366 FABLES. 



APPLICATION. 



THERE is no such thing as absolute independ- 

 ence, in a state of society, and the defects and 

 weaknesses of individuals form the cement by 

 which it is bound together. All men have their 

 imperfections and wants, and must help each other 

 as a matter of expediency as well as virtue; for 

 Providence has so ordered things in this life, that 

 like the Blind Man and the Lame in the Fable, we 

 may be serviceable to each other in almost every 

 instance. What one man wants another supplies. 

 Without these failings there would be neither 

 friendship nor company; so that it is our interest 

 to be both charitable and sociable, when our very 

 wants and necessities are converted by Providence 

 into blessings. The whole race of mankind ought 

 indeed to be but so many members of the same 

 body; and in contributing to the ease and con- 

 venience of each other, we are not only serviceable 

 to the whole, but kind to ourselves. 



