690 ON RURAL IMPROVEMENT, AND BOOK III. 



swer for using them in such a way as tends to the general 

 wreck of nations, the corruption of society, or the distresses of 



the poor ? How shall those excuse themselves, who in one 



night's entertainment, or gambling, have squandered as many 

 thousands as would have rendered hundreds of their fellow- 

 creatures comfortable for life ? — perhaps too the widows or 

 orphans of those very men whose united exertions constitute 

 their wealth and security are in want and misery ! If spent in 

 the country, in judicious improvements, such sums would have 

 produced an increasing ratio of advantages, which would have 

 continually accumulated, from the present time to the termi- 

 nation of our existence as a nation. Spent in this way, it is 

 a momentary flash, which dazzles only to increase the effect of 

 the succeeding obscurity. 



5. There is a laudable vanity inherent in the human mind, 

 which prompts us to many actions from the love of praise, 

 admiration, or gratitude. — These rewards all persons may 

 easily attain, from the most retired lady or gentleman, who 

 can only act as a village physician, to the wealthy peer or 

 prince, who ameliorates the condition of a whole district. The 

 pleasure and satisfaction which results from doing good to the 

 poor of the country, even in curing diseases, is so great, that 

 I would advise those who prefer a country life, and have not 

 an opportunity of engaging in extensive improvements, to pay 



