pon his being obliged to search into several rolls and records, that
notwithstanding such an employment was at first very dry and irksome to
him, he at last took an incredible pleasure in it, and preferred it even
to the reading of _Virgil_ or _Cicero_.

10. The reader will observe that I have not here considered custom as it
makes things easy, but as it renders them delightful; and though others
have often made the same reflection, it is possible they may not have
drawn those uses from it, with which I intend to fill the remaining part
of this paper.

11. If we consider attentively this property of human nature, it may
instruct us in very fine moralities. In the first place, I would have no
man discouraged with that kind of life or series of actions, in which
the choice of others or his own necessities may have engaged him. It may
perhaps be very disagreeable to him at first; but use and application
will certainly render it not only less painful, but pleasing and
satisfactory.

12. In the second place, I would recommend to every one the admirable
precept which _Pythagoras_ is said to have given to his disciples, and
which that philosopher must have drawn from the observation I have
enlarged upon: _Optimum vitae genus eligito nam consuctudo facict
jucundissimum._ Pitch upon that course of life which is the most
excellent, and custom will render it the most delightful.

13. Men, whose circumstances will permit them to choose their own way of
life, are inexcusable if they do not pursue that which their judgment
tells them is the most laudable. The voice of reason is more to be
regarded than the bent of any present inclination, since by the rule
above-mentioned, inclination will at length come over to reason, though
we can never force reason to comply with inclination.

14. In the third place, this observation may teach the most sensual and
irreligious man to overlook those hardships and difficulties, which are
apt to discourage him from the prosecution of a virtuous life. The Gods,
said _Hesiod_, have placed labour before virtue; the way to her is at
first rough and difficult, but grows more smooth and easy, the further
you advance in it. The man who proceeds in it, with steadiness and
resolution, will in a little time find that her ways are ways of
pleasantness, and that all her paths are peace.

15. To enforce this consideration, we may further observe, that the
practice of religion will not only be attended with