CHAP.  I.

The inconsideration and instability of youth, when unrestrained by authority, is here exemplified, in an odd adventure Natura embarked in with two nuns, after the death of his governor, Page 63.

CHAP.  II.

The pleasures of travelling described, and the improvement a sensible mind may receive from it:  with some hints to the censorious, not to be too severe on errors, the circumstances of which they are ignorant of, occasioned by a remarkable instance of an involuntary slip of nature, Page 99.

CHAP.  III.

The uncertainty of human events displayed in many surprizing turns of fortune, which befel Natura, on his endeavouring to settle himself in the world:  with some proofs of the necessity of fortitude, as it may happen that actions, excited by the greatest virtue, may prove the source of evil, both to ourselves and others, Page 108.

CHAP.  IV.

The power of fear over a mind, weak either by nature, or infirmities of body:  The danger of its leading to despair, is shewn by the condition Natura was reduced to by the importunities of priests of different perswasions.  This chapter also demonstrates, the little power people have of judging what is really best for them, and that what has the appearance of the severest disappointment, is frequently the greatest good, Page 135.

CHAP.  V.

Shews that there is no one human advantage to which all others should be sacrificed:—­the force of ambition, and the folly of suffering it to gain too great an ascendant over us:—­public grandeur little capable of atoning for private discontent; among which jealousy, whether of love or honour, is the most tormenting, Page 154.

BOOK the Third.

CHAP.  I.

Shews in what manner anger and revenge operate in the mind, and how ambition is capable of stifling both, in a remarkable instance, that private injuries, how great soever, may seem of no weight, when public grandeur requires they should be looked over, Page 168.

CHAP.  II.

Shews at what age men are most liable to the passion of grief:  the impatience of human nature under affliction, and the necessity there is of exerting reason, to restrain the excesses it would otherwise occasion, Page 178.

CHAP.  III.

The struggles which different passions occasion in the human breast, are here exemplified; and that there is no one among them so strong, but may be extirpated by another, excepting revenge, which knows no period, but by gratification, Page 185.