is to be acceptably performed. 291 the inconveniences which attend them, they S E R Nr, are repented of and not executed, whereby X. as imprudence and levity of mind is difcover- ed, fo the tendency is to an habitual trifling in, and irreverence for facred things. There- fore in things which are of an arbitrary nature (1 do not fpeak of the effential duties of piety and virtue, to which we are under an antece- dent indifpenfable obligation, though our re- peated purpofes of performing them ought to be made deliberately ; but as to thofe matters which are more properly under our power) we fhould avoid precipitancy ; and the thing being in itfelf.lawful, what we have pro- mifed fhould be done without delay, for the rcafons already infinuated, and becaufe fuch foolifh inftability is difpleafing to God. 'Therefore, faith Solomon in the text, fhould God be angry at . thy voice, and deflroy the work of thine hands. Having infifted fo much on the faults which, thro' the folly, inattention, and depravity of men, attend the performance of pofitive in- ftrumental duties of religion, whereby they are rendered ineffeétual to their proper ends, and unacceptable to God ; it is neceffary to add one caution, and with it I (hall conclude ; namely, that thefe duties do not come into difufe and contempt with us. This is an U 2 extreme r
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