AN OBJECT. 231 



my life down nearly to the close of 

 an epoch when, though the mind is 

 generally occupied in daily business 

 or present enjoyment, the heart is left 

 open to impressions that turn the stream 

 of thought to the anticipation of a 

 more durable and a more rational 

 felicity. 



In seeking, or perhaps in finding with- 

 out seeking, an object whose qualifica- 

 tions would lead to the realization of a 

 very pleasing vision, I was induced se- 

 riously to consider that alteration in my 

 condition for which I had manifested, 

 (chiefly from the example of my asso- 

 ciates,) a strong predisposition. This ob- 

 ject had fixed my attention for some 

 little time ; how, or in what way, or under 

 what circumstances, my heart received that 

 impression, it matters not now to relate 

 let it suffice to say that it was commenced 

 in melancholy, and so terminated ; but 



