_Stock._ I own, indeed, that indecent words are particularly offensive. But, as I said before, though immodest expressions offend the ear more, they do not corrupt the heart, perhaps, much more than songs of which the words are decent, and the principle vicious. In the latter case, because there is nothing that shocks his ear, a man listens till the sentiment has so corrupted his heart, that his ears grow hardened too; by long custom he loses all sense of the danger of profane diversions; and I must say I have often heard young women of character sing songs in company, which I should be ashamed to read by myself. But come, as we work, let us talk over this business a little; and first let us stick to this sober song of yours, that you boast so much about. (_repeats_) "Since life is no more than a passage at best, Let us strew the way over with flowers." Now what do you learn by this? _Will._ Why, master, I don't pretend to learn much by it. But 'tis a pretty tune and pretty words. _Stock._ But what do these pretty words mean? _Will._ That we must make ourselves merry because life is short. _Stock._ Will! Of what religion are you? _Will._ You are always asking one such odd questions, master; why a Christian, to be sure. _Stock._ If I often ask you or others this question, it is only because I like to know what grounds I am to go upon when I am talking with you or them. I conceive that there are in this country two sorts of people, Christians and no Christians. Now, if people profess to be of this first description, I expect one kind of notions, opinions, and behavior from them; if they say they are of the latter, then I look for another set of notions and actions from them. I compel no man to think with me. I take every man at his word. I only expect him to think and believe according to the character he takes upon himself, and to act on the principles of that character which he professes to maintain. _Will._ That's fair enough--I can't say but it is--to take a man at his own word, and on his own grounds. _Stock._ Well then. Of whom does the Scripture speak when it says, _Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die_? _Will._ Why of heathens, to be sure, not of Christians. _Stock._ And of whom when it says, _Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds before they are withered_? _Will._ O, that is Solomon's worldly fool. _Stock._ You disapprove of both, then. _Will._ To be sure I do. I should not be a Christian if I did not. _Stock._ And yet, though a Christian, you are admiring the very same thought in the song you were singing. How do you reconcile this? _Will._ O, there is no comparison between them. These several texts are designed to describe loose, wicked heathens. Now I learn texts as part of my religion. But religion, you know, has nothing to do with a song. I sing a song for my pleasure.