In that period of life too often characterised by forward presumption
and headlong pursuit, self-conceit is the great source of these dangers
to which men are exposed; and it is peculiarly unfortunate, that the age
which stands most in need of the counsel of the wise, should be the most
prone to contemn it. Confident in the opinions which they adopt, and in
the measures which they pursue, the bliss which youth aim at, is, in
their opinion fully apparent. It is not the danger of mistake, but the
failure of success, which they dread. Activity to seize, not sagacity to
discern, is the only requisite which they value.
The whole state of nature is now become a scene of delusion to the
sensual mind. Hardly any thing is what it appears to be: and what
flatters most is always farthest from reality. There are voices which
sing around us, but whose strains allure to ruin. There is a banquet
spread where poison is in every dish. There is a couch which invites us
to repose, but to slumber upon it is death. Sobriety should temper
unwary ardour; Modesty check rash presumption; Wisdom be the offspring
of reflection now, rather than the bitter fruit of experience hereafter.
* * * * *