The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 / by William Bates ...
         Bates, William, 1625-1699.
      
       
         
           1685
        
      
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             The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 / by William Bates ...
             Bates, William, 1625-1699.
          
           [8], 245, [2] p.
           
             Printed for Brabazon Aylmer ...,
             London :
             1685.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.
             Errata: p. 245.
             "Some books printed for Brabazon Aylmer in Cornhil": p. [1] at end.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Presbyterian Church -- Sermons.
           Bible. -- O.T. -- Proverbs I, 27 -- Sermons.
           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
        
      
    
     
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           THE
           DANGER
           OF
           PROSPERITY
           :
           Discovered
           in
           several
           SERMONS
           Upon
           PROV
           .
           1.
           27.
           
        
         
           Nihil
           infaelicius
           faelicitate
           peccantium
           ,
           qua
           poenalis
           nutritur
           impunitas
           ,
           &
           mala
           voluntas
           velut
           interior
           hostis
           roboratur
           .
           
             Aug.
             
          
        
         
           By
           
             William
             Bates
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           
        
         
           LONDON
           :
           Printed
           for
           Brabazon
           Aylmer
           ,
           at
           the
           three
           Pigeons
           against
           the
           Royal
           Exchange
           in
           Cornhil
           .
           MDCLXXXV
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           The
           PREFACE
           .
        
         
           THE
           Experience
           of
           all
           Ages
           has
           verified
           ,
           that
           none
           are
           exposed
           to
           more
           dangerous
           Trials
           than
           the
           Prosperous
           in
           this
           World.
           The
           great
           Tempter
           has
           found
           the
           Temptations
           of
           Prosperity
           so
           insinuative
           and
           prevailing
           with
           Men
           ,
           that
           he
           attempted
           our
           blessed
           Saviour
           ;
           expecting
           ,
           by
           the
           pleasant
           prospect
           of
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           their
           Glory
           ,
           to
           have
           fastned
           an
           Impression
           upon
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           tainted
           his
           inviolable
           Purity
           .
           But
           
             he
             found
             nothing
             in
             our
             Saviour
             ,
          
           not
           the
           least
           irregular
           inclination
           to
           his
           Allurements
           ,
           and
           could
           work
           nothing
           upon
           him
           .
           'T
           is
           otherwise
           with
           Men
           
             born
             of
             the
             Flesh
          
           ,
           in
           whom
           there
           is
           a
           carnal
           Heart
           (
           the
           Centre
           of
           Apostacy
           and
           Corruption
           )
           that
           is
           easily
           enticed
           and
           overcome
           by
           charming
           Complacencies
           .
           Prosperity
           is
           a
           disguised
           Poison
           ,
           pleasant
           to
           the
           unwary
           sense
           ,
           
           but
           deadly
           in
           the
           operation
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           pernicious
           in
           the
           Effects
           ,
           because
           less
           dangerous
           in
           the
           Opinions
           of
           Men.
           The
           Temptations
           of
           Prosperity
           are
           so
           frequent
           and
           favour'd
           by
           us
           ,
           that
           they
           give
           vigour
           to
           the
           inward
           Enemy
           ,
           the
           sensual
           affections
           ,
           and
           boldness
           to
           the
           malicious
           Tempter
           .
           They
           foment
           the
           carnal
           Appetites
           ,
           that
           defile
           and
           debase
           the
           Soul
           ;
           and
           are
           the
           more
           rebellious
           and
           exorbitant
           the
           more
           they
           are
           gratified
           .
        
         
           Prosperity
           is
           the
           strongest
           obstacle
           against
           the
           Conversion
           and
           Reformation
           of
           Sinners
           .
           Whilst
           they
           are
           plying
           their
           various
           Pleasures
           ,
           they
           have
           neither
           will
           nor
           leisure
           to
           advert
           to
           the
           Voice
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           so
           reproachful
           and
           stinging
           to
           them
           ,
           And
           many
           times
           Prosperity
           stupifies
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           Men
           are
           fearless
           of
           Divine
           Judgments
           ,
           involv'd
           in
           sensual
           Security
           .
           They
           will
           not
           reverence
           and
           obey
           God's
           Authority
           ,
           till
           they
           feel
           his
           Power
           ;
           they
           abuse
           his
           Blessings
           to
           Pride
           and
           Vanity
           ,
           
           Idleness
           and
           Luxury
           ,
           and
           are
           hardned
           in
           their
           Impenitence
           ,
           dyed
           with
           the
           deepest
           tincture
           of
           Ingratitude
           :
           they
           drive
           on
           through
           a
           course
           of
           Sin
           ,
           till
           Death
           puts
           a
           period
           to
           their
           Lusts.
           How
           destructive
           ,
           how
           penal
           is
           Prosperity
           to
           such
           graceless
           Souls
           ?
           
             When
             God
             rains
             Snares
             upon
             the
             Wicked
          
           ;
           when
           the
           affluence
           of
           this
           World
           is
           abused
           to
           satisfy
           their
           vicious
           Desires
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           sad
           forerunner
           of
           
             the
             Shower
             of
             Fire
             and
             Brimstone
             ,
             and
             the
             horrible
             Tempest
             that
             shall
             overwhelm
             them
             at
             last
             .
          
        
         
           Others
           in
           Prosperity
           are
           not
           openly
           profane
           ,
           and
           boldly
           vicious
           ,
           yet
           are
           corrupted
           ,
           and
           insensibly
           destroyed
           by
           it
           .
           They
           over-value
           and
           over-delight
           in
           the
           good
           things
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           please
           themselves
           in
           an
           opiniative
           Felicity
           in
           their
           present
           State.
           They
           enjoy
           the
           World
           with
           more
           appearance
           of
           Reason
           ,
           and
           less
           Sensuality
           than
           the
           Riotous
           and
           Luxurious
           ;
           but
           their
           conversation
           with
           so
           many
           charming
           Objects
           ,
           
           alienates
           them
           from
           God.
           They
           do
           
             not
             sanctify
             him
             in
             their
             Hearts
             ,
          
           placing
           their
           highest
           esteem
           upon
           his
           most
           amiable
           Excellencies
           ,
           and
           their
           dearest
           delight
           in
           communion
           with
           him
           .
           They
           look
           upon
           Religion
           as
           a
           sour
           Severity
           ,
           and
           count
           nothing
           delightful
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           suitable
           to
           the
           fleshly
           Affections
           .
           A
           deceit
           like
           that
           of
           a
           sick
           Person
           ,
           who
           feeling
           no
           pleasure
           but
           in
           the
           easy
           intervals
           between
           his
           Fits
           ,
           and
           the
           remission
           of
           his
           Distemper
           ,
           should
           imagine
           that
           if
           he
           were
           freed
           from
           his
           Disease
           ,
           he
           should
           lose
           all
           Pleasure
           :
           whereas
           the
           Delights
           of
           Health
           are
           more
           full
           and
           durable
           .
           The
           Angels
           are
           uncapable
           of
           sensual
           Pleasures
           ;
           their
           Happiness
           arises
           from
           the
           perfection
           of
           Good
           ,
           not
           the
           allays
           of
           Evil.
           The
           Beasts
           are
           only
           capable
           of
           sensual
           pleasures
           ,
           the
           remedies
           of
           natural
           Evils
           ,
           Hunger
           ,
           Thirst
           ,
           Weariness
           ,
           or
           accidental
           Evils
           ,
           Diseases
           ,
           and
           Pains
           :
           And
           many
           are
           so
           sottishly
           deceived
           ,
           as
           to
           prefer
           brutish
           Pleasures
           that
           affect
           the
           Senses
           ,
           before
           Angelical
           
           Joys
           that
           arise
           from
           the
           fruition
           of
           God's
           Favour
           ,
           and
           Obedience
           to
           his
           Laws
           .
           This
           is
           a
           sad
           Symptom
           of
           an
           unrenewed
           Heart
           ,
           and
           an
           heavy
           Presage
           of
           future
           Misery
           ;
           for
           God
           will
           not
           be
           our
           everlasting
           Joy
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           if
           he
           be
           
             not
             our
             exceeding
             Joy
             upon
             the
             Earth
             .
          
        
         
           Others
           surrounded
           with
           Riches
           and
           Honours
           ,
           are
           neither
           thankful
           to
           their
           Divine
           Benefactor
           ,
           nor
           careful
           to
           employ
           their
           Prosperity
           and
           Power
           for
           his
           Glory
           .
           The
           Law
           of
           Mercy
           requires
           a
           solemn
           affectionate
           recognition
           of
           God's
           Benefits
           :
           but
           the
           Current
           of
           Prosperity
           drowns
           their
           sense
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           :
           and
           incogitant
           practical
           Atheism
           ,
           is
           as
           destructive
           as
           Absolute
           and
           Speculative
           .
           And
           how
           many
           by
           the
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             Riches
          
           ,
           are
           apt
           to
           imagine
           ,
           that
           they
           possess
           with
           Dominion
           what
           they
           receive
           in
           trust
           :
           
             they
             might
             be
             rich
             in
             good
             Works
             ,
          
           and
           if
           their
           Hearts
           were
           according
           to
           their
           Ability
           ,
           be
           fruitful
           as
           Paradise
           ,
           
           but
           are
           as
           barren
           as
           the
           Sands
           of
           Africa
           .
           They
           are
           in
           a
           mighty
           Debt
           for
           so
           many
           received
           Blessings
           ,
           for
           which
           their
           Account
           will
           be
           heavy
           and
           undoing
           with
           the
           highest
           Lord.
           These
           and
           many
           other
           Considerations
           ,
           make
           it
           evident
           how
           dangerous
           Prosperity
           is
           to
           the
           most
           that
           enjoy
           it
           here
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           therefore
           a
           Point
           of
           high
           and
           holy
           Wisdom
           how
           to
           manage
           Prosperity
           so
           ,
           as
           to
           avoid
           the
           impendant
           Evils
           that
           usually
           follow
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           improve
           it
           for
           our
           eternal
           Advantage
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Design
           of
           the
           present
           Treatise
           ,
           and
           humbly
           recommended
           to
           the
           Divine
           Blessing
           ,
           from
           one
           who
           most
           unfeignedly
           desires
           the
           Salvation
           of
           Mens
           Souls
           .
        
         
           
             W.
             B.
             
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           THE
           DANGER
           OF
           PROSPERITY
           .
        
         
           
             PROV
             .
             1.
             32.
             
          
           
             The
             Prosperity
             of
             Fools
             shall
             destroy
             them
             .
          
        
         
           IN
           the
           former
           Verses
           ,
           the
           Divine
           Wisdom
           is
           introduc'd
           in
           a
           very
           elegant
           and
           pathetical
           manner
           ,
           reclaiming
           Men
           from
           their
           miserable
           Errors
           ,
           to
           partake
           of
           Light
           and
           Felicity
           .
           The
           Address
           is
           
           directed
           to
           them
           with
           Upbraidings
           and
           Indignation
           at
           their
           Folly
           ,
           and
           with
           tender
           compassion
           for
           their
           Ruin.
           
             How
             long
             ye
             simple
             ones
             will
             ye
             love
             simplicity
             ?
             and
             Fools
             hate
             knowledg
             ?
          
           Thus
           't
           is
           said
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           the
           Incarnate
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           ,
           That
           *
           
             he
             look'd
             on
             the
             Pharisees
             with
             anger
             ,
             being
             grieved
             at
             the
             hardness
             of
             their
             hearts
             .
          
           We
           have
           also
           exprest
           ,
           an
           earnest
           desire
           of
           their
           Conversion
           ,
           
             Turn
             ye
             at
             my
             Reproof
          
           .
           And
           that
           is
           seconded
           by
           a
           gracious
           Promise
           ,
           
             I
             will
             pour
             out
             my
             Spirit
             upon
             you
             ,
          
           to
           illuminate
           and
           conduct
           you
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Life
           .
           But
           for
           their
           stupid
           obstinacy
           in
           despising
           the
           Counsel
           ,
           and
           rejecting
           the
           Reproofs
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           they
           are
           surprized
           with
           utter
           destruction
           .
           This
           is
           described
           with
           that
           Train
           of
           killing
           Circumstances
           ,
           that
           are
           
           the
           most
           forcible
           Excitations
           timely
           to
           prevent
           that
           Evil
           ,
           which
           neglected
           ,
           will
           be
           remediless
           :
           
             Because
             I
             have
             called
             ,
             and
             ye
             refused
             ,
          
           
           
             I
             have
             stretched
             out
             my
             hand
             ,
             and
             no
             Man
             regarded
             ;
             I
             will
             also
             laugh
             at
             your
             calamity
             ,
             and
             mock
             when
             your
             fear
             cometh
             :
             When
             your
             fear
             cometh
             as
             a
             Whirlwind
             ,
             when
             distress
             and
             anguish
             cometh
             upon
             you
             ,
             then
             shall
             they
             call
             on
             me
             ,
             but
             I
             will
             not
             answer
             ;
             they
             shall
             seek
             me
             early
             ,
             but
             they
             shall
             not
             find
             me
             :
             for
             that
             they
             hated
             knowledg
             ,
             and
             despised
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           In
           their
           distress
           they
           supplicate
           for
           Mercy
           ;
           but
           as
           they
           were
           unchang'd
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           gracious
           Calls
           of
           God
           to
           Repentance
           ,
           so
           he
           is
           not
           moved
           by
           all
           their
           mournful
           Intreaties
           ,
           and
           takes
           pleasure
           in
           his
           Righteous
           Judgments
           upon
           them
           .
           Their
           final
           Ruin
           is
           resolved
           into
           its
           proper
           
           Cause
           ;
           the
           wilful
           hardness
           of
           Sinners
           ,
           and
           the
           abuse
           of
           those
           Mercies
           that
           should
           have
           melted
           them
           into
           a
           compliance
           with
           the
           Divine
           Giver
           of
           them
           .
           
