The Cal f s and Danger of Self-Deceit. 73 in "unhappy circumftances. And thus they SERM. reafon in their own thoughts ; will not an In- equitable, efpecially a compaffionate gover- ` v J nor, in his demands of obedience from his fubjeás make an allowance for their natural infirmity, which he very well knows, and for the difficulties they meet with in doing their duty from inevitable hard circumftances and violent oppofition ? In the mean time, the truth is, the ftrength of temptations com- plained of is the impetuous vehemence of irregular defire and paffion, increafed by a cuftomary compliance, which is really cri- minal ; and the alledged impotence of the mind, is no more than the want of good af- fe Lions and refolutions which every one may fee, if any thing is our fault. And, lajlly, there is nothing whereby men mere frequently delude themfelves, and co- ver from their own fight the prefent evil and danger of their Rate, than feeble ineffetual purpofes of a future amendment and obe- dience. The amiablenefs and the neceßìty of virtue appears to them in too ftrong a light to be hid, or even difguifed by any pretence fo does the deformity, and the pernicious tendency of vicious habits. What method then do they take to quiet their confciences and
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