4^2 Dr. Barnes on the Power, i^c. 



proper to accuftom the will to a dominion ovfi* 

 ItnTc. And it will be wife to ehcrifh thofe af- 

 fections, which carry the mind beyond itfclf, to- 

 objeds permanent and noble. 



Stoicifm, which affeded to fecure to its vota- 

 ries an exemption from evil, and which, in order 

 to this, denied that corporeal pain deferved the 

 name, not only took its aim too high, but 

 omitted the proper means of atchieving what 

 it is poffible to attain. It enjoined refolute felf- 

 denial. It eflabliflied the dominion of mind" 

 over '^tn{c. But it did not expand, or elevate 

 the pafTions to their nobleH: objeds. Hence, it 

 failed in its effei^h For it will follow from whan 

 h^s been obferved, that a mind which would be 

 firm, mud be humble. Pride may be indeed a 

 lading pafTion — but it is felfilli. And there are 

 many moments in the prefent life, when the high 

 fenfe of dignity mutt yield to humiliating cir- 

 eumftances, to the confcioufnefs of weaknefs, and 

 of ill defert. 



But the nobler pafTions, which we have before 

 mentioned, improve by time, and meliorate by 

 habit. The foul, whofe better affeSions arc 

 centered upon proper objeds, increafes in in- 

 ward ftrength ; it is better fortified againft dif- 

 trefs and pain ; and it is ripening for a world, 

 where pain and anguifli (hall annoy it no more 

 for ever. 



^Narrative 



