^79^' detached remarks. ■^3 



<x)nstitute the truly aiiiable one. The too great in- 

 dulgence of tender feeiiags, however, often pruves 

 prejudicial to the exercise of the social virtue-; ; it is 

 onlj when the former are properly regulated, that 

 they become respeccahle, by leading to the due dis- 

 charge of the latter. 



Though chearfulnefs cannot always be mantained^ 

 amidst tJiie unavoidable evils of life, there is a peace 

 that may be ours,' even while struggling with its 

 heaviest misfortunes; a peace, the c ncontitant of vir- 

 tue, which religion alone can give, and guilt only 

 takeaway. The great foundation of this invaluable 

 treasure, must be laid in just apprehensions of the di- 

 vine nature and goverfiment. If we believe, as we 

 ought, that we are the offspring of a gr?at and good 

 God, who, by his efsential attributes, is present in 

 every place, directing all events, and carrying on, by 

 infinite wisdom, the plan of his divine government, to 

 complete perfection ; if we believe that he has placed 

 us here as on a theatre, where our dispositions must 

 be improved, our actions displayed, and our virtues 

 tried, in order to future retribution ; if we know 

 that, superadded to the feeble glimmerings of nature, 

 he hath caused the glorious light of revelation to 

 arise, to dispel our fears, confirm our hope, and lead 

 eur desires to suitable objects; if we are afsured that 

 events here, Ihall prepare us to eternal felicity here- 

 after, — hov/ can we be otherwise than: chearful, se- 

 rene, and happy ? Let us habituate our minds to the 

 prospect of that fast apprtaching future, the awiul 

 importance of which will cause the heaviest of our 



