íßi ont ibíng ebemption. 5 3 give an account, and though Confcience be much im- Chap. IV. pair'd in its Integrity, yet fomtimes it recoils upon L.4,-y- the Sinner by the foulnefs of his a&ions, and its tefti- mony brings fuch terrour, as makes Sin very unplea- fant. The Poet tellsus, that of all theTorments ofHell, themolt cruel and that which exceeds the reft is, Node diéque fisum geflare in peCtore teflern. And how can the Sinner delight freely in that which . vexes and frets the moil vitaland tender part ? He can- not enjoy his charming. Lufts without guilt,norembrace themwithout the reluíancy of a contradi&ing Prin- ciple within him. As the fear of PoiCon will imbit- ter the fweeteft Cup, fo the pureft Pleafures are allay- ed with aflli&ingapprehenfions of the future, and the prefage of Judgment to come. NowMan in his sen- fual state tries all ways to difarm Confcience, that he may pleafe the lower appetites without regret. I will inflance in the principal. i. He ufes many pleas and pretexts to juflife, or extenuate the evil, and if poffible to fatisfie carnality, and Confcience too.. Self love, which is the eloquent advocate of Senfe, puts a varnifhuponSin, to take off from its horrid appearance; and endeavours not only, to colour the obje&, but to corrupt the Eye by a dif guifing tint ure, that the fight of things may not be according to truth, but the delire. Thusthe Heathenr allowed Intemperance, Uncleannefs; and other infamous Vices as innocent gratifications of Nature. Now if the Principles in Man are poifoned, fo that evil is efteemed good, he then lives in the quiet pra&ice of Sin without retie&ion or remorfe. There is no fling remains to awaken him out of Security. But ifhe cannot fo far bribe Confcience as to make it filent, or favourable
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