OLD HOUSES. 407 



excessively ornate; and the occupants of such a house 

 must feel less tranquil satisfaction in it than in one of 

 equal convenience, which is furnished only with such 

 ornaments as have been denominated chaste. Chaste 

 pleasures are those which are attended by no disgust 

 and bring no repentance ; and chaste ornaments resemble 

 them in this respect, by giving permanent satisfaction, 

 and by causing no fatigue to the eye or repentance to the 

 mind. There is a stronger analogy between these two 

 things than any one who has not reflected upon the sub- 

 ject can be aware of. It is safe to assert that any par- 

 ticular style of building and grounds, which serves in the 

 highest degree to promote the happiness of the permanent 

 occupants, will confer the most enduring pleasure upon 

 the beholder. 



We frequently admire without one spark of affection, 

 and love with deep affection what we do not admire. 

 But more pleasure springs from love than from admira- 

 tion; and when people madly relinquish those humble 

 scenes and objects which they love, to obtain those which 

 shall glitter in the public eye, tickle their own vanity 

 and excite the envy of their neighbors, they commit a 

 greater error than the most bitter declaimer against pride 

 has generally imagined. I am far from believing the 

 paradox, maintained by Eousseau, that man is more 

 happy in a state of nature than in a civilized state. 

 This author, in his efforts to grasp at an important truth, 

 reached beyond it. That great truth I believe to be this : 

 that the more we extend and cultivate the moral and in- 

 tellectual advantages and refinements of civilization, while 

 we tie ourselves down to the simple habits of rustic life, 

 the greater will be the sum of our happiness. 



