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The feelings which follow disobedience, though more irregular and unequal in their action, often dilatory and partial, when compared with those of approval and reward, yet frequently assume a strong, clear, undeniable character.

Shame, guilt, remorse, willful opposition, and sullen despair may, in turn, hold sway, and make themselves as distinct as, and more bitter than, any other feelings which the heart ever experiences. For reaching this result, more or less time may be required. Repeated disclosure of the disasters of transgression, the accumulation of physical retributions, a revelation of pervasive law, hemming in and baffling the disobedient, may be needed to instruct the moral judgments and awaken the moral sense. When, however, a pause is given to the career of sin, when reflection and the intuitive results of reflection can no longer be averted, the force and direction of moral emotion are as certain as the pains or pleasures of sense, when things bitter or sweet are on the palate. The pains of indigestion may follow more slowly than disgust from food in itself offensive; but the consequences are no less of a distinct and undeniable character.

Moral sufferings may be postponed in more ways and longer than many other emotional issues of action; yet the development of causes ripens them none the less certainly to their results. The whole history of the race renders the positive character of the moral sentiments as undeniable as the physical consequences of an unwholesome diet. The fear the cowardice, the apprehension, the boldness, the approval, the confidence; self-condemnation, self-gratulation; the reproaches of conscience, the dismay, the despair attendant on wickedness achieved, the composure of assured conviction, the calm anticipation of suffering, the triumph over it, fill the records of history, are the staple of dramatic and heroic action. Heathen and Christian literature alike breathe in their more profound and earnest moods, one spirit.