Experience is form'd with Age; and Wisdom is commonly the result of Experience. But when this Virtue is ascrib'd to old men, it does not follow that they are always masters of it. This is certain, that they have always the liberty to be wise; and to knock off decently those fetters, which prejudice has put upon the world. They only are allow'd to take things for what they really are. Reason has prevail'd in almost all the first Institutions; but it has been afterwards almost quite over-run by Fancy. Now Age only has the power to drive out the one from what she had usurp'd, and to restore the other to what she had lost.
For my part, I observe religiously all real Duties. The imaginary I decline or admit, as I like or dislike them. For in things to which I am not oblig'd, I think it equal Wisdom to reject what does not please me, or to accept what does. Every day frees me from one link at least of the chain, nor is it less for the advantage of those from whom I disengage my self, than me who regain my Liberty. They are as great gainers in the loss of a useless man, as I should have been a loser, by idly devoting my self any longer to them.
Of all ties, that of Friendship is the only one that is endearing to me; and were it not for the disgrace of having my Affection slighted, I cou'd love merely for the pleasure of loving; even where I should not be belov'd again. In Love ill plac'd, the sentiments of Amity entertain us purely by their own agreeable sweetness: but we ought to divest our selves of a just hatred, for the interest of our own quiet. Happy were that mind which could entirely resist some Passions, and only unbend it self to some others. It would then be void of Fear, Sadness, Hatred, or Jealousy. It wou'd desire, without Violence; hope, without Uneasiness; and enjoy, without Transport.
