The evil and Folly of Cevefózfez J. 321 It is a fafe general rule for thofe who would S a R M. maintain their integrity, to be always jea,- XI. lous over themfelves with a godly jea- loufy, always watchful againft the begin- nings of declenfions from the paths of vir- tue and from a good temper of mind, left their hearts be hardened through the de- ceitfulnefs of fin, which is an evil men do not fall into fuddenly, but by leifurely and, for the molt part, unobferved degrees ; but there is no cafe at all in which this rule is more needful, and ought to be more care- fully attended to, than that which we are now confidering. For covetoufnefs putteth on fuch plaufible appearances of innocence, nay, and of virtue, and fupporteth itfelf with fuch fpecious pretences, as, if it were pof- fible, to deceive the dal, the moft fincere and heavenly minded chriftians. If indeed, we only reprefent this fin to our own minds in its moll: odious forms, if we only figure to ourfelves the chara6ter of an abandoned miter, who continually drudgeth in queft of riches, which he is inceffantly heaping up, without ever enjoying; he holdeth them fait againft the loudeft calls of humanity and coinpafí'ion, and by laving expences to increafe his wealth, liveth in a moil fordid and indecent manner, this appeareth ex- Vol.. IV. Y tremely
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