MR. stone's address. 31 



with the charm of intellectual and personal accomplishments. 

 It is these last that dignify labor, and impart to domestic life a 

 true zest, and where we see them in this combination, we are 

 prompted to apply the compliment paid by Dr. Johnson to Mrs. 

 M'Kenzie : "She is the most accomplished lady I fonnd in 

 the Highlands ; she knows French, music and drawing ; sews 

 neatly ; makes shell-work ; andean, milk coivsJ^ 



There is one other topic kindred to this, which I should like 

 to treat at length, but to which my limits will permit only a 

 brief reference. I mean the more exact attention that is due to 

 the Rights of the intellectual nature^ and to the laics of physi- 

 cal existence. The careful observer will not have failed to dis- 

 cover, that even in New England, these points have not com- 

 manded the consideration they deserve. As a people, we are 

 every year more and more departing from a sound principle of 

 health and happiness, by overtaxing the physical powers, and 

 withholding what is justly due to the intellect. We push the 

 former to the extreme verge of ability, and leave the other to 

 amble on at leisure. Life is hurried and excited, and a con- 

 stant war is waged upon the restorative powers of nature. — 

 These statements may seem strange, but they are true, and 

 therefore, should be exhibited. Shakspeare makes one of his 

 characters say. 



" So miiny hours must I tend ray flock; 

 So many hows must I take my rest; 

 So many hours must I contemplate; 

 So many hours must I sport myself." 



The soundness of the principles unfolded in this quotation is 

 self-evident. In man's present staie, labor is necessary. It is 

 an axiom of inspired authority, that if any will not work, 

 neither shall they eat. Under the restraints which Christianity 

 imposes, the eating of one's bread in the sweat of his brow, is 

 a blessing. But man needs time to wind up the machinery of 

 animal life — to re-gather the dissipated energies. His higher 

 nature needs the indulgence of intellectual pursuits. Toil, rest, 

 recreation and reading or meditation, in proper combination, 

 are essential to healthy and happy living — to the perfect devel- 

 opement of the true man. 



