Of those who have lived above 100 to 110 years, the But in a more recent publication, the following table is given, as the result of a more extensive collection of instances of longevity. Of males and females who have lived from 100 to 110 years, both inclusive, the instances have been 1310 277 84 26 7 323 It is more probable by proper attention and good management, persons in general, might not only live longer, but might enjoy life with more relish than is commonly the present case. In these respects, however, as well as of many other particulars, it is to be hoped that human nature is still on the threshold of acquirement; and that our accessions of knowledge will be beneficial to mankind generally in the prolongation of human life. Dr. Rush further observes, "Notwithstanding there appears in the human body a certain capacity of long life, which seems to dispose it to preserve its existence in every situation; yet this capacity does not always protect it from premature destruction: for among the old people whom I examined, I scarcely met with one who had not lost brothers or sisters, in early or middle life; and who were born under circumstances equally favourable to longevity." SECTION XX. EARLY RISING, THE BEAUTIES OF THE MORNING, &c. CONDUCIVE TO HEALTH AND PLEASURE, &c. Rise, light thy candle, see thy task begun, Ere redd'ning streaks proclaim the distant sun. : 66 He who does not experience the bracing air, or inhale the balmy breath of the morning, but half enjoys his existence. "Early rising," says a writer distinguished for his erudition, " has been the constant object of my attention and it is, indeed, a powerful preservative from vice, a spur to industry and order, and constitutes the most valuable recommendation that literature can boast. I wish my advice and imperfect experience of its benefits, could persuade every youth to engrave it in impressions not to be effaced on the tablet of his heart, and exemplify it in his daily practice !”* Dr. Doddridge, author of many excellent writings, in which his pious, benevolent, and indefatigable zeal to make mankind wise, good, and happy, is conspicuously manifested, ascribes their production principally, if not entirely, to the habit of rising early. The late John Wesley, so well known from his * Mr. Wakefield's Memoirs, p. 140. 1st Ed. unprecedented labours in travelling, writing, and preaching, rose constantly at four o'clock in the morning. In a word, there is scarcely a person eminent for learning or piety, either in ancient or modern times, of whom it is not recorded that he was an early riser. Persons not accustomed to accuracy and minuteness of calculation, will learn with surprise, the vast space of time gained by moderation in sleep, or, in other words, how considerably early rising will extend life in a given number of years. The advantages of this habit must, indeed, be very numerous; since divine and human wisdom, the scriptures, and the classics, are found to concur in frequent recommendation of it. Not to advert to solitary passages to this effect in other books of holy writ, several of Solomon's proverbs, while inveighing against sloth, or extolling diligence, make the time spent in the repose of sleep, the principal evidence of the former vice, or test of the latter excellence. Our own poets also have been glowing and energetic on this most interesting topic. See particularly Milton, in his Paradise Lost. The following exquisite lines are from the author of the Seasons. Falsely luxurious, will not man awake, For is there ought in sleep can charm the wise? The fleeting moments of too short a life; Wilder'd, and tossing through distemper'd dreams? To bless the wildly devious morning walk? The following monitory lines "On the Lark's Sweet Matin Song," may not, perhaps, be useless to our readers, as reminding them of their Maker, and pointing out to them the blessings of health and peace, through the medium of piety and a proper adoration of the Divinity. Those little songsters mounted high, To Heaven their tuneful offering pay, Milton, in his Allegro, most exquisitely expresses himself on these circumstances; and Bishop Newton observes, that the beautiful scene which Milton exhibits of rural cheerfulness, at the same time gives us a fine picture of the regularity of his life, and the inno * Miscellanies, by Anna Williams. |