Religion ought to be a motive ; from this point we should
never depart. When we thus consider it, we see that it
IB essential to prevent the formation of other motives,
which act in a contrary way ; it furthermore, has power
to make those subordinate, which usually act in the same
great line. Thus the fear of blame, or the love of praise,
important interests, the desire of being useful, and all vir-
tuous feelings which most frequently second religious
acts, ought to grow under its shade. Cultivated, as acces-
sory motives, they are good and useful ; and occupy an
important place in the varied occurrences of time ; but
each one carries within itself a secret poison, which is not
slowly manifested when its influence is not balanced* or
opposed.
These ideas are so grand and fruitful, that I feel my
impotence to express them. I cannot readily point out
what the eternal existence of an angel would hardly suf-
fice to develope. I must of necessity then be brief, but
will finish, by a consideration of another kind, presented
to aQOther class of readers.