             For
             that
             they
             hated
             Knowledg
             ,
             and
             did
             not
             chuse
             the
             Fear
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           For
           
             the
             turning
             away
             of
             the
             Simple
             shall
             slay
             them
             ;
             and
             the
             Prosperity
             of
             Fools
             shall
             destroy
             them
             .
          
        
         
           The
           title
           of
           Fool
           ,
           is
           the
           usual
           Character
           of
           the
           Sinner
           in
           the
           Language
           of
           Wisdom
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           with
           great
           reason
           and
           congruity
           attributed
           to
           him
           ,
           in
           opposition
           to
           Prudence
           ,
           the
           universal
           Vertue
           and
           supream
           director
           of
           humane
           Life
           .
           For
           as
           by
           Prudence
           a
           Man
           so
           governs
           himself
           ,
           and
           regulates
           his
           actions
           ,
           as
           to
           avoid
           impendent
           Evils
           ▪
           and
           to
           obtain
           that
           Good
           that
           is
           suitable
           to
           his
           necessities
           :
           So
           't
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           Folly
           ,
           
           not
           to
           foresee
           Evils
           to
           prevent
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           neglect
           the
           Season
           of
           obtaining
           what
           is
           Good.
           And
           by
           how
           much
           the
           Good
           is
           more
           valuable
           and
           desirable
           ,
           and
           the
           Evil
           is
           more
           pernicious
           and
           threatning
           ;
           in
           proportion
           ,
           the
           Folly
           is
           more
           unpardonable
           and
           woful
           ,
           that
           loses
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           exposes
           to
           the
           other
           .
           And
           this
           is
           justly
           charg'd
           upon
           every
           wilful
           impenitent
           Sinner
           .
        
         
           Prosperity
           comprehends
           all
           things
           in
           the
           order
           of
           Nature
           ,
           that
           are
           so
           much
           admir'd
           and
           desir'd
           by
           Worldly
           Men
           ;
           Riches
           ,
           Honours
           ,
           Pleasures
           ,
           Health
           ,
           Strength
           ,
           Peace
           ,
           Plenty
           ,
           and
           the
           abundant
           Variety
           of
           what
           is
           grateful
           to
           the
           carnal
           Mind
           and
           Appetites
           .
        
         
           These
           Blessings
           of
           God
           ,
           abus'd
           and
           perverted
           by
           the
           Folly
           of
           
           Men
           ,
           are
           turn'd
           into
           Weapons
           of
           Unrighteousness
           ,
           to
           offend
           God
           ,
           and
           wound
           their
           Souls
           to
           everlasting
           Death
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Point
             I
             shall
             insist
             on
             ,
             is
             this
             ;
             
               Prosperity
               abused
               ,
               is
               fatal
               and
               destructive
               to
               foolish
               Sinners
               .
            
          
        
         
           In
           the
           treating
           on
           this
           Argument
           ,
           I
           will
           ,
           1
           shew
           how
           Prosperity
           is
           destructive
           to
           the
           Wicked
           .
           2.
           
           That
           't
           is
           folly
           and
           madness
           above
           all
           wonder
           ,
           when
           Sinners
           abuse
           the
           Blessings
           of
           God
           to
           their
           destruction
           .
           3.
           
           How
           just
           ,
           and
           certain
           ,
           and
           heavy
           their
           destruction
           will
           be
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           I
           will
           shew
           how
           Prosperity
           is
           destructive
           to
           the
           Wicked
           .
           In
           order
           to
           the
           explicating
           of
           this
           Head
           ,
           
           some
           things
           are
           to
           be
           premised
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           This
           great
           World
           ,
           with
           all
           the
           Parts
           and
           Creatures
           of
           which
           't
           is
           compos'd
           ,
           has
           an
           inherent
           Goodness
           and
           Perfection
           convenient
           to
           the
           End
           for
           which
           't
           was
           form'd
           by
           the
           Creator
           ,
           and
           that
           was
           to
           be
           useful
           and
           comfortable
           to
           Man
           in
           the
           Service
           of
           God.
           There
           is
           no
           Pestilence
           and
           Contagion
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           things
           ,
           that
           are
           pleasing
           to
           our
           Faculties
           :
           they
           are
           dangerous
           ,
           not
           as
           made
           by
           God
           ,
           but
           as
           managed
           by
           Satan
           .
           They
           do
           not
           pervert
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           from
           any
           noxious
           inherent
           qualities
           ,
           but
           as
           they
           are
           corrupted
           by
           Concupiscence
           .
           Upon
           this
           account
           St.
           John
           dehorting
           Christians
           from
           the
           Love
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           inconsistent
           with
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           gives
           this
           reason
           of
           it
           ,
           *
           
             For
             all
             that
             is
             in
             the
             World
             ▪
             the
             lust
             of
             the
          
           
           
             Flesh
             ,
             the
             lust
             of
             the
             Eyes
             ,
             and
             the
             pride
             of
             Life
             ,
             is
             not
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             but
             is
             of
             the
             World.
          
           He
           signifies
           the
           Objects
           ,
           Riches
           ,
           Honours
           ,
           and
           Pleasures
           ,
           by
           the
           vicious
           Affections
           ,
           that
           make
           them
           deadly
           to
           Men.
           The
           Poison
           is
           not
           in
           the
           Flower
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           Spider
           .
           And
           the
           Apostle
           speaking
           of
           the
           purifying
           Vertue
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           says
           ,
           That
           *
           
             exceeding
             great
             and
             precious
             Promises
             are
             given
             to
             us
             ,
             that
             by
             these
             we
             may
             be
             partakers
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             having
             escaped
             the
             Corruption
             that
             is
             in
             the
             World
             through
             Lust.
          
           This
           is
           evident
           by
           visible
           experience
           :
           for
           many
           Holy
           Men
           have
           enjoyed
           temporal
           Blessings
           without
           the
           offence
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           have
           been
           more
           holy
           and
           heavenly
           in
           themselves
           ,
           more
           beneficial
           and
           good
           to
           others
           by
           his
           Mercies
           :
           whilst
           the
           Sensual
           ,
           like
           the
           Ocean
           
           that
           changes
           the
           sweet
           Showres
           of
           Heaven
           into
           its
           salt
           Quality
           ,
           turn
           the
           Divine
           Blessings
           into
           Provision
           for
           their
           brutish
           Lusts.
           It
           appears
           therefore
           that
           this
           Contrariety
           of
           Effects
           is
           not
           to
           be
           attributed
           to
           the
           quality
           of
           worldly
           things
           that
           is
           always
           uniform
           and
           alike
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           different
           Dispositions
           of
           the
           Persons
           that
           use
           them
           .
           As
           the
           same
           Food
           is
           healthful
           or
           hurtful
           ,
           as
           the
           Stomach
           is
           clear
           or
           foul
           that
           receives
           it
           :
           In
           some
           it
           renews
           the
           Blood
           and
           Spirits
           ,
           strengthens
           and
           preserves
           Life
           ;
           in
           others
           it
           increases
           the
           sickly
           Matter
           ,
           feeds
           the
           Disease
           ,
           and
           brings
           Death
           more
           painfully
           and
           speedily
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           primary
           design
           of
           God
           in
           his
           most
           free
           and
           rich
           Benefits
           ,
           is
           to
           endear
           himself
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           bind
           us
           to
           his
           Service
           :
           for
           they
           
           are
           the
           most
           proper
           and
           convincing
           expresses
           of
           his
           Love
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           powerful
           Motives
           and
           Perswasives
           to
           a
           grateful
           correspondence
           of
           Love
           and
           Obedience
           .
           I
           *
           
             drew
             them
          
           ,
           saith
           God
           ,
           
             with
             the
             Cords
             of
             a
             Man
             ,
             with
             Bands
             of
             Love.
          
           Goodness
           duly
           consider'd
           ,
           engages
           to
           please
           the
           Benefactor
           .
           'T
           is
           therefore
           said
           by
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
             That
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
          
           
           
             leads
             Sinners
             to
             Repentance
          
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           most
           natural
           unconstrained
           Consequence
           that
           the
           Mind
           can
           regularly
           infer
           from
           his
           Clemency
           and
           Bounty
           .
           The
           Hearts
           of
           Men
           should
           be
           melted
           in
           tender
           Resentments
           of
           their
           unworthy
           Conversation
           towards
           him
           ,
           and
           encouraged
           to
           return
           to
           their
           Duty
           ,
           since
           he
           will
           graciously
           receive
           those
           who
           unfeignedly
           repent
           of
           their
           Sins
           :
           But
           the
           Event
           does
           
           not
           usually
           answer
           God's
           Aim
           .
           Men
           are
           harden'd
           in
           Sin
           by
           his
           Mercies
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           When
           the
           Wicked
           abuse
           God's
           Blessings
           ,
           defeat
           his
           Kindness
           ,
           and
           frustrate
           the
           excellent
           Ends
           of
           it
           ,
           he
           most
           righteously
           and
           severely
           continues
           their
           Prosperity
           ,
           that
           foments
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           renders
           them
           more
           wilful
           and
           incorrigible
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           guilty
           of
           their
           own
           damnation
           .
           What
           was
           said
           by
           Simeon
           ,
           concerning
           the
           most
           glorious
           Gift
           of
           God
           ,
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           is
           applicable
           in
           this
           Case
           ;
           
             Behold
             ,
             this
             Child
             is
             set
             for
             the
             fall
             of
             many
             in
             Israel
             ,
             and
             for
             a
             sign
             that
             shall
             be
             spoken
             against
             .
          
           When
           the
           riches
           of
           Grace
           offered
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           are
           despised
           and
           neglected
           ,
           the
           blessed
           Saviour
           of
           Souls
           is
           most
           justly
           ordained
           to
           be
           the
           occasion
           of
           their
           
           sorer
           Punishment
           .
           So
           when
           the
           common
           Benefits
           and
           Mercies
           of
           God
           are
           ungratefully
           perverted
           by
           Men
           ,
           to
           the
           dishonour
           of
           the
           Giver
           ,
           they
           are
           by
           Divine
           Determination
           ordered
           ,
           for
           the
           aggravating
           of
           their
           Sins
           and
           Sentence
           .
           Prosperity
           is
           a
           fatal
           Ambush
           for
           their
           surprizal
           and
           ruin
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           heavy
           Imprecation
           of
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           *
           
             Let
             their
             Table
             become
             a
             snare
             to
             them
             :
             and
             that
             which
             should
             have
             been
             for
             their
             welfare
             ,
             let
             it
             become
             a
             trap
             ,
             an
             occasion
             of
             their
             falling
             .
          
           This
           judgment
           proceeds
           from
           the
           most
           terrible
           and
           inexorable
           Displeasure
           :
           't
           is
           better
           and
           more
           eligible
           to
           encounter
           all
           the
           storms
           of
           a
           raging
           World
           ,
           than
           to
           enjoy
           the
           calm
           and
           security
           of
           a
           prosperous
           Sinner
           .
           For
           the
           more
           afflicted
           we
           are
           by
           Men
           ,
           the
           more
           earnest
           are
           our
           addresses
           to
           
           God's
           propitious
           Throne
           ,
           to
           incline
           his
           Mercy
           to
           regard
           and
           relieve
           us
           :
           but
           a
           Sinner
           ,
           the
           more
           full
           fruition
           he
           has
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           more
           he
           forsakes
           and
           provokes
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           he
           is
           abandon'd
           to
           his
           worst
           Enemies
           ,
           his
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           Satan
           .
           This
           will
           be
           amplified
           more
           in
           the
           following
           parts
           of
           the
           Discourse
           .
        
