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120
Chapter 6 – Lipids
True/False
1. Fatty acids are the most abundant lipid molecules in the body.
2. Trans fatty acids are naturally abundant in avocados.
3. The essential fatty acids are linoleic acid and linolenic acid.
4. In general, animal foods supply the majority of dietary saturated fatty acids and plant-based foods
supply the majority of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
5. Triglycerides and phospholipids are structurally similar.
6. The most abundant sterol in the body is cholesterol.
7. All lipoproteins have similar structural components but differ in size and density.
8. Lipoprotein lipase only releases free fatty acids from chylomicrons.
9. Cardiovascular disease risk is solely attributable to dietary fat intake.
10. Dietary recommendations for reducing cardiovascular disease risk include lowering saturated and
trans fatty acid intake to as minimal an amount as possible.
1. The most abundant lipids in the human 4. A fatty acid with the name: cis9, cis12, cis15-
body are 18:3 has
A. fatty acids. A. 18 carbons and 3 cis double bonds.
B. triglycerides. B. 18 carbons and 9 cis double bonds
C. cholesterol molecules. between carbons 15 and 18.
D. phospholipids. C. 15 carbons and 3 cis double bonds.
D. Cis double bonds at every third carbon.
2. A fatty acid that contains only carbon-
carbon single bonds is called 5. Linoleic and linolenic acid
A. a saturated fatty acid. A. are both 16 carbons long.
B. an unsaturated fatty acid. B. are both omega-3 fatty acids.
C. a monounsaturated fatty acid. C. are both essential fatty acids.
D. a polyunsaturated fatty acid. D. contain 2 double bonds each.
3. Trans fatty acids are produced commercially 6. Eicosanoids are hormone-like compounds
through the process of produced from
A. hydrogenation. A. saturated fatty acids.
B. partial hydrogenation. B. the essential fatty acids.
C. transesterification. C. omega-3 fatty acids.
D. transamination. D. omega-6 fatty acids.
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121
8. Good food sources of both essential fatty 15. Micelles are
acids are A. small droplets of bile released into the
A. meats. duodenum from the gallbladder.
B. eggs. B. small droplets of dietary cholesterol that
C. vegetable oils. move rapidly through the intestinal
D. milk products. tract.
C. small droplets of fat resulting from
9. The formation of triglycerides is called emulsification of large droplets that
A. lipolysis. come from the stomach.
B. lipogenesis. D. small droplets of triglycerides that have
C. β-oxidation. reformed from the fatty acids and
D. fatty acid synthesis. diglycerides produced by lipase activity.
10. The removal of fatty acids from the glycerol 16. Chylomicrons are released into the _____ for
backbone is called transport.
A. lipolysis. A. blood
B. lipogenesis. B. lymphatic circulation
C. β-oxidation. C. lumen of the intestine
D. fatty acid removal. D. cytoplasm of the cell
11. The metabolic breakdown of fatty acids to 17. The enzyme lipoprotein lipase releases fatty
produce ATP is called acids from chylomicrons, so they can be
A. lipolysis. taken up by surrounding cells. What
B. lipogenesis. remains of the chylomicron is called
C. β-oxidation. A. a low-density lipoprotein.
D. fatty acid burning. B. a high-density lipoprotein.
C. an intermediate-density lipoprotein.
12. Phospholipids and sterols D. a chylomicron remnant.
A. are essential nutrients.
B. are important component of cell 18. Chylomicron remnants are taken up into the
membranes. _____, where their contents are reused or
C. block transport of lipids in the blood. recycled.
D. are derived from steroid hormones. A. liver
B. kidneys
13. Triglyceride digestion begins in the mouth C. pancreas
because of the activity of D. adipose tissue
A. salivary amylase.
B. lingual lipase. 19. Lipoproteins all have similar structures. The
C. gastric lipase. outer surface of all lipoproteins consists of
D. pancreatic lipase. phospholipids, cholesterol, and at least one
special protein called
14. What hormone instructs the gallbladder to A. an apolipoprotein.
release bile into the duodenum? B. a lipid transport protein.
