Thy providence my life sustain'd, To all my weak complaints and cries, Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learn'd Unnumber'd comforts to my soul From whom those comforts flow'd. When, in the slipp'ry paths of youth, Thine arm, unseen, convey'd me safe, Through hidden dangers, toils, and death, It gently clear'd my way; And through the pleasing snares of vice, More to be fear'd than they. When worn with sickness, oft hast thou, Thy bounteous hand, with worldly bliss, And, in a kind and faithful friend, Ten thousand thousand precious gifts Through ev'ry period of my life, When nature fails, and day and night My ever grateful heart, O Lord! Through all eternity to thee The Voyage of Life. Self-flatter'd, unexperienc'd, high in hope, (Ruin's sure perquisite, her lawful prize,) : Some steer aright but the black blast blows hard, Like a flag floating, when the bark's ingulf'd, It floats a moment, and is seen no more: One Cæsar lives; a thousand are forgot, Beats down their strength; their numberless escapes PART V. PERSPICUITY AND ACCURACY. First, with respect to single words and phrase CHAP. I. Corrections of the errors that relate to Purity. Grammar, p. 274. Exercises, p. 139. WE should be daily employed in doing good. I am wearied with seeing so perverse a disposition. I know not who has done this thing. He is in no wise thy inferior; and, in this instance, is not at all to blame. The assistance was welcome, and seasonably afforded. For want of employment, he wandered idly about the fields. We ought to live soberly, righteously, and piously in the world. He was long indisposed, and at length died of melancholy. That word follows the general rule, and takes the penultimate accent. He was an extraordinary genius, and attracted much attention. The haughtiness of Florio was very ungraceful, and disgusted both his friends and strangers. He charged me with want of resolution, but in this censure he was greatly mistaken. They have manifested great candour in all the transaction. The conformity of the thought to truth and nature greatly recommended it. The importance, as well as the authenticity of the books, has been clearly displayed. It is difficult to discover the spirit and design of some laws. The disposition which he exhibited, was both unnatural and uncomfortable. His natural severity rendered him a very unporular speaker. The inquietude of his mind, made his station and wealth far from being enviable. I received the gift with pleasure, but I shall now more gladly resign it. Or-with greater pleasure resign it. These are things of the highest importance to the growing age. I amgrieved with the view of so many blank leaves, in the book of my life. I repent that I have so long walked in the paths of folly. I think that I am not mistaken in an opinion, which I have so well considered. They thought it an important subject, and the question was strenuously debated on both sides. Thy speech betrays thee; for thou art a Galilean. Let us not give too hasty credit to stories which may injure our neighbour: perhaps they are the offspring of calumny, or misapprehension. The gardens were void of simplicity and elegance; and exhibited much that was glaring and whimsical. CHAP. II. Corrections of the errors relating to Propriety. Grammar, p. 276. Exercises, p. 141. SECTION I. I would as readily do it myself, as persuade another to do it. Of the justness of his measures he convinced his opponent, by the force of argument. He is not, in any degree, better than those whom he so liberally condemns. He insists upon security, and will not liberate him till it be obtained. The meaning of the phrase, as I understand it, is very different from the common acceptation. The favourable moment should be embraced; for he does not continue long in one mind. He exposed himself so much amongst the people, that he was once or twice in danger of having his head broken. He was very dexterous in penetrating the views and designs of others. If a little care were bestowed upon his education, he might be very useful amongst his neighbours. He might have perceived, by a transient view, the difficulties to which his conduct exposed him. If I should have a little leisure to-morrow, I intend to pay them a short visit. This performance is of the same value as the other. The scene was new, and he was seized with wonder at all he saw. SECTION 2. Grammar, p. 276. Exercises, p. 142. Let us consider the works of nature and of art, with proper attention. |