         
           This
           being
           premis'd
           ,
           we
           come
           to
           shew
           how
           Prosperity
           abus'd
           is
           destructive
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           both
           meritoriously
           ,
           as
           it
           induces
           a
           deadly
           guilt
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           obnoxious
           to
           the
           revenging
           Wrath
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           effectively
           as
           't
           is
           opposite
           to
           the
           felicity
           and
           perfection
           of
           Man
           ,
           that
           consists
           in
           the
           renovation
           of
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           in
           joyful
           Communion
           with
           him
           for
           ever
           .
           This
           
           will
           appear
           by
           the
           following
           Considerations
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Prosperity
           is
           the
           continual
           Incentive
           of
           the
           vicious
           Affections
           ,
           
             the
             fleshly
             Lusts
             that
             war
             against
             the
             Soul
          
           ;
           that
           deprive
           it
           of
           its
           Beauty
           ,
           Order
           ,
           Freedom
           ,
           and
           Felicity
           .
           Man
           is
           compounded
           of
           Flesh
           and
           Spirit
           ;
           by
           the
           one
           he
           communicates
           in
           nature
           with
           the
           Beasts
           ,
           by
           the
           other
           he
           confines
           with
           the
           Angels
           .
           By
           the
           original
           Law
           of
           Union
           ,
           the
           Body
           was
           subject
           to
           the
           Soul
           ;
           and
           tho
           taken
           from
           the
           Earth
           ,
           did
           not
           oppress
           it
           ,
           and
           hinder
           its
           Heavenly
           flight
           :
           
             The
             Flesh
             did
             not
             lust
             against
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             nor
             the
             Spirit
             against
             the
             Flesh.
          
           But
           as
           the
           motion
           of
           the
           two
           Eyes
           in
           the
           Head
           is
           always
           uniform
           ,
           and
           directed
           the
           same
           way
           ;
           so
           Reason
           and
           Sence
           accorded
           ,
           the
           Appetites
           were
           regular
           
           and
           concentrick
           with
           the
           Mind
           .
           Upon
           this
           established
           order
           ,
           the
           internal
           Peace
           and
           Holiness
           of
           Man
           depends
           .
           But
           by
           the
           rebellious
           Sin
           of
           Adam
           ,
           the
           Soul
           lost
           its
           regal
           Power
           and
           Freedom
           :
           and
           as
           in
           the
           first
           temptation
           the
           Soul
           infected
           the
           Body
           ,
           so
           now
           the
           Body
           infects
           the
           Soul.
           The
           carnal
           Appetite
           ,
           the
           spring
           of
           Lust
           and
           Anger
           (
           that
           infernal
           pair
           that
           reigns
           so
           universally
           )
           over-rules
           the
           rational
           Will
           ,
           and
           gives
           Law
           to
           Men.
           
        
         
           The
           love
           of
           sensual
           Pleasures
           is
           natural
           to
           Men
           ;
           as
           Temptations
           are
           more
           charming
           and
           increas'd
           ,
           't
           is
           more
           predominant
           .
           The
           Senses
           ,
           the
           Fancy
           ,
           and
           the
           Passions
           ,
           are
           in
           a
           conspiracy
           against
           the
           Soul
           ;
           and
           there
           is
           a
           continual
           circulation
           in
           their
           working
           ,
           they
           excite
           one
           another
           .
           
           By
           the
           Sences
           pleasing
           things
           obtain
           an
           easy
           entrance
           into
           the
           Fancy
           ;
           and
           Fancy
           has
           a
           strange
           power
           to
           charm
           or
           terrify
           by
           false
           Representations
           ;
           it
           amplifies
           the
           Evil
           ,
           and
           heightens
           the
           seeming
           Good
           of
           things
           ;
           and
           by
           the
           inspiration
           of
           Fancy
           ,
           the
           Passions
           are
           moved
           ,
           and
           the
           Passions
           being
           allured
           ,
           bribe
           and
           seduce
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           draw
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           Will
           by
           the
           actual
           Pleasure
           that
           is
           mixt
           in
           the
           gratifying
           of
           them
           .
           And
           as
           Adam
           lost
           his
           Innocence
           and
           Paradise
           by
           his
           compliance
           with
           the
           blandishments
           of
           his
           Wife
           ;
           so
           the
           Soul
           loses
           its
           purity
           and
           happiness
           ,
           by
           yielding
           to
           the
           Desires
           of
           the
           Flesh
           that
           is
           in
           conjunction
           with
           it
           .
           For
           this
           reason
           ,
           Man
           in
           his
           fallen
           State
           is
           called
           Flesh
           ,
           as
           if
           there
           were
           no
           other
           Principle
           in
           his
           Nature
           ,
           
           and
           of
           his
           Operations
           .
           The
           Spiritual
           and
           more
           noble
           Faculties
           ,
           that
           were
           made
           for
           delightful
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           are
           sunk
           into
           Carnality
           .
           The
           description
           of
           Men
           in
           their
           natural
           State
           ,
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           is
           a
           full
           proof
           of
           this
           :
           
             We
             all
             had
             our
             Conversation
             in
             times
          
           
           
             past
             in
             the
             Lusts
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             fulfilling
             the
             desires
             of
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Mind
             .
          
           'T
           is
           observable
           that
           the
           lusts
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           that
           spring
           from
           the
           sensual
           Part
           ,
           are
           drawn
           forth
           into
           act
           by
           the
           concurrent
           Wills
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Mind
           .
           The
           nobler
           Faculties
           ,
           the
           Understanding
           and
           Will
           are
           depraved
           ,
           and
           freely
           indulge
           the
           Carnal
           Appetites
           in
           their
           pursuit
           of
           Pleasures
           .
           Prodigious
           degeneracy
           of
           the
           reasonable
           Creature
           !
           Of
           this
           we
           have
           a
           resemblance
           in
           the
           marvellous
           transforming
           Power
           of
           Nature
           .
           
           If
           a
           Cyon
           be
           grafted
           into
           a
           Tree
           of
           another
           kind
           ,
           the
           Fruit
           that
           grows
           on
           it
           will
           not
           be
           according
           to
           the
           Nature
           of
           the
           Stock
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           Graft
           that
           over-rules
           the
           Sap
           ,
           and
           turns
           it
           to
           its
           own
           quality
           .
           Thus
           the
           Beast
           is
           grafted
           into
           the
           Man
           ,
           and
           the
           intellectual
           Powers
           are
           corrupted
           and
           carnal
           .
           The
           Mind
           is
           employed
           to
           disguise
           the
           Ignominy
           and
           Guilt
           that
           attend
           the
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ;
           and
           the
           Will
           consents
           to
           a
           submission
           to
           those
           ignoble
           and
           unruly
           Appetites
           .
           Man
           has
           only
           this
           privilege
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           a
           more
           ingenious
           Brute
           ,
           to
           spring
           new
           Pleasures
           ,
           to
           make
           provision
           for
           his
           sensual
           Desires
           ,
           and
           to
           accomplish
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           when
           the
           Senses
           are
           entertained
           with
           variety
           of
           alluring
           Objects
           ,
           the
           Fancy
           
           is
           more
           predominant
           and
           contagious
           :
           It
           has
           more
           force
           ,
           vivacity
           ,
           and
           extent
           ,
           the
           more
           't
           is
           conversant
           about
           sensible
           things
           :
           And
           the
           polluted
           Imagination
           is
           the
           most
           active
           and
           general
           Principle
           of
           corrupting
           the
           Heart
           :
           for
           the
           Mind
           transcribes
           a
           Copy
           of
           what
           is
           written
           in
           the
           Fancy
           ,
           and
           presents
           it
           with
           a
           false
           gloss
           to
           the
           Will
           ,
           that
           is
           ready
           to
           chuse
           what
           brings
           actual
           pleasure
           .
           And
           the
           sensitive
           Affections
           are
           excited
           by
           the
           Fancy
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           presence
           of
           a
           suitable
           Object
           ,
           foments
           the
           warmth
           into
           heat
           ,
           and
           turns
           the
           heat
           into
           fire
           ,
           and
           the
           fire
           into
           flame
           .
           And
           the
           more
           the
           carnal
           Affections
           are
           indulg'd
           ,
           the
           more
           they
           are
           inlarg'd
           ,
           the
           more
           importunate
           and
           head-strong
           they
           become
           ;
           and
           the
           Soul
           is
           utterly
           disabled
           from
           recovering
           it
           
           self
           from
           the
           besotted
           vile
           prostitution
           ,
           to
           the
           ignoble
           and
           unruly
           Appetites
           .
           Millions
           had
           been
           less
           guilty
           and
           defiled
           ,
           and
           less
           miserable
           for
           ever
           ,
           if
           they
           had
           not
           been
           surrounded
           by
           pleasant
           Temptations
           and
           intanglements
           of
           Iniquity
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Prosperity
           occasionally
           incenses
           the
           irascible
           Appetite
           :
           For
           the
           usual
           Incentives
           of
           Anger
           ,
           are
           the
           crossing
           the
           Desires
           ,
           and
           Contempt
           ;
           and
           the
           stronger
           the
           Desires
           ,
           the
           more
           impatient
           they
           are
           to
           be
           controll'd
           ;
           and
           in
           proportion
           to
           the
           height
           of
           mind
           ,
           is
           the
           indignation
           for
           any
           contempt
           that
           is
           offer'd
           .
           Now
           prosperity
           makes
           the
           carnal
           Desires
           more
           exorbitant
           ,
           and
           consequently
           raging
           when
           frustrated
           .
           Violent
           burning
           Desires
           ,
           when
           controll'd
           ,
           provoke
           violent
           burning
           Anger
           :
           
           and
           Anger
           inflam'd
           ,
           extinguishes
           the
           calm
           Light
           of
           Reason
           ,
           becomes
           blind
           and
           furious
           in
           revenging
           apprehended
           Injuries
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Inquiry
           joyn'd
           with
           Conviction
           ,
           by
           St.
           
             James
             ,
             From
             whence
          
           
           
             come
             Wars
             and
             Fightings
             among
             you
             ?
             Come
             they
             not
             from
             your
             Lusts
             that
             war
             in
             your
             Members
             ?
          
           The
           voluptuous
           ,
           ambitious
           ,
           covetous
           Passions
           when
           disappointed
           ,
           are
           the
           common
           and
           natural
           Causes
           of
           all
           the
           bloody
           Disorders
           in
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           The
           other
           cause
           of
           Anger
           ,
           is
           Contempt
           ,
           either
           real
           or
           suppos'd
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           more
           provoking
           to
           those
           ,
           who
           rais'd
           by
           Pro
           sperity
           ,
           look
           with
           a
           distance
           of
           Mind
           upon
           others
           below
           them
           .
           Prosperity
           in
           any
           kind
           ,
           swels
           Men
           with
           a
           vain
           opinion
           of
           their
           Worth
           and
           Dignity
           ;
           and
           makes
           
           them
           insolent
           and
           intolerable
           .
           There
           is
           a
           strange
           distemper
           of
           the
           Eyes
           in
           some
           Persons
           ,
           where-ever
           they
           look
           ,
           their
           own
           Image
           visibly
           encounters
           them
           .
           The
           reason
           of
           it
           is
           assign'd
           by
           an
           inquiring
           Philosopher
           ,
           '
           That
           the
           visive
           Faculty
           has
           not
           spirits
           and
           vigour
           to
           penetrate
           through
           the
           Air
           to
           see
           other
           things
           ,
           and
           the
           Air
           as
           a
           Glass
           makes
           the
           reflection
           of
           their
           own
           Image
           .
           Thus
           one
           of
           a
           shallow
           and
           weak
           Understanding
           ,
           is
           continually
           representing
           to
           himself
           his
           own
           conceited
           Excellencies
           .
           And
           Prosperity
           increases
           their
           esteem
           of
           themselves
           unmeasurably
           above
           their
           just
           value
           .
           'T
           is
           like
           a
           Concave
           Glass
           that
           breaks
           the
           Rays
           ,
           and
           dilates
           the
           visive
           Angle
           ;
           and
           by
           a
           natural
           Inchantment
           ,
           makes
           an
           exorbitant
           Figure
           ,
           a
           Dwarf
           to
           
           appear
           a
           Giant
           .
           Now
           as
           Pride
           is
           the
           usual
           Concomitant
           of
           Prosperity
           ,
           so
           there
           is
           no
           Passion
           so
           inseparable
           from
           Pride
           ,
           and
           so
           proper
           to
           it
           ,
           as
           Anger
           .
           