A. Gastrin C. a lipo-protein.
B. Cholecystokinin D. an activating protein.
C. Secretin
D. Bile-releasing hormone
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122
20. Cholesterol-rich low-density lipoproteins 23. The primary function of HDL particles is to
(LDL) are produced A. deliver fatty acids to cells.
A. in the liver. B. deliver cholesterol to cells.
B. in the small intestine. C. deliver fatty acids to the liver.
C. in the blood by continued removal of D. pick up cholesterol from nonliver cells
fatty acids from IDL particles. and deliver it to the liver.
D. in the blood by continued cholesterol
pick-up by HDL particles. 24. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
and the American Heart Association both
21. The primary function of LDL particles is to recommended that adults consume less than
A. deliver fatty acids to cells. _____ mg of cholesterol each day.
B. deliver cholesterol to cells. A. 100
C. deliver fatty acids to the liver. B. 200
D. pick up cholesterol from nonliver cells C. 300
and deliver it to the liver. D. 500
22. Cells take up LDL particles 25. The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution
A. using lipoprotein lipase. Range (AMDR) for lipids is
B. using the LDL receptor. A. <30% of total energy intake.
C. by simple diffusion. B. 10-35% of total energy intake.
D. using the insulin receptor. C. 20-35% of total energy intake.
D. 45-65% of total energy intake.
26. Fatty acids are distinguished from one 28. Unsaturated fatty acids tend to be liquid at
another by their chain length and room temperature, while saturated fatty
A. the presence of an alpha end with a acids are usually solid at room temperature.
carboxylic acid group. The explanation for this difference is that
B. the presence of an omega end with a A. saturated fatty acids have a rigid
methyl group. structure that allows them to pack
C. the number and positions of double densely, making them solid at room
bonds within the molecule. temperature.
D. the presence of nitrogen in the carbon B. unsaturated fatty acids are usually
chain. short-chain fatty acids and therefore are
usually oils.
27. Short-chain fatty acids are usually liquid at C. double bonds are stabilized at room
room temperature while long-chain fatty temperature, resulting in oil formation.
acids are usually solid at room temperature. D. double bonds are destabilized at room
The explanation for this difference is that temperature, resulting in more random
A. chain length affects the temperature at movement of fatty acids in oils.
which a fatty acid melts.
B. chain length affects water solubility.
C. chain length is modified by room
temperature.
D. short-chain fatty acids generally have
more double bonds than long-chain
fatty acids.
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123
29. The organization of hydrogen atoms around 33. Monoglycerides, diglycerides, and
the double bond is called _____ when they triglycerides are distinguished from one
are on the same side as the double bond, another by
and _____ when they are on opposite sides A. the number of fatty acids attached to the
of the double bond. glycerol backbone.
A. same, opposite B. the types of fatty acids attached to the
B. cis, trans glycerol backbone.
C. trans, cis C. the length of the fatty acids attached to
D. sister, brother the glycerol backbone.
D. the saturation of the fatty acids attached
30. Concerns about the health effects of trans to the glycerol backbone.
fatty acid consumption have led to
A. the requirement for trans fat content to 34. Under certain conditions, such as starvation,
be listed on the Nutrition Facts panel of fatty acids can be used to form
packaged foods. A. ketones, an alternative energy source for
B. a ban on partial hydrogenation in the some tissues.
food industry. B. amino acids so that protein synthesis
C. recalls of many trans fatty acid- can continue to occur.
containing foods such as crackers. C. glucose so that the brain can function
D. no changes in the food or health care normally.
industries.
35. Excess dietary fatty acids that are not
31. In an omega-3 fatty acid of any chain length required for energy production or other
the first double bond is functions are
A. between the third and fourth carbons A. converted to amino acids for protein
counting from the omega (methyl) end synthesis.
of the molecule. B. stored as triglycerides in adipose tissue.
B. between the third and fourth carbons C. transported in the blood as free fatty
counting from the alpha (carboxylic acids until they are needed.
acid) end of the molecule. D. excreted in the feces.
C. between the sixth and seventh carbons
counting from the omega (methyl) end 36. In addition to promoting glucose uptake
of the molecule. into cells, insulin
D. in a trans configuration. A. promotes triglyceride storage during
times of energy excess.
