296

PERSONAL DUTIES.

[Part IV.

where constant vigilance is to be kept up, and a guard maintainedagainst the unremitting “ attraction of ancient habits,” and theforce of perpetual temptations. To this he ascribed his long-continued health and his good constitution. To frugality andindustry, he ascribed “the early easiness” and independence ofhis circumstances, the acquisition of fortune and affluence, withall that knowledge which enabled him to be a useful citizen, andobtained for him the high reputation which he enjoyed among thelearned. He was extremely sensible of the value of a habit oforder and method, by which “all his things might have theirplaces, and each part of his business might have its time,” and heused the greatest exertions to acquire it. He was better satisfiedwith the fruit of his endeavours to acquire the other virtues, thanwith the result of those which he made to acquire this, to whichhe says he had not been accustomed from the outset of life, andwith his progress in which he always seems to have been verymuch dissatisfied. He set himself to acquire humility, in conse-quence of being kindly informed by a friend, that his pride show-ed itself frequently in his conversation ; that he was not contentwith being in the right, when discussing any point, but was over-bearing, and rather given to insolence. To the joint influence ofthe virtues, even in the imperfect state in which, he says, he wasable to acquire them, he was accustomed to ascribe all that even-ness of temper, and that cheerfulness in conversation, which madehis company sought for, at a very advanced age, and agreeableeven to his young acquaintances.* In respect to moderation,discipline of temper, and love of peace, he does not seem tohave failed much of that perfection at which he aimed. Hismoral practice seems to have been more perfect, than his list ofvirtues is complete. The cardinal virtues, which he so assidu-ously cultivated, drew within their influence and attraction those,which are kindred to them, and which his enumeration does notcontain. On various trying occasions, and under all becomingcircumstances, he showed himself not wanting in firmness, self-respect, dignity, and independence of mind.

Few men, too, have been more popular ; but he used no un-

* Franklin’s Works, Vol. I. pp. 90,94 - 96.