I have this Evening received, your favour of May 30th. inclosed with a Sermon at the Installation of Mr Morse.1 This elegant Discourse, I have read with the more pleasure, because that, besides the good Sense, the moral Sentiments and christian Benevolence which it breaths, I had the last Week an Opportunity of commencing an Acquaintance with Mr Morse himself, who appears to be an interesting Character and a Man of litterary Merit.

The more the Subject is considered, the sooner all Men will be convinced that human Passions are all insatiable; that instead of being extinguished, moderated or contented, they always Strengthen, by indulgence and gratification: and therefore that the only Security against them is, in Checks, whether in civil or ecclesiastical Societies.

This is no more true, with regard to the Love of Power, than it is with regard to the Love of Riches, of Fame, of honour or of pleasure. While We see and acknowledge it to be the constitution of nature; the quality to which We owe our Activity and Industry; our Virtues and our Happiness: We ought instead of quarrelling with it, to be only on our guard against its tending to abuse, to Vice and to Misery, when uncontrouled.

I thank you, Sir, for giving me, this Opportunity of assuring you, that I am with great / Esteem, your most obedient servant