Of Self - Denial 7 A multitude there are of other principles of S E R M. àtion, or which have the force of principles, I. affections, paffions and determinations of one kind or other in the human mind, which may be confidered in the fame view, that is, as ob- jeEts of felf- denial, becaufe their tendencies often interfere with a right moral conduct, or with the duty of Chriflians. Fear fometimes brings a fnare ; forrow is frequently immode- rate, both often mifleading men from the path of virtue, and drawing them into the molt dangerous errors in practice. But I will not infift on thefe things particularly. It is time we should confider what is meant by denying them, or whatfoever may be called felf: and certainly it is not that we fhould ex- tirpate any natural affection, appetite or paf- fion. Our conftitution is what God has been pleas'd to make it. In vain fhould we attempt to make any effential alteration, and 'tis im- pious to think, that he requires it; for it would be to reproach his work as if it were faulty, and endeavour to deftroy it. But indeed our whole nature is wife ly fram'd, and no part of it unneceffary, fo far from being evil. Every pafiion, every appetite, every inflinct in the mind has its particular ufe, as well as each member of the body ; as any one may be con - vinc'd who attentively confiders that matter. B4 Nor
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