Afterthiscourseofstudy，youmaythentakeupandperusesentencebysentencethecommunionservice，thebestofallcommentsontheScripturesappertainingtothismystery。Andthisisthepreparationwhichwillprove，withGod’sgrace，thesurestpreventiveof，orantidoteagainst，thefreezingpoison，thelethargisinghemlock，ofthedoctrineoftheSacramentaries，accordingtowhomtheEucharistisamerepracticalmetaphor，inwhichthingsareemployedinsteadofarticulatedsoundsfortheexclusivepurposeofrecallingtoourmindsthehistoricalfactofourLord’scrucifixion；inshort——（theprofanenessiswiththem，notwithme）——justthesameaswhenProtestantsdrinkaglassofwinetothegloriousmemoryofWilliamIII。！Trueitisthattheremembranceisoneendofthesacrament；
butitis，DOTHISINREMEMBRANCEOFME，——ofallthatChristwasandis，hathdoneandisstilldoingforfallenmankind，and，ofcourse，ofhiscrucifixioninclusively，butnotofhiscrucifixionalone。14
December，1827。
COMPANIONTOTHEALTAR。
First，then，thatwemaycometothisheavenlyfeastholy，andadornedwiththeweddinggarment，Matt。xxii。ii，wemustsearchourhearts，andexamineourconsciences，notonlytillweseeoursins，butuntilwehatethem。
Butwhatifaman，seeinghissin，earnestlydesiretohateit？
Shallhenotatthealtarofferupatoncehisdesire，andtheyetlingeringsin，andseekforstrength？Isnotthissacramentmedicineaswellasfood？Isitanendonly，andnotlikewisethemeans？Isitmerelythetriumphalfeast；orisitnotevenmoretrulyablessedrefreshmentforandduringtheconflict？
Thisconfessionofsinsmustnotbeingeneraltermsonly，thatwearesinnerswiththerestofmankind，butitmustbeaspecialdeclarationtoGodofallourmostheinoussinsinthought，word，anddeed。
Lutherwasofadifferentjudgment。Hewouldhaveusfeelandgroanunderoursinfulnessandutterincapabilityofredeemingourselvesfromthebondage，ratherthanhazardthepollutionofourimaginationsbyarecapitulationandrenewingofsinsandtheirimagesindetail。Donot，hesays，standpickingtheflawsoutonebyone，butplungeintotheriveranddrownthem！——IventuretobeofLuther’sdoctrine。
COMMUNIONSERVICE。
InthefirstExhortation，beforethewords\"meritoriousCrossandPassion，\"Ishouldproposetoinsert\"hisassumptionofhumanity，hisincarnation，and。\"Likewise，alittlelowerdown，aftertheword\"sustenance，\"Iwouldinsert\"as。\"Fornotinthatsacramentexclusively，butinalltheactsofassimilativefaith，ofwhichtheEucharistisasolemn，eminent，andrepresentativeinstance，aninstanceandthesymbol，Christisourspiritualfoodandsustenance。
MARRIAGESERVICE。
Marriage，simplyasmarriage，isnotthemeans\"fortheprocreationofchildren，\"butforthehumanisationoftheoffspringprocreated。
Therefore，intheDeclarationatthebeginning，afterthewords\"procreationofchildren，\"Iwouldinsert，\"andasthemeansofsecuringtothechildrenprocreatedenduringcare，andthattheymaybe，\"&c。
COMMUNIONOFTHESICK。
Thirdrubricattheend。
Butifaman，eitherbyreasonofextremityofsickness，&c。
Ithinkthisrubric，inwhatIconceivetobeitstruemeaning，apreciousdoctrine，asfullyacquittingourChurchofallRomishsuperstition，respectingthenatureoftheEucharist，inrelationtothewholeschemeofman’sredemption。Butthelatterpartofit——\"hedotheatanddrinktheBodyandBloodofourSaviourChristprofitablytohissoul’shealth，althoughhedonotreceivethesacramentwithhismouth\"——seemstomeveryincautiouslyexpressed，andscarcelytobereconciledwiththeChurch’sowndefinitionofasacramentingeneral。Forinsuchacase，whereis\"theoutwardandvisiblesignoftheinwardandspiritualgracegiven？\"
XI。SUNDAYAFTERTRINITY。
Epistle。——lCor。xv。1。
Brethren，IdeclareuntoyoutheGospelwhichIpreacheduntoyou。
Whyshouldtheobsolete，thoughfaithful，Saxontranslationof[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced]beretained？Whynot\"goodtidings？\"Whythuschangeamostappropriateandintelligibledesignationofthematterintoamereconventionalnameofaparticularbook？
Ib-
howthatChristdiedforoursins。
Butthemeaningof[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced]is，thatChristdiedthroughthesins，andforthesinners。Hediedthroughoursins，andwelivethroughhisrighteousness。
Gospel——Lukexviii。14。
Thismanwentdowntohishousejustifiedratherthantheother。
Notsimplyjustified，observe；butjustifiedratherthantheother，[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced]，——thatis，lessremotefromsalvation。
XXV。SUNDAYAFTERTRINITY。
Collect-
thatthey，plenteouslybringingforththefruitofgoodworks，mayoftheebeplenteouslyrewarded。
Rather——\"thatwiththatenlargedcapacity，whichwithouttheewecannotacquire，theremaylikewisebeanincreaseofthegift，whichfromtheealonewecanwhollyreceive。\"
Ps。VIII。
V。2。Outofthemouthofverybabesandsucklingshastthouordainedstrength，becauseofthineenemies；thatthoumighteststilltheenemyandtheavenger。
Tothedispensationsofthetwilightdawn，tothefirstmessengersoftheredeemingword，theyetlispingutterersoflightandlife，astrengthandpowerweregivenBECAUSEOFTHEENEMIES，greaterandofmoreimmediateinfluence，thantotheseersandproclaimersofaclearerday：evenasthefirstreappearingcrescentoftheeclipsedmoonshinesformenwithakeenerbrilliancethanthefollowinglargersegments，previouslytoitstotalemersion。
Ib。v。5。
Thoumadesthimlowerthantheangels，tocrownhimwithgloryandworship。
Power+idea=angel。
Idea——power=man，orPrometheus。
Ps。LXVIII。
V。34。AscribeyethepowertoGodoverIsrael：hisworshipandstrengthisintheclouds。
The\"clouds，\"inthesymbolicallanguageoftheScriptures，meantheeventsandcourseofthings，seeminglyeffectsofhumanwillorchance，butoverruledbyProvidence。
Ps。LXXII。
ThispsalmadmitsnootherinterpretationbutofChrist，astheJehovahincarnate。InanyothersenseitwouldbeaspecimenofmorethanPersianorMoghulhyperbole，andbombast，ofwhichthereisnootherinstanceinScripture，andwhichnoChristianwoulddaretoattributetoaninspiredwriter。Weknow，too，thattheelderJewishChurchrankeditamongtheMessianicPsalms。——N。B。ThewordinSt。
JohnandtheNameoftheMostHighinthePsalmsareequivalentterms。
V。1。Givethekingthyjudgments，OGod；andthyrighteousnessuntotheking’sson。
GodofGod，LightofLight，veryGodofveryGod，theonlybegotten，theSonofGodandGod，KingofKings，andtheSonoftheKingofKings！
Ps。LXXIV。
V。2。Othinkuponthycongregation，whomthouhastpurchasedandredeemedofold。
TheLambsacrificedfromthebeginningoftheworld，theGod-Man，theJudge，theself-promisedRedeemertoAdaminthegarden！
V。15。ThousmotesttheheadsoftheLeviathaninpieces；andgavesthimtobemeatforthepeopleinthewilderness。
Doesthisalludetoanyrealtradition？ThePsalmsappearstohavebeencomposedshortlybeforethecaptivityofJudah。
Ps。LXXXII。vv。6-7。
ThereferencewhichourLordmadetothesemysteriousversesgivesthemanespecialinterest。Thefirstapostasy，thefalloftheangels，is，perhaps，intimated。
Ps。LXXXVII。
IwouldfainunderstandthisPsalm；butfirstImustcollateitwordbywordwiththeoriginalHebrew。ItseemsclearlyMessianic。
Ps。LXXXVIII。
Vv。10-12。Dostthoushowwondersamongthedead，orshallthedeadriseupagainandpraisethee？&c。
