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Literary
October 1, 1831
New Hampshire Statesman And State Journal
Concord, Merrimack County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
An essay on motives for moral amendment, emphasizing religious encouragement for the faulty to improve, the inseparability of Christian and heroic virtues, the role of society in human virtue, and balancing suffering, pleasure, and eternal prospects.
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OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Moral and Religious.
MOTIVES TO AMENDMENT. Whilst the most faulty have every encouragement to amend, the more innocent will be supported with still sweeter consolations under all its experience of human infirmities, supported by the gladdening assurances, that every sincere endeavour to outgrow them, shall be assisted, accepted, and rewarded. To such a one, the lowliest self-abasement is but the deep laid foundation of the most elevated hopes; since they who faithfully examine and acknowledge what they are, shall be enabled to become what they desire. The Christian and the hero are inseparable; and to the aspirings of unassuming trust and filial confidence, are set no bounds. To him who is animated with a view of obtaining approbation from the Sovereign of the universe, no difficulty is insurmountable. Secure in this pursuit, of every needful aid, his conflict with the severest pains and trials, is little more than the vigorous exercises of a mind in health. His patient dependence on that Providence which looks through all eternity, his silent resignation, his ready accommodation of his thoughts and behaviour to its inscrutable ways, are at once the most excellent self denial, and the source of exalted transports. Society is the true sphere of human virtue. In social, active life, difficulties will perpetually be met with; restraints of many kinds will be necessary; and studying to behave right in respect of these, is a discipline of the human heart, useful to others, and improving to itself. Suffering is no duty, but where it is necessary to avoid guilt, or to do good: nor pleasure a crime, but where it strengthens the influence of bad inclinations, or lessens the generous activity of virtue. The happiness allotted to man in his present state, is indeed faint and low, compared with his immortal prospects, and noble capacities; but yet whatever portion of it the distributing hand of heaven offers to each individual, is a needful support and refreshment for the present moment, so far as it may not hinder the attaining of his final destination.
MOTIVES TO AMENDMENT. Whilst the most faulty have every encouragement to amend, the more innocent will be supported with still sweeter consolations under all its experience of human infirmities, supported by the gladdening assurances, that every sincere endeavour to outgrow them, shall be assisted, accepted, and rewarded. To such a one, the lowliest self-abasement is but the deep laid foundation of the most elevated hopes; since they who faithfully examine and acknowledge what they are, shall be enabled to become what they desire. The Christian and the hero are inseparable; and to the aspirings of unassuming trust and filial confidence, are set no bounds. To him who is animated with a view of obtaining approbation from the Sovereign of the universe, no difficulty is insurmountable. Secure in this pursuit, of every needful aid, his conflict with the severest pains and trials, is little more than the vigorous exercises of a mind in health. His patient dependence on that Providence which looks through all eternity, his silent resignation, his ready accommodation of his thoughts and behaviour to its inscrutable ways, are at once the most excellent self denial, and the source of exalted transports. Society is the true sphere of human virtue. In social, active life, difficulties will perpetually be met with; restraints of many kinds will be necessary; and studying to behave right in respect of these, is a discipline of the human heart, useful to others, and improving to itself. Suffering is no duty, but where it is necessary to avoid guilt, or to do good: nor pleasure a crime, but where it strengthens the influence of bad inclinations, or lessens the generous activity of virtue. The happiness allotted to man in his present state, is indeed faint and low, compared with his immortal prospects, and noble capacities; but yet whatever portion of it the distributing hand of heaven offers to each individual, is a needful support and refreshment for the present moment, so far as it may not hinder the attaining of his final destination.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Religious
What keywords are associated?
Moral Amendment
Religious Consolation
Human Virtue
Providence
Self Denial
Literary Details
Title
Motives To Amendment
Key Lines
The Christian And The Hero Are Inseparable; And To The Aspirings Of Unassuming Trust And Filial Confidence, Are Set No Bounds.
Society Is The True Sphere Of Human Virtue.
Suffering Is No Duty, But Where It Is Necessary To Avoid Guilt, Or To Do Good: Nor Pleasure A Crime, But Where It Strengthens The Influence Of Bad Inclinations, Or Lessens The Generous Activity Of Virtue.