356 Of the Bleffednefs of the Pure in Heart. SE R M. frequently doth fall into error through iga XIÍI. norance or inadvertency. But this is the firft and moft abfolutely neceffary part of his character, that he doth not trefpafs againft his knowledge, nor, indulging vici- ous affec tions, will allow hirnfelf to do any thing which he believeth to be wrong, or fo much as doubteth. But it is not fufficient to religious per - feâion or purity of heart, that we do not at againft the prefent conviction of our minds ; it is farther neceffary that we fhould not be under the dominion of any fulfill in- clination, any vicious habit or pafion, which fometimes blindeth the underftanding, fo that the evil of it is not difcerned. Various and very unhappy are the effects of prevail- ing vice on the minds of men. Sometimes it goeth fo far as to make them difbelieve or hefitate concerning the great and funda- mental principles of religion, fuch as the being and attributes of God, his power, wif- dom, and goodnefs, and his providence as exercifing a continual care over his crea- tures, particularly his fervants. This un- belief or doubting doth not arife from mere weaknefs of underftandi.ng, but from difaf -' fection to God, and goodnefs, and ftrong prejudices againft the firft principles of reli- a gion,
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