CompareEzekielxxxvii。
Ps。CIV。
IthinktheBibleversionmightwithadvantagebesubstitutedforthis，whichinsomepartsisscarcelyintelligible。
V。6。——thewatersstandinthehills。
No；STOODABOVETHEMOUNTAINS。ThereferenceistotheDeluge。
Ps。CV。
V。3。——LETTHEHEARTOFTHEMREJOICETHATSEEKTHELORD。
IfeventoseektheLordbejoy，whatwillitbetofindhim？Seekme，OLord，thatImaybefoundbythee！
Ps。CX。
V。2。——TheLORDSHALLSENDTHERODOFTHYPOWEROUTOFSION；（saying）
RULE，&c。
V。3。Understand——\"Thypeopleshallofferthemselveswillinglyinthedayofconflictinholyclothing，intheirbestarray，intheirbestarmsandaccoutrements。Asthedewfromthewombofthemorning，innumberandbrightnesslikedew-drops，soshallbethyyouth，ortheyouthofthee，theyoungvolunteerwarriors。\"
V。5。\"Heshallshake，\"concuss，concutietregesdieiraesuae。
V。6。For\"smiteinsunder，orwoundtheheads；\"somewordansweringtotheLatinconquassare。
V。7。For\"therefore，\"translate\"thenshallheliftuphisheadagain；\"thatis，asamanlanguidandsinkingfromthirstandfatigueafterrefreshment。
N。B。——Iseenopoeticdiscrepancybetweenvv。1and5。
Ps。CXVIII。
TobeinterpretedofChrist’sChurch。
Ps。CXXVI。
V。5。Astheriversinthesouth。
Doesthisalludetotheperiodicalrains？
Asatransparencyonsomenightofpublicrejoicing，seenbycommonday，withthelampsfromwithinremoved——evensuchwouldthePsalmsbetomeuninterpretedbytheGospel。OhonouredMr。Hurwitz！CouldIbutmakeyoufeelwhatgrandeur，whatmagnificence，whataneverlastingsignificanceandimportChristianitygivestoeveryfactofyournationalhistory——toeverypageofyoursacredrecords！
ARTICLESOFRELIGION。
XX。ItismournfultothinkhowmanyrecentwritershavecriminatedourChurchinconsequenceoftheirignoranceandinadvertenceinnotknowing，ornotnoticing，thecontradistinctionheremeantbetweenpowerandauthority。RitesandceremoniestheChurchmayordainjureproprio：onmattersoffaithherjudgmentistobereceivedwithreverence，andnotgainsayedbutafterrepeatedinquiries，andonweightygrounds。
XXXVII。ItislawfulforChristianmen，atthecommandmentofthemagistrate，towearweapons，andtoserveinwars。
Thisisaverygoodinstanceofanunseemlymatterneatlywrappedup。
Thegoodmenrecoiledfromtheplainwords——\"ItislawfulforChristianmenattheCommandofakingtoslaughterasmanyChristiansastheycan！\"
Well！Icouldmostsincerelysubscribetoallthesearticles。
September，1831。
ANIGHTLYPRAYER。1831。
AlmightyGod，bythyeternalWordmyCreatorRedeemerandPreserver！
whohastinthyfreecommunicativegoodnessglorifiedmewiththecapabilityofknowingthee，theoneonlyabsoluteGood，theeternalI
Am，astheauthorofmybeing，andofdesiringandseekingtheeasitsultimateend；——who，whenIfellfromtheeintothemysteryofthefalseandevilwill，didstnotabandonme，poorself-lostcreature，butinthycondescendingmercydidstprovideanaccessandareturntothyself，eventotheetheHolyOne，inthineonlybegottenSon，thewayandthetruthfromeverlasting，andwhotookonhimselfhumanity，yea，becameflesh，eventhemanChristJesus，thatformanhemightbethelifeandtheresurrection！——OGiverofallgoodgifts，whoartthyselftheoneonlyabsoluteGood，fromwhomIhavereceivedwhatevergoodIhave，whatevercapabilityofgoodthereisinme，andfromtheegoodalone，——frommyselfandmyowncorruptedwillallevilandtheconsequentsofevil，——withinwardprostrationofwill，mind，andaffectionsIadorethyinfinitemajesty；Iaspiretolovethytranscendentgoodness！——Inadeepsenseofmyunworthiness，andmyunfitnesstopresentmyselfbeforethee，ofeyestoopuretobeholdiniquity，andwhoselight，thebeautitudeofspiritsconformedtothywill，isaconsumingfiretoallvanityandcorruption；——butinthenameoftheLordJesus，ofthedearSonofthylove，inwhoseperfectobediencethoudeignesttobeholdasmanyashavereceivedtheseedofChristintothebodyofthisdeath；——I
offerthis，myboundennightlysacrificeofpraiseandthanksgiving，inhumbletrustthatthefragranceofmySaviour’srighteousnessmayremovefromitthetaintofmymortalcorruption。Thymercieshavefollowedmethroughallthehoursandmomentsofmylife；andnowI
liftupmyheartinaweandthankfulnessforthepreservationofmylifethroughthepastday，forthealleviationofmybodilysufferingsandlanguors，forthemanifoldcomfortswhichthouhastreservedforme，yea，inthyfatherlycompassionhastrescuedfromthewreckofmyownsinsorsinfulinfirmities；——forthekindandaffectionatefriendsthouhastraisedupforme，especiallyforthoseofthishousehold，forthemotherandmistressofthisfamily，whoselovetomehathbeengreatandfaithful，andforthedearfriend，thesupporterandsharerofmystudiesandresearches；but，aboveall，fortheheavenlyFriend，thecrucifiedSaviour，theglorifiedMediator，ChristJesus，andfortheheavenlyComforter，sourceofallabidingcomforts，thyHolySpirit！OgrantmetheaidofthySpirit，thatImaywithadeeperfaith，amoreenkindledlove，blessthee，whothroughthySonhastprivilegedmetocalltheeAbba，Father！O，thou，whohastrevealedthyselfinthyholywordasaGodthathearestprayer；beforewhoseinfinitudealldifferencesceaseofgreatandsmall；wholikeatenderparentforeknowestallourwants，yetlistenestwell-pleasedtothehumblepetitionsofthychildren；
whohastnotalonepermitted，buttaughtus；tocallontheeinallourneeds，——earnestlyIimplorethecontinuanceofthyfreemercy，ofthyprotectingprovidence，throughthecomingnight。Thouhearesteveryprayerofferedtotheebelievinglywithapenitentandsincereheart。Forthouinwithholdinggrantest，healestininflictingthewound，yea，turnestalltogoodforasmanyastrulyseektheethroughChrist，theMediator！Thywillbedone！Butifitbeaccordingtothywiseandrighteousordinances，Oshieldmethisnightfromtheassaultsofdisease，grantmerefreshmentofsleepunvexedbyevilanddistempereddreams；andifthepurposeandaspirationofmyheartbeuprightbeforethee，whoaloneknowesttheheartofman，Ointhymercyvouchsafemeyetinthismydecayoflifeanintervalofeaseandstrength；ifso（thygracedisposingandassisting）ImaymakecompensationtothyChurchfortheunusedtalentsthouhastentrustedtome，fortheneglectedopportunitieswhichthyloving-kindnesshadprovided。Oletmebefoundalabourerinthevineyard，thoughofthelatehour，whentheLordandHeirofthevintage，ChristJesus，callethforhisservant。
OurFather，&c。
Tothee，greatomnipresentSpirit，whosemercyisoverallthyworks，whonowbeholdestme，whohearestme，whohastframedmyhearttoseekandtotrustinthee，inthenameofmyLordandSaviourChristJesus，Ihumblycommitandcommendmybody，soul，andspirit。
Glorybetothee，OGod！
ASAILOR’SFORTUNE。
ESSAYI。
FortunaplerumqueestvelutiGalaxiaquarundamobscurarumVirtutumsinenomine。
BACON。
（Translation）——Fortuneisforthemostpartbutagalaxyormilkyway，asitwere，ofcertainobscurevirtueswithoutaname。
\"DoesFortunefavourfools？Orhowdoyouexplaintheoriginoftheproverb，which，differentlyworded，istobefoundinallthelanguagesofEurope？\"
