IQ8 FABLES. 



him for the liberty he had taken in craving his 

 assistance. 



APPLICATION. 



THIS Fable gives us a lively representation of the 

 general behaviour of mankind towards that grim 

 king of terrors, Death. Such liberties do they take 

 with him behind his back, that upon every little 

 accident which happens in their way, Death is im- 

 mediately called upon, and they even wish it might 

 be lawful for them to finish with their own hands a 

 life so odious, so perpetually tormenting, and vexa- 

 tious. When, let but Death make his appearance, 

 and the very sense of his near approach almost 

 does the business: then it is that they change their 

 minds, and would be glad to come off so well as to 

 have their old burthen laid upon their shoulders 

 again. But wise and good men know that care 

 and numberless disappointments must be their por- 

 tion in their passage through life, and know also 

 that it is their duty to endure them with patience; 

 for he is the best and happiest man who neither 

 wishes nor fears the approach of Death. 



