An ingenious naturalist has adduced many arguments, which render it extremely probable that insects are not in reality possessed of the degrees of feeling pain, which have been erroneously attributed to them. 1 The features of the countenance often enable us to form a judgment, not very fallible, of the disposition of the mind. In few portraits can this discovery be more successfully pursued than in that of Isaac Walton. Lavater, the acute master of physiognomy, would, I think, instantly acknowledge in it the decisive traits of the original:Mild complacency, forbearance, mature consideration, calm activity, peace, sound understanding, power of thought, discerning attention, and secretly active friendship. Happy in his unblemished integrity, happy in the approbation and esteem of others, he inwraps himself in his own virtue. The exultation of a good conscience eminently shines forth in the looks of this venerable person. GAUDIA, ET IN VULTU CURARUM IGNARA VOLUPTAS." Hacket, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, used this motto, "SERVE GOD, AND BE CHEERFUL." Our Biographer seems to have adhered to this golden maxim, during the whole tenor of his life. His innocence, and the inoffensive plainness of his manners, his love of truth, his piety, and the unbiassed rectitude of his conduct diffused over his mind a serenity and complacency, which VOL. II. Ce 386 THE LIFE OF MR. ISAAC WALTON. never forsook him. Let no one, however elevated in rank or station, however accomplished with learning, or exalted in genius, esteem himself undervalued, when it shall be pronounced concerning him, that his religious and moral qualities are placed in the balance, or compared with those of ISAAC WALTON. THE END OF L WALTON'S LIFE. LOVE AND TRUTH: IN TWO MODEST AND PEACEABLE LETTERS, CONCERNING THE DISTEMPERs of the PRESENT TIMES. WRITTEN FROM A QUIET AND CONFORMABLE CITIZEN OF LONDON, TO TWO BUSIE AND FACTIOUS SHOPKEEPERS IN COVENTRY. "BUT LET NONE OF YOU SUFFER AS A BUSIE-BODY IN OTHER MEN'S MATTERS." 1 Pet. iv. 15. A New Edition, WITH NOTES AND A PREFACE, BY THOMAS ZOUCH, M. A. |