Thisproverbadmitsofvariousexplanations，accordingtothemoodofmindinwhichitisused。Itmayarisefrompity，andthesoothingpersuasionthatProvidenceiseminentlywatchfuloverthehelpless，andextendsanespecialcaretothosewhoarenotcapableofcaringforthemselves。Soused，itbreathesthesamefeelingas\"Godtempersthewindtotheshornlamb\"——orthemoresportiveadage，that\"thefairiestakecareofchildrenandtipsyfolk。\"Thepersuasionitself，inadditiontothegeneralreligiousfeelingofmankind，andthescarcelylessgeneralloveofthemarvellous，maybeaccountedforfromourtendencytoexaggeratealleffectsthatseemdisproportionatetotheirvisiblecause，andallcircumstancesthatareinanywaystronglycontrastedwithournotionsofthepersonsunderthem。Secondly，itarisesfromthesafetyandsuccesswhichanignoranceofdangeranddifficultysometimesactuallyassistsinprocuring；inasmuchasitprecludesthedespondence，whichmighthavekeptthemoreforesightedfromundertakingtheenterprise，thedepressionwhichwouldretarditsprogress，andthoseoverwhelminginfluencesofterrorincaseswherethevividperceptionofthedangerconstitutesthegreaterpartofthedangeritself。Thusmenaresaidtohaveswoonedandevendiedatthesightofanarrowbridge，overwhichtheyhadridden，thenightbefore，inperfectsafety；orattracingthefootmarksalongtheedgeofaprecipicewhichthedarknesshadconcealedfromthem。Amoreobscurecause，yetnotwhollytobeomitted，isaffordedbytheundoubtedfactthattheexertionofthereasoningfacultiestendstoextinguishorbedimthosemysteriousinstinctsofskill，which，thoughforthemostpartlatent，weneverthelesspossessincommonwithotheranimals。
Ortheproverbmaybeusedinvidiously；andfollyinthevocabularyofenvyorbasenessmaysignifycourageandmagnanimity。Hardihoodandfool-hardinessareindeedasdifferentasgreenandyellow，yetwillappearthesametothejaundicedeye。Couragemultipliesthechancesofsuccessbysometimesmakingopportunities，andalwaysavailingitselfofthem：andinthissenseFortunemaybesaidtofavourfoolsbythosewho，howeverprudentintheirownopinion，aredeficientinvalourandenterprise。Again：anemientlygoodandwiseman，forwhomthepraisesofthejudicioushaveprocuredahighreputationevenwiththeworldatlarge，proposestohimselfcertainobjects，andadaptingtherightmeanstotherightendattainsthem；
buthisobjectsnotbeingwhattheworldcallsfortune，neithermoneynorartificialrank，hisadmittedinferiorsinmoralandintellectualworth，butmoreprosperousintheirworldlyconcerns，aresaidtohavebeenfavouredbyFortuneandbeslighted；althoughthefoolsdidthesameintheirlineasthewisemaninhis；theyadaptedtheappropriatemeanstothedesiredend，andsosucceeded。Inthissensetheproverbiscurrentbyamisuse，oracatachresisatleast，ofboththewords，fortuneandfools。
Howseldom，friend，agoodgreatmaninheritsHonourorwealthwithallhisworthandpains！
Itsoundslikestoriesfromthelandofspirits，Ifanymanobtainthatwhichhemerits，Oranymeritthatwhichheobtains。
REPLY。
Forshame！dearfriend，renouncethiscantingstrain；
Whatwould’stthouhaveagoodgreatmanobtain？
Place？titles？salary？agildedchain？
Orthroneofcorseswhichhisswordhathslain？
Greatnessandgoodnessarenotmeans，butends！
Hathhenotalwaystreasures，alwaysfriends，Thegoodgreatman？Threetreasures，love，andlight，Andcalmthoughtsregularasinfant’sbreath：
Andthreefirmfriends，moresurethandayandnight，Himself，hisMaker，andtheangelDeath。
S。T。C。
But，lastly，thereis，doubtless，atruemeaningattachedtofortune，distinctbothfromprudenceandfromcourage；anddistincttoofromthatabsenceofdepressingorbewilderingpassions，which（accordingtomyfavouriteproverb，\"extremesmeet，\"）thefoolnotseldomobtainsinasgreatperfectionbyhisignoranceasthewisemanbythehighestenergiesofthoughtandself-discipline。Luckhasarealexistenceinhumanaffairs，fromtheinfinitenumberofpowersthatareinactionatthesametime，andfromtheco-existenceofthingscontingentandaccidental（suchastoUSatleastareaccidental）
withtheregularappearancesandgenerallawsofnature。Afamiliarinstancewillmakethesewordsintelligible。Themoonwaxesandwanesaccordingtoanecessarylaw。Thecloudslikewise，andallthemanifoldappearancesconnectedwiththem，aregovernedbycertainlawsnolessthanthephasesofthemoon。Butthelawswhichdeterminethelatterareknownandcalculable，whilethoseoftheformerarehiddenfromus。Atallevents，thenumberandvarietyoftheireffectsbaffleourpowersofcalculation；andthattheskyisclearorobscuredatanyparticulartime，wespeakof，incommonlanguage，asamatterofaccident。Well！atthetimeofthefullmoon，butwhentheskyiscompletelycoveredwithblackclouds，Iamwalkingoninthedark，awareofnoparticulardanger：asuddengustofwindrendsthecloudforamoment，andthemoonemergingdisclosestomeachasmorprecipice，totheverybrinkofwhichIhadadvancedmyfoot。Thisiswhatismeantbyluck，andaccordingtothemoreorlessseriousmoodorhabitofourmindweexclaim，howlucky！or，howprovidential！Theco-presenceofnumberlessphaenomena，whichfromthecomplexityorsubtletyoftheirdeterminingcausesarecalledcontingencies，andtheco-existenceofthesewithanyregularornecessaryphaenomenon（asthecloudswiththemoonforinstance），occasioncoincidences，which，whentheyareattendedbyanyadvantageorinjury，andareatthesametimeincapableofbeingcalculatedorforeseenbyhumanprudence，formgoodorillluck。Onahotsunshinyafternooncameonasuddenstormandspoiltthefarmer’shay；andthisiscalledillluck。Wewillsupposethesameeventtotakeplace，whenmeteorologyshallhavebeenperfectedintoascience，providedwithunerringinstruments；butwhichthefarmerhadneglectedtoexamine。Thisisnolongerillluck，butimprudence。
Nowapplythistoourproverb。Unforeseencoincidencesmayhavegreatlyhelpedaman，yetiftheyhavedoneforhimonlywhatpossiblyfromhisownabilitieshemighthaveeffectedforhimself，hisgoodluckwillexcitelessattentionandtheinstancesbelessremembered。Thatclevermenshouldattaintheirobjectsseemsnatural，andweneglectthecircumstancesthatperhapsproducedthatsuccessofthemselveswithouttheinterventionofskillorforesight；
butwedwellonthefactandrememberit，assomethingstrange，whenthesamehappenstoaweakorignorantman。So，too，thoughthelattershouldfailinhisundertakingsfromconcurrencesthatmighthavehappenedtothewisestman，yethisfailurebeingnomorethanmighthavebeenexpectedandaccountedforfromhisfolly，itlaysnoholdonourattention，butfleetsawayamongtheotherundistinguishedwaves，inwhichthestreamofordinarylifemurmursbyus，andisforgotten。Haditbeenastrueasitwasnotoriouslyfalse，thatthoseall-embracingdiscoveries，whichhaveshedadawnofscienceontheartofchemistry，andgivenoobscurepromiseofsomeonegreatconstitutivelaw，inthelightofwhichdwelldominionandthepowerofprophecy；ifthesediscoveries，insteadofhavingbeenastheyreallywere，preconcertedbymeditation，andevolvedoutofhisownintellect，hadoccurredbyasetofluckyaccidentstotheillustriousfatherandfounderofphilosophicalchemy；iftheypresentedthemselvestoSirHumphryDavyexclusivelyinconsequenceofhisluckinpossessingaparticulargalvanicbattery；ifthisbattery，asfarasDavywasconcerned，haditselfbeenanaccident，andnot（asinpointoffactitwas）desiredandobtainedbyhimforthepurposeofinsuringthetestimonyofexperiencetohisprinciples，andinordertobinddownmaterialnatureundertheinquisitionofreason，andforcefromher，asbytorture，unequivocalanswerstopreparedandpreconceivedquestions——yetstilltheywouldnothavebeentalkedofordescribed，asinstancesofLUCK，butasthenaturalresultsofhisadmittedgeniusandknownskill。ButshouldanaccidenthavedisclosedsimilardiscoveriestoamechanicatBirminghamorSheffield，andifthemanshouldgrowrichinconsequence，andpartlybytheenvyofhisneighbours，andpartlywithgoodreason，beconsideredbythemasamanbelowparinthegeneralpowersofhisunderstanding；then，\"Oh，whataluckyfellow！
