Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/144

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rejoice that their forefathers ſleep in the moſt conſpicuous tombs, and that their aſhes have an inſcription to point out where they are returning to their mother earth. And thoſe graves, which only a little ſtone at the head gives conſequence to, are adorned every Sunday with flowers or ever-greens. We perceive, in all the various cuſtoms of men, a deſire to live in the paſt and in the future, if I may be allowed the expreſſion.

Mrs. Maſon then obſerved, that of all the ſpecies of pride which carry a man out of himſelf, family pride was the moſt beneficial to society. Pride of wealth produces vanity and oſtentation; but that of blood ſeems to inſpire high notions of honour, and to baniſh meanneſs. Yet it is productive of many ill conſequences, the mſst obvious is, that it renders individuals reſpectable to the generality, whoſe merit is only reflected: and ſometimes the want of this accidental advantage throws the moſt ſhining perſonal virtues and abilities into obſcurity. In weak minds this pride degenerates into the most deſpicable folly; and the

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