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The Philosopher, the Saint, or the Hero, the wise, the good, or the great man, very often lie hid and concealed in a plebian, which a proper education might have dis-interred and have brought to light. Discourses of morality, and reflexions upon human nature, are the best means we can make use of to improve our minds, and gain a true knowledge of ourselves, and consequently to recover our Souls out of the vice, ignorance, and prejudice, which naturally cleave to them. [[note]] No. 219. [[/note]] There are but few men, who are not ambitious of distinguishing themselves in the nation or country where they live, and of growing considerable among those with whom they converse. There is a kind of grandeur and respect, which the meanest and most insignificant part of mankind endeavour to procure in the little circle of their friends and acquaintance. The poorest mechanic, nay the man who lives upon common alms, gets him set of admirers, and delights in that superiority which he enjoys over those who are in some respects beneath him. This ambition, which is natural to the soul of man, might methinks receive a very happy turn; and, if it were rightly