Well，Fortunedoesfavourfools——that’scertain！Itisalwaysso！\"——
andforthwiththeexclaimerrelateshalfadozensimilarinstances。
Thusaccumulatingtheonesortoffactsandnevercollectingtheother，wedo，aspoetsintheirdiction，andquacksofalldenominationsdointheirreasoning，putapartforthewhole，andatoncesootheourenvyandgratifyourloveofthemarvellous，bythesweepingproverb，\"Fortunefavoursfools。\"
ESSAYII。
Quodmenonmovetaestimatione：
Verumest[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced]meisodalis。
CATULL。xii。
（Translation。）——Itinterestsnotbyanyconceitofitsvalue；butitisaremembranceofmyhonouredfriend。
Thephilosophicruler，whosecuredthefavoursoffortunebyseekingwisdomandknowledgeinpreferencetothem，haspatheticallyobserved——\"Theheartknowethitsownbitterness；andthereisajoyinwhichthestrangerintermeddlethnot。\"Asimplequestionfoundedonatriteproverb，withadiscursiveanswertoit，wouldscarcelysuggesttoanindifferentpersonanyothernotionthanthatofamindatease，amusingitselfwithitsownactivity。Oncebefore（I
believeaboutthistimelastyear），Ihadtakenuptheoldmemorandumbook，fromwhichItranscribedtheprecedingessay，andtheyhadthenattractedmynoticebythenameoftheillustriouschemistmentionedinthelastillustration。Exasperatedbythebaseandcowardlyattemptthathadbeenmadetodetractfromthehonoursduetohisastonishinggenius，Ihadslightlyalteredtheconcludingsentences，substitutingthemorerecentforhisearlierdiscoveries；andwithoutthemostdistantintentionofpublishingwhatIthenwrote，Ihadexpressedmyownconvictionsforthegratificationofmyownfeelings，andfinishedbytranquillyparaphrasingintoachemicalallegorytheHomericadventureofMenelauswithProteus。Oh！withwhatdifferentfeelings，withwhatasharpandsuddenemotiondidI
re-perusethesamequestionyester-morning，havingbyaccidentopenedthebookatthepageuponwhichitwaswritten。Iwasmoved；foritwasAdmiralSirAlexanderBallwhofirstproposedthequestiontome，andtheparticularsatisfactionwhichheexpressedhadoccasionedmetonotedownthesubstanceofmyreply。Iwasmoved；becausetothisconversationIwasindebtedforthefriendshipandconfidencewithwhichheafterwardshonouredme，andbecauseitrecalledthememoryofoneofthemostdelightfulmorningsIeverpassed；when，aswewereridingtogether，thesamepersonrelatedtometheprincipaleventsofhisownlife，andintroducedthembyadvertingtothisconversation。Itrecalledtoothedeepimpressionleftonmymindbythatnarrative——theimpressionthatIhadneverknownanyanalogousinstance，inwhichamansosuccessfulhadbeensolittleindebtedtofortune，orluckyaccidents，orsoexclusivelyboththearchitectandbuilderofhisownsuccess。Thesumofhishistorymaybecomprisedinthisonesentence——Haec，sabnumine，nobismetfecimas，sapientiaduce，fortunepermittente。（i。e。ThesethingsunderGod，wehavedoneforourselves，throughtheguidanceofwisdom，andwiththepermissionoffortune。）Luckgavehimnothing：inhermostgenerousmoods，sheonlyworkedwithhimaswithafriend，notforhimasforafondling；butmoreoftenshesimplystoodneuter，andsufferedhimtoworkforhimself。Ah！howcouldIbeotherwisethanaffectedbywhateverremindedmeofthatdailyandfamiliarintercoursewithhim，whichmadethefifteenmonthsfromMay，1804，toOctober，1805，inmanyrespectsthemostmemorableandinstructiveperiodofmylife？
Ah！howcouldIbeotherwisethanmostdeeplyaffected，whentherewasstilllyingonmytablethepaperwhichthedaybeforehadconveyedtometheunexpectedandmostawfultidingsofthisman’sdeath？hisdeathinthefulnessofallhispowers，intherichautumnofripeyetundecayingmanhood！Ionceknewaladywho，afterthelossofalovelychild，continuedforseveraldaysinastateofseemingindifference，theweatheratthesametime，asifinunisonwithher，beingcalm，thoughgloomy；tillonemorningaburstofsunshinebreakinginuponher，andsuddenlylightinguptheroomwhereshewassitting，shedissolvedatonceintotears，andweptpassionately。Innoverydissimilarmannerdidthesuddengleamofrecollectionatthesightofthismemorandumactonmyself。Ihadbeenstunnedbytheintelligence，asbyanoutwardblow，tillthistriflingincidentstartledanddisentrancedme；thesuddenpangshiveredthroughmywholeframe；andifIrepressedtheoutwardshowsofsorrow，itwasbyforcethatIrepressedthem，andbecauseitisnotbytearsthatIoughttomournforthelossofSirAlexanderBall。
Hewasamanabovehisage；butforthatveryreasontheagehasthemoreneedtohavethemaster-featuresofhischaracterportrayedandpreserved。ThisIfeelitmydutytoattempt，andthisalone；forhavingreceivedneitherinstructionsnorpermissionfromthefamilyofthedeceased，Icannotthinkmyselfallowedtoenterintotheparticularsofhisprivatehistory，strikinglyasmanyofthemwouldillustratetheelementsandcompositionofhismind。ForhewasindeedalivingconfutationoftheassertionattributedtothePrinceofConde，thatnomanappearedgreattohisvaletdechambre——asayingwhich，Isuspect，owesitscurrencylesstoitstruththantotheenvyofmankind，andthemisapplicationofthewordgreat，toactionsunconnectedwithreasonandfreewill。Itwillbesufficientformypurposetoobservethatthepurityandstrictproprietyofhisconduct，whichprecludedratherthansilencedcalumny，theevennessofhistemper，andhisattentiveandaffectionatemannersinprivatelife，greatlyaidedandincreasedhispublicutility；and，ifitshouldpleaseProvidencethataportionofhisspiritshoulddescendwithhismantle，thevirtuesofSirAlexanderBall，asamaster，ahusband，andaparent，willformanolessremarkableepochinthemoralhistoryoftheMaltesethanhiswisdom，asagovernor，hasmadeinthatoftheiroutwardcircumstances。ThattheprivateandpersonalqualitiesofafirstmagistrateshouldhavepoliticaleffectswillappearstrangetonoreflectingEnglishman，whohasattendedtotheworkingsofmen’smindsduringthefirstfermentofrevolutionaryprinciples，andmustthereforehavewitnessedtheinfluenceofourownsovereign’sdomesticcharacterincounteractingthem。ButinMaltatherewerecircumstanceswhichrenderedsuchanexamplepeculiarlyrequisiteandbeneficent。Theveryexistenceforsomanygenerationsofanorderoflaycelibatesinthatisland，whoabandonedeventheoutwardshowsofanadherencetotheirvowofchastity，musthavehadperniciouseffectsonthemoralsoftheinhabitants。ButwhenitisconsideredtoothattheKnightsofMaltahadbeenforthelastfiftyyearsormoreasetofuselessidlers，generallyilliterate，fortheythoughtliteraturenopartofasoldier’sexcellence；andyeteffeminate，fortheyweresoldiersinnameonly；whenitisconsideredthattheywere，moreover，allofthemaliens，wholookeduponthemselvesnotmerelyasofasuperiorranktothenativenobles，butasbeingsofadifferentrace（Ihadalmostsaidspecies）fromtheMaltesecollectively；andfinally，thatthesemenpossessedexclusivelythegovernmentoftheisland；itmaybesafelyconcludedthattheywerelittlebetterthanaperpetualinfluenza，relaxinganddiseasingtheheartsofallthefamilieswithintheirsphereofinfluence。Hencethepeasantry，whofortunatelywerebelowtheirreach，notwithstandingthemorethanchildishignoranceinwhichtheywerekeptbytheirpriests，yetcomparedwiththemiddleandhigherclasses，werebothinmindandbodyasordinarymencomparedwithdwarfs。Everyrespectablefamilyhadsomeoneknightfortheirpatron，asamatterofcourse；andtohimthehonourofasisteroradaughterwassacrificed，equallyasamatterofcourse。ButwhyshouldIthusdisguisethetruth？Alas！