             By
             Pride
          
           
           
             comes
             Contention
          
           ;
           't
           is
           the
           observation
           of
           the
           wisest
           Man
           ,
           confirm'd
           by
           universal
           Experience
           .
           Pride
           makes
           Men
           imperious
           and
           impatient
           ,
           boisterous
           and
           stormy
           against
           all
           that
           offend
           them
           .
           Pride
           ,
           Anger
           ,
           and
           Revenge
           ,
           like
           Serpents
           twine
           and
           wreath
           about
           one
           another
           .
           Pride
           interprets
           an
           Offence
           as
           an
           high
           Contempt
           ,
           and
           raises
           Anger
           ;
           and
           Anger
           provok'd
           ,
           takes
           proportionable
           revenge
           to
           the
           conceived
           Injury
           .
           We
           have
           a
           Tragical
           Instance
           of
           this
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           .
           *
           Hazael
           
           when
           foretold
           by
           the
           mourning
           Prophet
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           stain
           himself
           with
           the
           
             Innocent
             Blood
          
           of
           
           the
           Israelites
           ,
           
             slay
             their
             young
             Men
             with
             the
             Sword
             ,
             and
             dash
             their
             Children
             ,
             and
             rip
             up
             their
             Women
             with
             Child
             :
          
           He
           startled
           at
           it
           as
           an
           execrable
           Cruelty
           :
           And
           Hazael
           
             said
             ,
             But
             what
             ,
             is
             thy
             Servant
             a
             Dog
             that
             he
             should
             do
             this
             great
             thing
             ?
             And
          
           Elisha
           
             answered
             ,
             The
             Lord
             hath
             shewed
             me
             ,
             that
             thou
             shalt
             be
             King
             over
          
           Syria
           .
           When
           advanc'd
           to
           empire
           ,
           he
           devested
           humanity
           .
           Pride
           armed
           with
           Power
           is
           furious
           at
           opposition
           ;
           and
           the
           flaming
           Passion
           ,
           like
           a
           frightful
           Comet
           ,
           presages
           and
           produces
           terrible
           Effects
           .
           Thus
           't
           is
           evident
           how
           the
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Flesh
           are
           fomented
           by
           Prosperity
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Prosperity
           inclines
           Sinners
           to
           an
           impious
           neglect
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           is
           a
           Sin
           of
           the
           highest
           Nature
           ,
           and
           prolifick
           of
           innumerable
           Evils
           .
           
           All
           Sin
           is
           an
           irregularity
           ,
           either
           in
           the
           excess
           or
           the
           defective
           Extreme
           ,
           either
           in
           overvaluing
           and
           loving
           the
           Creature
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           disesteem
           and
           indifference
           to
           the
           Creator
           ,
           and
           Prosperity
           increases
           the
           aversion
           of
           the
           carnal
           Heart
           from
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           same
           degrees
           as
           it
           strengthens
           the
           propensity
           to
           the
           World.
           For
           the
           opening
           this
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           necessary
           to
           consider
           the
           essential
           and
           eternal
           Respects
           due
           from
           the
           reasonable
           Creature
           to
           God.
           And
           they
           are
           four
           comprehensive
           of
           all
           the
           rest
           .
        
         
           
             (
             1.
             )
             A
             solemn
             thankful
             recognition
             of
             him
             as
             the
             Author
             of
             our
             Beings
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Comforts
             we
             enjoy
             .
          
           
             (
             2.
             )
             Supreme
             love
             to
             him
             .
          
           
             (
             3.
             )
             An
             humble
             fear
             of
             his
             Displeasure
             .
          
           
             
             (
             4.
             )
             Entire
             obedience
             to
             his
             Will.
             As
             in
             this
             regular
             .
             Universe
             ,
             every
             kind
             of
             being
             has
             its
             proper
             End
             ;
             so
             it
             cannot
             be
             denied
             ,
             without
             the
             most
             evident
             absurdity
             ,
             that
             God
             in
             all
             these
             respects
             is
             the
             chief
             End
             of
             Man.
             
          
        
         
           (
           1.
           )
           A
           solemn
           thankful
           recognition
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           Author
           of
           our
           Beings
           ,
           and
           all
           our
           Comforts
           ,
           is
           continually
           due
           to
           him
           .
           The
           neglect
           of
           this
           is
           so
           contumelious
           to
           the
           Majesty
           and
           Glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           so
           contrary
           to
           those
           most
           binding
           Obligations
           to
           his
           Mercy
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           an
           Offence
           infinitely
           provoking
           .
           In
           every
           Transgression
           the
           authority
           of
           the
           Lawgiver
           is
           despised
           ;
           but
           this
           immediatly
           reflects
           dishonour
           upon
           the
           Deity
           .
           As
           a
           common
           Felony
           is
           a
           breach
           of
           the
           King's
           
           Laws
           ,
           but
           Treason
           not
           only
           violates
           his
           Laws
           ,
           but
           strikes
           immediatly
           at
           his
           Person
           and
           Dignity
           .
           Now
           Prosperity
           inclines
           sensual
           Persons
           to
           this
           wretched
           neglect
           of
           God.
           The
           World
           ,
           with
           all
           its
           desirable
           things
           has
           the
           Dominion
           and
           full
           Possession
           of
           the
           Understandings
           ,
           Memories
           ,
           and
           Hearts
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           serious
           Thoughts
           ,
           with
           warm
           Affections
           towards
           God
           are
           banish'd
           from
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Character
           of
           a
           Wicked
           Person
           ,
           but
           most
           proper
           to
           him
           in
           his
           Prosperity
           ,
           
             God
             is
          
           
           
             not
             in
             all
             his
             thoughts
          
           .
           Of
           this
           Impiety
           there
           are
           several
           Degrees
           :
           the
           highest
           is
           explicit
           Atheism
           ,
           a
           disbelief
           of
           God
           and
           his
           Providence
           ,
           of
           his
           Being
           and
           Bounty
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           sometimes
           occasioned
           by
           plentiful
           Prosperity
           .
           And
           the
           Consequences
           are
           ,
           Pride
           that
           
           blasts
           the
           Mind
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           with
           Lightning
           ,
           and
           Confidence
           in
           the
           things
           of
           this
           World.
           Of
           this
           we
           have
           astonishing
           Instances
           in
           the
           Scripture
           .
           Nebuchadnezzar
           transported
           in
           a
           vain-glorious
           flush
           of
           Joy
           ,
           at
           the
           view
           of
           his
           magnificent
           Works
           ,
           breaks
           forth
           in
           those
           lofty
           insolent
           Expressions
           ;
           
             Is
             not
             this
             great
             Babel
             that
             I
             have
             built
             ,
             for
             the
             House
             of
             my
             Kingdom
             ,
             by
             the
             might
             of
             my
             Power
             ,
             and
             the
             honour
             of
             my
             Majesty
             ?
          
           as
           if
           he
           had
           been
           raised
           by
           his
           own
           power
           ,
           and
           did
           not
           owe
           his
           Greatness
           to
           the
           King
           of
           Heaven
           .
           Thus
           't
           is
           charg'd
           against
           the
           Prince
           of
           
             Tyrus
             ,
             Thy
             Heart
             is
             lifted
             up
             because
             of
          
           
           
             thy
             Riches
             ;
             and
             thou
             hast
             said
             ,
             I
             am
             a
             God
             ,
             and
             sit
             in
             the
             Seat
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             thou
             sets
             thine
             Heart
             as
             the
             Heart
             of
             God.
          
           He
           presum'd
           that
           his
           Throne
           for
           Glory
           and
           Stability
           
           was
           like
           the
           Divine
           Kingdom
           ,
           that
           cannot
           be
           shaken
           ,
           and
           forgot
           that
           he
           was
           a
           frail
           Man
           in
           a
           mutable
           World.
           Plentiful
           Prosperity
           is
           so
           strong
           a
           Temptation
           to
           Atheism
           ,
           that
           a
           wise
           and
           holy
           Saint
           earnestly
           deprecated
           it
           as
           a
           pernicious
           Snare
           :
           
             Give
             me
             not
             Riches
             ,
             lest
             I
          
           
           
             be
             full
             and
             deny
             thee
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             Who
             is
             the
             Lord
             ?
          
           The
           Carnal
           Heart
           ,
           in
           the
           full
           fruition
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           is
           apt
           to
           ascribe
           all
           to
           the
           course
           of
           Nature
           ,
           or
           to
           humane
           Contrivance
           and
           Endeavours
           ,
           without
           any
           serious
           acknowledgment
           of
           the
           Divine
           Liberality
           and
           Beneficence
           .
           Prodigious
           Ingratitude
           ,
           and
           equal
           Folly
           !
           As
           if
           one
           should
           imagine
           that
           a
           Fountain
           of
           Water
           had
           not
           its
           original
           from
           the
           Sea
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           Marble
           Stones
           ,
           through
           which
           it
           immediatly
           and
           visibly
           springs
           .
           Or
           as
           if
           it
           were
           
           requisite
           the
           Hand
           of
           the
           Giver
           should
           be
           as
           visible
           as
           his
           Gifts
           .
        
         
           Now
           altho
           few
           arrive
           to
           this
           heighth
           of
           Impiety
           in
           actual
           Thoughts
           and
           open
           Words
           ;
           yet
           prosperous
           Sinners
           are
           always
           guilty
           of
           an
           interpretative
           and
           virtual
           denial
           of
           God
           :
           they
           have
           not
           a
           solemn
           grateful
           remembrance
           of
           their
           Benefactor
           and
           his
           Benefits
           ,
           and
           a
           due
           sense
           of
           their
           dependance
           upon
           him
           .
           It
           was
           the
           wise
           and
           holy
           Counsel
           of
           Moses
           to
           
             Israel
             ,
             When
             they
             should
             be
             possest
             of
          
           Canaan
           ,
           a
           place
           full
           of
           delight
           and
           profit
           ,
           *
           
             When
             thou
          
           
           
             shalt
             have
             eaten
             ,
             and
             art
             full
             ,
             then
             beware
             lest
             thou
             forget
             the
             Lord.
          
           The
           Caution
           so
           enforc'd
           ,
           intimates
           a
           sinful
           disposition
           in
           the
           carnal
           Heart
           ,
           in
           Prosperity
           to
           neglect
           God.
           There
           may
           be
           a
           notional
           remembrance
           of
           him
           in
           the
           Mind
           ,
           
           a
           naked
           ascription
           of
           all
           good
           things
           to
           his
           Providence
           ,
           a
           complemental
           visit
           in
           exterior
           Worship
           ;
           yet
           without
           an
           inward
           cordial
           sense
           of
           our
           dear
           Obligations
           for
           his
           most
           free
           Favours
           .
           The
           Apostle
           charges
           
             the
             Rich
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             not
             to
             trust
             in
             uncertain
             Riches
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             living
             God.
          
           So
           foolishly
           are
           Men
           prone
           to
           depend
           for
           protection
           ,
           reputation
           ,
           and
           provision
           of
           all
           things
           upon
           their
           Estates
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           unconsumable
           ,
           and
           neglect
           God
           their
           Rock
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           alone
           sufficient
           Foundation
           of
           all
           our
           Hopes
           and
           Comfort
           .
        
         
           (
           2.
           )
           Supreme
           Love
           to
           God
           is
           an
           indispensable
           Duty
           from
           Men
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           his
           most
           amiable
           Excellencies
           and
           Benefits
           .
           
             Thou
             shalt
             love
             the
             Lord
             with
             all
             thy
             Heart
             ,
             with
             all
             thy
             Soul
             ,
             with
             all
             thy
             Strength
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             thy
             Mind
          
           ;
           
           
             this
             is
             the
             first
             and
             great
             Commandment
             ,
          
           and
           consequently
           a
           coldness
           and
           indifferency
           to
           God
           ▪
           much
           more
           a
           strong
           aversion
           from
           him
           ,
           is
           a
           sin
           of
           the
           most
           heinous
           nature
           :
           now
           Prosperity
           has
           a
           special
           malignity
           to
           disincline
           the
           Heart
           from
           God.
           The
           supreme
           Love
           of
           God
           includes
           an
           Act
           of
           the
           Understanding
           ,
           a
           transcendent
           esteem
           of
           his
           Favour
           ;
           
             Thy
             loving-kindness
             is
             better
             than
             Life
          
           ;
           it
           inspires
           the
           Soul
           with
           ardent
           desires
           after
           him
           ;
           
             My
             Soul
             follows
             hard
             after
             thee
          
           ;
           it
           produces
           the
           most
           joyful
           satisfaction
           in
           Communion
           with
           him
           .
           The
           Thoughts
           of
           God
           are
           unspeakably
           
             precious
             and
             sweet
          
           ;
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           the
           blessed
           Means
           of
           conveying
           his
           Grace
           ,
           are
           highly
           valued
           ;
           and
           Sin
           that
           displeases
           and
           separates
           from
           God
           ,
           is
           hated
           as
           the
           
           greatest
           Evil.
           Now
           the
           Soul
           must
           be
           refined
           to
           a
           heavenly
           temper
           ,
           to
           some
           degrees
           of
           Angelical
           Purity
           ,
           before
           't
           is
           capable
           of
           Light
           to
           see
           his
           spiritual
           Excellencies
           ,
           and
           Love
           to
           enjoy
           them
           .
           And
           if
           the
           Soul
           does
           not
           make
           the
           Body
           Heavenly
           and
           Spiritual
           ,
           the
           Body
           will
           make
           the
           Soul
           Earthly
           and
           Fleshly
           .
           From
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           the
           affluence
           of
           things
           pleasing
           to
           the
           Senses
           ,
           fastens
           the
           carnal
           Heart
           to
           the
           World
           as
           its
           Happiness
           and
           Heaven
           ;
           it
           darkens
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           vitiates
           the
           Affections
           ,
           that
           the
           Soul
           
             can
             neither
             taste
             nor
             see
             how
             good
             the
             Lord
             is
             .
          
