114 ow tJie influence of taste. Sept. 26. 



ment, to the good government, and enjoyment of do- 

 mestic and social life. 



I fliall consider this subject, Jirst, as taste is pro- 

 ductive of our own immediate tranquillity and hap- 

 pinefs: secondly, as tending to the tranquillity and 

 happinefs of our families: and lastly, as promoting 

 the tranquillity and happinefs of the community 

 with which we are connected, and ultimately that of 

 the public at large. 



First, As to our own immediate tranquillity and 

 happinefs. Who is there that does not sometimes 

 feel that there is a void, a chasm^ a somewhat in 

 the mind, that feels confused, disordered, and ruinous, 

 yet seems as if it might be repaired ? 



The disturbance and languor that is occasioned by 

 this frame of mind, is removed by active businefs ; 

 some engaging pursuit that causes not remorse ; by 

 innocent amusements of all kinds, in succefsion ; and 

 by bodily exercises in the field. When we are in 

 health, we see clearly about us in a moral sense, are 

 satisfied with ourselves, and pleased with our com- 

 panions. When pursuing our present objefls of de- 

 sire with alacrity, we, at the same time, look back 

 with self gratulation on the past, and look forward 

 to the continuance ef an agreeable and creditable em- 

 ployment, — we are in that complex, but well arran- 

 ged state of body and mind, which approaches moft 

 nearly to perfect happinefs. 



Now that this state cannot be approached, without 

 the intervention of taste, will, I hope, sufficiently ap- 

 pear from the following considerations. 



