The Virginia Gazette

Directions for the CONDUCT of LIFE.

Fixed in deep Meditation on the Condition of human Life, I lost myself in a pleasing Illusion, and glided imperceptibly into the visionary Region of Sleep. I seemed to be transported to a spacious Plain, where I viewed with Admiration the Beauties of Nature. The Swains watched over their fleecy Charge with Tenderness and Alacrity, beguiling the Gloom of Solitude with their Pipes. The Lustre of the Sun diffused an universal Smile, and I breathed the Fragrance of Paradise. In this agreeable Situation I saw at a Distance a venerable Personage, at whose nearer Approach I was struck with silent Awe. His piercing Eye seemed to penetrate my inmost Soul, his Countenance was furrowed by the Wrinkles of Age, and his Head brightened with silver Hairs; an elegant Vest adorned his Body, and his whole Deportment commanded Reverence. He soon relieved me from my Anxiety, and with a kind Aspect accosted me in these Terms: "My Friend, whither are you wandering without a Guide and Companion, exposed to the Assaults of Rapine and Artifices of Fraud?" To which I answered, "Venerable Sage, I am entirely unexperienced in the Ways of Men, and have not long trod the Path of Life. Unbiased by Prejudice, I am susceptible of any Impression. Duly sensible of the Want of Assistance, I should esteem it a singular Favour to receive the Benefit of your Admonitions. You are leaving that Theatre into which I am entering, and are able to direct me to a proper Choice of the Part which I am to act."

He then replied, with a Look of Complacency, "I applaud your Modesty and Diffidence, and will assume, with the most Heart-felt Satisfaction, the Office of a Preceptor:" He thus began his solemn Harangue: "The ultimate End of human Industry is Happiness. From the sceptred Monarch, to the rustick Peasant, all are in Pursuit of it. In this Pursuit they all agree, however they may differ in the Means of Attainment. I have surveyed every Scene of Life, and experienced every Vicissitude of Fortune, and at length find that true Happiness is not the Lot of Man. There are indeed some Intervals of Rest scattered round every Station, but there is Nothing that deserves the Name of Happiness; a Word which heaves the fruitless Sigh in every Breast. Every Moment this Globe hastens to its Dissolution, when a new State of Things will be exhibited; then will the Mystery of Nature be revealed, and the Dispensations of Providence justified; then will our future Fate be determined by our present Conduct, and the Actions of this World extend their Influence to the next: Therefore we should not center our Hopes in this transitory Life, but endeavour, by a Discharge of the Duties we owe to the Supreme Being, our Fellow Creatures, and ourselves, to secure hereafter a Station in the universal System which may adequately satiate the Desires of the Soul. It should be our constant Care to pass through Life with Innocence, with Gratitude for the Good, and Resignation to the Evil. In the Choice of your Station, I advise you to consider your Circumstances, and the Disposition of your Mind for Men are generally formed by Nature with an Attachment to some particular Pursuit, and great Part of the Confusion that is in the World arises from those who possess Places, for which they have neither Ability nor Inclination. It should be the Business of Parents to study the Genius of their Children, and not predestinate them, as it were, to Employments that they will never be able to manage. Beware of external Appearances, lest, emerging from the Shade of Obscurity, you should be dazzled with artificial Splendour, and rendered incapable of seeing Things in their real Forms. The Wisdom of the Serpent must be mixed with the Innocence of the Dove: for a selfish Spirit animates the Mass of ManKind, and destroys the noble Principle of disinterested Generosity. Life is a Masquerade, where a fictitious Character is frequently assumed: Be not content with a superficial Survey of the human Race, but examine them behind the Scene, as well as in the open Theatre. The Purposes of Society require a mutual Intercourse of good Offices: Cultivate, therefore, universal Benevolence: yet intrust to few the Secrets of your Bosom, and diligently explore his Heart to whom you intend to yield your own. A faithful Friend is a precious Jewel, and a strong Tower of Defence. Your Mind at present is contracted within a narrow Circle, but the Study of Men will expand its Faculties, and teach you to regard yourself as a Citizen of the World. Assert your native Liberty, and be not a Slave to any Sect or Party. Let your Principles of Religion be worthy of God, and beneficial to Man. Let your Ideas of Government be consistent with the Rights of Mankind. Constantly revere the Oracle of Conscience, and support the Dignity of your Soul."

He then took a solemn Farewell, and a sudden Noise dissipated the Delusion of my Senses.