IF a dwelling-house, by reason of its ill situation or
contrivance, be not commodiously light and airy, or too much
exposed to ill weather and unhealthy, it is most advisable
entirely to quit such a habitation, unless perhaps, through
continuance of time, neighborhood of friends, or any other
endearing circumstance, a man should become much wedded to the place; in which case it may be possible, by the
alteration of windows and new placing of doors and staircases, either to remove or to lessen these inconveniences.
By such like remedies, even whole cities have been much
amended and improved both as to health and pleasantness;
and it is said of the place of my nativity particularly, that,
while it once lay open to the western winds, and to the
beams of the declining sun streaming over the top of Parnassus, it was by Chaeron turned toward the east; but it
is thought that Empedocles the naturalist secured that
whole region round about from the pestilence, by closing
up the rift of a certain mountain, from whence a contagious
southerly damp breathed forth upon the flat of that country. And now, since there are several noxious qualities
and distempered passions that lurk within the body too,
which is the more immediate habitation of the soul,—and
which, like the dark and tempestuous weather that is with
out, do cloud and disturb it,—therefore the like method
which has been observed in curing the defects and annoyances
[p. 425]
of an ill-contrived and unhealthy dwelling may be
followed here, in rendering the body a more commodious,
serviceable, and delightful mansion for the soul. Wherein
that it may enjoy its desired calmness and serenity, it will
conduce beyond all other expedients whatsoever, that those
blind, tumultuous, and extravagant passions should be expelled or extinguished utterly; or, if that cannot be, yet
that they be so far reduced and moderated, and so prudently applied and accommodated to their proper objects,
that the mischief and disorder of them (at least) may be
removed.
Among these may deservedly be accounted that sort of
curiosity, which, by its studious prying into the evils of mankind, seems to be a distemper of envy and ill-nature.
Why envious wretch, with such a piercing ray,
Blind to thine own, dost others' faults survey?
If the knowledge of ill can reward the industrious search
with so much delight and pleasure, turn the point of thy
curiosity upon thyself and thine own affairs, and thou shalt
within doors find matter enough for the most laborious
enquiries, plentiful as
Water in Aliso's stream, or leaves about the oak.
So vast a heap of offences shalt thou find in thy own conversation, such variety of perturbations in thy soul, and
manifold failures in thy duty. To take a distinct and orderly survey of all which, that of Xenophon will be good
direction, who said, that it was the manner of discreet
housekeepers to place their weapons of war, utensils for
the kitchen, instruments of husbandry, and furniture for
religious and sacred services, each in several and proper repositories. So every man that would make an exact enquiry
into and take a just account of himself, should first make
a particular search into the several mischiefs that proceed
from each passion within him, whether it be envy or
jealousy, covetousness or cowardice, or any other vicious
[p. 426]
inclination; and then distribute and range them all (as it
were) into distinct apartments.
This done, make thy reviews upon them with the most
accurate inspection, so that nothing may divert thee from
the severest scrutiny; obstruct every prospect that looks
towards thy neighbors' quarters, and close up all those
avenues which may lead thee to any foreign curiosity;
become an eavesdropper to thine own house, listen to the
whispers of thine own walls, and observe those secret arts
of the female closet, the close intrigues of the parlor, and
the treacherous practices of thy servants, which thy own
windows will discover to thee. Here this inquisitive and
busy disposition may find an employment that will be of
use and advantage, and is neither ill-natured nor impertinent; while every man shall call himself to this strict
examination:
Where have I err'd? What have I said, or done?
What duty, when, and how have I foregone?
