The Idler (Volume 2); In Two Volumes (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1761. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Surely these things deserve consideration. It is enough for me to have hinted my desire that these abuses may be rectified; but such is the state of nature, that what all have the right of doing, many will attempt without sufficient care or due qualifications. N 4i. Saturday, 'January 27. 'T'H E following Letter relates to arraffiiction perhaps not necessary to be imparted to the Publick, but I could not persuade myself to suppress it, . because I think I know the sentiments to be sincere, and I feel no disposition to provide for this day any other entertainment. At tu. quisqui's eris, miser'i qui cruda poeta- Crcdideris fletu funcra digna tuo, Heec pojlrema tibiJit flendi.causa, Jluatque- Lenis inoffcnsa vitaque morsque gradu.. Mr. Idler, >a Otwithstanding the warnings of Philosophers, and the daily examples of losses and and misfortunes which lise forces upon our observation, such is the absorption of oar thoughts in the business of the present day, sucli the resignation of our reason to empty hopes of future selicity, or such our unwillingness to foresee what we dread, that every calamity comes suddenly upon us, and not only presses us as a burthen, but crushes as a blow. There are evils which happen out of the common course of nature, against which it is no reproach not to be provided. A flash of lightning intercepts the traveller in his way. The concussion of an earthquake heaps the ruins of cities upon their inhabitants. But other miseries time brings, though silently yet visibly forward by its even lapse, which yet approach us unseen because we turn our eyes away, and seize us unresisted because we could not arm ourselves against them, but by setting them before us.. That it is vain to shrink from what cannot be avoided, and to hide that from ourse...