innineinstancesoutoften，thispatronwasthecommonparamourofeveryfemaleinthefamily。WereIcomposingastatememorialI
shouldabstainfromallallusiontomoralgoodorevil，asnothavingnowfirsttolearn，thatwithdiplomatistsandwithpracticalstatesmenofeverydenomination，itwouldprecludeallattentiontoitsothercontents，andhavenoresultbutthatofsecuringforitsauthor’snametheofficialprivatemarkofexclusionordismission，asaweakorsuspicionsperson。ButamongthoseforwhomIamnowwriting，thereare，Itrust，manywhowillthinkitnotthefeeblestreasonforrejoicinginourpossessionofMalta，andnottheleastworthymotiveforwishingitsretention，thatonesourceofhumanmiseryandcorruptionhasbeendriedup。SuchpersonswillhearthenameofSirAlexanderBallwithadditionalreverence，asofonewhohasmadetheprotectionofGreatBritainadoubleblessingtotheMaltese，andbroken\"THEBONDSOFINIQUITY\"aswellasunlockedthefettersofpoliticaloppression。
Whenwearepraisingthedepartedbyourownfiresides，wedwellmostfondlyonthosequalitieswhichhadwonourpersonalaffection，andwhichsharpenourindividualregrets。Butwhenimpelledbyaloftierandmoremeditativesorrow，wewouldraiseapublicmonumenttotheirmemory，wepraisethemappropriatelywhenwerelatetheiractionsfaithfully；andthuspreservingtheirexamplefortheimitationofthelivingalleviatetheloss，whilewedemonstrateitsmagnitude。
MyfuneraleulogyofSirAlexanderBallmustthereforeheanarrativeofhislife；andthisfriendofmankindwillbedefraudedofhonourinproportionasthatnarrativeisdeficientandfragmentary。Itshall，however，beascompleteasmyinformationenables，andasprudenceandaproperrespectforthefeelingsofthelivingpermitmetorenderit。Hisfame（Iadoptthewordsofourelderwriters）
issogreatthroughouttheworldthathestandsinnoneedofanencomium；andyethisworthismuchgreaterthesehisfame。Itisimpossiblenottospeakgreatthingsofhim，andyetitwillbeverydifficulttospeakwhathedeserves。Butcustomrequiresthatsomethingshouldbesaid；itisadutyandadebtwhichweowetoourselvesandtomankind，notlessthantohismemory；andIhopehisgreatsoul，ifithathanyknowledgeofwhatisdoneherebelow，willnotbeoffendedatthesmallnessevenofmyoffering。
Ah，howlittle，whenamongthesubjectsofTheFriendIpromised\"CharactersmetwithinRealLife，\"didIanticipatethesadevent，whichcompelsonetoweaveonacypressbranchthosespraysoflaurelwhichIhaddestinedforhisbust，nothismonument！Helivedasweshouldalllive；and，Idoubtnot，lefttheworldasweshouldallwishtoleaveit。Suchisthepowerofdispensingblessings，whichProvidencehasattachedtothetrulygreatandgood，thattheycannotevendiewithoutadvantagetotheirfellow-creatures；fordeathconsecratestheirexample，andthewisdom，whichmighthavebeenslightedatthecouncil-table，becomesoracularfromtheshrine。
Thoserareexcellences，whichmakeourgriefpoignant，makeitlikewiseprofitable；andthetearswhichwisemenshedforthedepartureofthewise，areamongthosethatarepreservedinheaven。
Itistheferventaspirationofmyspirit，thatImaysoperformthetaskwhichprivategratitudeandpublicdutyimposeonme，that\"asGodhathcutthistreeofparadisedownfromitsseatofearth，thedeadtrunkmayyetsupportapartofthedecliningtemple，oratleastservetokindlethefireonthealtar。\"
ESSAYIII。
Sipartemtacuissevelim，quodeumquerelinquam，Majuserit。Veteresactus，primamquejuventamProsequar？Adsesementempraesentiaducunt。
Narremjustitiam？ResplendetgloriaMartis。
Armatireferamvires？Plusegitinermis。
CLAUDIANDELAUD。STIL。
（Translations。）——IfIdesiretopassoverapartinsilence，whateverIomitwillseemthemostworthytohavebeenrecorded。ShallI
pursuehisoldexploitsandearlyyouth？Hisrecentmeritsrecallthemindtothemselves。ShallIdweltonhisjustice？Thegloryofthewarriorrisesbeforemeresplendent。ShallIrelatehisstrengthinarms？Heperformedyetgreaterthingsunarmed。
\"Thereissomething，\"saysHarrington，inthePreliminariestotheOceana，\"firstinthemakingofacommonwealth，theninthegoverningofit，andlastofallintheleadingofitsarmies，whichthoughtherebegreatdivines，greatlawyers，greatmeninallranksoflife，seemstobepeculiaronlytothegeniusofagentleman。Forsoitisintheuniversalseriesofhistory，thatifanymanhasfoundedacommonwealth，hewasfirstagentleman。\"Suchalso，headds，ashavegotanyfameascivilgovernors，havebeengentlemen，orpersonsofknowndescents。SirAlexanderBallwasagentlemanbybirth；ayoungerbrotherofanoldandrespectablefamilyinGloucestershire。
Hewentintothenavyatanearlyagefromhisownchoice，and，ashehimselftoldme，inconsequenceofthedeepimpressionandvividimagesleftonhismindbytheperusalof\"RobinsonCrusoe。\"Itisnotmyintentiontodetailthestepsofhispromotion，ortheservicesinwhichhewasengagedasasubaltern。Irecollectmanyparticularsindeed，butnotthedates，withsuchdistinctnessaswouldenablemetostatethem（asitwouldbenecessarytodoifI
statedthematall）intheorderoftime。Thesedatesmightperhapshavebeenprocuredfromthemetropolis；butincidentsthatareneithercharacteristicnorinstructive，evensuchaswouldbeexpectedwithreasoninaregularlife，arenopartofmyplan；whilethosewhicharebothinterestingandillustrativeIhavebeenprecludedfrommentioning，somefrommotiveswhichhavebeenalreadyexplained，andothersfromstillhigherconsiderations。Themostimportantofthesemaybededucedfromareflectionwithwhichhehimselfonceconcludedalongandaffectingnarration：namely，thatnobodyofmencanforanylengthoftimebesafelytreatedotherwisethanasrationalbeings；andthat，therefore，theeducationofthelowerclasseswasoftheutmostconsequencetothepermanentsecurityoftheempire，evenforthesakeofournavy。Thedangers，apprehendedfromtheeducationofthelowerclasses，arose（hesaid）
