erience,
and the history of our whole race demonstrate, it is, therefore,
equally true, that our dearest enjoyments flow from the social
affections and from a sincere cultivation of the social intercourse of
life. There is, perhaps, not a human being in existence, who would
accept of all the wealth of the Indies on the condition that he should
not be respected by a single individual on earth. This circumstance
shows us, in noonday light, the superior value of a good name above
all the glittering appendages of wealth. Every man is beloved and
esteemed in proportion to his goodness and usefulness in the world,
particularly by those with whom he associate in life. If then to _love
and be beloved_ depend on our conduct in the world, and if at the same
time, our happiness is derived from the exercise of reciprocal
affection, we see the importance of pitching upon that course of life,
which alone can secure those solid pleasures resulting from a well
spent life.

Too many persons suppose, they can be happy in sin; yes, even in
criminal indulgence. But that transgressor was never yet found, who
could point to a single wicked act in his life, the remembrance of
which ever imparted one solitary gleam of joy to his heart. They may
fancy there is happiness in sin; but here is the deception. It is
immaterial what some may preach about _the pleasures of sin_, and _the
satisfaction the transgressor often takes in a wicked course_, yet all
this amounts to nothing so long as the voice of heaven declares,
"THERE IS NO PEACE, SAITH MY GOD, TO THE WICKED." Infinite wisdom
_must know_, and infinite wisdom, _has given_ the decision, and that
decision is stamped with immortality, and from it there is no appeal.
If we impress the sinner with the idea that he is not punished and
rewarded _here_, but that the whole is to be settled in the future
world, then we, in the same proportion, weaken the force of virtue and
_strengthen_ the cause of vice. And this is one obvious reason, why
men continue in sin, as long as they dare, expecting at some future
day to repent and escape _all punishment_. They go on from day to day,
and from year to year, with all the thunders of endless and immortal
pain sounded in their ears, and even believing it true, yet continue
to indulge in sin. Would they run such an awful risk, unless, by a
certain course of education, they had been made to believe that there
was happiness in transgression? No. If they believed tha