Abernathy - Houston-Packer Collection BX9178.A33 S4 1748 v.3

Self - government efential to W fdom. '223 paffeth in his own heart, that befides the S E R M. impreffions which are neceffarily made by I external objects, there are images continual- ly formed in the fancy, and there are often confufed combinations of thoughts, repre- fentations of things, which have no exiftence, nor any foundation in reafon. The imagi- nation joineth notions very arbitrarily toge- ther ; fometimes only the dark fide of an objet is feen, without attending to that which is more agreeable ; fometimes on- ly thofe parts are viewed which are apt to adminifter pleafure and move defire, ftrip- ping it of every thing which hath a con- trary tendency, which however ought to be confidered, in order to form a true judg- ment. Very often our falfe opinions are imbibed from the company we converfe with, or occaf oned by outward circum- ftances, education, and cuftom, all which are known to have a great (hare in forming the tempers and manners of men. From this fhort and general view of the human fpirit, we may take our rife to the confideration of the government which is eftablifhed in it, where the proper authority is lodged, and what ought to be fubje&. There are forne things exempted from this dominion, and are indeed not properly un- g der

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