ANALYTICAL ILLUSTRATION. 159
you, bear the calumny with mildness; and never suffer yourself to be led aside from the path of truth and justice, or to be swayed from your useful and virtuous purposes. In word and act be virtue still your aim. Be guarded in your expressions—it is the part of a stupid man to speak and act rashly, but be it yours to pursue such a line of conduct as may tend to your future peace. Attempt not things beyond your comprehension and power, but learn what is useful, and practice what is righteous; thus shall your life flow on calmly, peacefully and happily. And, while you thus attend to the concerns of your mind, be not neglectful of those things which appertain to the health of the body. In food, drink, and exercises, observe a medium, for that is best. Let your food be wholesome, not luxurious; and regulate your expenditure, in this respect, as becomes a wise and great man, free alike from extravagance and meanness. Remember, in all things a medium is the best. Let reflection precede all your acts; and be cautious against taking any step that may turn out to your disadvantage or injury. Let not sleep close your eye-lids ere you have reviewed your actions of the day, and seen what you have done, and what left undone; reproving yourself for evil deeds, and deriving consolation from the contemplation of those which were good and virtuous. Such be the undeviating course of your conduct: persevere in the glorious path of virtuous duty, and it shall be to you a source of ineffable joy, of pure and tranquil delight, and of the only attainable terrestrial felicity; it shall, moreover, lead you into a knowledge of divine truth and heavenly love, whereby you may hold converse with the Omnipotent Architect of the universe,
