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SECTION II.

A retired Life considered in respect to Utility.

THE cynic Diogenes, we are told, as he one day was rolling his tub in the market-place of Athens, being questioned concerning this singularity, made answer, that, as he saw all the world busy around him, he had no mind to remain unemployed. This conduct and reply of the sagacious misanthrope, conveyed a fine reproof of the greater part of that bustle and agitation which goes under the name of business, as it implied, that in point of real use, it was nearly upon an equality with the rolling

of his tub.

It is sad to consider how seldom we look through the form and circumstance of affairs into their real importance, and how much we are led to rate them by the stir and noise with which they are attended, When we see multitudes of people in un

remitting exertion, many in a perpetual hurry, as if their presence was necessary in a hundred places at once, we naturally suppose some grave matters are in agitation, and that the actors are persons of no small consequence; while those who go quietly about their business, or withdraw altogether from public observation to act their proper part in retirement, we as naturally imagine to be of little or no use. To correct this vulgar misapprehension, it might be sufficient to reflect, that the most perfect and beneficial agency is exerted without precipitation or tumult, that all the planetary revolutions are performed in majestic order and silence, and with less impression upon the senses than the motions of a water-mill.

Let us then dismiss this popular prejudice, and proceed to point out by what methods a retired life may be made a useful one. And here we must recur to some of those instances of occupation, which have before been considered in re

ference to the individual pleasure or improvement of the retired man himself.

I. The first instance I shall specify is that of agriculture. The employment of a farmer, as it has been observed by many writers, is evidently the nexus or middle link between the savage and civilized state of mankind, who, if we except a few scattered tribes that derive their subsistence from the sea, or from the produce of their flocks, must be content to roam in the desert in quest of food, unless they find a more regular provision in the labours of husbandry. It is therefore on these labours that we essentially depend, if not for the bare support of life, at least for whatever can render life comfortable; for all those numerous and useful arts, those literary and benevolent institutions, which owe their birth to civil society, and which tend to its farther improvement. Hence the country gentleman who resides constantly upon his

estate, and endeavours by an attention to

the best methods of culture to raise the greatest possible supply for human sustenance, is worthy to be honoured as a public benefactor. While he pastures his flocks and his herds, or ploughs 'his glebe, he not only affords employment to the peasant, but promotes manufactures, encourages learning, diffuses civility and humanity, and, in general, strengthens the foundations of social life. Compare him with those of his rank who exchange the healthy abodes of their fathers, with every manly occupation, for the smoke of cities, and the haunts of gambling, dissipation, and lewdness; who prefer the mimicries of art to all the original beauties of nature, and had rather cultivate the barren smiles of a courtier than

their hereditary acres; compare him, I say, with such men, and his merits will appear still more conspicuous, and deserving of public gratitude.

II. The next instance I shall notice re spects the cultivation of a neighbourly disposition and conduct. Plutarch tells us,

in his life of Themistocles, that this noble Greek, having a farm to dispose of, advertised it with this recommending circumstance, that it was provided with a good neighbour. This advantage, which it seems was at that time of no small account, has not since diminished in its value, and it is an advantage which the retired man may af ford in each of these two ways; first, by his knowledge and humanity; and, secondly, by his piety.

A retired man, with that general knowledge which so much becomes every person of leisure and fortune, and with that practical benevolence which becomes him still more, may be of various service in his vicinity. By an acquaintance with agricultural improvements he may suggest useful hints how to manage a farm to the best advantage, to a less informed and industrious neighbour; or, by a degree of medical skill, may contribute to his health. He may prevent disputes and litigation, or by his amicable interference and legal

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