           'T
           is
           the
           universal
           Character
           of
           Men
           in
           the
           carnal
           State
           ;
           
             they
             are
             lovers
             of
             Pleasure
             ,
             more
             than
             lovers
             of
             God.
          
           And
           a
           remisser
           degree
           of
           Love
           is
           comparative
           Hatred
           .
           A
           Sin
           of
           astonishing
           guilt
           ,
           
           and
           not
           less
           odious
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           damning
           in
           its
           Nature
           ,
           tho
           little
           observed
           and
           resented
           by
           carnal
           Men
           :
           for
           the
           highest
           dishonour
           of
           God
           is
           complicated
           with
           disobedience
           in
           it
           .
           A
           Sin
           that
           deserves
           and
           inflicts
           the
           sorest
           Punishment
           ;
           for
           God
           alone
           ,
           whose
           goodness
           is
           infinite
           ,
           can
           make
           us
           perfectly
           and
           eternally
           happy
           ;
           and
           the
           spiritual
           separation
           from
           him
           is
           such
           an
           unvaluable
           
           loss
           ,
           that
           when
           truly
           understood
           ,
           is
           the
           foundation
           of
           the
           heaviest
           sorrow
           .
        
         
           (
           3.
           )
           The
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           a
           most
           distant
           affection
           from
           the
           Heart
           of
           the
           foolish
           Sinner
           in
           his
           Prosperity
           .
           The
           Fear
           of
           Reverence
           ,
           and
           the
           awful
           esteem
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           proceeds
           from
           the
           reflection
           upon
           his
           glorious
           greatness
           ,
           is
           a
           grace
           that
           remains
           in
           Heaven
           :
           
           the
           Angels
           in
           all
           their
           bright
           degrees
           of
           Excellence
           cover
           their
           faces
           before
           his
           Throne
           .
           The
           fear
           of
           Circumspection
           that
           restrains
           from
           displeasing
           him
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           his
           Justice
           and
           Power
           ,
           is
           a
           proper
           Affection
           to
           Men
           in
           the
           present
           state
           .
           The
           Blessed
           in
           Heaven
           are
           above
           this
           Fear
           ,
           being
           confirm'd
           in
           a
           state
           of
           unchangeable
           perfection
           and
           felicity
           :
           the
           Damned
           in
           Hell
           are
           below
           this
           Fear
           ,
           in
           that
           no
           change
           can
           make
           their
           Condition
           worse
           :
           but
           't
           is
           most
           useful
           and
           congruous
           in
           this
           middle
           state
           .
           This
           Fear
           of
           God
           is
           
             the
             beginning
             of
             Wisdom
          
           ,
           the
           first
           and
           chiefest
           part
           of
           it
           in
           respect
           of
           Order
           and
           Dignity
           .
           For
           the
           true
           Notion
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           consists
           in
           the
           foresight
           of
           Evils
           ,
           in
           the
           choice
           and
           use
           of
           effectual
           means
           to
           avoid
           it
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           the
           best
           
           Wisdom
           that
           avoids
           the
           greatest
           Danger
           .
           This
           Fear
           is
           the
           Principle
           of
           Conversion
           from
           Sin
           to
           Holiness
           ;
           exciting
           us
           to
           make
           God
           our
           Friend
           ,
           who
           is
           so
           dreadful
           an
           Adversary
           ,
           so
           Holy
           and
           Just
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           not
           connive
           at
           Sin
           ,
           and
           spare
           the
           Guilty
           and
           Impenitent
           ;
           and
           so
           powerful
           ,
           that
           with
           one
           stroke
           he
           can
           utterly
           destroy
           his
           most
           stubborn
           Enemies
           .
           Carnal
           Security
           is
           directly
           opposite
           to
           this
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           nothing
           does
           more
           harden
           and
           fortify
           Men
           in
           Security
           ,
           than
           a
           prosperous
           State.
           The
           Voluptuous
           and
           Sensual
           are
           without
           apprehension
           of
           Danger
           ,
           till
           imminent
           and
           in
           their
           view
           .
           
             Because
             they
          
           
           
             have
             no
             changes
             ,
             therefore
             they
             fear
             not
             God.
          
           Uninterrupted
           Prosperity
           tempted
           them
           to
           Atheistical
           Security
           :
           and
           as
           none
           are
           sollicitous
           
           and
           in
           anxiety
           ,
           lest
           the
           Sun
           ,
           whose
           presence
           is
           the
           support
           and
           beauty
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           should
           not
           arise
           in
           the
           morning
           ,
           because
           its
           regular
           course
           is
           establish'd
           and
           constant
           ;
           and
           it
           would
           be
           a
           Miracle
           contravening
           the
           Order
           of
           Nature
           if
           it
           should
           be
           stop'd
           ;
           Thus
           the
           long
           enjoyment
           of
           Plenty
           ,
           and
           Ease
           ,
           and
           Peace
           ,
           renders
           Men
           constantly
           secure
           and
           fearless
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           tenor
           of
           their
           Prosperity
           were
           invariable
           ,
           and
           no
           evil
           could
           disturb
           it
           ;
           or
           at
           least
           they
           will
           set
           back
           the
           expectation
           of
           Evil
           at
           a
           great
           distance
           ,
           like
           those
           prophane
           Scorners
           mentioned
           by
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             They
             say
             ,
             the
             Vision
             he
             sees
             is
             for
             many
             days
             to
             come
             ,
             he
             pro
             phesies
             of
             the
             times
             afar
             off
             ,
          
           and
           with
           a
           brutish
           stupidity
           ,
           slight
           the
           Divine
           Threatnings
           .
           And
           from
           hence
           it
           follows
           ,
           that
           none
           are
           so
           
           rebelliously
           and
           boldly
           disobedient
           ,
           as
           the
           prosperous
           Sinner
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           fourth
           thing
           to
           be
           considered
           .
        
         
           (
           4.
           )
           Entire
           Obedience
           is
           due
           to
           the
           Supreme
           Lawgiver
           ,
           who
           is
           able
           to
           save
           and
           destroy
           for
           ever
           :
           yet
           he
           is
           mercifully
           inclin'd
           to
           pardon
           the
           Infirmities
           of
           Men
           ,
           and
           greater
           Sins
           retracted
           by
           Repentance
           .
           There
           are
           Sins
           of
           Ignorance
           ,
           when
           a
           Man
           dashes
           blindfold
           against
           the
           Law
           ;
           and
           of
           suddain
           surreption
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           no
           time
           to
           deliberate
           ,
           and
           for
           recollection
           ;
           and
           the
           best
           are
           not
           exempted
           here
           from
           Sins
           of
           this
           nature
           :
           there
           are
           Sins
           of
           deadly
           malignity
           ,
           when
           Men
           are
           careless
           of
           
           God's
           Commands
           ,
           and
           indulge
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           tho
           not
           without
           some
           remorse
           .
           But
           the
           prosperous
           Sinner
           is
           usually
           most
           presumptuous
           ,
           
           he
           sins
           with
           a
           high
           hand
           ,
           and
           incurrs
           a
           greater
           guilt
           ,
           and
           shall
           be
           exposed
           to
           greater
           punishment
           .
           When
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           is
           extinguish'd
           ,
           Luxury
           takes
           the
           Reins
           ,
           and
           breaks
           through
           the
           Hedg
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           without
           feeling
           the
           wounding
           Thorns
           ,
           the
           fearful
           Threatnings
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           drives
           on
           through
           all
           the
           degrees
           of
           Sin.
           'T
           is
           the
           aggravation
           of
           the
           Israelites
           Ingratitude
           ;
           Jesurun
           waxed
           
           
             fat
             ,
             and
             kicked
             ;
             and
             lightly
             esteemed
             the
             Rock
             of
             his
             Salvation
             .
          
           They
           were
           like
           Beasts
           high
           fed
           ,
           that
           become
           fierce
           and
           untractable
           ,
           will
           endure
           no
           Yoke
           upon
           them
           .
           The
           prosperous
           Sinner
           securely
           despises
           the
           Commands
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           by
           an
           implicit
           Blasphemy
           dares
           his
           offended
           Omnipotence
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           stronger
           than
           the
           Lord.
           He
           concludes
           his
           safety
           from
           his
           
           present
           success
           ,
           
             and
             says
             in
             his
          
           
           
             heart
             ,
             I
             shall
             have
             peace
             ,
             tho
             I
             walk
             in
             the
             imagination
             of
             mine
             heart
             ,
             and
             add
             sin
             to
             sin
             :
             The
             Lord
             will
             not
             spare
             him
             ,
             but
             the
             anger
             of
             the
             Lord
             shall
             smoke
             against
             that
             Man
             to
             his
             destruction
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           Prosperity
           exposes
           dangerously
           to
           the
           tempting
           Power
           of
           Satan
           ,
           whose
           Subtilty
           ,
           Malice
           ,
           and
           Diligence
           ,
           is
           always
           exercised
           in
           training
           Men
           to
           Perdition
           .
           His
           destructive
           Power
           cannot
           make
           immediate
           impressions
           on
           the
           Soul
           ,
           but
           he
           tempts
           by
           Objects
           without
           ,
           and
           the
           Affections
           within
           ;
           the
           World
           and
           the
           Flesh
           that
           are
           in
           combination
           with
           him
           .
           He
           is
           accordingly
           stiled
           ,
           
             the
             God
             of
          
           
           
             this
             World
          
           ,
           as
           he
           reigns
           in
           the
           Men
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           by
           using
           the
           things
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           obtain
           and
           establish
           
           his
           Kingdom
           .
           He
           blinds
           their
           eyes
           by
           glittering
           Temptations
           ,
           deceives
           and
           surprizes
           them
           by
           his
           Fallacies
           .
           And
           altho
           't
           is
           difficult
           to
           conceive
           and
           unfold
           his
           internal
           Agency
           ,
           and
           pernicious
           Operations
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           certain
           he
           cannot
           make
           a
           forcible
           entry
           into
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           tempt
           with
           prevalency
           and
           success
           ,
           without
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           Will
           ,
           yet
           we
           are
           told
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           a
           prime
           Mover
           in
           the
           sins
           of
           Men.
           He
           entred
           into
           Judas
           ,
           and
           by
           putting
           a
           lustre
           on
           the
           Silver
           ,
           exciting
           his
           covetous
           desires
           ,
           prevail'd
           with
           him
           to
           betray
           the
           Lord
           of
           Glory
           .
           
             He
             works
          
           
           
             powerfully
             in
             the
             Children
             of
             Disobedience
             .
          
           They
           are
           as
           it
           were
           possess'd
           and
           acted
           by
           his
           strong
           Incitations
           .
           They
           are
           said
           to
           
             be
             taken
          
           
           
             captive
             by
             him
             at
             his
             Will.
          
           'T
           is
           an
           allusion
           to
           the
           catching
           of
           
           Beasts
           ;
           when
           by
           the
           address
           and
           craft
           of
           the
           Hunters
           ,
           they
           are
           drawn
           or
           urg'd
           into
           the
           toil
           prepared
           for
           them
           .
           Now
           Prosperity
           furnishes
           him
           with
           the
           Materials
           whereof
           he
           weaves
           the
           most
           fatal
           Snares
           :
           for
           his
           strength
           and
           art
           to
           destroy
           principally
           lie
           in
           specious
           Representations
           ,
           and
           fallacious
           Promises
           of
           happiness
           in
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           worldly
           things
           .
           This
           will
           appear
           ,
           by
           considering
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           pleasant
           Temptations
           are
           most
           apt
           to
           seduce
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           to
           ruin
           .
           As
           in
           sowing
           the
           Earth
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           a
           congruity
           between
           the
           Soil
           and
           the
           Seed
           ,
           't
           is
           nourish'd
           and
           springs
           up
           to
           a
           plentiful
           Harvest
           .
           So
           when
           Temptations
           are
           suitable
           to
           the
           heart
           ,
           they
           are
           entertain'd
           with
           complacency
           ,
           and
           are
           productive
           
           of
           actual
           Sins
           .
           
             Every
             Man
             is
          
           
           
             tempted
             (
             cum
             effectu
          
           by
           Satan
           )
           
             when
             he
             is
             drawn
             away
             by
             his
             own
             Lust
             ,
             and
             enticed
             :
          
           the
           sensual
           Appetite
           is
           drawn
           forth
           by
           things
           grateful
           to
           it
           :
           
             Then
             when
             Lust
             hath
             conceived
             ,
             it
             bringeth
             forth
             Sin
             ;
             and
             Sin
             ,
             when
             't
             is
             finish'd
             ,
             bringeth
             forth
             Death
             .
          
