The other sorrows of the affections which may produce despair, are
those in which the affections are wounded, as jealousy, love
unrequited, friendship betrayed and the like. As, in despair from
remorse, the whole life seems to be involved in one action: so in
the despair we are now considering, the whole life appears to be
shut up in the one unpropitious affection. Yet human nature, if
fairly treated, is too large a thing to be suppressed into despair
by one affection, however potent. We might imagine that if there
were anything that would rob life of its strength and favour, it is
domestic unhappiness. And yet how numerous is the bond of those
whom we know to have been eminently unhappy in some domestic
relation, but whose lives have been full of vigorous and kindly
action. Indeed the culture of the world has been largely carried on
by such men. As long as there is life in the plant, though it be
sadly pent in, it will grow towards any opening of light that is
left for it.


WORLDLY TROUBLE.

This appears too mean a subject for despair, or, at least, unworthy
of having any remedy, or soothing thought out of it. Whether a man
lives in a large room or a small one, rides or is obliged to walk,
gets a plenteous dinner every day, or a sparing one, do not seem
matters for despair. But the truth is, that worldly trouble, such
for instance, as loss of fortune, is seldom the simple thing that
poets would persuade us.

"The little or the much she gave is quietly resigned;
Content with poverty, my soul I arm,