32. During infancy, the ability to process the B. promotes lipolysis.
essential fatty acids to other fatty acids such C. promotes β-oxidation.
as arachidonic acid and DHA may be D. promotes ketogenesis.
impaired due to immature production of the
required enzymes. In this situation,
arachidonic acid and DHA are considered
A. dispensable.
B. nonessential.
C. conditionally essential.
D. provisionally essential.
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124
37. One advantage of storing excess energy as 40. Rather than cholesterol, plants produce
triglycerides as compared to storing it as cholesterol-like compounds called
glycogen is that phytosterols. Phytosterols have been shown
A. triglycerides are stored with water, to
creating the perfect environment for A. substitute for cholesterol in the human
chemical reactions to release energy. body.
B. one gram of triglycerides contains over B. be readily absorbed in the human body.
twice the amount of energy as one gram C. lower blood cholesterol levels through
of carbohydrate. unknown mechanisms.
C. one gram of triglycerides contains over D. be readily incorporated into cell
twice the amount of energy as one gram membranes in the human body.
of protein.
D. triglyceride storage in the liver makes 41. The products of pancreatic lipase acting on a
energy readily available for this highly triglyceride molecule are
active organ. A. a monoglyceride and two free fatty
acids.
38. Adipose tissue plays an important B. a diglyceride and one free fatty acid.
insulating role in the body. People with C. a glycerol backbone and three free fatty
minimal adipose tissue acids.
A. have difficulty regulating body D. None of the above; pancreatic lipase
temperature and therefore have only acts on diglycerides.
difficulty staying warm.
B. do not benefit from the cooling effects of 42. Short- and medium-chain fatty acids
adipose tissue. A. are taken up by intestinal cells without
C. cannot mount any physiological the aid of micelles.
responses to compensate for their lack B. are incorporated into micelles in order
of adipose tissue. to be taken up by intestinal cells.
D. rely on natural day-to-day fluctuations C. must be incorporated into chylomicrons
in the amount of adipose tissue to to leave the intestinal cell.
provide insulation. D. are used by the intestinal cells and then
excreted.
39. Functions of cholesterol include all of the
following except: 43. Lipids in micelles are taken up by intestinal
A. It is a precursor for bile acids, which are cells, where
important in lipid digestion. A. the long-chain fatty acids are released
B. It is used to synthesize reproductive into the bloodstream to bind to albumin
hormones such as testosterone and for transport.
estrogen. B. the fatty acids and monoglycerides are
C. It is incorporated into cell membranes, reassembled into triglycerides and
where it helps maintain flexibility. incorporated into chylomicrons for
D. It is used for energy production when transport.
fatty acids are in short supply. C. the fatty acids and monoglycerides are
reassembled into triglycerides and
incorporated into VLDL particles for
transport.
D. the cholesterol and phospholipids are
converted to triglycerides and
incorporated into chylomicrons for
transport.
