of `Ìemporal PoNions. 3 3 9 growing better or worfe, and confequently S E R M advancing in happinefs or finking deeper into X11. mifery. And this is fuitable to our prefent ftate, confidered as probationary, which being a defign'd preparation for a future fixed and permanent condition of more perfect good or evil, both moral and natural, fhould have in it the means of both that is, we fhould have the opportunity of making proficiency in knowledge, and of increafing in renitude and integrity, which is the higheft perfeäion and enjoyment of our minds ; and there muff be temptations to evil. But, now, fo it is wifely ordered that both thefe are contained in the interefts and affairs of the animal life, fo that while we are employed about thefe lower things, which perifh in the ufing, and are confined to the prefent life, and eternally feparated from us by death ; we are at the fame time, and by the very fame anions, fitting ourfelves for our future. Rate. In the world, as the apoftle John teacheth, are the lulls of the flefh, and the lulls of the eye, and the pride of life, that is, the objefts by which we are tempted to fenfuality, covetoufnefs, and pride; but the very fame objets by dif- ferent exercifes and difpofitions of mind, may be, and are the occafions and inftruments of Z 2 virtue,
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