6. The first is the exercise of virtue, in the most general acceptation
of the word. That particular scheme which comprehends the social
virtues, may give employment to the most industrious temper, and find a
man in business more than the most active station of life. To advise the
ignorant, relieve the needy, comfort the afflicted, are duties that fall
in our way almost every day of our lives.

7. A man has frequent opportunities of mitigating the fierceness of a
party; of doing justice to the character of a deserving man; of
softening the envious, quieting the angry, and rectifying the
prejudiced; which, are all of them employments suited to a reasonable
nature, and bring great satisfaction to the person who can busy himself
in them with discretion.

8. There is another kind of virtue that may find employment for those
retired hours in which we are altogether left to ourselves, and
destitute of company and conversation: I mean that intercourse and
communication which every reasonable creature ought to maintain with the
great Author of his being.

9. The man who lives under an habitual sense of the divine presence,
keeps up a perpetual cheerfulness of temper, and enjoys every moment the
satisfaction of thinking himself in company with the dearest and best of
friends. The time never lies heavy upon him; it is impossible for him to
be alone.

10. His thoughts and passions are the most busied at such hours when
those of other men are the most inactive; he no sooner steps out of the
world, but his heart burns with devotion, swells with hope, and triumphs