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125
44. The density of lipoproteins is determined by 45. High intakes of saturated fatty acids, trans
the relative amounts of fatty acids, and _____ are associated with
A. long-chain and short-chain fatty acids. increased risk of cardiovascular disease in
B. phospholipids and triglycerides. certain people.
C. triglycerides and cholesterol. A. monounsaturated fatty acids
D. lipids and proteins. B. cholesterol
C. phytosterols
D. lecithin
Answer Key Note: ANS = correct answer; REF = page reference; TOP = section/outcome
True/False
1. ANS: T REF: 125 TOP: 6.1
2. ANS: F REF: 128 TOP: 6.1
3. ANS: T REF: 131 TOP: 6.2
4. ANS: T REF: 133 TOP: 6.2
5. ANS: T REF: 136 TOP: 6.4
6. ANS: T REF: 136 TOP: 6.4
7. ANS: T REF: 145 TOP: 6.6
8. ANS: F REF: 145 TOP: 6.6
9. ANS: F REF: 147 TOP: 6.7
10. ANS: F REF: 149 TOP: 6.8
Multiple Choice
1. ANS: A REF: 125 TOP: 6.1
2. ANS: A REF: 127 TOP: 6.1
3. ANS: B REF: 128 TOP: 6.1
4. ANS: A REF: 130 TOP: 6.1
5. ANS: C REF: 131 TOP: 6.2
6. ANS: B REF: 131 TOP: 6.2
7. ANS: A REF: 131 TOP: 6.2
8. ANS: C REF: 132 TOP: 6.2
9. ANS: B REF: 134 TOP: 6.3
10. ANS: A REF: 134 TOP: 6.3
11. ANS: C REF: 134 TOP: 6.3
12. ANS: B REF: 135 TOP: 6.4
13. ANS: B REF: 139 TOP: 6.5
14. ANS: B REF: 140 TOP: 6.5
15. ANS: C REF: 140 TOP: 6.5
16. ANS: B REF: 143 TOP: 6.5
17. ANS: D REF: 143-144 TOP: 6.5
18. ANS: A REF: 144 TOP: 6.5
19. ANS: A REF: 144-145 TOP: 6.6
20. ANS: C REF: 145 TOP: 6.6
21. ANS: B REF: 145 TOP: 6.6
22. ANS: B REF: 145 TOP: 6.6
23. ANS: D REF: 146 TOP: 6.6
24. ANS: C REF: 149 TOP: 6.8
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126
25. ANS: C REF: 149 TOP: 6.8
26. ANS: C REF: 125 TOP: 6.1
27. ANS: A REF: 126 TOP: 6.1
28. ANS: A REF: 127 TOP: 6.1
29. ANS: B REF: 128 TOP: 6.1
30. ANS: A REF: 129 TOP: 6.1
31. ANS: A REF: 130 TOP: 6.1
32. ANS: C REF: 132 TOP: 6.2
33. ANS: A REF: 134 TOP: 6.3
34. ANS: A REF: 134 TOP: 6.3
35. ANS: B REF: 134 TOP: 6.3
36. ANS: A REF: 135 TOP: 6.3
37. ANS: B REF: 135 TOP: 6.3
38. ANS: A REF: 135 TOP: 6.3
39. ANS: D REF: 137 TOP: 6.4
40. ANS: C REF: 138 TOP: 6.4
41. ANS: A REF: 140 TOP: 6.5
42. ANS: A REF: 142 TOP: 6.5
43. ANS: B REF: 142|143 TOP: 6.5
44. ANS: D REF: 145 TOP: 6.6
45. ANS: B REF: 147 TOP: 6.7
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their faces, she is in a great fright, and they themselves are as afraid
to see her with it, as if they had committed some great sin.
Matilda says, she should die with grief at this accident, but that
her conscience tells her, she has contributed nothing to it herself.
She appeals to their closets and their books of devotion, to testify
what care she has taken to establish her children in a life of solid
piety and devotion.
Their minds are turned as much to the care of beauty and dress,
and the indulgence of vain desires, as in the present case, without
having such rules of devotion to stand against it. So that if solid piety
is much wanted in that sex, it is the plain and natural consequence of
a vain and corrupt education. If they are often too ready to receive
the first fops, beaux, and fine dancers for their husbands; it is no
wonder they should like that in men, which they have been taught to
admire in themselves. And if they are often seen to lose that little
regard to religion, that they were taught in their youth, it is no more to
be wondered at, than to see a little flower choaked and killed
amongst rank weeds.
Eusebia is a pious widow, well born, and well bred, and has a
good estate for five daughters, whom she loves not only as her
natural, but also as her spiritual children; and they reverence her as
their spiritual mother, with an affection equal to that of the fondest
friends.
For this reason, all my discourse with you, has been to acquaint
you with yourselves, and to accustom you to such books of devotion,
as may best instruct you in this greatest of all knowledge.
You would think it hard, not to know the family into which you was
born, what ancestors you were descended from, and what estate
was to come to you. But, my children, you may know all this with
exactness, and yet be as ignorant of yourselves, as a man that
should take himself to be wax, and therefore dared not to let the sun
shine upon him.
Your bodies are not only poor and perishing like your cloaths, but
they are as infected cloaths, that fill you with ill distempers, which
oppress the soul with sickly appetites, and vain envyings.
Hence all of us are like two beings, that have as it were two
hearts within us: with the one, we see, taste, and admire reason,
purity, and holiness; with the other we incline to pride, vanity, and
sensual delights.
