Page:Great importance of parental instruction.pdf/12

 Our Lord traces from the natural heart all that is morally bad. "Out of the heart," he says, “proceed evil thoughts," and from these he derives a black catalogue of crimes, which, in truest sense of the word, “defile the man." Those evil thoughts accustomed to work in the uncultivated mind, as in their native region, exhibit their respective efficiencies in the conversation and conduct. They are restless traitors, which the infatuated youth carries and fosters in his bosom, till they awaken the baneful passions which impel him to every act of indiscretion and criminality. Behold that town without its fortifications. It is not merely exposed to the ravages of an enemy; but it invites him to take possession, and offers itself an easy prey to riot, and to plunder, and to slavery! Such is an exact emblem of the heart which is left unguarded by religious principle. A temptation attacks, and no preparation is made for defence. There is no grace to resist, and to say, "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Fatal compliance is therefore unavoidable; and the first temptation, like the devil in the parable, brings with it seven others more dreadful than itself, but still more welcome, and still more successful. The passions which now become the tyrants of the soul, must be gratified. God and his laws are