Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/60

 "Think you the sailor, who always glided upon smooth seas, would thoroughly enjoy his haven of security?—no; 'tis the remembrance of the perils he has experienced upon those seas, which renders it so delightful to him: he vaunts to his friends of the dangers he has encountered with an exultation, a happiness which those could never feel who always enjoyed a state of safety; and with that exultation and happiness is intermingled gratitude of the most fervent nature to that Almighty Being who lent his supporting arm through those dangers; and, should any little crosses arise, all murmurs, on their account, are instantly suppressed, by reflecting how insignificant they are, compared to what he has already suffered.

"Thus have I attempted to prove, that to render retirement truly pleasing, we should first intermix in active life, and understand what we gave up in withdrawing from it; and also, that a knowledge of its difficulties will silence that discontent which is too apt to rise at every little trial; for