278 how Divine WorjVp BE x m. they are often in our thoughts before the X. execution, and in the execution itfelf, our --v '' moft vigorous attention is engaged. But the tare caufe of the difference, is that in the pne cafe our inclinations are ftrong, in the other they are very weak, overborne by violent contrary propenfities, The great fprings of action in the human nature are the affe tipns ; they fet the thinking and the active powers at work, differently, ac- cording to the degree of their ftrength and prevalence. But the affections originally planted in the mind, are not the only fprings of action, nor do they operate neceíla- rily ; from different occafiops in life, and various ways of thinking, and by cuftom and habit, defires are contracted, which have a powerful influence on our conduct. By a cuftomary indulgence of thefe, and the lower appetites of nature, they get the afcendant in the mind, and all its powers are under their dite &ion, which becometh the prevailing temper, and the higher affections are fo weakened, that there is no relifh for the objeas of them. Still, however, we are confcious of aging voluntarily, and the higher, the virtuous and religious affetions, enerva- ted as they are, yet being fo dèeply wrought into our conftitution, that they cannot be altoge -.
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