to spiritual things, this evil disposition will discover itself, and pi'ove, that notwithstanding it has hitherto been concealed from our view, it had taken deep root in our souls. In temporal things, our exertions are all on the side of nature. And, though we may feel some reluctance from contrary principles within us, we shall on the whole not find it so difficult to sur- mount their opposition. But, in spiritual things, we do not advance one step without conquering the united force of all our natural inclinations. Hence the evil, against which the Apostle cautions us, extends its empire over the whole world, and is to be resisted by every individual of mankind.]
As Christians, we have very abundant reason to mortify and subdue it —
1. It is repugnant to our duty —
[A life of godliness is represented as a race, and a war- fare, in order to convey to us some idea of the activity and perseverance necessary for a right discharge of our duty. Do persons in a race find time to loiter ? Have they their atten- tion diverted by every trifle around them ? Do they not press forward with unremitting ardour, and exert themselves the more as they approach the goal ? Do they not bear in mind the prize, and strain every nerve to gain it? Look at those who are engaged in war, and arrived upon the field of battle ; do they indulge security? Do they not watch the motions of the enemy, and animate one another to the combat, and endure almost insupportable fatigues, and expose themselves to the most imminent dangers, to defeat their enemies ? If these then be fit images to represent the Christian's duty, what must we think of sloth ? What propriety is there in these images, as applied to those who live regardless of eternity ? Surely they rather form the strongest contrast to the w^hole life and conduct of such persons.]
2. It is inconsistent with our profession — [Every one who calls himself a Christian professes to value
his soul, to serve his God, to be seeking heaven. But what value has he for his soul, who prefers every vanity before it, and cannot be prevailed upon to seek its interests? What regard has he for God, who will not put forth all his powers to please and honour him ? What desire after heaven has he, who will not renounce his sins, and fulfil his duties to secure it? And how absurd is it to call ourselves Christians, when the whole of our conduct so flagrantly contradicts our profession !]
3. It is subversive of our welfare —
[Let the effects of sloth be viewed in those, who, in the judgment of charity, are not altogether destitute of true