←691
←691
Analogy, Part i. ch. 5. Paley mentions among the chief impediments to the Christian Ministry—‘the insensibility to religious impressions, which a constant conversation with religious subjects, and still more, a constant intermixture with religious offices, is likely to induce.’ He remarks more justly—‘that the consequence of repetition will be felt more sensibly by us who are in the habit of directing our arguments to others; for it always requires a second, a separate, and an unusual effort of the mind, to bring the conclusion back upon ourselves. In all the thoughts and study which we employ upon our arguments, what we are apt to hold continually in view is the effect which they may produce upon those who hear or read them. The further and best use of our meditation (their influence on our own hearts and consciences) is lost in the presence of the other.’ Sermon on the dangers of the Clerical Character, Works, viii. 137-142.