Abernathy - Houston-Packer Collection BX9178.A33 S4 1748 v.2

Of Temperance. i f t dalous fin, to confider it as a matter of indif- SERm. ference or even innocence in themfelves, to VI. divert themfelves with beatify fymptoms of it """"/ in others, and glory in their ability to out-do their companions in excefs, which is indeed to glory in their _game. But the prophet de- nounces a woe to them who are mighty to drink wine, and men offlrength to mingle flrong drink*. Temperance not only forbids all ex- ceífes of this kind, but requires fuch an ha- bitual moderation, that the freedom of the mind may be preferved, its powers in a con - fiant readinefs for better, even for rational and virtuous exercifes, and that it may have a tafte for intelle&ual and moral pleafures. The natural and neceffary effe& of a cufiomary indulgence to carnal delires is a confirm'd ha- bit, which increafes the defire fo as it prevails againft better inclinations ; and then expe- rience (hews the truth of what the apofile teaches, that flefhly lnlls war againft the foul ; they tend to enervate its powers, impair its liberty, and bring it into bondage. How often do we fee men, otherwife virtuous and well difpofed, by accuftoming themfelves to grati- fications which may be efteemed innocent, at leaft not vicious, get into fuch an habit, that * Ifa. v. 22. L q, they

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