Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1837-04-07
selves to gather knowledge from whatever

selves 10 gamer knOW'eugc ''oh' ""otoVc'
we see and touch, and to digest 1t into wis.,
dom during tho extra tim, which Ia our
privilege. What the sage goes out into
hc field at cventide 10 seek, we can have
at table, or in the throngcd streets at noon
day opportunity for meditation, one of
the chief means of wisdom. IL TO US the
objects of sight are more vivid in their
beauty, aud more distinct in their suygcs-
lions than to others-lf to Us there is gran.
ted more leisure, and stronger indncement
to study the movements of the mind within,
from us may be expected degree of GER,
tain kinds Of attainment, in which it is as
much of sin as q misfortune for US to be
deficient.
Finally, we, like all who are placed in
uncommon circumstances, arc so situated
that our mental aud moral constitution can
scarcely fail of being either very weak or
very strong. If we are dull or slow OF
observation, and in1ocnt in thought, there
| is little chance of our being much wiser
than infants; whereas, if we are acute and
and quick of observation (and for us there
is no medium) and disposed for thought
nothing is likely to prevent our going on
/ TO be wiser continually. In like manner,
|
ais. II we cannot stand our trial, we must
become selfish in principle, soar IN temper,
and dlsagreeablc in manners. II we are
strong enough for our discipline, we can
| not fail to come out of it with principles
strengthened, affections expanded, temper
under control, and manners graced by the
permanent cheerfuness of a settled mind
and heart at ease. If you can make this
last your lot, you have little more to fear.
If you have stood this proof, you can pro
baby stand any which comes in the shape
of atll elton. II you have brought ylgor
ont Of this conflict, you are not likely to be
unncrved. IF, in your enforced solitude,
you have cultivated inst cad of losing your
sympa,hies, yon can scarcely afterwards
grow selfish. If. as your cnjoymenls were
failing you, you haye improved your scren''
~, your cheerfulness will probably be be
yond the reach OF circumstances. The
principal check which mus, be upon those
happy an,lcipatons, is the fear that while
he priva,inn cannot be lessened, tho pam
of it may disappear too soon and too en-
tircly now suffer little or no pain from
my priva'on Except at moments whcr
comparisons are forced upon me- before
am rency IOr tncm ana CanHol ht'l
drcndng a self. deccpt on, to avoid which
would gladly endure over again ali hav'
suffered I had infinitely rather bear the
perpetual sense OF privaton than bccnm'
unaware Of any thing tina, is trne-of my
intellectual deficlencleS, of my disqualified
tlons for society, Of my errors IN matters %
fact, and of the burdens which neccssari
" impose on those who surround me. MY
dependence for being reminded of these
things is, not on those who incur trouble
and sacrifice for my sake, but on the few
occasional notifications which still NEE
with, and which are always welcomed fol
tho soko Of their office. We can neve
get beyond the necessity of keeping ~ fut
view the worst and the best that can b.
made of our lot. The worst is, either tt
sink under The trial. or to be made callou
by il. The best is. to 5e as wise as is pos
slbe under great disability, and as happ.
as is posi- Bile under great privation.
Believe me, with deep respect,
Yonr atitcIona,c sister,
HARRIET MARTINEAU.
March l6, 1884.