"Why, the reason is, we love it; and, you know, people do not grow weary of that on which their affections are placed."
"But we are commanded 'not to be righteous over-much!'"
"We are so commanded; but we should be cautious lest we give a wrong meaning to that expression. Do you think it possible that we can love God too much; that we can love the Redeemer too much; that we can be too much attached to the great principles of justice, benevolence, or moral purity?"
"O no, certainly not; but then I think it possible for us to think and talk so much about religion as to render ourselves uncomfortable. Now I have heard some religious people speak with rapture about the happiness which they expect to enjoy in heaven, but as I know we cannot enter heaven till we leave earth, and that we must die first, I never make that the subject of conversation, or even reflection; for I always find that it casts a gloom over my mind, and makes me low-spirited."
"But ought we not, Madam, to prepare for death before it comes?"
"O yes, we ought to make our peace with God, certainly; and, as he is so merciful, he will be sure to give us time for it."
"What time did he give to Miss Walcote, who expired just as she had left the card-table?"
"To be sure that was a frightful event; but you know she was a most accomplished young lady, and had a good heart."
"Yes, Madam, she was amiable and accomplished; but how awful was it to pass from such scenes of human folly to the judgment-seat of Christ!—one moment shuffling the cards, the next listening to the final sentence, 'Come, ye blessed,' or 'Depart, ye cursed.'"