           When
           the
           Appetite
           has
           obtain'd
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           Will
           ,
           the
           compleat
           act
           of
           Sin
           follows
           ;
           and
           Sin
           habitually
           indulg'd
           ,
           ends
           in
           Death
           .
        
         
           Some
           Temptations
           of
           Satan
           are
           of
           such
           a
           black
           Complexion
           ,
           and
           so
           terrible
           to
           humane
           Nature
           ,
           that
           the
           Soul
           resists
           them
           ,
           till
           by
           violence
           and
           restless
           importunity
           't
           is
           overcome
           :
           But
           by
           the
           Attractives
           of
           Pleasure
           he
           easily
           prevails
           .
           As
           in
           cutting
           of
           '
           Timber
           ,
           if
           on
           strikes
           cross
           the
           Grain
           ,
           there
           is
           strong
           resistance
           ;
           but
           if
           
           the
           blow
           follows
           the
           Vein
           of
           the
           Wood
           ,
           it
           easily
           cleaves
           asunder
           .
           The
           Temptations
           of
           Riches
           ,
           Honour
           ,
           and
           Pleasures
           ,
           are
           so
           delightful
           ,
           that
           the
           Devil
           commands
           or
           perswades
           Men
           to
           a
           compliance
           with
           them
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ,
           his
           malice
           in
           pleasant
           Temptations
           is
           less
           discernible
           ;
           and
           consequently
           Men
           do
           not
           by
           Circumspection
           ,
           and
           Prayer
           for
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           preserve
           themselves
           from
           the
           mischief
           of
           them
           .
           If
           we
           are
           fiercely
           assaulted
           by
           unnatural
           Temptations
           that
           cause
           extraordinary
           Agonies
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           we
           seek
           for
           supernatural
           Assistance
           ,
           and
           fortify
           our selves
           with
           holy
           Resolutions
           against
           the
           open
           Enemy
           .
           But
           by
           the
           pleasures
           of
           Sin
           ,
           he
           insinuates
           into
           Mens
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           feeds
           the
           deadly
           Disease
           so
           gratefully
           ,
           that
           they
           discover
           
           not
           their
           danger
           till
           past
           recovery
           .
           Therefore
           he
           destroys
           more
           by
           his
           Serpentine
           Suggestions
           ,
           by
           winning
           Charms
           ,
           than
           by
           fiery
           Rage
           .
           Indeed
           he
           is
           never
           more
           a
           Devil
           ,
           than
           when
           he
           deceives
           ;
           and
           we
           are
           divinely
           warn'd
           of
           his
           
             Guile
             ,
             Devices
             ,
             and
             Wiles
             ,
          
           that
           we
           may
           not
           be
           surpris'd
           and
           ruin'd
           by
           our
           invisible
           Adversary
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Plentiful
           Prosperity
           affords
           variety
           of
           Temptations
           ,
           which
           he
           makes
           use
           of
           to
           prevent
           the
           satiety
           and
           dislike
           that
           the
           same
           repeated
           Temptations
           would
           cause
           .
           Since
           Man
           was
           divided
           from
           God
           ,
           the
           true
           Center
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           he
           breaks
           into
           a
           thousand
           irregular
           Desires
           ;
           and
           in
           the
           Apostle's
           phrase
           ,
           
             serves
             divers
             Lusts
             and
             Pleasures
          
           :
           and
           the
           Vanities
           of
           the
           World
           do
           rather
           cloy
           than
           satisfy
           ;
           that
           which
           brings
           transporting
           
           Joy
           at
           first
           ,
           by
           continuance
           becomes
           nauseous
           and
           insipid
           .
           Now
           the
           Tempter
           ,
           with
           the
           abundance
           of
           Prosperity
           ,
           so
           orders
           his
           temptations
           ,
           as
           to
           take
           off
           the
           weariness
           of
           one
           pleasure
           by
           another
           ,
           and
           keeps
           his
           Slaves
           in
           the
           Magical
           Circle
           of
           Variety
           .
           As
           a
           rich
           Epicure
           provides
           a
           Universe
           of
           Luxury
           ,
           commands
           the
           four
           Elements
           to
           make
           a
           show
           ,
           *
           the
           Earth
           ,
           the
           Air
           ,
           the
           Water
           ,
           of
           their
           Treasures
           ,
           and
           the
           Fire
           of
           its
           Art
           to
           dress
           them
           ,
           thereby
           to
           excite
           the
           languishing
           Appetite
           ,
           to
           give
           a
           relish
           to
           Intemperance
           ,
           and
           satisfy
           the
           greedy
           Eye
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           blind
           Belly
           .
           Thus
           Satan
           ,
           the
           Architect
           of
           Pleasure
           ,
           brings
           out
           of
           his
           Storehouse
           several
           kinds
           of
           delightful
           Temptations
           ,
           to
           reinflame
           the
           Carnal
           Appetite
           when
           sated
           :
           without
           variety
           desire
           often
           
           fails
           the
           Man
           ,
           and
           Pleasure
           fails
           the
           Desire
           .
           Voluptuaries
           are
           dissolv'd
           in
           the
           changing
           streams
           of
           Pleasure
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Idleness
           ,
           that
           is
           often
           the
           concomitant
           of
           Prosperity
           ,
           gives
           him
           a
           tempting
           opportunity
           ,
           and
           makes
           Men
           more
           receptive
           of
           his
           temptations
           .
           The
           Sin
           and
           Destruction
           of
           Sodom
           was
           from
           hence
           .
           
             This
             was
             the
             Iniquity
             of
          
           Sodom
           ,
           
           
             Pride
             ,
             fulness
             of
             Bread
             ,
             and
             Idleness
             was
             in
             her
             ,
             and
             her
             Daughters
             .
          
           The
           idle
           Person
           prevents
           the
           Devil
           ,
           beckens
           the
           Tempter
           to
           do
           his
           Office.
           When
           the
           
             House
             is
             empty
          
           ,
           the
           Mind
           not
           exercis'd
           with
           better
           Employments
           ,
           and
           the
           Heart
           is
           loose
           and
           unguarded
           ,
           the
           Tempter
           is
           invited
           to
           take
           Possession
           .
        
         
           Idleness
           is
           directly
           opposite
           to
           Life
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           Felicity
           .
           To
           
           live
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           in
           action
           .
           Inanimate
           things
           are
           only
           bound
           with
           a
           dead
           rest
           .
           And
           amongst
           inanimate
           Bodies
           ,
           as
           they
           ascend
           in
           Perfection
           ,
           they
           are
           more
           Active
           .
           The
           Heavens
           that
           excel
           in
           scituation
           and
           qualities
           all
           things
           that
           are
           without
           Life
           ,
           are
           in
           continual
           motion
           .
           And
           Man's
           Felicity
           consists
           in
           the
           most
           perfect
           Actions
           of
           the
           most
           perfect
           Life
           ;
           in
           the
           Vision
           and
           Enjoyment
           of
           the
           Blessed
           God.
           Now
           Man
           naturally
           being
           avers
           from
           a
           state
           contrary
           to
           Life
           and
           Felicity
           ,
           if
           he
           is
           not
           employed
           in
           business
           becoming
           the
           reasonable
           immortal
           Soul
           ,
           rather
           than
           languish
           in
           idleness
           ,
           is
           active
           
             in
             making
             provision
             for
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             to
             fulfil
             the
             Lusts
             thereof
             .
          
           Time
           is
           tedious
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           may
           pass
           away
           pleasantly
           ,
           Men
           seek
           for
           Diversions
           that
           are
           usually
           either
           
           sinful
           in
           their
           own
           Nature
           ,
           or
           connext
           with
           Sins
           .
        
         
           A
           lawful
           Employment
           ,
           is
           a
           double
           security
           against
           Temptations
           :
           Partly
           Divine
           ,
           as
           it
           entitles
           us
           to
           
           God's
           Providence
           over
           us
           ;
           for
           whilst
           we
           are
           obeying
           his
           Command
           ,
           we
           are
           encouraged
           by
           his
           Promise
           ,
           
             that
             he
             will
             keep
             us
             in
             all
             our
             ways
          
           ;
           either
           prevent
           Temptations
           ,
           or
           afford
           us
           assistance
           to
           vanquish
           them
           :
           And
           partly
           Natural
           ;
           for
           whilst
           we
           are
           diligently
           exercis'd
           in
           a
           lawful
           Calling
           ,
           the
           Mind
           is
           not
           at
           leisure
           to
           attend
           the
           Temptation
           ,
           and
           the
           Senses
           do
           not
           so
           easily
           admit
           those
           Objects
           that
           betray
           the
           Soul.
           And
           't
           is
           observable
           ,
           that
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           merciful
           in
           his
           Chastisements
           ,
           orders
           that
           fallen
           Man
           should
           obtain
           the
           Fruits
           of
           the
           Earth
           to
           support
           his
           Life
           by
           the
           
           sweat
           of
           his
           Brows
           ,
           that
           his
           uncessant
           Labour
           might
           preserve
           him
           from
           Idleness
           ;
           which
           to
           corrupt
           Nature
           is
           the
           seminary
           of
           so
           many
           vile
           Lusts.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           As
           the
           Temptations
           of
           Prosperity
           make
           Men
           an
           easy
           Prey
           to
           Satan
           ,
           so
           they
           keep
           them
           in
           the
           most
           perfect
           and
           miserable
           bondage
           under
           his
           Power
           .
           When
           he
           has
           taken
           hold
           of
           their
           Affections
           ,
           
             he
             leads
             them
             captive
             at
             his
             Will.
          
           They
           are
           freely
           drawn
           by
           the
           pleasing
           force
           of
           his
           Temptations
           :
           they
           are
           voluntary
           Slaves
           ,
           and
           in
           love
           with
           their
           Captivity
           .
           'T
           was
           the
           cruel
           and
           crafty
           advice
           offer'd
           to
           the
           Athenians
           ,
           to
           keep
           the
           subdued
           Inhabitants
           of
           Egina
           from
           rebelling
           ,
           to
           cut
           off
           their
           Thumbs
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           be
           *
           uncapable
           to
           manage
           a
           Spear
           ,
           and
           by
           War
           obtain
           a
           victorious
           
           rescue
           from
           their
           Tyranny
           ,
           but
           be
           fit
           to
           pull
           the
           Oar
           in
           the
           Gallies
           .
           'T
           is
           an
           Emblem
           of
           Satan's
           dealing
           with
           his
           Slaves
           ;
           for
           by
           the
           pleasures
           of
           Sin
           ,
           their
           Hearts
           are
           weak
           ,
           disabled
           from
           vigorous
           and
           holy
           Resolutions
           to
           resist
           his
           power
           ;
           they
           cannot
           make
           use
           of
           the
           
             Armor
             of
             God
          
           for
           their
           Defence
           :
           and
           their
           Lusts
           are
           strong
           ,
           they
           are
           patient
           of
           his
           Drudgery
           ,
           constant
           at
           the
           Oar
           ,
           and
           faithful
           to
           their
           Chains
           .
           And
           from
           hence
           't
           is
           evident
           that
           Men
           are
           never
           more
           dangerously
           under
           the
           destructive
           power
           of
           Satan
           than
           when
           they
           enjoy
           Prosperity
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Prosperity
           is
           destructive
           to
           many
           ,
           in
           that
           it
           affords
           them
           advantages
           to
           corrupt
           others
           ,
           and
           reciprocally
           exposes
           them
           to
           be
           corrupted
           by
           others
           .
           Persons
           in
           Dignity
           ,
           Wealth
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           
           when
           depraved
           in
           their
           Inclinations
           and
           Actions
           ,
           are
           like
           publick
           Fountains
           poison'd
           ,
           that
           convey
           a
           spreading
           ruin
           abroad
           .
           *
           Their
           evil
           Example
           has
           a
           pernicious
           Influence
           ,
           and
           more
           commanding
           Efficacy
           as
           a
           Rule
           ,
           than
           their
           Laws
           they
           ordain
           as
           Rulers
           .
           The
           Manners
           of
           Princes
           are
           as
           current
           as
           their
           Mony
           ,
           that
           being
           stamp'd
           with
           their
           Image
           and
           Superscription
           ,
           tho
           the
           Metal
           be
           base
           ,
           passes
           freely
           among
           the
           People
           .
           The
           reason
           of
           it
           is
           evident
           ,
           for
           without
           the
           restraints
           of
           shame
           and
           fear
           ,
           the
           sensual
           Passions
           are
           riotous
           and
           licencious
           .
        
