A Solemn Appeal - James White

sentiments, and set off with fine embellishments,
while, at the same time, by their designed
associations and sly allusions, they play in upon the
animal passions, and keep them under constant
excitement. And it is because very much of modern
reading is of this very character that the animal
passions, unstayed by instinct, are prevailing with
so much force throughout the community.
Speaking of unchastity, Dr. Dwight says, "Most
unhappily, aids and allurements to this licentious
indulgence are never wanting. Genius, in every age
and in every country, has, to a great extent
prostituted its elevated powers for the deplorable
purpose of seducing thoughtless minds to this sin.
The unsuspecting imagination, ignorant of the
dangers spread out before it, has, by this gay and
fiery serpent, glittering with spots of gold, and
painted with colors of enchantment, been allured to
pluck the fruit of this forbidden tree, and hazard the
death denounced against the transgressor. The
numbers of the poet, the delightful melody of song,
the fascinations of the chisel, and the spell of the
pencil, have been all volunteered in the service of
Satan, for the moral destruction of unhappy man."
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