LETTER?. 283 



ing fire in tlie cold evenings. College certainly has 

 charms, though I have a few things rankling at my heart 

 which will not let me be quite happy. Ora, Ora, pro me, 



This last sentence of mine is of a curious tendency, 

 to be sure ; for who is there of mortals who has not 

 something rankling at his heart, which will not let him 

 be happy. 



It is curious to observe the ditferent estimations two 

 men make of one another's happiness. Each of them 

 surveys the external appearance of the other's situation, 

 and comparing them with the secret disquieting circum- 

 stances of his own, thinks him happier ; and so it is that 

 all the world over, be we favoured as we may, there is 

 always something which others have, and w hich we our- 

 selv^es have not, necessary to the completion of our feli- 

 city. I think, therefore, upon the whole, there is no 

 such thing as positive happiness in this world; and a 

 man can only be deemed felicitous, as he is in compari- 

 son less aifected with positive evil. It is our business, 

 therefore, to support ourselves under existing ills, with 

 the anticipation of future blessings. Life, with all its 

 bitters, is a draught soon drunk ; and though we have 

 many changes to fear on this side the grave, beyond it 

 we know of none. 



Your life and mine are now marked out ; and our 

 calling is of such a nature, that it ill becomes us to be 

 too much affected with circumstances of an externa] 

 nature. It is our duty to bear our evils with dignified 

 silence. Considering our superior consolations, they are 

 small in comparison with those of others; and though 

 they may cast a sadness both over our hearts and coun- 

 tenances, which time may not easily remove, yet they 

 must not interfere with our active duties, nor affect our 

 conduct towards others, except by opening our heart 

 with warmer sympathy to their woes, their wants, and 

 miseries. 



As you have begun in your religious path, m.y beloved 

 friend, persevere. Let your love to the Crucified con- 

 tinue as pure as it was at first, while your zeal is more 

 tempered, and your piety more rational and mature. I 



