PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

HlU1f!an Happiness. 45
than what is passing in the piace in which we are,
we are often miserable.
THIllD, Happiness depends upon the prudent CQlll.
stitution of the habits.
The art in which th-e secret of human happiness
in a great measure consists, is to set the !cl>its in such
a manDt::' ~ tfult fiery change may be a change for
the better. The habits tbem!6ves are Bloch the
same; for whate ... er is made bctbituaI, becomes
smooth, and easy, and nearly indif'erent. The return
to an old habit is IiL.pWiA~ easy, whatever the
habit be. Therefore the ad-,antag€ is with those
habits whkh allow of indulgence in the deviation
from them. The luxurioas receive no greater plea~
ure, from their dainties,. than the peasant does from
his bread and cheese: but the peasant, whenever he
goes abroad, finds a feast; whereas the epicure must
be well entertain~J to esc.ape dis~nL Those who
~pend every dzy at cards, and thOle who go every
day to plough, pass their time mu:h alike; intent
upon what they are about, wanting nothing, regretting
nOibing j they are both for the time in a state of
ease: but then, whatever ~uspen·;i5 tbe occupation
of the card-player, distresses him; whereas to the
Iaboarer, every interrupti~n is a rdreshment: and
this appears in the different effect that Sunday produces
upon the two, wbidl proves a day of rCi:rea~
tion to the one, but a lamentable burthen to th~ other.
The man who bas learn~:l to Jive alone, feels
his spirits enlivened whenever he enters into company,
and takes his leave without regret ; another,
who has long been accustom€!~ to a crowd, or continual
succession of company, experience~· in company
no elevation of spirits, nor any greater satisfaction,
than what the man of retired life finds in his
chimney cornel'. So far their conditions are equal ;
but let a change of place, fortune, or situation, separate
the companion from his circle, his visitors, his
dub, common room, or coffee-house, and the differ-