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straints, unless coerced by direct laws, or guided 
by the holy Spirit of Charity. 
5, If the holy Religion of Love to God and 
Men, which we profess nominally, (but seldom 
effectually) has not been able to overcome 
thoroughly the evils of Cupidity , how are we 
to hope for the ultimate reform of mankind, un- 
less we endeavor to achieve whatever was in- 
culcated by it. . . The lone of our fellow beings , 
and the universal diffusion of happiness . 
6, Perhaps, it was designed by Providence, 
that this prevailing passion, should be one of the 
means to be employed to attain the desirable 
end of mutual Concord and Happiness , It is 
believed by many that several baneful Passions, 
if well directed or gratified to a certain extent, 
may evolve good results. Thus if Cupidity 
may be modified by Generosity , Patriotism , 
Benevolence , Learning or even Ostentation , 
Vanity , the Love of Glory , See. we might hope 
to see it exerted for the good of mankind, in- 
stead of the Vicious ends of Selfishness , Ava- 
rice , Pride or Cruelty . 
7, But the great aim of this life being Happi- 
ness, and Enjoyments now and hereafter, if the 
possessors of Wealth can be persuaded to derive 
them from the pure sources of gratification that 
they can command, instead of the indulgence of 
vicious pursuits, it is certain that if they become 
convinced of this, they will neither refuse nor 
delay to seek and secure such pure enjoyments^ 
that are besides in accordance with the human 
and divine laws, and so likely to obtain our 
grateful approbation. 
8, Therefore it may be useless to ascend to 
the Origin of their Wealth , or try to impair its 
tenure, if improperly obtained ; let us take the 
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