claim this merit, that they own themselves as bad as they are; that is, utterly void of every virtue, and possessed of every vice."
David stood amazed at this discourse, and cried out, "I am come to the uttermost despair. If these are the ways of mankind, not to endeavour to be what really deserves esteem, but only by fallacy and arts to impose on others, and flatter themselves, where shall I hope to find what I am in search of?"
"And pray, sir," said the other, "if it is not impertinent to ask, what is it you are seeking?" David answered, it was a person who could be trusted; one who was capable of being a real friend; whose every action proceeded either from obedience to the Divine will, or from the delight he took in doing good; who could not see another's sufferings without pain, nor his pleasures without sharing them. In short, one whose agreeableness swayed his inclination to love him, and whose mind was so good, he could never blame himself for so doing. The gentleman smiled, and said, "I don't doubt, sir, but if you live any time, you will find out the philosopher's stone; for that certainly will be your next search, when you have found what you are now seeking." David thought he was mad, to make a jest of what to him appeared so serious; and told him, notwithstanding his laughing, if ever he did attain to what he was in pursuit of, he should be the happiest creature in the world. Indeed, he must confess he had hitherto met with no great encouragement. However, he had resolved to proceed; and if he was disappointed at last, he could but retire from the world, and live by himself; as he was mistaken in Mr. Orgueil, he would not stay to converse any longer with him, but remove that very day to another lodging.
Mr. Spatter (for that was this gentleman's name) seeing him so obstinate in his purpose, thought it
