is to be acceptably performed. 279 altogether extirpated, they make demands of S E RIM refpect, and even extort fome kind of corn- X. pliance, though without that attention and that pleafure, which would accompany the exercife and the gratification of them in a natural and unperverted Rate of the mind : Hence arifeth hypocritical devotion, a fpirit- lefs form of godlinefs, while the power of it is denied ; men in a lifelefs manner make folemn profefhons of homage to God, when they have no folicitude, nor take any thought about the fincerity or acceptance of their fer- vice; and the reafon is becaufe their tafte is fo vitiated, and their judgments darkened, through the prevalence of fenfual and worldly inclinations, that divine things are infipid to them ; and they are fcarcely fenfi- ble of any reality in them : For the human mind is not capable of fuch indifference and inattention, where there is an affectionate fenfe of excellence in the objects of its thoughts, and their importance to itfelf. It appeareth then,, that inconfideration, and unthoughtfulnefs about matters of religion, efpecially when we are employed in ads of immediate worfhip, and fa have the proper objects of attention folemnly prefented to us, that, I fay, it is not a pitiable and excufable weaknefs, but highly criminal, as it is a T 4 neglect
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