Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 1.djvu/250

 CHAPTER IX.

, they say, is paved with good intentions. If so, it has a much better pavement than it deserves; for "the trail of the serpent is over us all." Then why send to hell the greatest proof of our perfection before the fall, and of weakness subsequent to it? Honest and sincere professions of amendment must carry with them to the throne of grace a strong recommendation, even if we are again led astray