Page:Moral Pieces in Prose and Verse.pdf/101

 beautiful and new; and into whose hearts the whole creation seems to breathe a spirit of peace, harmony, and benevolence. This is the season to be amiable, grateful, and happy; and an ascendency is most easily acquired over those latent passions which by indulgence will "grow with your growth, and strengthen with your strength." Strive therefore, to acquire that habitual self command, which in future life, if future life be yours, will be often called for, and powerfully exercised. Let no contest be declined because it is difficult; no point conceded because it is trivial; for this is a warfare where victory ensures victory, and defeat produces defeat.

Habits are confirmed by exercise, and strengthened by reflection; therefore meditate frequently on the advantages of that calm repose, which arises from a settled and peaceful state of the mind, and endeavour to transplant that peace to your own bosoms. Consider the complicated evils of disordered passions, and resolve to range the warring subjects under the banners of reason. Think with that forcible and pathetic poet:

"A soul immortal, wasting all its fires,   "Thrown into tumult, raptur'd or disturb'd    "At ought this world can threaten or indulge,     "Resembles Ocean into tempest rous'd     "To waft a feather, or to drown a fly."