Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-12-05
PLEASURE AM rAlN.

A1oW oitCh oic pun anu PiCoSuiC
strangely blended IL the life and consti-
tuition OF man. 1t IS no new or uncom-
mon feeling TO experience pain from one
source and pleasure from another a. the
same moment, and to be nearly as much
affected by the one as the other sensa-
ton. Yet there is generally a material
difference. joy eau never have ITS full
and just sway in the bosom of man, let
there be ever so much other cause, if
pain and anxiety are residents there with
her. We are moro ready TO anticipate
evil than good---to look for greater
troubles than there is a probability of our
being compelled to meet with, and 10
suffer these anticipatIons, which ever
fall short of our fears in the accomplish
ment, to cast a gloom over our nature
and feelings, which no instance of good
fortune or prosperity can entirely remove
while our ~forcbodings of future ca!ami-
ties remain un%dissipated by their non
appearance. As long, therefore, as We
are not entirely free from anxiety and
trouble, we cannot indulge the proper
ton Of happiness we should be justified
In dong from the nature and extent of
the benefits possessed. The mind will
rulninatc on its troubles and sorrows,
whether present or in prospect, and this
reflection will moderate, If not embittcr,
the pleasures we should otherwise ex-
pcrience There is a blessing, however,
concealed IN this restraint. Were we
Lett to the full enjoyment Of exhilarati..g
pleasures, unshackIcd by cares of the
past, present or future moment, to what
eXcesses might not our passions and
feelings lead us, how much beyond the
point they were designed to afford us
amusement, might they not carry us,and
how forgelful Of their Giver, might they
not render us!---It is wisdom, then, that
we should have the restraint Of present
troubles, or fears of future trials, impos-
ed on our feelings, 10 prohibit them from
being too buoyant and lifted above their
strength, and to enable US, when dis
tresses in reality overtakc US, to be the
better prepared, from having before eX-
perienced their power, to meet them
with becoming firmiess. IL is well, too,
that we have some %enjoyments allowed
us when bercaved of others, that will
blunt and smooth the edge of the %latter's
bitterness, and encourage us TO perse-
we're in bearing up against the frowns,
the only saIutations we may expect
from many Of the cold-hearted race
OF many we SO often meet with. -
This medley, then strange as j, may ap-
pear, VIC perceive to be the effect Of true
wisdom, and not of chance or unconcern.
Pleasure soltening the hard fate pain
condemns us to endure; and pain re-
straining the excuses and immoderate
iodulgences pleasure is SO apt to create
Give but the loose rein to pleasure, and
see how rapidly she will drive US on the
road to ruin Transfer it to pain, and
observe how sure, though slow, she drags
the wheels Of torment, crushing the m
bition and energy of man, till he wishes
for nought but death to stop her career.
Look at the influence other feelings
exercise over us when they maintain full
possession ofrhe mind. Hope when un-
trammellcd by fear, is sure to give a col
curing and gloss to the happiness we ex-
poet, which a trial Of its virtues will not
allow us TO hear. And fear when the