entirelyfromitsnotbeinguniversal，andfromtheunusualnessinthelowestclassesofthoseaccomplishmentswhichhe，likeDr。Bell，regardedasoneofthemeansofeducation，andnotaseducationitself。If，heobserved，thelowerclassesingeneralpossessedbutoneeyeoronearm，thefewwhoweresofortunateastopossesstwowouldnaturallybecomevainandrestless，andconsiderthemselvesasentitledtoahighersituation。Heillustratedthisbythefaultsattributedtolearnedwomen，andthatthesameobjectionswereformerlymadetoeducatingwomenatall；namely，thattheirknowledgemadethemvain，affected，andneglectfuloftheirproperduties。Nowthatallwomenofconditionarewelleducated，wehearnomoreoftheseapprehensions，orobserveanyinstancestojustifythem。YetifaladyunderstoodtheGreekone-tenthpartaswellasthewholecircleofheracquaintancesunderstoodtheFrenchlanguage，itwouldnotsurpriseustofindherlesspleasingfromtheconsciousnessofhersuperiorityinthepossessionofanunusualadvantage。SirAlexanderBallquotedthespeechofanoldadmiral，oneofwhosetwogreatwisheswastohaveaship’screwcomposedaltogetherofseriousScotchmen。Hespokewithgreatreprobationofthevulgarnotion，theworsemanthebettersailor。Courage，hesaid，wasthenaturalproductoffamiliaritywithdanger，whichthoughtlessnesswouldoftentimesturnintofool-hardiness；andthathealwaysfoundthemostusefullybravesailorsthegravestandmostrationalofhiscrew。Thebestsailorhehadeverhad，firstattractedhisnoticebytheanxietywhichheexpressedconcerningthemeansofremittingsomemoney，whichhehadreceivedintheWestIndies，tohissisterinEngland；andthisman，withoutanytingeofMethodism，wasneverheardtoswearanoath，andwasremarkableforthefirmnesswithwhichhedevotedapartofeverySundaytothereadingofhisBible。
Irecordthiswithsatisfactionasatestimonyofgreatweight，andinallrespectsunexceptionable；forSirAlexanderBall’sopinionsthroughoutliferemainedunwarpedbyzealotry，andwerethoseofamindseekingaftertruth，incalmnessandcompleteself-possession。
HewasmuchpleasedwithanunsuspicioustestimonyfurnishedbyDampier（vol。ii。part2，page89）：\"Ihaveparticularlyobserved，\"
writesthisfamousoldnavigator，\"thereandinotherplaces，thatsuchashadbeenwell-bredweregenerallymostcarefultoimprovetheirtime，andwouldbeveryindustriousandfrugalwheretherewasanyprobabilityofconsiderablegain；butonthecontrary，suchashadbeenbredupinignoranceandhardlabour，whentheycametohaveplentywouldextravagantlysquanderawaytheirtimeandmoneyindrinkingandmakingabluster。\"Indeeditisamelancholyproofhowstrangelypowerwarpsthemindsofordinarymen，thattherecanbeadoubtonthissubjectamongpersonswhohavebeenthemselveseducated。Ittemptsasuspicionthat，unknowntothemselves，theyfindacomfortinthethought，thattheirinferiorsaresomethinglessthanmen；orthattheyhaveanuneasyhalf-consciousnessthat，ifthiswerenotthecase，theywouldthemselveshavenoclaimtobetheirsuperiors。Forasobereducationnaturallyinspiresself-
respect。Buthewhorespectshimselfwillrespectothers；andhewhorespectsbothhimselfandothers，mustofnecessitybeabraveman。
Thegreatimportanceofthissubject，andtheincreasinginterestwhichgoodmenofalldenominationsfeelinthebringingaboutofanationaleducation，mustbemyexcuseforhavingenteredsominutelyintoSirAlexanderBall’sopinionsonthishead，inwhich，however，I
amthemoreexcusable，beingnowonthatpartofhislifewhichIamobligedtoleavealmostablank。
Duringhislieutenancy，andafterhehadperfectedhimselfintheknowledgeanddutiesofapracticalsailor，hewascompelledbythestateofhishealthtoremaininEnglandforaconsiderablelengthoftime。Ofthisheindustriouslyavailedhimselftotheacquirementofsubstantialknowledgefrombooks；andduringhiswholelifeafterwards，heconsideredthoseashishappiesthours，which，withoutanyneglectofofficialorprofessionalduty，hecoulddevotetoreading。Hepreferred，indeedhealmostconfinedhimselfto，history，politicaleconomy，voyagesandtravels，naturalhistory，andlatterlyagriculturalworks；inshort，tosuchbooksascontainspecificfactsorpracticalprinciplescapableofspecificapplication。Hisactivelife，andtheparticularobjectsofimmediateutility，someoneofwhichhehadalwaysinhisview，precludedatasteforworksofpurespeculationandabstractscience，thoughhehighlyhonouredthosewhowereeminentintheserespects，andconsideredthemasthebenefactorsofmankind，nolessthanthosewhoafterwardsdiscoveredthemodeofapplyingtheirprinciples，orwhorealisedtheminpractice。Worksofamusement，asnovels，plays，etc。，didnotappeareventoamusehim；andtheonlypoeticalcompositionofwhichIhaveeverheardhimspeak，wasamanuscriptpoemwrittenbyoneofmyfriends，whichIreadtohisladyinhispresence。Tomysurpriseheafterwardsspokeofthiswithwarminterest；butitwasevidenttomethatitwasnotsomuchthepoeticmeritofthecompositionthathadinterestedhim，asthetruthandpsychologicalinsightwithwhichitrepresentedthepracticabilityofreformingthemosthardenedminds，andthevariousaccidentswhichmayawakenthemostbrutalisedpersontoarecognitionofhisnoblerbeing。Iwilladdoneremarkofhisownknowledgeacquiredfrombooks，whichappearstomebothjustandvaluable。Theprejudiceagainstsuchknowledge，hesaid，andthecustomofopposingittothatwhichislearntbypractice，originatedinthosetimeswhenbookswerealmostconfinedtotheology，andtologicalandmetaphysicalsubtleties；butthatatpresentthereisscarcelyanypracticalknowledgewhichisnottobefoundinbooks。Thepressisthemeansbywhichintelligentmennowconversewitheachother，andpersonsofallclassesandallpursuitsconveyeachthecontributionofhisindividualexperience。Itwas，therefore，hesaid，asabsurdtoholdbook-knowledgeatpresentincontempt，asitwouldbeforamantoavailhimselfonlyofhisowneyesandears，andtoaimatnothingwhichcouldnotbeperformedexclusivelybyhisownarms。
Theuseandnecessityofpersonalexperienceconsistedinthepowerofchoosingandapplyingwhathadbeenread，andofdiscriminatingbythelightofanalogythepracticablefromtheimpracticable，andprobabilityfrommereplausibility。Withoutajudgmentmaturedandsteadiedbyactualexperience，amanwouldreadtolittleorperhapstobadpurpose；butyetthatexperience，whichinexclusionofallotherknowledgehasbeenderivedfromoneman’slife，isinthepresentdayscarcelyworthyofthename——atleastforthosewhoaretoactinthehigherandwiderspheresofduty。Anignorantgeneral，hesaid，inspiredhimwithterror；forifheweretooproudtotakeadvicehewouldruinhimselfbyhisownblunders，andifhe——werenot，byadoptingtheworstthatwasoffered。Agreatgeniusmayindeedformanexception，butwedonotlaydownrulesinexpectationofwonders。AsimilarremarkIremembertohaveheardfromagallantofficer，whotoeminenceinprofessionalscienceandthegallantryofatriedsoldier，addsalltheaccomplishmentsofasoundscholarandthepowersofamanofgenius。
Oneincident，whichhappenedatthisperiodofSirAlexander’slife，issoillustrativeofhischaracter，andfurnishessostrongapresumption，thatthethoughtfulhumanitybywhichhewasdistinguishedwasnotwhollythegrowthofhislatteryears，that，thoughitmayappeartosometriflinginitself，Iwillinsertitinthisplacewiththeoccasiononwhichitwascommunicatedtome。InalargepartyattheGrandMaster’spalace，IhadobservedanavalofficerofdistinguishedmeritlisteningtoSirAlexanderBall，wheneverhejoinedintheconversation，withsomarkedapleasurethatitseemedasifhisveryvoice，independentofwhathesaid，hadbeendelightfultohim；andonce，ashefixedhiseyesonSirAlexanderBall，Icouldnotbutnoticethemixedexpressionsofaweandaffection，whichgaveamorethancommoninteresttosomanlyacountenance。Duringhisstayintheisland，thisofficerhonouredmenotunfrequentlywithhisvisits；andattheconclusionofmylastconversationwithhim，inwhichIhaddweltonthewisdomoftheGovernor’sconductinarecentanddifficultemergency，hetoldmethatheconsideredhimselfasindebtedtothesameexcellentpersonforthatwhichwasdearertohimthanhislife。\"SirAlexanderBall，\"saidhe，\"has，Idaresay，forgottenthecircumstance；butwhenhewasLieutenantBall，hewastheofficerwhomIaccompaniedinmyfirstboatexpedition，beingthenamidshipmanandonlyinmyfourteenthyear。Aswewererowinguptothevesselwhichweweretoattack，amidadischargeofmusketry，Iwasoverpoweredbyfear，mykneestrembledunderme，andIseemedonthepointoffaintingaway。
