practically improved. 109 rational and moral powers is defeated, and S E R u. we betray'd into great and grievous offences : V. which, perhaps, upon a review, it is matter `r`^' of aftonifhment to us how we came to be fo ungrateful, fo perverfe, fo fooliíh, fo thought lefs about our own true intereft, and fo in- confiftent with our difpofitions and purpofes at other times, as to fall into them. It may perhaps affeét our minds Rill more, to confider what failings, nay heinous tref- paffes, have ftain'd the lives of very eminent perfons, in whom virtue has been carried to the higheft perfection that frail humanity is capable of. To fee a man, not in a fingle action only, but through the general tenor of his behaviour, difplay heroic goodnefs, mag- nanimity, fortitude, patience, beneficence, in fome inflances of his conduct, fall vaftly beneath himfelf, nay, into a fhameful de- gree of the contrary vices ; this is a furpri- fing appearance; and yet the fcripture hiftory affords a variety of fuch examples. Scarcely, indeed, is there recorded one illuftrious cha- racter with high applaufe, that is not fullied with force remarkable defect in that very virtue which obtain'd the greateft encomium. The celebrated Abraham, who has the ho- nour to be call'd the father of the faithful, and
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