannot be long maintained. 2dly, 

 Patience, and a placid temper, which is absolutely requisite 

 in philosophic pursuits. 3dly, Society of persons engaged in 

 the same pursuits, and a correspondence with the most emi- 

 nent in our own or in foreign countries. 4thly, Ilelaxation 

 from continued attention, either by pleasing conversation on 

 other subjects or by tlieatrical amusements, or by entertain- 

 ing hooks, during the perusal of which the mind is almost 

 wholly passive, as accounts of voj-ages, travels, select no- 

 vels, &c. Lastly, a prudent stated attention to the sources of 

 competence. 



A mind thus incessantly occupied bids f;iir for the enjoy- 

 ment of as much happiness as can be found in the present 

 state of our existence. 



I should here conclude, did I not think it necessary to 

 obviate some objections to diflerent paits of the above essay. 



First, \t has been said, that the closest attention to a 

 pleasure of our own chusing, is not a proof of the intensity 



of 



