153 



reason become a restraint upon the passions. It is there- 

 fore no wonder, if man in his freedom should yield himself 

 a slave to his appetites, and that his first step should be in 

 vice. Unassisted by reason and conscience, may vi^e enquire 

 with decorum what other barrier could be placed by the 

 Deity for the protection of his innocence, without infringing 

 on the established constitution of his nature. Perhaps we 

 might rationally say, some positive command to abstain 

 from an act in itself indifferent; but which, while obeyed, 

 would defend the approach of all transgression intrinsically 

 evil. Sucb a prohibition ought fully to counterpoise the 

 force of the passions ; but if once disobeyed, a recoil must 

 ensue proportioned to the restraint. Crime would naturall3' 

 follow crime, example become infectious, and habits of wick- 

 edness spread such corruption, that the business of life would 

 be violence, murder, and lust, in all their most ferocious and 

 detestable forms. 



In this state of things Conscience would find sufficient food 

 for its growth ; and add to the anguish of vice without sap- 

 ping its power. Nor would Reason want employment, in re- 

 flecting on miseries, which multiply in proportion to crimes. 

 But half of the argument would lie beyond its grasp, it 

 could know nothing of the blessings that wait on the virtues. 

 In defiance of reason and conscience, the passions in all 

 their pollutions and horrors would therefore reign paramount. 

 The nature of man could afford no resource; and the earth 



VOL. XII. V X 



