Christian Morals

TREAD softly and circumspectly in this funambulatory track and narrow path of goodness: pursue virtue virtuously: leven not good actions nor render virtues disputable. Stain not fair acts with foul intentions: maim not uprightness by halting concomitances, nor circumstantially deprave substantial goodness.

Consider whereabout thou art in Cebes’stable, or that old philosophical pinax of the life of man: whether thou art yet in the road of uncertainties; whether thou hast yet entred the narrow gate, got up the hill and asperous way, which leadeth unto the house of sanity; or taken that purifying potion from the hand of sincere erudition, which may send thee clear and pure away unto a virtuous and happy life.

In this virtuous voyage of thy life hull not about like the ark, without the use of rudder, mast, or sail, and bound for no port. Let not disappointment cause despondency, nor difficulty despair. Think not that you are failing from Lima to Manilla, when you may fasten up the rudder, and sleep before the wind; but expect rough seas, flaws, and contrary blasts: and ’tis well, if by many cross tacks and veerings you arrive at the port; for we sleep in lions’ skins in our progress unto virtue, and we slide not but climb unto it.