368 Prudence neeary in converfing SERM. fpirit, have the moll: tranfcendent beauty XIV. and dignity in them, they treat with neg- `''' led, nay with fcorn : and, as fwine do pearls, they trample them under their feet. All this the apoftle expreffes very plainly and without a figure, in reprefenting the unhappy, and, morally fpeaking, molt deformed cafe of the Gentiles, by degrees rifen up to the moil abominable vilenefs and confummate wicked- nefs : only let it be obferved, that where it is the cafe of Chriftians it is 1íi11 worfe, be- caufe they have enjoyed, and abufed, better means of knowledge and virtue. * Who walk in the vanity of their minds, having the underflanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, becaufe of the blindnefs of their hearts ; who being pall feeling, have given themfelves over unto lafcivioufnefs, to work all uncleannefi with greedinef . A difmal conjunäure of evils, molt difgraceful and unhappy to the reafonable nature ! Va- nity, ignorance, blindnefs, and hardnefs of heart, that is, infenfibility and incorrigible obftinacy, and eagernefs in vice. * Eph. ir. from ver. r7. The
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