But
I enjoy the company and conversation of its inhabitants, when any of
them are so good as to visit me; for, besides their general good
sense, which I value, the Boston manner, turn of phrase, and even
tone of voice, and accent in pronunciation, all please, and seem to
refresh and revive me.
I have been long impressed with the same sentiments you so well
express, of the growing felicity of mankind, from the improvements in
philosophy, morals, politics, and even the conveniences of common
living, by the invention and acquisition of new and useful utensils
and instruments, that I have sometimes almost wished it had been my
destiny to be born two or three centuries hence. For invention and
improvement are prolific, and beget more of their kind. The present
progress is rapid. Many of great importance, now unthought of, will
before that period be produced; and then I might not only enjoy their
advantages, but have my curiosity gratified in knowing what they are
to be. I see a little absurdity in what I have just written, but it
is to a friend, who will wink and let it pass, while I mention one
reason more for such a wish, which is, that, if the art of physic
shall be improved in proportion with other arts, we may then be able
to avoid diseases, and live as long as the patriarchs in Genesis; to
which I suppose we should make little objection.
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