LieutenantBall，whosawtheconditionIwasin，placedhimselfclosebesideme，andstillkeepinghiscountenancedirectedtowardtheenemy，tookholdofmyhand，andpressingitinthemostfriendlymanner，saidinalowvoice，’Courage，mydearboy！don’tbeafraidofyourself！youwillrecoverinaminuteorso。IwasjustthesamewhenIfirstwentoutinthisway。’Sir，\"addedtheofficertome，\"itwasasifanangelhadputanewsoulintome。WiththefeelingthatIwasnotyetdishonoured，thewholeburdenofagonywasremoved，andfromthatmomentIwasasfearlessandforwardastheoldestoftheboat’screw，andonourreturnthelieutenantspokehighlyofmetoourcaptain。IamscarcelylessconvincedofmyownbeingthanthatIshouldhavebeenwhatItrembletothinkof，if，insteadofhishumaneencouragement，hehadatthatmomentscoffed，threatened，orreviledme。Andthiswasthemorekindinhim，because，asIafterwardsunderstood，hisownconductinhisfirsttrialhadevincedtoallappearancesthegreatestfearlessness，andthathesaidthis，therefore，onlytogivemeheartandrestoremetomyowngoodopinion。\"
Thisanecdote，Itrust，willhavesomeweightwiththosewhomayhavelentaneartoanyofthosevaguecalumniesfromwhichnonavalcommandercansecurehisgoodname，whoknowingtheparamountnecessityofregularityandstrictdisciplineinashipofwar，adoptsanappropriateplanfortheattainmentoftheseobjects，andremainsconstantandimmutableintheexecution。ToanAthenian，who，inpraisingapublicfunctionary，hadsaid，thateveryoneeitherapplaudedhimorlefthimwithoutcensure，aphilosopherreplied，\"Howseldomthenmusthehavedonehisduty！\"
OfSirAlexanderBall’scharacter，asCaptainBall，ofhismeasuresasadisciplinarian，andofthewiseanddignifiedprincipleonwhichhegroundedthosemeasures，Ihavealreadyspokeninaformerpartofthiswork，andmustcontentmyselfthereforewithentreatingthereadertore-perusethatpassageasbelongingtothisplace，andasapartofthepresentnarration。Ah！littledidIexpectatthetimeI
wrotethataccount，thatthemotivesofdelicacy，whichthenimpelledmetowithholdthename，wouldsosoonbeexchangedforthehigherdutywhichnowjustifiesmeinaddingit！Atthethoughtofsucheventsthelanguageofatendersuperstitionisthevoiceofnatureitself，andthosefactsalonepresentingthemselvestoourmemorywhichhadleftanimpressiononourhearts，weassentto，andadoptthepoet’spatheticcomplaint：-
Osir！thegooddiefirst，AndthosewhoseheartsaredryassummerdustBurntothesocket。
WORDSWORTH。
Thusthehumaneplandescribedinthepagesnowreferredto，thatasysteminpursuanceofwhichthecaptainofaman-of-waruniformlyregardedhissentencesnotasdependentonhisownwill，ortobeaffectedbythestateofhisfeelingsatthemoment，butasthepre-
establisheddeterminationsofknownlaws，andhimselfasthevoiceofthelawinpronouncingthesentence，anditsdelegateinenforcingtheexecution，couldnotbutfurnishoccasionalfoodtothespiritofdetraction，mustbeevidenttoeveryreflectingmind。Itisindeedlittlelessthanimpossible，thathe，whoinordertobeeffectivelyhumanedeterminestobeinflexiblyjust，andwhoisinexorabletohisownfeelingswhentheywouldinterruptthecourseofjustice；wholooksateachparticularactbythelightofallitsconsequences，andastherepresentativeofultimategoodorevil；shouldnotsometimesbechargedwithtyrannybyweakminds。Anditistoocertainthatthecalumnywillbewillinglybelievedandeagerlypropagatedbyallthosewhowouldshunthepresenceofaneyekeeninthedetectionofimposture，incapacity，andmisconduct，andofaresolutionassteadyintheirexposure。Wesoonhatethemanwhosequalitieswedread，andthushaveadoubleinterest，aninterestofpassionaswellasofpolicy，indecryinganddefaminghim。ButgoodmenwillrestsatisfiedwiththepromisemadetothembytheDivineComforter，thatbyherchildrenshallWisdombejustified。
ESSAYIV-
thegenerousspirit，who，whenbroughtAmongthetasksofreallife，hathwroughtUpontheplanthatpleasedhischildishthought：
WhosehighendeavoursareaninwardlightThatmakesthepathbeforehimalwaysbright；
Who，doom’dtogoincompanywithpain，Andfearandbloodshed，miserabletrain！
Turnshisnecessitytogloriousgain；
Byobjects，whichmightforcethesoultoabateHerfeeling，renderedmorecompassionate。
WORDSWORTH。
AtthecloseoftheAmericanwar，CaptainBallwasentrustedwiththeprotectionandconvoyingofanimmensemercantilefleettoAmerica，andbyhisgreatprudenceandunexampledattentiontotheinterestsofallandeach，endearedhisnametotheAmericanmerchants，andlaidthefoundationofthathighrespectandpredilectionwhichboththeAmericansandtheirgovernmenteverafterwardsentertainedforhim。Myrecollectiondoesnotenablemetoattemptanyaccuracyinthedateorcircumstances，ortoaddtheparticularsofhisservicesintheWestIndiesandonthecoastofAmerica，Inowthereforemerelyalludetothefactwithaprospectivereferencetoopinionsandcircumstances，whichIshallhavetomentionhereafter。Shortlyafterthegeneralpeacewasestablished，CaptainBall，whowasnowamarriedman，passedsometimewithhisladyinFrance，and，ifI
mistakenot，atNantes。Atthesametime，andinthesametown，amongtheotherEnglishvisitors，Lord（thenCaptain）Nelsonhappenedtobeone。Inconsequenceofsomepunctilio，astowhosebusinessitwastopaythecomplimentofthefirstcall，theynevermet，andthistriflingaffairoccasionedacoldnessbetweenthetwonavalcommanders，orintruthamutualprejudiceagainsteachother。Someyearsafter，boththeirshipsbeingtogethercloseoffMinorcaandnearPortMahon，aviolentstormnearlydisabledLordNelson’svessel，andinadditiontothefuryofthewind，itwasnighttimeandthethickestdarkness。CaptainBall，however，broughthisvesselatlengthtoNelson’sassistance，tookhisshipintow，andusedhisbestendeavourstobringherandhisownvesselintoPortMahon。Thedifficultiesandthedangersincreased。Nelsonconsideredthecaseofhisownshipasdesperate，andthatunlessshewasimmediatelylefttoherownfate，bothvesselswouldinevitablybelost。He，therefore，withthegenerositynaturaltohim，repeatedlyrequestedCaptainBalltolethimloose；andonCaptainBall’srefusal，hebecameimpetuous，andenforcedhisdemandwithpassionatethreats。
CaptainBallthenhimselftookthespeaking-trumpet，whichthefuryofthewindandwavesrenderednecessary，andwithgreatsolemnityandwithouttheleastdisturbanceoftemper，calledoutinreply，\"I
