Page 465
CHAP. LVI.
When the Idea of any Pleasure strikes your Imagination, as you must in other Cases, so should you in this, especially stand up∣on your Guard, and not suffer your self to be hurried away with the impetuous Torrent. Run no teagerly upon Enjoyment, nor improve the Thought into Action; but take time to consider; and let that time be imployed in making a just Computation be∣tween the duration of the Pleasure, and that of the Repentance sure to follow it; and then you will not fail to check your In∣clinations, and chide your self for indulg∣ing them in any Degree at all. Consider farther too, That the denying of those In∣clinations will certainly give you an inward Joy, and instead of being reproached by your own Conscience; you shall be comforted and commended by it. But if upon mature Deliberation, the thing you are moved to, appear no way inconvenient, you may gra∣tifie your Appetite, but you must not let it loose: for even innocent Enjoyments require a streight Rein. and a steady Hand, for fear the Impression be too strong and pow∣erful, and the Pleasures of Sense charm and captivate your Reason. And therefore