ered their past
distresses, and have always retained the most charitable ideas for the
unfortunate; but we too often see, what is a disgrace to the human
heart, that a change of fortune alters the most tender and sympathetic
affections. While we ourselves labour under misfortunes, we look upon it
as a duty incumbent on every man to assist us. Should the hand of God
relieve us, we then think that all his intentions in the preservation of
the world are answered, and too often cease to remember those
unfortunate wretches, who remain in the gulf from which we have been
rescued. You may see an instance of this in the man who frequently comes
to beg charity of me, whom I relieve with reluctance, and cannot but
censure myself for so doing."

Albert told his father that he had frequently observed how coolly he put
money into his hands, without speaking to him in that tender language,
which he generally used to other poor people. He therefore begged his
father would tell him what could be his reason for it.

"I will tell you, my dear," said Mr. Drake, "what has been his conduct,
and then leave you to judge how far I do right. Mr. Mason was a
linen-draper in Cheapside; and though the profits of his business were
but moderate, yet a poor person never asked his charity in vain. This he
viewed as his most pleasing extravagance, and he considered himself
happy in the enjoyment of it, though he could not pursue this indulgence
to the extent of his wishes. Business one day called him on 'Change, he
heard a number of capital merchants talking together of vast cargoes,
and the immense profits to be expected from them. 'Ah!' said he to
himself, 'how happy these people are! Were I as rich, Heaven knows, I
should not make money my idol, for the poor should plentifully partake
of my abundance.'

"This man went home with a bosom full of ambitious thoughts; but his
circumstances were too narrow to embrace his vast projects, as it
required no small share of prudence, in the management of his affairs,
to make every thing meet the end of the year. 'Ah!' cried he, 'I shall
never get forward, nor rise above the middling condition, in which I at
present linger.'

"In the midst of these gloomy thoughts, a paper inviting adventurers to
purchase shares in the lottery was put into his hand. He seemed as if
inspired by Fortune, and caught the idea immediately. Without
considering the inconvenience to which his covetousness might reduce
him, he haste