PASSIONS.
Reading edition
We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from those vanities unto the living God.—Acts, xiv. 15.
What profits us, that we from heaven derive A soul immortal, and with looks erect Survey the stars, if, like the brutal kind We follow where our passions lead the way? Claudian.
While passions glow, the heart like heated steel Takes each impression, and is worked at pleasure. Young.
The gales Of pleasure haply waft him, and he bounds Exultingly upon the flattering main; Nor heeds the inexperienced boy the hints Of prudence, and the counsel of the wise; He steers impetuously through dancing waves And oceans of illusive bliss, till now, Crashing upon the keel, his vessel lies A total wreck upon th’ undreaded reef! “Avoid the shoal!” the sacred preacher cries, The volumes of the dead and living, ope The monitory page, alas, in vain! If passion hold the helm, and pleasure fill The swelling sail, though reason, conscience, say “Avoid the shoal!” the voyager is lost. Carrington.
Thou must chain thy passions down; Well to serve, but ill to sway, Like the fire they must obey. They are good, in subject state, To strengthen, warm, and animate; But if once we let them reign, They sweep with desolating train, ’Till they but leave a hated name, A ruined soul, and blackened fame. Eliza Cook.
Passions, indulged beyond a certain bound, Lead to a precipice, and plunge in woe The heedless agent. George Bally.