We may
utter a remark, however, which the particular instance before us
occasions, in relation to the singular influence of love upon the mental
and moral character of the man. There is no influence in the world's
circumstance so truly purifying, elevating, and refining. It instils
high and generous sentiments; it ennobles human endeavor; it sanctifies
defeat and denial; it polishes manners; it gives to morals a tincture of
devotion; and, as with the spell of magic, such as Milton describes in
"Comus," it dissipates with a glance the wild rout of low desires and
insane follies which so much blur and blot up the otherwise fair face of
human society. It permits of no meanness in its train; it expels
vulgarity, and, with a high stretch toward perfected humanity, it
unearths the grovelling nature, and gives it aspirations of sand and
sunshine.
Its effect upon Forrester had been of this description. It had been his
only tutor, and had taught him nobly in numberless respects. In every
association with the maiden of his affections, his tone, his language,
his temper, and his thoughts, seemed to undergo improvement and
purification.
Pages:
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442