CHAPTER X.

THE DISPOSITION.

Situated as we are, in the midst of our fellow-beings, constantly mingling and holding intercourse with them, we are made dependent upon them, to no small extent, for the enjoyments of existence. But human nature, as developed in this life, is a strange medley of contradictions. Those faculties and propensities which the benevolent Author of our being conferred upon us for our benefit, frequently, from a neglect on our part of properly cultivating and controlling them, become the sources of unhappiness. Thus the social propensity—the desire to mingle with our race, which all human kind possess to a high degree becomes the source of enjoyment or of wretchedness, as we duly understand and properly cultivate its incentives, or neglect it, and allow it to be controlled solely by the unrestrained passions. This social principle is possessed, in a peculiar manner, by females. They are, therefore, deeply interested in its operations and influ

ences; and it becomes a subject of no small importance to them, to know in what manner its highest enjoyments can be obtained.

In your intercourse with your fellow-beings, the pleasure to be derived depends entirely upon the disposition which you cherish towards them. If you respect, esteem, and love them, your satisfaction in their society will be of a high degree. But if you envy, hate, or in any way dislike them, their presence becomes the source of unhappiness; and even the thought of them, whenever it occurs, gives you disagreeable sensations. It is thus evident, that certain dispositions or feelings cherished towards others, are, in their influences, disagreeable and painful, while others of a different character, impart satisfaction and enjoyment. It is my object in this chapter, to notice briefly a few of the most prominent of these dispositions, of both classes.

Envy is a disposition that frequently usurps a place in the mind. Its influences are of a degrading and painful character. Envy never imparted a pleasurable emotion to the human bosom, and never can—it is as contrary to its nature, as for ice to give out heat. It is not only a sinful disposition, but one of the most foolish that the young can well entertain. Will envying the appearance, condition, or possessions of any individual, give you the desired object ?—will it confer upon you wealth, or influence, or splendid dresses, or any qualification, either moral, men

tal, or bodily? Will it effect any change for the better in your circumstances, even the most trifling? Why then permit this painful and malignant disposition to enter your bosom? Why make your heart the den of a scorpion, whose every sting is inflicted upon your own happiness? Why voluntarily permit an enemy to enter your mind, and drive out those true friends, peace and contentment?

Do you inquire how to deter this feeling from taking possession of your heart, or how to cast it out when once therein? I answer, by reflection. Reflection is a light that will reveal the true nature of this hydra, and convince you of the inconsistency of cherishing it. Reflection will sattisfy you that there is not so much to be envied in the world, as many would seem to believe. To ascertain the real influences upon their possessors, of those circumstances or possessions that are the most common causes of envy, we must apply to those who have experienced them. Ask those who have participated in all the enjoyments that power, wealth, and splendor can bestow, if they should be envied by those in more ordinary circumstances. Abdoulrahman III., was one of the most powerful and prosperous of the Spanish kings of the Arabian race. Victorious and wealthy—surrounded by splendor and magnificence—every one imagined that he must be the happiest of mortals. But listen to his own account of his enjoyments, after reigning fifty

years: "From the time I ascended the throne, I marked every day that afforded me true pleasure, and those days amounted to fourteen!" To which he adds-" Mortals! consider what this world is, and how little we ought to rely upon its pleasures." Pope Adrian VI., who arose from a poor barge-builder, to the Papal throne, desired the following inscription to be placed upon his tomb:—"Here lies Adrian VI., who deemed no misfortune which happened to him in life, so great, as his being called to govern." From these and many additional instances that might be cited, you perceive how entirely inadequate is power, or popularity, or wealth, or splendor, to confer happiness. Why, then, should you envy those who possess them? Remember that gay dresses and splendid equipages are but glittering coverings which conceal, in general, even more wretchedness than tattered garments. Be content, then, with your condition. An honest, virtuous, and benevolent heart will confer upon you a greater amount of pure happiness, than all the wealth of the world! If your associates possess enlightened minds and agreeable manners— if they are respected and loved by community— envy them not, but do that which is much better: endeavor to equal them in their good qualifications, and you will soon share with them in the general respect.

Jealousy is another disposition which you should be careful to avoid. Jealousy is justly

termed "the green-eyed monster." It is a bitter foe to human happiness—it coils in the bosom like the serpent, and chokes the fountain of true enjoyment. If you would be blessed with peace, never permit jealousy to enter your mind. It will not only make you unhappy, but will cause you to do and say many things improper and ridiculous. Never be jealous that others are receiving more attention and respect than yourself. If they are deserving of it, you should be willing that they should receive what they are justly entitled to; but if they are not worthy such attentions, you may be assured they can not long command them. And in the meantime, study to make yourself agreeable, by an exhibition of the genuine excellences of the female mind and disposition, and you will have no cause of jealousy towards others. If your affections are placed upon an individual worthy of them, he will be careful to give you no cause for jealousy. But if his conduct is of that improper character as to afford reasonable cause for jealousy, it is a certain indication that he is not worthy your confidence or love, and you can not too soon break off all intercourse with him. There is, hence, no justification for harboring emotions of jealousy. They are painful, unbecoming, derogatory to your character, and should be spurned from every female heart.

Young ladies should also avoid indulging hatred, anger, revenge, and all emotions of a like