242 On the comparative Excellence 



fcience, without firft taking that enlarged and 

 general view of our nature and deftination, by 

 which we ought to afcertain, and arrange in due 

 fucceflion the proper objedls of our purfuit. For 

 want of attention to this important fubjed, learn- 

 ing and induftry have frequently been exerted on 

 unworthy objefts ; and genius and tafte trifled 

 away, without either affording advantage toman- 

 kind, or obtaining reputation to their pofleffor. 



If, from the time of our entrance on the world, 

 we were enabled fully to exercife thofe powers of 

 mind which are but gradually unfolded, this 

 would be the firft confideration which would fug- 

 geft itfelf to a rational being; and though thofe 

 powers are developed only by degrees, yet there 

 is a period in the life of every man, when colled- 

 ing together thofe ideas, which have been fuf- 

 fered to wander almoft unreftrained over the 

 fields of amufement, it behoves him to confider 

 with ferious attention that tablet, which is to 

 contain, in eternal colours, the pidture of his fu- 

 ture life ; and, like a fkilful artift, to obferve what 

 requires his firft attention, and what are only 

 fecondary objedls of his regard. 



As it is the firft aim of the painter to produce 

 on his canvas fome great and ftriking efFed ; and 

 by a proper arrangement of parts, to form a 

 beautiful, and confiftent whole j fo it is the 

 bufinefs of every man in the conduft of life, to 

 exhibit to the world a great and confiftent charac- 

 ter. 



