Page:The Carcanet.djvu/58



To do ill, in any circumstances, is the effect of a corrupt heart. To do well, when there is nothing to fear, is the merit of a common man : but to do well, when a man exposes himself thereby to the greatest dangers, is peculiar to the truly virtuous.

Whilst the conscience wakes, and the blush of confused and trembling guilt yet varies the complexion, the sin is not of long standing, or of deep root; but when the mind seeks to disguis itself from the danger—when playing upon the edge of the precipice, the victim willingly deludes itself, and appears hard and callous to every admonitory caution, then is the moment for alarm.