Her general style of conversation runs on the inconveniences to be expected from this or that circumstance, and no one is so ingenious in extracting unsuspected evil from plans of the fairest promise. Is the weather fine, and a walk mentioned--It is hot--it is dusty--the wind is in the east--there was rain in the morning--it will be dirty--or it will rain before we reach home. Is she to go out in the carriage; one road is too long for the horses--another is unpleasant--another unsafe--and, in short, none are exactly right. Yet she goes on these proposed expeditions, after all possibility of pleasure has been reasoned and anticipated away. If she is going out to dinner, she is sure the company will be unpleasant--the servants will get drunk--she shall be robbed, or overturned in coming home. If she is to have a party at home, she knows every thing will go wrong--nobody will be amusing--the time will hang heavy--the people will go away, execrating the stupidity of the visit. If she sees any lady employed about a piece of work, she prognosticates it will be unfashionable before it is finished, she sees any one reading, she never new any good come of reading, but to make young people unfit for conversation. If her husband is going a hunting, she hates hunting, it is so dangerous. If he goes for a ride, she is surprised he can take pleasure in sitting on his horse for hours together. If he is in his library, she never saw such a book-worm. If he sits in the parlour, she hates men always at their wive’s apron strings. Thus does she sour every common occurance of life by the most ingenious optical delusion, looking at every thing in the worst point of view. What absurdity to imbitter one’s alloted portion of happiness by so obstinately persisting to anticipate inconvenience! Why not be disposed to think fair appearances promise fair conclusions? Why, if the sun shines in the morning, be unwilling to enjoy it then? And, if it rains, why not be always inclined to hope the weather will brighten? THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS, FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME. [Illustration] GLASGOW; PRINTED FOR THE BOOKSELLERS. [Illustration] The progress of the Pilgrim is here represented by Christian leaving the City of Destruction, in terror and alarm at its fate. He is met by Evangelist, who, directed him to fly from the wrath to come; and keep yonder shining light in his eye, where it should be told him what to do. [Illustration] Christian had not proceeded far, till he fell into the slough of Despond, and was relieved by one called Help, who set him on his way. He was afterwards beguiled by Worldly-wiseman; but was again put right way by Evangalist. [Illustration] Christian at length arrived at the gate, upon which was inscribed “knock and it shall be opened.” He knocked and it was opened by one Goodwill, who let him in. Beelzebub as he entered gave him a pull but Christian escaped. [Illustration]