         
           Shame
           ,
           is
           a
           displeasure
           at
           Evils
           that
           are
           attended
           with
           dishonour
           and
           infamy
           ,
           especially
           at
           sinful
           Evils
           that
           are
           so
           shameful
           in
           their
           own
           Nature
           ,
           that
           the
           most
           sordid
           things
           in
           comparison
           are
           less
           
           ignominious
           .
           Now
           foul
           Vices
           when
           practis'd
           by
           Men
           of
           conspicuous
           Eminence
           ,
           do
           not
           seem
           with
           that
           turpitude
           and
           deformity
           as
           is
           inherent
           in
           their
           Nature
           .
           As
           a
           muddy
           Vapour
           drawn
           up
           by
           the
           Sun
           ,
           and
           enamel'd
           with
           the
           Rays
           of
           Light
           ,
           appears
           amiable
           to
           the
           Eye
           ,
           not
           dreggy
           and
           foul
           as
           't
           is
           in
           it self
           .
           Innumerable
           miscarry
           by
           the
           vicious
           Examples
           of
           Persons
           in
           Honour
           ;
           for
           when
           Sins
           are
           gilded
           over
           with
           creditableness
           ,
           many
           think
           it
           necessary
           to
           be
           unholy
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           truly
           vile
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           fashionably
           noble
           .
           And
           when
           those
           that
           are
           in
           Power
           abuse
           it
           ,
           as
           a
           privilege
           for
           licenciousness
           in
           Sin
           ,
           inferiors
           are
           viciously
           bold
           ,
           expecting
           Facility
           and
           Indulgence
           in
           the
           pardoning
           those
           Faults
           of
           which
           their
           Superiors
           are
           guilty
           :
           And
           
           those
           who
           do
           not
           fear
           to
           be
           punish'd
           ,
           do
           not
           fear
           to
           sin
           .
           Thus
           amongst
           the
           Heathens
           ,
           Lasciviousness
           
           was
           lawless
           ,
           because
           they
           ascribed
           their
           vicious
           Passions
           to
           their
           supposed
           Deities
           ,
           and
           did
           not
           fear
           their
           revenging
           Justice
           for
           what
           was
           practis'd
           by
           them
           .
           Besides
           ,
           Prosperity
           exposes
           the
           Rich
           and
           Great
           to
           be
           more
           corrupted
           by
           others
           .
           Servile
           Spirits
           will
           be
           cruelly
           obsequious
           to
           the
           Humors
           and
           Lusts
           of
           those
           upon
           whom
           they
           depend
           ,
           and
           the
           ready
           Instruments
           of
           accomplishing
           their
           irregular
           Desires
           .
           'T
           is
           their
           Interest
           to
           please
           them
           ,
           from
           whom
           they
           receive
           Favours
           and
           Benefits
           .
           And
           how
           few
           have
           so
           firm
           a
           Vertue
           ,
           as
           to
           break
           the
           twisted
           Temptations
           of
           Pleasure
           and
           Profit
           ?
           The
           Rich
           and
           Great
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           are
           usually
           attended
           
           with
           a
           train
           of
           Dependents
           ,
           or
           vicious
           Associates
           ,
           whose
           compliance
           is
           very
           influential
           to
           harden
           a
           vicious
           Disposition
           into
           a
           corrupt
           Habit.
           These
           are
           underworkers
           to
           Satan
           the
           Mastertempter
           ,
           and
           feed
           the
           double
           Element
           of
           infernal
           Fire
           ,
           Lust
           and
           Rage
           ,
           in
           the
           Breasts
           of
           those
           with
           whom
           they
           converse
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           peculiar
           misery
           of
           Men
           in
           a
           high
           and
           flourishing
           Condition
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           many
           *
           Flatterers
           ,
           and
           few
           Friends
           .
           Few
           or
           none
           dare
           faithfully
           represent
           their
           Sins
           and
           Danger
           ,
           lest
           the
           sight
           of
           their
           Guilt
           in
           its
           true
           reflexion
           ,
           should
           offend
           them
           .
           As
           Love
           is
           blind
           to
           others
           ,
           so
           especially
           to
           one's
           self
           ;
           and
           mercenary
           Wretches
           ,
           by
           the
           most
           vile
           flattery
           ,
           endeavour
           to
           make
           them
           believe
           of
           themselves
           ,
           what
           is
           pleasing
           
           to
           them
           to
           believe
           .
           Such
           to
           ingratiate
           ,
           will
           commend
           the
           mere
           shadows
           of
           Vertue
           ,
           as
           substantial
           Vertue
           ;
           and
           excuse
           real
           gross
           Vices
           ,
           as
           but
           the
           shadows
           of
           Vice.
           By
           deceitful
           Arts
           they
           colour
           and
           conceal
           the
           native
           ugliness
           of
           Sin
           ,
           under
           a
           thin
           appearance
           and
           name
           of
           *
           Vertue
           .
           The
           arrogant
           and
           revengeful
           ,
           they
           call
           generous
           ;
           the
           covetous
           ,
           frugal
           ;
           the
           lascivious
           ,
           gentile
           ;
           the
           prodigal
           ,
           magnificent
           ;
           the
           malicious
           ,
           wary
           and
           cautious
           ;
           the
           brutish
           and
           secure
           ,
           couragious
           .
           The
           Conversation
           of
           such
           is
           infinitely
           dangerous
           and
           corrupting
           :
           for
           under
           the
           disguise
           of
           Friendship
           they
           are
           the
           most
           deadly
           Enemies
           .
           What
           greater
           danger
           of
           being
           poison'd
           can
           there
           be
           ,
           than
           when
           by
           Art
           the
           taste
           of
           Poison
           is
           taken
           away
           from
           the
           Poison
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           
           no
           suspicion
           of
           the
           Traitor
           that
           gives
           it
           ?
           Thus
           't
           is
           further
           evident
           ,
           that
           Prosperity
           is
           very
           dangerous
           to
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Prosperity
           of
           Sinners
           usually
           renders
           the
           means
           of
           Grace
           ineffectual
           ,
           that
           should
           reclaim
           and
           reform
           them
           ,
           and
           consequently
           their
           Destruction
           is
           remediless
           .
           The
           Means
           of
           Grace
           are
           Internal
           or
           External
           :
           Internal
           ,
           the
           motions
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           the
           Convictions
           and
           Excitations
           of
           Conscience
           :
           External
           ,
           the
           Ministry
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           the
           Counsels
           of
           faithful
           Friends
           ;
           all
           which
           are
           usually
           made
           frustrate
           and
           inefficacious
           by
           the
           Vices
           and
           Lusts
           of
           the
           Prosperous
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Prosperity
           makes
           Sinners
           more
           uncapable
           of
           receiving
           the
           heavenly
           Impressions
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           
           and
           obstinate
           in
           resisting
           his
           gracious
           working
           .
           
             The
             Flesh
             and
          
           
           
             the
             Spirit
             are
             contrary
          
           :
           And
           accordingly
           as
           the
           carnal
           Appetite
           has
           dominion
           and
           over-rules
           in
           Men
           ,
           such
           is
           their
           opposition
           to
           his
           restraints
           from
           Evil
           ,
           or
           his
           motions
           to
           what
           is
           holy
           and
           good
           .
           
             The
             sensual
             have
             not
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           
           They
           wilfully
           refuse
           to
           give
           admission
           to
           him
           ,
           when
           by
           inward
           impulses
           he
           sollicits
           them
           ;
           and
           have
           a
           stubborn
           and
           active
           contrariety
           to
           his
           Attributes
           and
           gracious
           Operations
           .
           He
           is
           stiled
           
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Power
             ,
             and
             Love
             ,
             and
             a
             sound
             Mind
             .
          
           He
           communicates
           a
           sacred
           Sovereign
           Vertue
           to
           the
           Soul
           ,
           whereby
           the
           irregular
           Passions
           are
           reduc'd
           to
           the
           obedience
           of
           the
           sanctified
           Mind
           ,
           and
           the
           reigning
           power
           of
           Sin
           is
           dissolv'd
           .
           He
           is
           a
           free
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           restores
           
           the
           Soul
           to
           true
           and
           perfect
           Liberty
           ,
           by
           inlarging
           the
           Will
           ,
           and
           making
           it
           commensurate
           with
           the
           Divine
           Will
           :
           and
           from
           hence
           it
           is
           the
           inseparable
           Character
           of
           a
           converted
           Person
           ,
           he
           is
           willing
           to
           do
           what
           God
           will
           have
           him
           do
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           what
           God
           will
           have
           him
           be
           .
           But
           sensual
           Persons
           ,
           by
           the
           pleasant
           infusions
           of
           servility
           from
           the
           Tempter
           ,
           and
           carnal
           Objects
           ,
           have
           lost
           their
           power
           and
           *
           desire
           of
           spiritual
           Liberty
           ,
           and
           resist
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           ,
           when
           he
           offers
           to
           break
           the
           Bands
           of
           their
           Lusts.
           The
           Spirit
           in
           converting
           the
           Soul
           ,
           inspires
           it
           with
           heavenly
           Love
           to
           God
           for
           the
           ever-satisfying
           beauty
           of
           his
           Perfections
           ;
           and
           from
           Love
           proceeds
           intellectual
           delight
           in
           communion
           with
           him
           ,
           in
           affectionate
           ascents
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           gracious
           
           descents
           to
           the
           Soul
           :
           but
           the
           Sensual
           are
           fastned
           in
           the
           Mire
           of
           their
           sordid
           Pleasures
           ,
           and
           can
           take
           no
           heavenly
           flight
           ,
           and
           relish
           no
           divine
           Comforts
           .
           The
           Spirit
           produces
           
             a
             sound
             Mind
          
           ,
           to
           judg
           sincerely
           of
           things
           as
           they
           are
           .
           And
           from
           hence
           the
           corrupting
           Vanities
           of
           the
           World
           lose
           their
           attractive
           Charms
           ,
           and
           eternal
           things
           appear
           in
           their
           reality
           and
           excellency
           ,
           and
           are
           chosen
           and
           sought
           with
           persevering
           diligence
           .
           But
           the
           sensual
           Heart
           is
           a
           perpetual
           Furnace
           ,
           whose
           Smoke
           darkens
           the
           Mind
           ,
           that
           it
           cannot
           discover
           sublime
           and
           heavenly
           Excellencies
           ;
           and
           whose
           impure
           Heat
           fires
           the
           Will
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           earnest
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           fleshly
           Pleasures
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           nothing
           does
           more
           quench
           the
           Spirit
           in
           his
           illuminating
           ,
           quickning
           ,
           and
           attractive
           
           Operations
           ,
           than
           Sensuality
           :
           and
           nothing
           more
           heightens
           sensuality
           ,
           and
           increases
           the
           aversness
           of
           carnal
           Men
           to
           the
           holy
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           makes
           their
           Conversion
           more
           difficult
           than
           Prosperity
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           can
           by
           effectual
           Grace
           convert
           the
           most
           unprepared
           habituate
           Sinner
           ,
           the
           most
           obstinate
           Enemy
           of
           Holiness
           ;
           he
           can
           melt
           the
           most
           rocky
           stubborn
           Heart
           ,
           into
           a
           holy
           softness
           and
           compliance
           with
           its
           Duty
           ;
           for
           creating
           Power
           is
           of
           infallible
           Efficacy
           ;
           and
           there
           are
           some
           Objects
           and
           Miracles
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           that
           are
           the
           everlasting
           Monuments
           of
           its
           glorious
           Power
           in
           subduing
           the
           most
           fierce
           violence
           of
           rebellious
           Sinners
           .
           But
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           does
           not
           work
           as
           natural
           Agents
           ,
           that
           are
           active
           to
           the
           extent
           of
           their
           
           Power
           .
           The
           Winds
           blow
           with
           all
           their
           force
           ,
           and
           the
           Sun
           inlightens
           the
           Air
           with
           all
           its
           luster
           .
           The
           holy
           Spirit
           is
           an
           intelligent
           and
           voluntary
           Agent
           ,
           whose
           Power
           in
           working
           is
           regulated
           by
           his
           Will
           ,
           and
           directed
           by
           his
           Wisdom
           .
           There
           are
           some
           things
           repugnant
           to
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           ,
           '
           that
           't
           is
           impossible
           God
           should
           do
           them
           :
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           
             that
             God
             cannot
             lye
          
           ,
           for
           't
           is
           contrary
           to
           his
           Truth
           ,
           one
           of
           his
           essential
           Perfections
           .
           And
           't
           is
           as
           impossible
           that
           he
           should
           do
           any
           thing
           unbecoming
           his
           Wisdom
           .
           He
           threatned
           the
           sensual
           World
           ,
           
             My
             Spirit
             shall
             not
             always
             strive
          
           
           
             with
             Man
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             Flesh
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           corrupt
           and
           indulgent
           to
           his
           fleshly
           Appetites
           ,
           and
           alway
           opposing
           and
           controuling
           the
           pure
           Motions
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           We
           read
           that
           
           our
           Saviour
           
             could
             do
             no
             mighty
          
           
           