This internal war we always feel within us more or less; and if you
would know the one thing necessary to you and all the world, it is
this, to preserve, strengthen, and perfect all that is rational, holy, and
divine in our nature, and by the assistance of the blessed Spirit of
God, to mortify and subdue all that vanity, pride, and sensuality,
which springs from the corruption of our state.
Whilst you live thus, you live like yourselves, and what is more,
like christians; but whenever you are more intent upon adorning your
persons, than upon perfecting your souls, you are much more beside
yourselves, than he, that had rather have a laced coat, than an
healthful body.
I have brought you up to all kinds of labour, that are proper for
women, as sowing, knitting, spinning, and all other parts of
housewifery; not merely for your amusement, and that you may
know how to direct your servants; but that you may be serviceable to
yourselves and others, and be saved from those temptations which
attend an idle life. I must therefore repeat to you, my daughters, what
I have often reminded you of before, that I had rather see you
reduced to the necessity of maintaining yourselves by your own
hands, than to have riches to excuse yourselves from labour. Never
therefore consider your labour merely as an amusement to get rid of
your time, and so may be as trifling as you please; but consider it as
something that is to be serviceable to yourselves and others, that is
to serve some sober ends of life, to save and redeem your time, and
make it turn to your account, when the works of all people shall be
tried by fire.
What would you think of the wisdom of him, that should employ
his time in distilling of waters, and making liquors which no body
could use, merely to amuse himself with the variety of their colour
and clearness; when with less labour and expence, he might satisfy
the wants of those who have nothing to drink? And yet he would be
as wisely employed, as those that are amusing themselves with such
tedious works as they neither need, nor hardly know how to use
when they are finished; when with less labour and expence they
might be doing as much good, as he that is cloathing the naked, or
visiting the sick. Be glad therefore to know the wants of the poorest
people, and think it not beneath you, to let your hands be employed
in making such mean and ordinary things for them, as their
necessities require. Thus Dorcas was employed, who is mentioned
with so much honour in holy writ; and by so doing, you will behave
like true disciples of that Lord and Master, ‘who came into the world
not to be ministered unto, but to minister.’
Thus did the pious widow educate her daughters. The spirit of
this education speaks so plainly for itself, that, I hope, I need say
nothing in its justification. If we could see it in life, as well as read of
it in books, the world would soon find the happy effects.
There is nothing more desirable for the common good of all the
world, than that we might see it. For though women do not carry on
the trade and business of the world, yet as they are mothers and
mistresses of families, they have for some time the care of the
education of their children of both sorts, and are entrusted with that
which is of the greatest consequence to human life. For as the health
and strength, or weakness of our bodies, is very much owing to their
methods of treating us when we are young; so the soundness or folly
of our minds, are not less owing to those first tempers and ways of
thinking, which we eagerly received from the love, tenderness,
authority and constant conversation of our mothers.
They are not suffered to dispute with us the proud prizes of arts
and sciences, of learning and ♦ eloquence, in which I have much
suspicion they would often prove our superiors; but we turn them
over to the study of beauty and dress, and the whole world conspire
to make them to think of nothing else. Fathers and mothers, friends
and relations, seem to have no other wish towards the little girl, but
that she may have a fair skin, a fine shape, dress well, and dance to
admiration.
Some indeed are pleased to say, that women are naturally of little
and vain minds, and consequently their trifling vain behaviour is
owing solely to that; but this I look upon to be as false and
unreasonable, as to say, that butchers are naturally cruel: for as their
cruelty is not owing to their natures, but to their way of life, which has
changed their natures; so whatever littleness and vanity is to be
observed in the minds of women, it is like the cruelty of butchers, a
temper that is wrought into them by that life which they are taught
and accustomed to lead. At least thus much must be said, that we
cannot justly charge any thing upon their nature, till we take care that
it is not perverted by their education.
But supposing it were true, that they were thus naturally vain and
light, then how much more blameable is that education, which seems
contrived to strengthen and increase the folly and weakness of their
minds? For if it were a virtue in women to be proud, and vain, and
indevout, we could hardly take better means to raise these bad
things in them, than those which are now used in their education.
