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to assist others in a way she herself hath no delight in, (Psalm lxxxiv. 1712.)
Q. But seeing her disposition is so agreeable and complaisant, her mind so well qualified with natural virtues, and decorated with so many acquired ornaments, is there any reason to doubt, but that a person thus prepared, will have a taste for learning and embracing the best things; and may I not therefore expect to engage her mind to walk the blessed way?
A. All the accomplishments that a person can possibly receive from Babylon can never prepare, qualify, nor dispose them for travelling to Canaan, nor will they, by any means, induce or incline any person to receive the real knowledge or love of that country; for there is nothing in the nature of a Babylonian, without the infusion of new principles, that is capable of relishing the things of Canaan, (1 Cor. ii. 14.) but the more excellent her accomplishments are, the more strongly her mind will be cemented to that climate whence she received them. And on the other hand, as she formerly was a Babylonian, though now blessed with new principles, the old tincture still remains in my nature, which, like so much tinder, is ready to kindle with Babylonish fire; wherefore, the greater excellencies she is accomplished with, the greater influence she will have to draw me into perpetual danger of departing from the living God. (Matth. xxvi. 41.).
