When we behold the wicked exulting in prosperity, and the virtuous distressed and wretched, we may be apt to wonder at the dispensations of Providence, and think them irregular and unaccountable: but if we could discern a little deeper than the surface of things, we should perceive that, even at present, a guilty mind deprives the one of all enjoyment; whilst the other, supported by a consciousness of innocence, scarce feels the woes he seems to suffer that the first is dragged on to punishment through the mockery of happiness; and that the distresses of the latter are only neces sary steps towards a lasting and refined felicity. Appearances are exceedingly fallacious; and many of those, people fancy the most happy, are the greatest wretches in the world. But, however it be, we may assure ourselves that heaven is just, and, soon or late, will vindicate and reward the good, and condemn the evil. doer to that punishment he deserves. : It is not only imprudent and presumptuous, but highly impious, to murmur and complain of Providence, whatever be our lot. Not heaven, but our own discontent and folly, make us miserable: we reject that happiness it has given into our power, for a wild pursuit after an imaginary something, which it withholds, because improper for us. tering fortunes, and rank, Dazzled at the glit and magnificence of others, we envy theirs, and repine at our own condition; without examining whether those people are in reality more happy, or better satisfied, than ourselves. For, notwithstanding all their outward splendour, did we see their internal cares and uneasiness, it is probable we would not change with them. Every one of us has that part assigned him, which He that directs the whole knows to be most conducive towards the good of all in general, and each of us in particular. He is the Father of the grand universe, beholds it at one view, and orders every thing throughout in the wisest and best manner, with a due regard to every part. This we should steadfastly believe; and not only forbear complaining, but enjoy with thankfulness of soul whatever is our portion. M. De la Motte, in his ingenious Fables, reads us a useful lesson on this subject, the meaning whereof I shall present my readers.-" A wretch (says he), that by casting his eyes and wishes on the circumstances of other people, was much uneasy at his own, wearied heaven with complaints from day to day; till Jupiter, willing to content him, took him up to the cœlestial storehouse, where the fortunes of all mankind, in bags seal ed up by Destiny, were ranged according to their several conditions and degrees. "Here (says the god), though thy impious murmurs deserve rather my anger than my indulgence, yet, if possible, thou shalt be satisfied. Weigh, and choose amongst them all; but know, the better to direct thy choice, that the lightest are the most desirable, for only the evils and misfortunes of life are heavy.' The man, with thankfulness, assured himself of happiness, since now it depended upon his own election, and lifting up with all his strength the first and highest bag, that of supreme command, wherein tormenting cares lie concealed under the disguise of gilded pageantry: That man's shoulders must be strong indeed (says he) who can support this burthen; for my part, I'll have none of it.' He tried a second, that of prime minister, and people in exalted posts; but what with ambitious desires, anxiety, fatigue, what with the vexation of disappointment, and the dread of disgrace, this was rendered so exceeding ponderous, that he could not help crying out, 'Oh! unhappy they to whom this load belongs! good heaven, preserve me from it! He went on from one to another, and poized a thousand and a thousand, but found them all too weighty for him: some by dependance, and the misery of constraint; others by boundless and unsatisfied desires; some by hope, some by fear, and some merely by a surfeit of what the world calls pleasure. "Good God! (says he) is there no such thing then as a tolerable condition?-but stay, wherefore do I complain? at last I think I shall be fitted; here's one that feels much lighter than the rest.'-' And it would be still more so (says Jupiter), but he that now possesses it knows not his own happiness, and that ignorance occasions all its weight.'O stupidity! (cries the man); pray grant it me, and I shall not be so foolish.Take and enjoy it (replies the god), for it is indeed thine own; and learn from hence, never to find fault again with Provi dence." UNIVERSAL SPECTATOR, vol. ii. p. 246. No. XXIX. There's joy, when to wild will you laws prescribe; DRYDEN. THERE was a young man of extraordinary beauty, whose name was Florio; who was as remarkable for his virtue and ingenuity, as his elder brother Braminto was noted for deformity, and a brutal, wicked disposition. The mother, who doated upon her second son, looked on the other with horror. The eldest, stung with jealousy and envy, devised a monstrous calumny to ruin his brother. He made his father believe, that Florio went by stealth to a neighbour's, who was his avowed enemy; that he informed him of all the family concerns, and had entered into measures with him to poison his father. Hereupon the father, in his fury, beat his innocent son most cruelly, imprisoned him in a damp dungeon three days, and then banished him from his house, with menaces to kill him if ever he returned. The afflicted mother was terrified; though she did not dare to vent her anguish, but in secret sighs. The |