FALSE HOPES. 
9 
Thus it is : wc commit ourfelves to the guidance of fancy, 
and away it flies with us in fearch of things which have no exift- 
ence, or where the reality by no means patterns the imagi- 
nation ; and what is worfe, we hardly ever undeceive ourfelves. 
The attentive experience of a fhort life teaches us that we are 
not made for any lading joys, except fuch as arife from health 
and a good confcience. Happy are we when we learn what is 
meant by thefe, and think it delight, to be free from pain; and 
pleasure, to be contented ; and happiness, to feel the power 
and efficacy of virtue. Then it is we form true notions of 
earthly felicity ; and not in fearch of imaginary joys, defpife or 
overlook the happinefs which we are really capable of. 
We have the utmofl; reafon to think that happinefs is within 
every one’s reach ; the happinefs I mean which is intended for 
us by the wife author of nature. To acquire this we need but 
think well and ad right. The rule prefcribed is very plain and 
intelligible, but the pradice of it, indeed, requires great care 
and circumspection. If upon making the trial we ftill find 
our ftate lefs happy, than we conceive ourfelves capable of be- 
ing, let us quicken our fpeed for the glorious prize in view ; 
we know it cannot become entirely ours in the regions on this 
fide the grave. 
You fee I have begun my journal letters, with the folem- 
nity of a dedication, and the length of a preface, which toge- 
ther fometimes contain the quinteflence of a whole book. If I 
have faid any thing which has a tendency to promote the cauie 
C of 