Some people that judge hastily, will perhaps say, I have been
exercising too great a severity against the sex. But more reasonable
persons will easily observe, that I entirely spare the sex, and only
arraign their education; that, I profess, I cannot spare; but the only
reason is, because it is their greatest enemy, because it deprives the
world of so many blessings, and the church of so many saints as
might reasonably be expected from persons, formed by their natural
temper to all goodness and tenderness, and fitted, by the clearness
and brightness of their minds, to contemplate, love and admire every
thing that is holy, virtuous, and divine.
CHAPTER VII.
Shewing, how true devotion fills our lives the greatest
peace and happiness that can be enjoyed in this world.
S OME people perhaps may object, that by thus living wholly unto
God, and introducing a regard to his glory in all that we do,
too great a restraint will be put upon human nature; and that by thus
depriving ourselves of so many seemingly innocent pleasures, as
such a way of life would hinder us from pursuing, we shall render our
lives dull, uneasy, and melancholy.
Would you see how happy they are, who live according to their
own wills, and who cannot submit to the dull and melancholy
business of a life devoted unto God, look at Flatus; Flatus is rich and
in health, yet always uneasy, and always searching after happiness.
At his first setting out in life, fine cloaths was his delight; his
enquiry was only after the best taylors and peruke-makers, and he
had no thoughts of excelling in any thing but dress. He spared no
expence, but carried every nicety to its greatest height. But this
happiness not answering his expectation, he left off his brocades,
put on a plain coat, railed at fops and ♦beaux, and gave himself up to
gaming with great eagerness.
The next thing that seized his wandering imagination, was the
diversions of the town; and for more than a twelvemonth, you heard
him talk of nothing but ladies, drawing-rooms, birth-nights, plays,
balls, and assemblies. But growing sick of these, he had recourse to
hard drinking. Here he had many a merry night, and met with
stronger joys than any he had felt before. Here he had thoughts of
setting up his staff, and looking out no farther; but unluckily falling
into a fever, he grew angry at all strong liquors, and took his leave of
the happiness of being drunk.
The next attempt after happiness, carried him into the field. For
two or three years nothing made him so happy as hunting; he
entered upon it with all his soul, and leaped more hedges and
ditches than had ever been known in so short a time. You never saw
him but in a green coat; he was the envy of all that blew the horn,
and always spoke to his dogs in great propriety of language. If you
met him at home in a bad day, you would hear him blow his horn,
and be entertained with the surprizing accidents of the last noble
chace. No sooner had Flatus outdone all the world in the breed and
education of his dogs, built new kennels, new stables, and bought a
new hunting-seat, but he immediately got sight of another happiness,
hated the senseless noise and hurry of hunting, gave away his dogs,
and was for some time after deep in the pleasures of building.
Now he invents new kinds of dove-cotes, and has such
contrivances in his barns and stables, as were never seen before: he
wonders at the dulness of the old builders, is wholly bent upon the
improvement of architecture, and will hardly hang a door in the
ordinary way. He tells his friends, that he never was so delighted in
any thing in his life; that he has more happiness amongst his brick
and mortar, than ever he had at court; and that he is contriving how
to have some little matter to do that way as long as he lives.
Alter this, he was a great student for one whole year; he was up
early and late at his Italian grammar, that he might have the
happiness of understanding the opera, whenever he should hear
one, and not be like those unreasonable people, that are pleased
with they don’t know what.
But you will perhaps say, that the ridiculous, restless life of
Flatus, is not the common state of those, who resign themselves up
to live by their own humour, and neglect the strict rules of religion;
and that therefore it is not so great an argument of the happiness of
a religious life, as I would make it.
But turn your eyes now another way, and let the glorious joys, the
exquisite happiness of Feliciana, teach you how miserable, and how
dull they must needs be, and what a delusion they are in, whole
hearts are not wholly devoted unto God.
If you was to live with Feliciana but one half year, you would see
all the happiness that she is to have as long as she lives. She has no
more to come, but the poor repetition of that which could never have
pleased once, but through a wrong turn of mind, and want of
thought.
She is to be again dressed fine, and keep her visiting days. She
is again to change the colours of her cloaths, again to have a new
head, and again put patches on her face. She is again to see who
acts best at the play-house, and who sings finest at the opera. She is
again to make ten visits in a day, and be ten times in a day trying to
talk artfully, easily, and politely about nothing.
