Mischief IV.—Taxing Pleasure, by the Infusion of Preliminary Scruples, and Subsequent Remorse.

Among the mischievous effects of religion in the present life, it is necessary to advert to those cases where the innocuous pleasure, which it proscribes, is still, in defiance of the mandate, enjoyed. In these circumstances its effect is not so great as absolutely to discard the pleasure, but only to damp and darken it; partly by introducing a previous doubt or opposition of motives; partly by obtruding, when the vehemence of the conquering passions has subsided, a mixture of shame and regret oftentimes in supportably bitter. Though religion thus does not entirely preclude our enjoyment, yet she compels us to purchase it by unhappiness both antecedent and consequent.