~ 
202 art of life. Oct. 24 
" Now, as ever since the days of the emperor Con- 
stanstine, the church has been intimately united to 
the state, and supported by its authority, it is the 
part of a prudent man to enjoy his religious thoughts 
in private, and sacrifice his cock unto Esculapi- 
us. 5 
Death may be cota pared unto a mathematical 
point, which is in itself nothing but a termination 3 
and therefore it becomes a wise and a good man, ra- 
ther to reflect in old age upon what is past, than 
what is to come, seeing that no material change 
can be wrought either upon his pep or upon 
his understanding. 
He will do well to make himself Fee to 
his relations and domestics, if he has any ; and if not 
to those who are near unto him, and minister unto 
his necefsities in the feeblenefs of his condition. 
He will do well to meditate upon the manifold 
comforts and mercies of his past life, and to solace 
himself with the company of contemplative and 
worthy persons, who may, without gloom or super- 
stition, converse with him upon the satisfaction that 
arises from the satiety of human pursuits, as rela« 
ting to the objects of sensual desire, and of the hap- 
py state that is created by intellectuak curiosity, 
and meditation ; and resignation to the ordination of 
nature to which he is soon about to be subjected in 
deéth. 
Having long accustomed himself to the habitudes 
that make old age amiable and respectable, and now’ 
finding the infirmities and weaknefs of his body to 
increase, addicting himself to frequent prayer to the, 
