Vol. 2

CHAPTER VI. 85when be heard him, he did many things, and heardhim gladly."The sin of the flesh stifles the best thoughts, andall the good desires which the word of God has produced.The world is full of persons who take apride in esteeming virtue, and ip paying a particularrespect to good men, so long as they give them nodisturbance in their passions. But these becomeodious to the world, as soon as ever they contradict itscorrupt inclinations.A man is always ready to hatethose whom he honours only out of policy, or througha self-interested hypocrisy, and because he is afraidof their censure and reproofs."21. And when a convenient day was come, thatHerod, on his birth-day, made a supper to his lords,high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;"A crime is more than half committed, when it isonce resolved on ; a convenient day cannot be longwanting to a passion so violent and vigilant as revengeanimated by an infamous love.The feasts ofthe world are days very convenient for sin, as thefeasts of the church are for piety. It is a great misfortuneto be engaged to be at the former: a greatimprudence not to provide against the infectious airwhich is there breathed; a great piece of unfaithfulnessnot to excuse ourselves from going when wecan ; and a very great folly to appear there withoutany manner of obligation." 22. And when the daughter of the said Herodiascame in, and danced, and pleased Herod, andthem that sat with him, the king said unto thedamsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I willgive it thee. 23. And he sware unto her, What-