feelconfidentthatIcanbringyouinsafe；Ithereforemustnot，and，bythehelpofAlmightyGod，Iwillnotleaveyou！\"Whathepromisedheperformed；andaftertheyweresafelyanchored，NelsoncameonboardofBall’sship，andembracinghimwithalltheardourofacknowledgment，exclaimed，\"Afriendinneedisafriendindeed！\"
Atthistimeandonthisoccasioncommencedthatfirmandperfectfriendshipbetweenthesetwogreatmen，whichwasinterruptedonlybythedeathoftheformer。ThepleasingtaskofdwellingonthismutualattachmentIdefertothatpartofthepresentsketchwhichwillrelatetoSirAlexanderBall’sopinionsofmenandthings。Itwillbesufficientforthepresenttosay，thatthetwomenwhomLordNelsonespeciallyhonoured，wereSirThomasTroubridgeandSirAlexanderBall；andonce，whentheywerebothpresent，onsomeallusionmadetothelossofhisarm，hereplied，\"WhoshalldaretellmethatIwantanarm，whenIhavethreerightarms——this（puttingforwardhisown）andBallandTroubridge？\"
IntheplanofthebattleoftheNileitwasLordNelson’sdesign，thatCaptainsTroubridgeandBallshouldhaveleduptheattack。Theformerwasstranded；andthelatter，byaccidentofthewind，couldnotbringhisshipintothelineofbattletillsometimeaftertheengagementhadbecomegeneral。Withhischaracteristicforecastandactivityof（whichmaynotimproperlybecalled）practicalimagination，hehadmadearrangementstomeeteveryprobablecontingency。Alltheshroudsandsailsoftheshipnotabsolutelynecessaryforitsimmediatemanagement，werethoroughlywetted，andsorolledupthattheywereashardandaslittleinflammableassomanysolidcylindersofwood；everysailorhadhisappropriateplaceandfunction，andacertainnumberwereappointedasthefire-men，whosesoledutyitwastobeonthewatchifanypartofthevesselshouldtakefire；andtothesemenexclusivelythechargeofextinguishingitwascommitted。Itwasalreadydarkwhenhebroughthisshipintoaction，andlaidheralongsideL’Orient。OneparticularonlyIshalladdtotheknownaccountofthememorableengagementbetweentheseships，andthisIreceivedfromSirAlexanderBallhimself。Hehadpreviouslymadeacombustiblepreparation，butwhich，fromthenatureoftheengagementtobeexpected，hehadpurposedtoreserveforthelastemergency。Butjustatthetimewhen，fromseveralsymptoms，hehadeveryreasontobelievethattheenemywouldsoonstriketohim，oneofthelieutenants，withouthisknowledge，threwinthecombustiblematter：
andthisitwasthatoccasionedthetremendousexplosionofthatvessel，which，withthedeepsilenceandinterruptionoftheengagementwhichsucceededtoit，hasbeenjustlydeemedthesublimestwarincidentrecordedinhistory。Yettheincidentwhichfollowed，andwhichhasnot，Ibelieve，beenpubliclymadeknown，isscarcelylessimpressive，thoughitssublimityisofadifferentcharacter。Attherenewalofthebattle，CaptainBall，thoughhisshipwasthenonfireinthreedifferentparts，laidheralongsideaFrencheighty-four；andasecondlongerobstinatecontestbegan。ThefiringonthepartoftheFrenchshiphavingatlengthforsometimeslackened，andthenaltogetherceased，andyetnosigngivenofsurrender，theseniorlieutenantcametoCaptainBallandinformedhim，thattheheartsofhismenwereasgoodasever，butthattheyweresocompletelyexhaustedthattheywerescarcelycapableofliftinganarm。Heasked，therefore，whether，astheenemyhadnowceasedfiring，themenmightbepermittedtoliedownbytheirgunsforashorttime。Aftersomereflection，SirAlexanderaccededtotheproposal，takingofcoursetheproperprecautionstorousethemagainatthemomenthethoughtrequisite。Accordingly，withtheexceptionofhimself，hisofficers，andtheappointedwatch，theship’screwlaydown，eachintheplacetowhichhewasstationed，andsleptfortwentyminutes。Theywerethenroused；andstartedup，asSirAlexanderexpressedit，morelikemenoutofanambushthanfromsleep，soco-instantaneouslydidtheyallobeythesummons！
Theyrecommencedtheirfire，andinafewminutestheenemysurrendered；anditwassoonafterdiscoveredthatduringthatinterval，andalmostimmediatelyaftertheFrenchshiphadfirstceasedfiring，thecrewhadsunkdownbytheirguns，andthereslept，almostbytheside，asitwere，oftheirsleepingenemy。
ESSAYV-
Whosepowersshedroundhiminthecommonstrife，Ormildconcernsofordinarylife，Aconstantinfluence，apeculiargrace；
Butwho，ifhebecall’dupontofaceSameawfulmoment，towhichHeavenhasjoin’dGreatissues，goodorbadforhumankind，Ishappyasalover，isattiredWithsuddenbrightnesslikeamaninspired；
AndthroughtheheatofconflictkeepsthelawIncalmnessmade，andseeswhatheforesaw。
WORDSWORTH。
Anaccessibilitytothesentimentsofothersonsubjectsofimportanceoftenaccompaniesfeebleminds，yetitisnotthelessatrueandconstituentpartofpracticalgreatness，whenitexistswhollyfreefromthatpassivenesstoimpressionwhichrenderscounselitselfinjurioustocertaincharacters，andfromthatweaknessofheartwhich，intheliteralsenseoftheword，isalwayscravingadvice。Exemptfromallsuchimperfections，sayratherinperfectharmonywiththeexcellencesthatprecludethem，thisopennesstotheinfluxesofgoodsenseandinformation，fromwhateverquartertheymightcome，equallycharacterisedbothLordNelsonandSirAlexanderBall，thougheachdisplayeditinthewaybestsuitedtohisnaturaltemper。Theformerwitheasyhandcollected，asitpassedbyhim，whatevercouldaddtohisownstores，appropriatedwhathecouldassimilate，andleviedsubsidiesofknowledgefromalltheaccidentsofsociallifeandfamiliarintercourse。Evenatthejovialboard，andintheheightofunrestrainedmerriment，acasualsuggestion，thatflashedanewlightonhismind，changedthebooncompanionintotheheroandthemanofgenius；andwiththemostgracefultransitionhewouldmakehiscompanyasseriousashimself。Whenthetaperofhisgeniusseemedextinguished，itwasstillsurroundedbyaninflammableatmosphereofitsown，andrekindledatthefirstapproachoflight，andnotseldomatadistancewhichmadeitseemtoflameupself-revived。InSirAlexanderBall，thesameexcellencewasmoreanaffairofsystem；andhewouldlisten，eventoweakmen，withapatience，which，insocarefulaneconomistoftime，alwaysdemandedmyadmiration，andnotseldomexcitedmywonder。Itwasoneofhismaxims，thatamanmaysuggestwhathecannotgive；adding，thatawildorsillyplanhadmorethanonce，fromthevividsenseordistinctperceptionofitsfolly，occasionedhimtoseewhatoughttobedoneinanewlight，orwithaclearerinsight。Thereis，indeed，ahopelesssterility，amerenegationofsenseandthought，which，suggestingneitherdifferencenorcontrast，cannotevenfurnishhintsforrecollection。Butontheotherhand，therearemindssowhimsicallyconstituted，thattheymaysometimesbeprofitablyinterpretedbycontraries，aprocessofwhichthegreatTychoBraheissaidtohaveavailedhimselfinthecaseofthelittleLackwit，whousedtositandmutterathisfeetwhilehewasstudying。Amindofthissortwemaycomparetoamagneticneedle，thepolesofwhichhavebeensuddenlyreversedbyaflashoflightning，orothermoreobscureaccidentofnature。Itmaybesafelyconcluded，thattothosewhosejudgmentorinformationherespected，SirAlexanderBalldidnotcontenthimselfwithgivingaccessandattention。No！heseldomfailedofconsultingthemwheneverthesubjectpermittedanydisclosure；andwheresecrecywasnecessary，hewellknewhowtoacquiretheiropinionwithoutexcitingevenaconjectureconcerninghisimmediateobject。
