EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 439 
it alfo prevents their repining at what muft at all events be 
endured as the immutable law of the univerfe. 
The European attributing more power to volition, afcribes to 
his own want of judgment or energy the refult of whatever 
terminates unfavourably. Thus a part of his life is occupied by 
felf-accufation, which, however, enfures no amelioration for the 
future. 
In the Eaft, if age be refpeded, it is refpedled, in part at 
leaft, from the decorous behaviour of the aged. In Europe, if 
it be rendered ridiculous, it is fo too often, by a vain effort to 
perpetuate the charadler and manners of youth. 
The commanding influence of a fyftem fo flattering to the 
pride of its profeflbrs, and operating fo powerfully on their 
hopes and fears as Mohammedifm, aided by the dread of pre- 
fent fuffering, has fo far counteracted the ftrong impulfe of ava- 
rice, that gaming is in a great degree banifhed from fociety in 
the Eaft. All the evils and inconveniences therefore of that prac- 
tice, fo feverely felt thoughout Europe, are almoft unknown in 
the Turkifh empire. 
If activity and a careful provifion for the future, and that 
each fhould contribute his efforts to the good of the whole, be 
neceflTary to conftitute the happinefs of a people, how happens 
it that the Orientals, among whom thefe requifites are wanting, 
fhould yet be happy ? 
The 
