The poet Cowper, in his contemplation of a country life, speaks forcibly
on this subject.

"O friendly to the best pursuits of man,
Friendly to _thought_, to _virtue_, and to _peace_,
Domestic life, in rural leisure pass'd!
Few know thy value, and few taste thy sweets;
Though many boast thy favours, and affect
To understand and choose these for their own
But foolish man _forgoes his proper bliss_,
Ev'n as his first progenitor, and quits,
Though plac'd in Paradise, (for earth has still
Some traces of her youthful beauty left,)
_Substantial happiness_ for _transient joy_.
Scenes form'd for _contemplation_, and to _nurse_
The _growing seeds of wisdom_, that suggest
By every pleasing image they present,
Reflections, _such as meliorate the heart,
Compose the passions, and exalt the mind."_

William Penn, in the beautiful letter which he left his wife and
children before his first voyage to America, speaks also in strong terms
upon the point in question.

"But agriculture, says he, is especially in my eye. Let my children be
husbandmen and housewives. This occupation is industrious, healthy,
honest, and of good example. Like Abraham and the holy ancients, who
pleased God, and obtained a good report, this leads to consider the
_works of God_, and _nature of things that are good_, and diverts the