Opportunity of exerting his _Genius_.

But there is nothing lies as an heavier Weight upon a Man, or
hinders Him more from shewing Himself to Advantage, and employing
his great Abilities for the Service of Others; than the Quarrels
and Contentions of Parties. Many have their Talents imprison'd,
by being of the hated and sinking Side. Their Light is wholly
smother'd and suppress'd, that it may not shine out with a Lustre
on the Party to which they belong, whether it be in Politicks or
Religion. And all Struggles of a _Genius_ are vain, when a Man is
born down at once by Clamour and Power.

This is very discouraging to a Man who has taken much Pains in
cultivating his _Genius_; and many have, without doubt, been
tempted wholly to neglect themselves, from the Dread of these
Discouragements. I own this Neglect is not to be excused
altogether, though it grieves one that there should be any
Occasion given for it. There is still Room for Men to follow and
improve a _Genius_, and hope by it to benefit Mankind, and
procure Regard to Themselves. And it is hard to say, what Way of
exerting it will turn most to Account. Peculiar Honours are due
to those who appear to Advantage in the _Pulpit_. Numerous
Applauses and Preferments attend those who acquit themselves well
at the _Bar_. There is a great deal of Renown to those who are
eminent in the _Senate_. There are high Advantages to such as
excel in _Counsel_ and on _Embassies_. Immortal Lawrels will
crown such as are brave, expert and victorious in _Arms_. There
are the Blessings of Wealth and Plenty to those who manage well
their _Trades_ and _Merchandize_. The Names of the skilful
_Architect_, the cunning _Artificer_, the fine, exact and well
devising _Painter_, are sometimes enrolled in the Lists of Fame.
The learned, experienced and successful _Physician_, may become
as considerable for Repute and Estate, as one of any other
Profession. _Musick_ also may have its _Masters_, who shall be
had in lasting Esteem. The _Poets_ Performances may be [N]more
durable than Brass, and long lived as Time it Self. Every
_Science_ may have Professors that shall shine in the learned
World. With all the Discouragements that may damp a _Genius_,
there is yet a wide Field for it to exert it self, and Room to
hope it will not be in vain.

[N] Exegi monumentum aere perennius
Regalique situ pyramidum altius,
Quod non imber edax, non Aquilo impotens
Possit diruere aut innum