She is again to prepare herself for a birth night, and again see
the town full of good company. She is again to hear the cabals and
intrigues of the town, again to have secret intelligence of private
amours, and early notice of marriages, quarrels, and partings.
If you see her come out of her chariot more briskly than usual,
converse with more spirit, and seem fuller of joy than she was last
week, it is because there is some surprizing new dress, or new
diversion just come to town.
It is for this happiness, that she has been always deaf to the
reasonings of religion; and if you look into the world, and observe the
lives of those women, whom no arguments can prevail on to live
wholly unto God; you will find most of them to be such, as lose all
the comforts of religion, without gaining the tenth part of Feliciana’s
happiness. They are such as spend their time and fortunes only in
mimicking the pleasures of richer people; and rather look and long
after, than enjoy those delusions, which are only to be purchased by
considerable fortunes.
Nor does a life only of such vanity and sensuality as that of Flatus
or Feliciana’s, but even the most regular kind of life, that is not
governed by great devotion, sufficiently shews how dull and
uncomfortable their lives must needs be, who are not wholly devoted
unto God.
“My glass, says he, is almost run out; and your eyes see how
many marks of age and death I bear about me: But I plainly feel
myself sinking away faster than any standers by do imagine. I fully
believe, that one year more will conclude my reckoning.”
I must also tell you, my friends, that age forces a man to be wise
in many other respects, and makes us change many of our opinions
and practices.
How often had I envied his great learning, his skill in languages,
his knowledge of antiquity, his address, and fine manner of
expressing himself upon all subjects! But when I saw how poorly it all
ended, what was to be the last year of such a life, and how foolishly
the master of all these accomplishments was then forced to talk, I
was then convinced that there must be nothing so happy and
comfortable as a life of true devotion; nor any thing so poor and
comfortless, as death without it.”
Look now at that condition of life, which draws the envy of all
eyes.
Let us now then look at this condition in another, but truer light.
For if when he has gotten his hundred thousand pounds, or all his
boots, his soul is to go to his own place, as every soul needs must
that has not closed with Jesus Christ, and is not born again of
God; how can we say, that he who has worn out his life in raising an
hundred thousand pounds, has acted a wiser part for himself,
however his money may profit others, than he who has had the
same care to provide a hundred thousand pair of boots and spurs,
and as many great-coats?
Examples of great piety are not now common in the world; but
the misery and folly of worldly men, and vain and trifling women, is
what meets your eyes in every place; and you need not look far to
see, how poorly, how vainly men dream away their lives for want of
real devotion.
This is the reason that I have laid before you so many characters
of the vanity of a worldly life, to teach you to make some benefit of
the corruption of the age, and that you may be made wise, though
not by the sight of what piety is, yet by seeing what misery and folly
reign where piety is not.
But to see and consider the emptiness and error of all worldly
happiness; to see the grossness of sensuality, the poorness of pride,
the stupidity of covetousness, the vanity of dress, the delusion of
honour, the blindness of our passions, the uncertainty of our lives,
and the shortness of all worldly projects; these are meditations which
are suited to all capacities, and fitted to strike all minds: This is that
“wisdom that crieth, and putteth forth her voice in the streets,” that
standeth at all our doors, that appealeth to all our senses, teaching
us in every thing, and every where, by all that we see, and all that we
hear, by births and burials, by sickness and health, by life and death,
by pains and poverty, by misery and vanity, and by all the changes
and chances of life; that there is nothing else for man to look after,
no other end in nature for him to drive at, but a happiness, which is
only to be found in a life devoted to God.
CHAPTER VIII.
Shewing the excellency and greatness of a devout spirit, and proving
that a contrary spirit, is an indication of great ignorance and
stupidity.
They would act in this manner, because they know that God is
the only good of all spirits; and that whether they were in the body or
out of the body, in heaven or on earth, they must have every degree
of their greatness and happiness from God alone. All human spirits
therefore, the more exalted they are, and the more they know their
divine original, and the nearer they come to heavenly spirits, by so
much the more will they live to God in all their actions, and make
their whole life a state of devotion.