MENTAL AND CORPOREAL. 293 



humour, combined with a kind heart, a gene- 

 rous disposition, and a thoughtless indifference 

 to what others consider of importance, or to that 

 which immediately regards his own personal 

 advantage. With these attributes, and a romantic 

 love of change, he pursues his occupation; and 

 in the midst of dangers, to others the rnostappal- 

 ing, he performs a most hazardous duty, unruffled 

 by the threats of the elements, or by the rocks 

 and shoals by which he is -so often SUITL a.ded. 

 In the management of his vessel, (for we speak of 

 the profession generally) what skill does he dis- 

 play, so that by the conjoint operation of the 

 rudder and sail, she can resist the undue influence 

 of the wind, and pursue her course, as near to it 

 as human art can place her! With what nicety 

 does he not make his astronomical observations 

 correspond with his calculation of distances and 

 time, so that by a knowledge of the latitudes 

 and longitudes of places, she shall reach her 

 destined port with an accuracy truly wonderful ! 

 And in the hour of battle, where do we see more 

 skill displayed in the mode of attack, or more 

 steady courage evinced, or greater exertion 

 bestowed, when directly in contact with the 

 enemy ? 



In pursuit of the learned professions, we ob- 

 serve the progress of the human intellect still 

 more exquisitely marked ; for in these, the mind 

 losing sight of ordinary considerations, acquires 

 new dignity, and an enlarged scope of action. 



