If we look for any comfort in friendship or society, we must associate
with those who have fixed principles with respect to religion; for
without them, repeated experience convinces me, the most shining
qualities are unstable, and not to be depended on.
It has often been a matter of surprise to me, that so few people examine
the tenets of the religion they profess, or are christians through
conviction. They have no anchor to rest on, nor any fixed chart to
direct them in the doubtful voyage of life; how then can they hope to
find the “haven of rest?” But they think not of it, and cannot be
expected to forego present advantages. Noble actions must arise from
noble thoughts and views; when they are confined to this world, they
must be groveling.
Faith, with respect to the promise of eternal happiness, can only enable
us to combat with our passions, with a chance of victory. There are many
who pay no attention to revelation, and more, perhaps, who have not any
fixed belief in it. The sure word of comfort is neglected; and how
people can live without it, I can scarcely conceive. For as the sun
renews the face of nature, and chases away darkness from the world, so
does this, still greater blessing, have the same effect on the mind, and
enlightens and cheers it when every thing else fails.
A true sense of our infirmities is the way to make us christians in the
most extensive sense of the word. A mind depressed with a weight of
weaknesses can only find comfort in the promises of the Gospel. The
assistance there offered must raise the humble soul; and the account of
the atonement that has been made, gives a rational ground for resting in
hope until the toil of virtue is over, and faith has nothing to be
exercised on.
It is the fashion now for young men to be deists. And many a one has
improper books sent adrift in a sea of doubts—of which there is no end.
This is not a land of certainty; there is no confining the wandering
reason, and but one clue to prevent its being lost in endless
researches. Reason is indeed the heaven-lighted lamp in man, and may
safely be trusted when not entirely depended on; but when it pretends to
discover what is beyond its ken, it certainly stretches the line too
far, and runs into absurdity. Some speculations are idle and others
hurtful, as they raise pride, and turn the thoughts to subjects that
ought to be left unexplored. With love and awe we should think of the
High and Lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity! and not presume to say how
He must exist who created us. How unfortunate it is, that man must sink
into a brute, and not employ his mind, or else, by thinking, grow so
proud, as often to imagine himself a superior being! It is not the
doubts of profound thinkers that I here allude to, but the crude notions
which young men sport away when together, and sometimes in the company
of young women, to make them wonder at their superior wisdom! There
cannot be any thing more dangerous to a mind, not accustomed to think,
than doubts delivered in a ridiculing way. They never go deep enough to
solve them, of course they stick by them; and though they might not
influence their conduct, if a fear of the world prevents their being
guilty of vices, yet their thoughts are not restrained, and they should
be observed diligently, “For out of them are the issues of life.” A nice
sense of right and wrong ought to be acquired, and then not only great
vices will be avoided, but every little meanness; truth will reign in
the inward parts, and mercy will attend her.
I have indeed so much compassion for those young females who are
entering into the world without fixed principles, that I would fain
persuade them to examine a little into the matter. For though in the
season of gaiety they may not feel the want of them, in that of distress
where will they fly for succour? Even with this support, life is a labor
of patience—a conflict; and the utmost we can gain is a small portion of
peace, a kind of watchful tranquillity, that is liable to continual
interruptions.
“Then keep each passion down, however dear;
“Trust me, the tender are the most severe.
“Guard, while ’tis thine, thy philosophic ease,
“And ask no joy but that of virtuous peace;
“That bids defiance to the storms of fate:
“High bliss is only for a higher state.”
THOMSON.