3 54 Spiritual P-erfe lion. If there were an extraa of the Cor- rupt Morals in the Philofophy of the Heathens, it would be vifible how de- feaive it is to ref}ole Man to his primi- tive I-Iolineffs. They were Idolaters, not merely by Temptation, but by Prin- ciple and Refolution : it was their Maxim that a Wife Man fhould Conform to the 7orïhip praEis'd in the places where they lived. Their Moral Philofophy afcended no higher than to infirua us how to as as Men : for it confiders in them only Humane Qualities, and di- reas their AEtíons in a refpeaive order to Natural Felicity. To do juftly, to dye generoufly, to allay the fiery agita- tions of the Paiions, that make Men rniferable in themfélves, and vexatious to others, is the highefi pitch to which this Heathen Philofophy pretends. They had fame glimmering confus'd Notions of their Duty towards God, but like the thin appearance of fome Stars in a dark Night, without Efficacy. But the Gofpel reveals our Duty as it may be clearly known, and ftrongly impreit on us. There are various Du- ties in the compafs of a Chriftians pra- aile, and 'ris an advantage to have them reduc'd to fome comprehenfive Heads , that may bring them often to our Minds. The Apoftle givçs us the bright funs of our
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