the rays of a meridian sun. But let him only become acquainted 

 with the corroding cares, the oppressive listlessness, the ennui, 

 and the crowd of diseases that follow the chariot and watch 

 around the dwellings ofthe affluent: — let him be told how much 

 of anxiety and labour and sleeplessness the intellectual efforts and 

 collisions of the professional man require ; let him see in the wast- 

 ed form and languid countenance ofthe scholar, what a sacrifice 

 of health the acquisition of knowledge often demands — 



-how hard it is to climb 



The steep where Faroe's proud temple shines afar ; 



how many a soul sublime 



Has felt the influence of malignant star, 

 And wag'd with fortune, an eternal war; 



let the laboring man but partially realize these things, and he 

 will be thankful that he is neither very rich, nor very learned. 



It cannot be denied, however, that some ofthe employments 

 of men afford more numerous and certain means of happiness 

 than others. Nor will many dissent from the opinion, that in 

 this respect the pre-emineice must be awarded to agricultural 

 pursuits. If, as the poet says, 



" Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, 



" Lie in three words, health, peace, and competence ;" 



why has not the farmer the very essence of earthly happiness within 

 his reach. So directly do his labours tend to promote health, 

 that they are the resort of invalids from all other employments; 

 and often form the physician's last and best prescription. Peace 

 too, if ever she finds a resting place in this disordered world, 

 will fix her station in the retired mansion of the farmer. Nor 

 will competence follow far behind, when health and peace and 

 industry lead the way. 



In the acknowledged fact that agricnltural pursuits are more 

 favorable to human hapjiiness than any other, 1 see, if I mistake 

 not, additional indications ofthe goodness of God. For this must 

 be the employment of the great mass of mankind : And to 

 make it the easiest avenue to enjoyment, will, therefore, swell 



