314. THE POWERS ANT) CONTESTS OP FLESH AND SPIRIT. the languid and gross stagnant humours that mingle with the blood of old age: These render him dull and inac,,4 Live; and his perpetual fears of want, and poverty; and of every other evil, arise partly from the poor low state of< those feeble spirits that attend that last and expiring pe- riod of life. The unholy soul is too easily influenced by both these extremes, in the different seasons of its dwel- ling in this mortal and sinful flesh ; and the soul that is sanctified finds it hard work to resist: 4. Let us consider yet again, how great a part of the sins of men arise from the presence of .tempting sensible. objects ; and these are conveyed to the mind by the sen- sitive powers of the flesh. What influence could the whole world ofenticing objects have on the spirit, if the notices of them were not brought to the spirit by the senses? The presence of alluring temptations strikes strongly on the outward organ of sense, awakens the carnal appetite, and with a powerful, an unhappy, and an almoft constraining force, persuades the soul to guilty practices and enjoyments. At other times it causes a sinful neglect of proper duties to God or man ; or, at least, it calls in vain thoughts to mingle with our services, both civil and religious ; and thus gives them a sensual taint, and pollutes and spoils them. Particular circumstances of time and place, where sen> suai temptations attend us, become unhappy occasions of defiling the soul. And where is the time, or where the place, in which such objects or occasions are not to be found ? The day-light opens before us the scenes of a vain world, crowded with ten thousand allurements to sin; nor can the shadows of the night conceal or banish those temptations that attack us at other avenues besides the eye. A wanton song, an immodest touch, the scent of dainty meats, or the remembered relish of delicious wine, are sufficient to provoke the fleshly appetites, and to inflame the soul to the pursuit of iniquity. Thus every sense has a hand in the conveyánce=of sin to the spirit. Not the board, nor the bed, not the shop, nor the ex- change; no not the closet nor the temples of worship, are secure from temptations. that assault the soul, by means of this wretched flesh. We are in danger when in the midst of company; nor are we safe when solitary 4nd
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