Of the $l f dnefs of the Pure i22 Heart. 353 the moral fenfe ; according to the habitual S E R m. bent of thofe directing and active powers, XIII. fo are the moral characters of men ; and ac- ``."'' cording to the determinations of them in particular inflances, fo are their works. No action is properly called human, unlefs it be fo far from the heart, as to be done with defign ; nor is any action moral without the concurrence of the affections : If that which is accidentally done without any intention, fhould produce the molt beneficial effects, there is no virtue nor praife ; and if the worft confequences follow what is done when no evil defign can reafonably be fup- pofed, it is not imputed as a crime. Our Saviour teacheth, Matt. xii. 35. that a good man, out of the good treafure of his heart, bringeth forth good things ; and an evil man, out of the evil treafure of his heart, bringeth forth evil things. Nothing therefore can be of greater importance than purity of heart, for uncleannefs remaining there deriveth a Rain upon the converfation, and defileth the man. The heart is the fpring of our ac- tions, and from it all impurities in life pro- ceed ; Matt. xv. 19. Out of the heart pro- ceed evil thoughts, and not only they, but evil works, murders, adulteries, fornicati- Vo L. IV. A a ons,
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