Note 136 — POPE. (continued 2)
Reading edition
It has been admitted by divines, even that some sins do more especially beset particular individuals. Mr. Roscoe enters into a long vindication of Pope’s doctrine against the imputations of Dr. Johnson; the most satisfactory parts of which are the refutations drawn from Pope’s own essay.
The business of reason is shown to be, to rectify, not overthrow, And treat this passion more as friend than foe. Essay on Man, ep. ii. 164.
Th’ eternal art, educing good from ill, Grafts on this passion our best principle; ’Tis thus the mercury of man is fix’d: Strong grows the virtue with his nature mix’d. Ib. ii. 175.
As fruits, ungrateful to the planter’s care, On savage stocks inserted learn to bear, The surest virtues thus from passions shoot, Wild nature’s vigour working at the root, What crops of wit and honesty appear From spleen, from obstinacy, hate, or fear, &c. Ib. ii. 181.
“And thus,” concludes Mr. Roscoe, “the injurious consequences which Johnson supposes to be derived from Pope’s idea of the ruling passion, are not only obviated, but that passion itself is shown to be conducive to our highest moral improvement.” Ed.