itrifing from vicious Habits. 219 very point of their converfion to a better life SE x m. and courfe of action, to a Rate of nature VIII. which is uncapable of any change from `'"J within. Now, if this is to be taken ftrily, and that the impotence to good is abfolute and total, the confequence is that finners will be altogether abandoned to their wicked courfes ; for there is no remedy : At leali whatever God may do by an extraordinary interpofition, as he can alter the nature of things, all remonftrances againft their vicious practices, all exhortations and perfuafives to amendment, are entirely needlefs and to no purpofe ; for how vain would it be to bid the Ethiopian change the colour of his akin, or the leopard his fpots. But that we are not to underhand it in fuch a manner, that the parallel is not to be carried quite fo far, and that the impotence is not total nor equal to that which is natural, will appear from the following confiderations. Firft, where there is a total difability, and equal to that which is natural, there can be no guilt. It is contrary to all our notions of right and wrong to carry moral obligations fo far. Will any one fay that it is a fn for a man not to do what he hath naturally no power to do, that he doth not change his conítihution or the colour of his lido ? But in this
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