280 ADVICE TO A YOUNG FARMER. 



sfituUcn and general policy invite his scrutiny ; in (he 

 selection of whose functionaries he is annually called to 

 assist; upon whose conduct he sits in judgment. In the 

 exercise of so important a duty, what speed can he 

 make, without tlie aid of that cool monitor, a well in- 

 structed understanding-? 



To form the character of the mere elector, he should 

 study his national and state constitution with its ablest 

 commentators. He should examine the hislcry of na- 

 tions, their rise, their progress, their, decay, and final 

 extinction, lie should understand the resources, the 

 geography, and the religious and moral habits ot his own 

 country. He should iiivestigate the spirit of her laws, 

 and search out her commercial relations. Until he does 

 so, he cannot appieciaie the conduct of his rulers. Dit- 

 ficuliies, (disasters, and itieviiaLle misfortunes are con- 

 iounded with faults and crimes ; or even the most up- 

 right, beneficial and prosperous efforts are metamor- 

 phosed into siate viilany, by those who are interested to 

 hoodwink the master in his search to determine the 

 merit of the servant. His ignorance and credulity are 

 thus made the mere sport of the artful and desigtiing 

 knave, whom he gratifies periraps at the expense of an 

 able fathful delegate. ,.^a^ 



Again — By a judicious course of reading and reflec- 

 tion he disperses the darkness and terror which v\i.l 

 ever attend superstition and ignorance. He forms a 

 ^^^m re correct esiimate of the duties, fiowing from the 

 relaiion to his lamiiy, to society, and to his God ! — Be- 

 comes bett(;r contented with the world, smf oths the as- 

 perities and removes the peevishness and pueriiities of 

 age. He of all others is best qualified to attain and en- 

 joy that enviable state of human happiness, so elegant- 

 ly described by the Poet of the Seasons : 



Rural quiet, friendship, books, 



Ease, and alternate labor, useful life, 



Progressive virtue, and appioving heaven. 



