SOUL, HARMONIOUS NATURE OF

A harp might conceivably be so framed by its maker that every

string, tho rightly tuned and rightly struck, according to the

theory and design of the instrument, should emit when touched

a separate discord. Or it may be so framed, as we know by

experience, that from it shall flow, when fitly swept by an

educated hand, the concerted numbers of noble music; inspiring

the thoughts with their spiritual force, or suffusing the

very air around us with an audible glory, and making it drop

benedictions upon us. If the former be the case, we know that

the instrument was made without design, or else was made with

malicious intent, to mock with pain where it promised to please.

Now God has so framed the human soul, in His wise and benevolent

ordination of its powers, that each of these powers as normally

employed, according to His plan, gives a separate pleasure.

If unhappiness comes from them, it is from their wrong use,

not from their use; from our perversion, and not from our just

employment of them.--RICHARD S. STORRS.

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