, and adds a lustre to those who
are in possession of them.

7. Learning, by which I mean all useful knowledge, whether speculative
or practical, is in popular and mixed governments the natural source of
wealth and honor. If we look into most of the reigns from the conquest,
we shall find, that the favorites of each reign have been those who have
raised themselves. The greatest men are generally the growth of that
particular age in which they flourish.

8. A superior capacity for business and a more extensive knowledge, are
the steps by which a new man often mounts to favor, and outshines the
rest of his cotemporaries. But when men are actually born to titles, it
is almost impossible that they should fail of receiving an additional
greatness, if they take care to accomplish themselves for it.

9. The story of _Solomon_'s choice, does not only instruct us in that
point of history, but furnishes out a very fine moral to us, namely,
that he who applies his heart to wisdom, does at the same time take the
most proper method for gaining long life, riches and reputation, which
are very often not only the rewards, but the effects of wisdom.

10. As it is very suitable to my present subject, I shall first of all
quote this passage in the words of sacred writ, and afterwards mention
an allegory, in which this whole passage is represented by a famous
FRENCH Poet; not questioning but it will be very pleasing to such of my
readers as have a taste for fine writing.

11. In _Gibeon_ the Lord appeared to _Solomon_ in a dream by night: and
God said, "Ask what I shall give thee." And Solomon said, "Thou hast
shewed unto thy servant _David_, my father, great mercy, according as he
walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of
heart with thee, and thou hast kept from him this great kindness, that
thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And
now, O Lord, my God, thou hast made thy servant King instead of David my
father; and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come
in."

12. "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy
people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to
judge this thy so great a people?" And the speech pleased the Lord, that
Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, "Because thou hast
asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither hast
asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the lif