Billeder på siden
PDF
ePub

giddy may, nay doubtless have, moments of devout and religious sensation; but these are transient; they fly off with the first breath of temptation, and are quickly dissipated in more gay and frivolous pursuits; such occasional feelings, therefore, are of little avail, unless they can be arrested, confirmed, and rendered habitual.

Reflexion and meditation do not find an easy access to the youthful mind; and even those who are further advanced in life are too apt to consider themselves sufficiently informed upon a subject if they discover its general tendency, and conceive that they have derived every possible benefit from it, if they are able partially to discuss its merits, or assent to a general eulogium on its beauties. This may be of little consequence on topics uninteresting in themselves, or unimportant in their result; but when the principle involves a higher consideration, when it concerns our moral duties, or the claims of religion, it is not by simply admitting their excellence, or con'curring in their efficacy, that the errors of mankind will be dispelled, or our own

« ForrigeFortsæt »