Page:Sermons preached in the African Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Thomas', Philadelphia.djvu/34

30 give loose rein to the indulgence of his carnal and corrupt appetites and passions. He views the sober class of society with a degree of pain and disgust. To their quiet and sedate movements he finds nothing in himself congenial. If he at all admits the wisdom and propriety of their course, he is sure to do it in such a way as to shield himself from conviction. A strict regard to the serious affairs of religion, is proper only, as he will have it, for the aged, the sick and dying. But as it regards the young and sprightly, let them eat, drink and be merry—let them mingle in the circle where countenances brighten, and the heart leaps up at the sound of the timbrel and dance; where their ears are saluted with the loud laugh and the merry song. This, is their proper element, here alone can the soul's native thirst for happiness be gratified. Thus reasons the votary of pleasure. But we would in all kindness beseech him to ponder his steps. Consider, if