(seq. 46)

[82]

115 That only is real, is sterling
knowledge of man which
goes to make us better &
happier men, & which
fits us to assist the
virtue & happiness of others -
All learning, is useful, all
the sciences are curious,
all the arts are beautiful,
but more useful, more
curious, & more beautiful
is the perfect knowledge &
perfect government of our-
selves ----

The Pilot of life is
Prudence - The mother
of the virtues & the hand
maid of wisdom --

Ask, & she will tell you,
that gratification will
give new edge to the hunger
of your appetites, & that the
storm of the passions shall
kindle with indulgence.

Ask, & she will tell you,
that sensual pleasure is
but pain covered with the
wash of happiness

{83]

121

Philosophy cannot change the
laws of nature; but she
may teach us to accom-
modate to them - She
cannot annul pain;
but she can arm up
to bear it - And though
the evils of fate be many,
are not the evils of man's
causing more? --

123 What is death
when without superstition
to clothe him with terrors,
we can cover our heads,
& go to sleep in his arms --

If they do not hear
her (Truth) whisper in
the one ear, it is because
prejudice is crying a-
loud into the other --

Is not this doctrine
dangerous -- not if it
be true. -- Nothing is
so dangerous as error, --
nothing so safe as truth

It were a poor complement
to the truths I have worhipped,
did I shrink from their inves-
tigation --