iving, could be sure that their
descendants would keep to the wholesome regulations of the society for
ten generations to come, they might have the comfort of believing, that
tranquillity of mind would accompany them, as an effect of the laws and
constitution belonging it, and that at any rate an easy pecuniary
situation in life would be preserved to them. For if it be no difficult
thing, with the natural habits of the society, to acquire an
independence, it is much easier to preserve that which has been left
them. But will they, who have had it in contemplation to leave the
society, be able to say this for their children, when they adopt the
world for their home? What certainty is there, that these will
experience tranquillity, unless they are seen, quite as far as manhood,
in the habits of religion? Will the cares of the world, its ambition,
its thirst after honours, and its unbridled affections and passions,
give them no uneasiness? And can the fortunes transmitted to them,
subject as they will be to its destructive fashions and pleasures, be
insured to them for even half of their times? How many have we seen, who
have been in the prime of health in the morning, who have fallen before
night in the duel? And how many have we seen in a state of affluence at
night, who have been ruined by gaming in the morning?

But it is possible that they, who may have had thoughts of leaving the
society; may picture to themselves another advantage, which I have not
yet mentioned. It is possible, that there may be yet one which they may
distinguish by such a name. They may possibly think it to be a gain to
get rid of the restraint of the discipline of the society, and to enjoy
the freedom of the world.

That the discipline is a restraint, I do not deny. But it must never be
forgotten, that its object is moral good, and its effect the
preservation of a moral character. But, come you, who complain of this
heavy burden imposed upon you, and let us converse together for a
moment, and let us see, if, when you relinquish it, you do not impose
upon yourself a worse. Are you sure that, when you get rid of this
discipline, you will not come under the discipline of fashion? And who
is Fashion? Is she not of all mistresses the most imperious, and
unreasonable, and cruel? You may be pleased with her for a while, but
you will eventually feel her chains. With her iron whip, brandished over
your head, she will issue out her commands, and you must o