roo Wifdom the Strength of the Mind. S E R rd. and meet it with the greateft figns of refo- I V. lotion ; yet it is certain, the farther men ` ' depart from virtue and integrity, their cou- rage muff be the more unfteady, and the appearance of it, which is founded in paf - fion, is no other than brutal rage, like the fiercenefs of a lion, or the mettle of an horfe that rufheth into the battle ; but paffion is not able to bear up the mind in a feries of dangers ; for the clamour of confcience will return and ftrike the ftouteft heart with ter. ror and amazement. A fedate and confiant fortitude, efpecially in adverfity of a long continuance, can only be the effet of an immoveable uprightnefs, and flow from the inward peaceful reflections of an approving mind. idly, The wife man is fIrong againft fear, becaufe his confidence is in the divine all- fufficiency, love, and faithfulnefs. This is the reafon our author giveth, chap. iii. 26. For the Lord (hall be thy confidence, and 'hall keep thy foot from being taken. No wonder they are at a lofs in hazardous conjunctures, who know of no fuperior power to interpole in their behalf, to avert evil, or over -rule it to a good iffue. Chance and neceffity, as the c-aufe of events, are the refuge of igno- rant minds, wilfully fhut and hardened againít
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