VIII. Hassan. ONTENTMENT, the only Happiness on This tale is another of Dr. Hawkesworth's productions, and the lesson it seeks to impart is, that happiness is not always to be found in worldly possessions, but has its habitation in the hearts of the contented. It arises not from the abundance of outward things, which often brings disquiet, but from the inward frame and disposition of the soul, that thankfully enjoys and prudently acquiesces in whatever portion is allotted. "Thus," St. Paul declares, that "he coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel, but had learned to be content with his own estate." There are many advantages that may arise out of what some may consider an undesirable condition of life, such, for instance, as one whose wants call him to labour; here industry and temperance are the best means for preserving the health of both body and mind. Such a man may have but few friends, but undoubtedly he has fewer enemies; envy and calumny overlook him as one beneath their notice. Now wealth, power, and prosperity, though harmless in themselves, are, to many persons, very pernicious; they bring with them a long train of troublesome attendants, follies, and cares; they teach us to forget "the great concern, ," and they contract a fondness for the allurements of the world, and by raising our passions and weakening our reason, render us unable to bear even common and trifling disappointments. The creed of the Moslem enforces, even as does that of the Christian, the doctrine of contentment and submission to God's providential care; hence the perfect consistency of Omar's admonition. STORY OF HASSAN. From day to day we humbly own Contented in Thy will.-R. BLAIR, OMAR, the hermit of the mountain Abukabis, which rises on the east of Mecca, and overlooks the city, found one evening a man sitting pensive and alone, within a few paces of his cell. Omar regarded him with attention, and perceived that his looks were wild and haggard, and that his body was feeble and emaciated: the man also seemed to gaze steadfastly on Omar; but such was the abstraction of his mind that his eye did not immediately take cognizance of its object. In the moment of recollection he started as from a dream, he covered his face in confusion, and bowed himself to the ground. "Son of affliction," said Omar, "who art thou, and what is thy distress?" My name,” replied the stranger, "is Hassan, and I am a native of this city; the angel of adversity has laid his hand upon me, and the wretch whom thine eye compassionates, thou canst not deliver." "To deliver thee," said Omar, "belongs to him only from whom we should receive with humility both good and evil; yet hide not thy life from me; for the burthen which I cannot remove, I may at least enable thee to sustain." 66 Hassan fixed his eyes upon the ground, and remained some time silent then fetching a deep sigh, he looked up at the hermit, and thus complied with his request. N "It is now six years since our mighty lord, the Caliph Almalic, whose memory be blessed, first came privately to worship in the temple of the holy city. The blessings which he petitioned of the prophet as the prophet's vicegerent, he was diligent to dispense; in the intervals of his devotion, therefore, he went about the city, relieving distress, and restraining oppression: the widow smiled under his protection, and the weakness of age and infancy was sustained by his bounty. I, who dreaded no evil but sickness, and expected no good beyond the reward of my labour, was singing at my work, when Almalic entered my dwelling. He looked round with a smile of complacency, perceiving that though it was mean, it was neat, and that though I was poor, I appeared to be content. As his habit was that of a pilgrim, I hastened to receive him with such hospitality as was in my power; and my cheerfulness was rather increased than restrained by his presence. After he had accepted some coffee, he asked me many questions; and though, by my answers, I always endeavoured to excite him to mirth, yet I perceived that he grew thoughtful, and eyed me with a placid but fixed attention. I suspected that he had some knowledge of me, and therefore inquired his country and his name. 'Hassan,' said he, 'I have raised thy curiosity, and it shall be satisfied; he who now talks with thee is Almalic, the sovereign of the faithful, whose seat is the throne of Medina, and whose commission is from above.' 6 "These words struck me dumb with astonishment, though I had some doubt of their truth; but Almalic, throwing back his garment, discovered the peculiarity of his vest, and put the royal signet upon his finger. I then started up, and was about to prostrate myself before him, but he prevented me. "Hassan,' said he, forbear; thou art greater than I, and from thee I have at once derived humility and wisdom.' I |