172 Of a Conf fence void of Offence. S ER M. fpirit, and is the fource and occafion of the VII. molt dangerous and enfnaring temptations : but it is not only flefh and blood, but princi- palities and powers, the rulers of the darknefs of this world, and fpiritual wickednefs in high places. The whole force of hell is arm'd againft a confcience void of offence, and all its deepeft contrivances aim at the de- ftru Lion of integrity. But, farther, this is a work wherein perfe&ion is not to be at- tained while we are in this world, but it is the genuine temper of every fincere perfon to be (till making progrefs in it, and vigo- roufly aiming at perfection. St. Paul gives us a very lively defcription of his own true character, and explains that exercife of his which is mention'd in the text, Phil. iii. 12. &c. Not as tho' I had already attain'd, either were already perfel, but I follow after, that I may apprehend that for which alfo I am ap- prehended of ChrUl Jefus. Brethren, I count not myfelf to have apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting thofe things which are behind, and reaching forth to thole' things which are before, I prefs towards the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Chr/l Jejus. I propofed lajily, To
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