372 Prudence neceeary in converging SERM. and indignation, in a right temper of mind, XIV. rifes againft vice as bafe and difhonourable, tivti difparaging to our nature, and originally in- tended as a ptefervative from it : but when thefe paffions are loft to the proper ufe they were defigned for, and not only fo, but are exerted in defence of fin, and are the fecu- ritiesof its intereft by hindering all approaches of the proper remedy, how pitiable, how wretched is the Rate of that mind ! Another refle Lion upon what has been faid, which I recommend to your ferious thoughts, is, that we fhould all of us con - ftantly watch againft all tendencies towards, and beginnings of, thefe evil difpofitions in ourfelves. It is true the text takes notice of them as in others with whom we have an opportunity of converfing, and teacheth us how to behave in that cafe. But as they are not unfrequently met with even among pro - feffed Chriftians, fhould not we then take heed that they be not our own ? the rather, becaufe in thoughtlefs perfons they grow up by unobferved degrees to a dangerous, almoft incurable height ; ftill under plaufible but deceitful pretences. This is in effect the fame caution which the apoftle gives the Hebrews, 8
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