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4 M A fd A 2 I N R of M A C A ^ 1 N E
ns adverse fortune in its worst form,
but also paints woes, which never had
a being, eveai So far as to drive too
many of us into frenzy and desperation.
Ho'^', then, is this to be avoided t
will the libertine demand. The question
is easily anfwered. By accustoming
ourselves to reflect and contemplate
only on Such things as are worthy the
attention of a rational creature.
Feet, where we Set our hearts on the
pursuit of any thing beneath the dig.
nitv of our Species, or give way to vain
passions and inordinate delates, though
a fanoube constitution may enable us
to form ideas of the gratification of
them. perhaps, more pleasing than the
very enjoyment might prove, yet we
are in danger, every moment, of a lad
reverse: That Same power of imagina.
tion, which filled us so lately with raptures,
may ^ive us adequate hertors in
turn: This is a certainty which numbers
have experienced, and l believe
no body will deny.
When we delight in, and bend our
attention to the wonders of thecreati.
on, and the heautiful produce ofnalure,
then indeed may contemplation be ra.
viihed even to an exrafv ; the mind
•will he elated with the blessings it
finds every where bestowed upon it,
and becomes all dissolved in joy and
bumble gratitude.
Would man consider, as he onght,
the mighty privileges of his nature,
how, half-divine, he was not forme,' to
be engroftealby low and Senfual objects,
but has faculties, which, if rightly applied,
would enable him to partake oS
the Sellowihip of anrrela, and to converse
even with the Creator himself.
how much would he defpife all the
gaudy trifles, which by their painted
show attempt to allure him from his
real oood> and, with f.ctious prospects
of real felicity, betray him into depths
of woe.
Hence it follows, that imaginasicn,
as it is capable of affording us the
most exquisite satisfaction the foul can
know, while it is linked to clay, so it
inflicts on ua the bitterest Sorrows, and
the most poignant anguish.
If we do not harmonize our minds
and accustom ourselves to the contemplation
nf the moral virtues, 1o subdue
our passions, and give reason an opportunity
to exert itself, we shall naturally
be led astray by lhelenSea to aims, in
which imagination will, at merst, afford
us but a Short-lived Satisfaction.
To well regulate our thoughs, therefore,
ought to he our first and chiefest
care ; we should always take care, that
pleasure be attended by virtue, Sot, if
we forsake the latter, we are sure of
being abandoned by the former. ,
Wherefore then,
O sons as earth I would you dissolve the tye ^
O wherefore, with a rash, imperfect aim,
Seek yon those flow'ry joys with which the land
Of lavuh fancy paints each flatt'ring fcene
Where beauty Seems to dwell, not once inquire
Where is. the sanction as eternal truth,
Or where the Seal of undecerlful good.
To Save your search from folly ? Wanting these,
Lo I heauty withers in your void embeace,
And with the glist'ting of an idiot's coy
Did Sancy mock your vows. Nor let the gleam
Of youthful hope that Sbinesupon yourt hearts,
Be chill'd or clouded at this awesul task,
To learf^the la re of undeceitfal good. And