What else is knowledge but to be wise? Were not the learned in former ages wise? Knowledge alone is of no avail. I have no manner of esteem for those doctors, who inquire what is virtuous and becoming, entirely taken up with moral contemplations, and who, though they see good, follow evil courses. Woe be to them! they will suffer severely for their bad conduct. Consider the force of the passions: those which affect the mind agreeably, promote a good state of health; which those of a contrary nature destroy. But what affects the mind more agreeably than the remembrance of a life well spent? _Omnem crede diem diluxisse supremum._ _Look upon every day that’s past as the last of your life._ Cruel remorse of conscience, on the other hand, destroys the powers both of mind and body; because the mind being a prey to grief, such is the will of the Author of nature, the fibres are relaxed, and both health and beauty vanish. I cannot without horror recollect the shocking inquietudes of some men, who, having abused the gifts of God, could not, without inexpressible terror, see death approach, which renders the Deity more awful. On the other hand, I cannot without joy revolve in my memory the happy deaths of some good men, who, as they had passed their whole lives in the practice of virtue, returned with joy to the Fountain of all good, having laid aside their terrestrial covering, and crowned a happy life with a joyful death. How properly does the learned doctor, lately professor of divinity in this academy, occur to me in this place, who, after having suffered the cruel torments of a dreadful disease, during the course of a twelvemonth, with wonderful resolution and patience, after a few friendly and pious conversations with his wife and children, whilst he testified his gratitude to me for my care, and expressed his good wishes, expired with religious composure. And why should I forget you, learned, dear, and now happy uncle and Mentor, who, having lived your whole life, whilst in health, as we promise to live when we are ill, enjoying, to an advanced age, a conscience void of offence, a genius replete with vigour, and faculties acute and penetrating; not only taught us how to live virtuously, but likewise have instructed us how to die well. But it is time for me to put an end to my wandering discourse; for I am ashamed to detain you any longer, respectable auditors.