ADDRESS. 



It is an interesting evidence of Divine Beneficence, that there 

 is intermingled with the immensely varied pursuits of men, so 

 nearly an equal portion of enjoyment. So wisely adapted to our 

 circumstances are the laws of habit, that we soon become con- 

 tented, and even pleased, with a situation, which seemed at first, 

 the grave of all our comforts. But this is not all. There are 

 sources of enjoyment in every occupation that are peculiar; that 

 exist in no other. Hence it happens, as a general fact, that men 

 have no wish to change employments with their neighbors. We 

 may covet some particular possessions, or circumstances of our 

 neighbor; but when the question is, whether we will entirely 

 change situations with him, the preference we feel for our own 

 profession or art, will, in most cases, give a ready negative to the 

 enquiry. What but necessity will bring the sea tossed and hard- 

 faring sailor to settle down contentedly in the peaceful farm 

 house, with all its security, and all its plenty. On the other 

 hand, what but irregular habits, or disappointed hopes, will 

 tempt a man, who has become habituated to the pleasure of 

 cultivating his own farm, to commit himself to the mercy of the 

 waves and storms of the ocean. You may, indeed, draw the arti- 

 zan abroad for a day or two in the summer, to relieve the pres- 

 sure of the farmer. But he goes back again to his shop, gratified 

 that an easier task is his, than to toil beneath a burning sun. I 

 know that the hard laboring man not unfrequently looks with an 

 envious eye and discontented feehngs upon his rich neighbor, 

 rolling past him in his coach ; and upon the professional man, 

 who is seen fanning himself in the shade, during the sultry heat 

 of July, while he is compelled to go forth, unprotected, under 



