of the Will over Jenjatton, 48 1 



expiring agonies, faith and hope have often 

 prefented the mofl: aftonilhing fpedacles of for- 

 titude, yea even of triumph! The mind, borne 

 lipwards towards its Maker, has been able to 

 fmile in pangs, and to exult in diflblution. 



The moral influence of this fentiment is highly 

 interefting and important to us all. It furnilhes 

 an argument in favour of virtue and religion, 

 too confiderable to be pafled over in filence. 

 For goodnefs, not only infpircs the pureft fitis- 

 factions, both in the prefent moment, and in 

 future refledion, but it aflually lefTens the de- 

 gree of bodily fufFering. It not only increafes 

 the mental enjoyment, but it diminifhes cor- 

 poreal pain. It not only adminifters the fweeteft 

 confolations under difeafe, but it renders the 

 difeafe itfelf lefs afflidive. 



Born into a world expofed to forrow, and in- 

 habiting bodies liable every moment to various 

 fufFcrings, of what value is it, to have our minds 

 in a condition able to fuftain, and even to miti- 

 gate the fharpnefs of corporeal feeling ! Of 

 what importance, to pofTefs a fpirit firm, vigorous, 

 manly ! And of what moment, to aft under the 

 diredion of thofe principles, and under the im- 

 pulfe of thofe affedions, which tend to produce 

 felf pofiefTion, and inward ftrength ! 



In order to this, it will be neceflary to cul- 

 tivate the habit of felf-command. It will be 



Vol. II. I i proper 



