Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Utility, Choice, And Use Of Pleasures,
All the shockin g behaviour , that is sometimes observable , even among those who stake down nothing considerable , may confirm the opinion , that it is very difficult to be stri & Iy honest and play high . Nothing can give fo immediate an inlet to all vices . Funds are soon wanting ; they must be found at any price ; then usury or injustice lend their assistance , or pretended friendshi p lends
upon good security . What must we think of fatal resources ? But we shall form a more frightful idea of gamesters , by viewing this situation at the gaming , table . Here they often remain whole days and ni ghts , without stirring from their seats ; hunger and want of sleep are reckoned as nothing to the prejudice of health ; their dejection and paleness are the image of death
; and their agitation , complaints , execrations , blasphemies , & c . a representation of HELL . _ Notwithstanding the ill consequences of an attachment to gaming , diversions of that kind , as more easily ancl more convenitntl y practised , are more in use than any other . Hence it is of greater consequence to know how to lay wellthan to be a good sportsmanbut
p , ; there are occasions when one should not appear quite a novice in the use of pleasures the country renders in some degree necessary . Hunting is a noble amusement , that helps to shew dexterity or vigour ; that may procure useful connections with neighbours of distinction ; and which , practised _ with moderation , produces at least two infallible resources of acquiring better health , and dissipating the heavy moments of melanchol ...... .
y , . _ The pleasure of hunting is very engaging ; but it may be said , that lt . does not suit all states , as dancing does not all ages . When years ripen into wisdom , we should bid farewell to dancing , A mother' who leads her daughter to a ball or masquerade , gives a strong proof of her loving more her own leasurethan the virtue of her children ' A taste
p , . fir theatrical exhibitions seems agreeable in all times , of life ; but all places , do not permit their use . Some , little acquainted with the world , or bigottedto their own prejudices , would banish all of them indiscriminatel y ; but it may be thought , with better reason , that if young people were taught to make a just estimate of their true value , it would be a surer
way to prevent the corruption attributed to them ; and , at the same time , p . n excellent resource would not be wanting to polish , the mind , refine the taste , and form the manners . I do not blame those who go to a new piece out of curiosity ; but I blams those who only seek to satisfy their curiosity . It would be more advisable for them to go with the ' intention of putting themselves in huniour b
good y the parts that excite laughter , and being softened by those that move . If I find , ' that in spite of me , my humour has suffered itself to be seduced by something melancholy ; if I am more gloomy than ! ought to be , by refleairig on sli g ht troubles , perhaps nothing more than the embryos of the imagination , or the weakness of mind : In this situation , ' a more pleasant than'lineApiece may answermy purpose . I begin by recovering myself / I e ? d % being pleased , iiut , if no afflicting ideas prey upon my heart , I want the recreation pf-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On The Utility, Choice, And Use Of Pleasures,
All the shockin g behaviour , that is sometimes observable , even among those who stake down nothing considerable , may confirm the opinion , that it is very difficult to be stri & Iy honest and play high . Nothing can give fo immediate an inlet to all vices . Funds are soon wanting ; they must be found at any price ; then usury or injustice lend their assistance , or pretended friendshi p lends
upon good security . What must we think of fatal resources ? But we shall form a more frightful idea of gamesters , by viewing this situation at the gaming , table . Here they often remain whole days and ni ghts , without stirring from their seats ; hunger and want of sleep are reckoned as nothing to the prejudice of health ; their dejection and paleness are the image of death
; and their agitation , complaints , execrations , blasphemies , & c . a representation of HELL . _ Notwithstanding the ill consequences of an attachment to gaming , diversions of that kind , as more easily ancl more convenitntl y practised , are more in use than any other . Hence it is of greater consequence to know how to lay wellthan to be a good sportsmanbut
p , ; there are occasions when one should not appear quite a novice in the use of pleasures the country renders in some degree necessary . Hunting is a noble amusement , that helps to shew dexterity or vigour ; that may procure useful connections with neighbours of distinction ; and which , practised _ with moderation , produces at least two infallible resources of acquiring better health , and dissipating the heavy moments of melanchol ...... .
y , . _ The pleasure of hunting is very engaging ; but it may be said , that lt . does not suit all states , as dancing does not all ages . When years ripen into wisdom , we should bid farewell to dancing , A mother' who leads her daughter to a ball or masquerade , gives a strong proof of her loving more her own leasurethan the virtue of her children ' A taste
p , . fir theatrical exhibitions seems agreeable in all times , of life ; but all places , do not permit their use . Some , little acquainted with the world , or bigottedto their own prejudices , would banish all of them indiscriminatel y ; but it may be thought , with better reason , that if young people were taught to make a just estimate of their true value , it would be a surer
way to prevent the corruption attributed to them ; and , at the same time , p . n excellent resource would not be wanting to polish , the mind , refine the taste , and form the manners . I do not blame those who go to a new piece out of curiosity ; but I blams those who only seek to satisfy their curiosity . It would be more advisable for them to go with the ' intention of putting themselves in huniour b
good y the parts that excite laughter , and being softened by those that move . If I find , ' that in spite of me , my humour has suffered itself to be seduced by something melancholy ; if I am more gloomy than ! ought to be , by refleairig on sli g ht troubles , perhaps nothing more than the embryos of the imagination , or the weakness of mind : In this situation , ' a more pleasant than'lineApiece may answermy purpose . I begin by recovering myself / I e ? d % being pleased , iiut , if no afflicting ideas prey upon my heart , I want the recreation pf-