THE WORLD. 463 The danger of the Christian in the world isfrom the world. He is afraid of the sleek, smooth, insinuating, and not discreditable vices ; he guards against self-complacency. If his affairs prosper, and his reputation stands high, he be- takes himself to his only sure refuge, the throne of God, to his only sure remedy, humble prayer. He knows it is more easy to perform a hundred right deeds, and to keep many virtues in exer- cise, than , to keep himself unspotted from the world," than to hold the things of the world with a loose hand. - Even his best actions, which may bring him most credit, have their dangers ; they make him fear that " while he has a name to live, he is dead." Though much above feeling any joy in vulgar acclamation, he is not insensible to the praise of those who are praised by others ; but though not indifferent to the good opinion of good men, the praise even of the best is not his object : he knows that to obtain it, is not the end x 4
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