While we assert, with manly resolution, the independent spirit of human nature, our happiness may be considerably augmented, by extracting from the multitudinous affairs of the world, the various enjoyments and wise instructions it is capable of affording. Society is the school of wisdom, and solitude the temple of virtue. In the one we learn the art of living with comfort among our fellow creatures, and in the other, of living with quietude by ourselves. A total retreat from the world would place us aside from that part which Providence chiefly intended us to act; but without occasional retreat it is certain that we must act that part very ill. There will be neither consistency in the conduct, nor dignity in the character, of one who sets apart no share of his time for meditation and reflection. “In the heat and bustle of life,” says an eloquent preacher, “while passion is every moment throwing false colors on the objects around us, nothing can be viewed in a just light. If you wish that reason should exert her native power, you must step aside from the crowd into the cold and silent shade. It is thus that with sober and steady eye she examines what is good or ill, what is wise or foolish, in human conduct: she looks back on the past; she looks forward to a future: and forms plans not for the present moment only, but for the whole life. How should that man discharge any part of his duty aright, who never suffers his passions to cool? And how should his passions cool, who is engaged, without interruption, in the tumults of the world? This incessant stir may be called the _perpetual drunkenness of life_. It raises that eager fermentation of spirit, which will be ever sending forth the dangerous fumes of rashness and folly. Whereas he who mingles rational retreat with worldly affairs, remains calm and master of himself. He is not whirled round, and rendered giddy by the agitation of the world: but from that sacred retirement, in which he has been conversant among higher objects, comes forth into the world with manly tranquillity, fortified by principles which he has formed, and prepared for whatever may befal.” Sweet solitude! when life’s gay hours are past, Howe’er we range, in thee we fix at last. Tossed through tempestuous seas, the voyage o’er, Pale we look back and bless the friendly shore. Our own strict judges, our past life we scan And ask if glory hath enlarged the span; If bright the prospect we the grave defy, Trust future ages, and contented die. THE END. FOOTNOTES [1] Dissertatio Physiologica de irritabilitate quam publice defendet. Joh. Georgius Zimmerman. Goett. 4to. 1751. [2] The following is a correct list of his writings, in the order in which they appear to have been published: 1. Dissertatio Inauguralis de Irritabilitate, 4to. Gottingen, 1751. 2. The life of Professor Haller, 8vo. Zurich, 1755.