like, to the baneful distinctions
created by wealth and other adventitious circumstances; and to envy,
which gives additional virus to their venom. A sense of mutual
dependence for their common security linked them in amity; and
conducting their several purposes in harmonious concert, together they
toiled and together suffered.

Not all the "pomp and pride and pageantry" of life, could vie with the
Arcadian scenes which encircled the rude cottages of those men. Their
humble dwellings were the abode of virtues, rarely found in the "cloud
capt towers and [102] gorgeous palaces" of splendid ambition. And when
peace reigned around them, neither the gaudy trappings of wealth, nor
the insignia of office, nor the slaked thirst for distinction, could
have added to the happiness which they enjoyed.

In their intercourse with others they were kind, beneficent and
disinterested; extending to all, the most generous hospitality which
their circumstances could afford. That selfishness, which prompts to
liberality for the sake of remuneration, and proffers the civilities
of life with an eye to individual interest, was unknown to them. They
were kind for kindness sake; and sought no other recompense, than the
never failing concomitant of good deeds--the reward of an approving
conscience.

It is usual for men in the decline of life, to contrast the scenes
which are then being exhibited, with those through which they passed
in the days of youth; and not unfrequently, to moralize on the decay
of those virtues, which enhance the enjoyment of life and give to
pleasure its highest relish. The mind is then apt to revert to
earlier times, and to dwell with satisfaction on the manners and
customs which prevailed in the hey-day of youth. Every change which
may have been wrought in them is deemed a deteriorating innovation,
and the sentence of their condemnation unhesitatingly pronounced. This
is not always, the result of impartial and discriminating judgment. It
is perhaps, more frequently founded in prepossession; and based on the
prejudices of education and habit.

On the other hand those who are just entering on the vestibule of
life, are prone to give preference to the habits of the present
generation; viewing, too often, with contemptuous derision, those of
the past. Mankind certainly advance in intelligence and refinement;
but virtue and happiness do not at all times keep pace with this
progress. "To inform the understanding," is not