             Works
             in
             his
             own
             Country
             ,
             because
             of
             their
             unbelief
             :
          
           Not
           as
           if
           their
           Infidelity
           abated
           his
           Divine
           Power
           ,
           but
           they
           were
           unprepared
           to
           receive
           benefit
           by
           them
           ,
           his
           Miracles
           would
           have
           been
           cast
           away
           upon
           such
           inconvincible
           Persons
           .
           Who
           will
           sow
           the
           barren
           Sands
           ,
           or
           water
           dead
           Plants
           ,
           or
           give
           a
           rich
           Cordial
           to
           a
           furious
           Patient
           that
           will
           spill
           it
           on
           the
           ground
           ?
           And
           't
           is
           an
           Act
           of
           Justice
           to
           deprive
           Sinners
           of
           those
           Inspirations
           which
           they
           have
           so
           long
           resisted
           .
           Those
           who
           are
           tender
           and
           tractable
           ,
           and
           unfeignedly
           resign
           up
           themselves
           to
           his
           conduct
           in
           the
           Ways
           of
           Life
           ,
           shall
           receive
           more
           powerful
           Influences
           to
           perfect
           the
           blessed
           Work
           begun
           in
           them
           :
           
             He
             will
             give
             more
             Grace
             to
             the
             humble
             :
          
           But
           those
           who
           are
           so
           far
           from
           valuing
           
           his
           Graces
           and
           Comforts
           ,
           that
           should
           be
           received
           with
           the
           highest
           respect
           ,
           that
           they
           ungratefully
           despise
           them
           ,
           and
           rebel
           against
           his
           Motions
           and
           Counsels
           ,
           he
           righteously
           deserts
           .
           St.
           Stephen
           in
           his
           Charge
           against
           the
           Jews
           ,
           to
           compleat
           the
           aggravation
           of
           their
           Sins
           ,
           reproaches
           them
           ;
           
             Ye
             stiff-necked
             ,
             and
             uncircumcised
             in
             Heart
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             Ears
             ,
             ye
             always
             resisted
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             .
          
           The
           obstinate
           Sinner
           rebels
           against
           his
           Authority
           ,
           and
           contemns
           his
           Mercy
           .
           The
           Tempter
           with
           his
           Charms
           is
           presently
           entertain'd
           ,
           as
           the
           Devils
           easily
           enter'd
           into
           the
           Swine
           ;
           but
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           with
           his
           gracious
           Offers
           is
           rejected
           .
           Wretched
           Indignity
           !
           rather
           to
           obey
           a
           Slave
           and
           an
           Enemy
           ,
           than
           the
           lawful
           Soveraign
           .
        
         
         
           If
           the
           Saints
           grieve
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           a
           wilful
           neglect
           of
           his
           assisting
           Grace
           ,
           and
           fall
           into
           presumptuous
           sins
           ,
           altho
           from
           the
           perfection
           of
           his
           Nature
           he
           is
           not
           capable
           of
           passionate
           grief
           ,
           yet
           he
           infinitely
           dislikes
           their
           sins
           .
           And
           as
           grief
           when
           't
           is
           oppressing
           ,
           causes
           the
           Spirits
           to
           retire
           to
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           Nature
           is
           as
           it
           were
           shut
           up
           in
           its
           springs
           ,
           and
           obstructed
           from
           communicating
           agility
           and
           vivacity
           in
           the
           ordinary
           operations
           of
           the
           senses
           :
           thus
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           when
           grieved
           withdraws
           ,
           and
           there
           follows
           a
           disconsolate
           eclipse
           and
           interruption
           of
           his
           reviving
           quickning
           presence
           .
           But
           the
           indulgent
           habituate
           Sinners
           ,
           provoke
           him
           finally
           to
           leave
           them
           to
           their
           own
           Lusts.
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           his
           deserting
           them
           is
           usually
           gradual
           ,
           as
           in
           a
           consumptive
           Person
           
           the
           stomach
           ,
           the
           colour
           ,
           the
           strength
           ,
           decline
           by
           degrees
           ,
           till
           Nature
           sinks
           irrecoverably
           under
           the
           Disease
           ;
           so
           the
           motions
           of
           the
           Spirit
           in
           those
           who
           have
           often
           repell'd
           them
           ,
           are
           not
           so
           frequent
           and
           vigorous
           as
           before
           ;
           his
           after
           calls
           are
           weaker
           ,
           wasting
           ,
           and
           dying
           every
           day
           ,
           till
           his
           total
           withdrawing
           from
           them
           .
           How
           fearful
           and
           hopeless
           is
           the
           state
           of
           such
           a
           sinner
           ?
           This
           spiritual
           Judgment
           always
           proceeds
           from
           inexorable
           severity
           ,
           and
           ends
           in
           the
           eternal
           ruin
           of
           sinners
           .
           For
           without
           the
           Spirit
           's
           supernatural
           working
           ,
           they
           can
           never
           be
           
             renewed
             to
             Repentance
          
           ,
           never
           reconciled
           to
           God.
           They
           may
           for
           a
           time
           live
           in
           a
           voluptuous
           course
           ,
           or
           follow
           the
           Business
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           a
           little
           breath
           may
           separate
           between
           them
           and
           Hell
           ,
           
           but
           they
           shall
           at
           last
           die
           in
           their
           sins
           ,
           in
           an
           impardonable
           state
           for
           ever
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           the
           Jews
           ,
           
             They
             rebell'd
             and
             vexed
             his
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             therefore
             he
             turned
             to
             be
             their
             Enemy
             ,
             and
             fought
             against
             them
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Convictions
           and
           Excitations
           of
           Conscience
           are
           prevented
           ,
           or
           made
           ineffectual
           by
           the
           prosperity
           of
           sinners
           .
           Conscience
           is
           the
           applicative
           Mind
           that
           respects
           Practice
           ;
           it
           directs
           in
           our
           Duty
           ,
           both
           by
           inhibitions
           from
           what
           is
           evil
           ,
           and
           by
           instigations
           to
           what
           is
           good
           ;
           and
           by
           comparing
           our
           Actions
           with
           the
           Rule
           ,
           testifies
           our
           innocence
           or
           guilt
           ,
           and
           approves
           or
           condemns
           us
           .
        
         
           This
           intellectual
           Ray
           was
           planted
           in
           us
           by
           the
           wise
           God
           in
           out
           Creation
           ,
           and
           extended
           to
           the
           Divine
           Law
           ,
           the
           Object
           and
           End
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           keep
           us
           to
           our
           Duty
           .
           
           And
           since
           our
           revolt
           ,
           't
           is
           being
           enlightned
           and
           sanctified
           the
           vital
           Principle
           of
           Conversion
           to
           God
           ,
           the
           powerful
           means
           of
           rescuing
           the
           lapsed
           Soul
           from
           its
           prostitution
           to
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           and
           recovering
           it
           to
           a
           temper
           of
           Purity
           becoming
           its
           Original
           Excellence
           ,
           and
           Relation
           to
           the
           Father
           of
           Spirits
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           is
           the
           primary
           Rule
           of
           our
           Duty
           ,
           and
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           is
           the
           Efficient
           of
           our
           Renovation
           ;
           but
           the
           inlightned
           Conscience
           is
           the
           immediate
           Rule
           ,
           and
           the
           immediate
           Mover
           of
           us
           to
           return
           to
           our
           Duty
           .
           And
           if
           Conscience
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           Eye
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           be
           covered
           with
           a
           film
           of
           Ignorance
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           blear'd
           with
           the
           false
           glitterings
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           if
           it
           totally
           neglects
           its
           Office
           ,
           or
           makes
           but
           a
           cold
           application
           of
           saving
           Terrors
           
           that
           may
           controul
           the
           licentious
           Appetites
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           disregarded
           ,
           when
           it
           suggests
           and
           excites
           to
           our
           Duty
           ,
           the
           sinner
           is
           hardned
           and
           setled
           in
           his
           lost
           state
           .
           Now
           Prosperity
           foments
           the
           sensual
           Affections
           ,
           that
           obscure
           the
           Light
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           corrupt
           its
           Judgment
           ,
           that
           smother
           and
           suppress
           its
           Dictates
           ,
           or
           despise
           and
           slight
           them
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           powerless
           ,
           tho
           constituted
           God's
           Deputy
           to
           order
           our
           Lives
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Affected
           Ignorance
           is
           the
           usual
           Concomitant
           of
           sensual
           Lusts
           :
           for
           the
           enlightned
           Conscience
           will
           convince
           ,
           and
           condemn
           Men
           for
           their
           Pollutions
           ,
           and
           force
           them
           here
           to
           feel
           the
           beginning
           of
           sorrows
           ,
           and
           thereby
           make
           them
           apprehensive
           what
           the
           issues
           and
           consummation
           
           will
           be
           hereafter
           ,
           and
           this
           will
           cast
           an
           aspersion
           of
           bitterness
           upon
           their
           sweet
           sins
           ,
           and
           lessen
           the
           full
           pleasure
           of
           them
           .
           From
           hence
           our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           Every
           
           
             one
             that
             loves
             to
             do
             Evil
             ,
             hates
             the
             Light
             ,
             neither
             cometh
             to
             the
             Light
             ,
             lest
             his
             Deeds
             should
             be
             reproved
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           by
           the
           instructed
           and
           awakned
           Conscience
           .
           Men
           love
           darkness
           to
           cover
           their
           nakedness
           and
           foul
           deformity
           .
           They
           are
           averse
           from
           knowing
           their
           Duty
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           search
           ,
           lest
           they
           should
           discover
           such
           terrible
           Truths
           that
           cross
           their
           sensual
           Humour
           .
           The
           Apostle
           foretells
           ,
           
             That
             Scoffers
          
           
           
             should
             come
             in
             the
             last
             days
             ,
             who
             are
             willingly
             ignorant
          
           of
           the
           beginning
           and
           end
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           if
           there
           were
           no
           Divine
           Maker
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           who
           has
           power
           to
           destroy
           them
           ,
           and
           consequently
           no
           Judg
           
           to
           whom
           Men
           must
           be
           accountable
           for
           their
           disobedience
           to
           his
           Laws
           :
           they
           assent
           to
           the
           most
           evident
           Absurdity
           ,
           that
           all
           things
           were
           and
           shall
           continue
           in
           the
           same
           tenor
           :
           and
           the
           cause
           of
           their
           willing
           ignorance
           is
           insinuated
           in
           the
           Character
           that
           describes
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           
             might
             walk
             after
             their
             own
             Lusts
             ,
          
           more
           securely
           ,
           freely
           ,
           and
           joyfully
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Sensual
           Lusts
           do
           not
           only
           hinder
           Mens
           search
           after
           Knowledg
           ,
           but
           obscure
           the
           Light
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           corrupt
           its
           Judgment
           .
           There
           is
           such
           an
           intimate
           Communion
           between
           the
           Soul
           and
           the
           Body
           ,
           that
           interchangably
           they
           corrupt
           one
           another
           :
           the
           sins
           of
           the
           Flesh
           sink
           into
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           corrupt
           the
           moral
           Principles
           ,
           from
           whence
           the
           sensible
           Conscience
           springs
           of
           Good
           
           and
           Evil.
           And
           the
           sins
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           Infidelity
           ,
           Incogitancy
           ,
           Error
           ,
           Security
           ,
           break
           out
           in
           the
           Deeds
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           and
           make
           the
           Flesh
           more
           outragious
           in
           its
           Desires
           .
           
             St.
             Paul
          
           declares
           ,
           that
           
           
             unto
             the
             defiled
             and
             unbelieving
             ,
             nothing
             is
             pure
             ;
             but
             even
             their
             Mind
             and
             Conscience
             is
             defiled
             .
          
           A
           purged
           Heart
           is
           requisite
           for
           a
           clear
           Mind
           ;
           but
           where
           Lust
           dwells
           ,
           it
           taints
           and
           perverts
           the
           practical
           Judgment
           ;
           from
           whence
           so
           many
           Disorders
           follow
           in
           the
           Life
           .
           The
           natural
           Conscience
           in
           many
           Cases
           ,
           in
           its
           simple
           judgment
           of
           things
           ,
           sincerely
           declares
           what
           is
           to
           be
           done
           ,
           and
           what
           to
           be
           avoided
           ;
           but
           when
           compounded
           and
           stain'd
           with
           a
           tincture
           of
           Sensuality
           ;
           it
           judges
           according
           to
           the
           Desires
           .
           The
           rebellious
           Israesites
           in
           the
           Wilderness
           are
           described
           ,
           
           
             It
             is
             a
             People
             that
             do
             err
             in
          
           
           
             their
             Hearts
          
           :
           the
           Heart
           was
           the
           erroneous
           Fountain
           of
           all
           their
           Miscarriages
           ,
           and
           forty
           Years
           instruction
           could
           do
           them
           no
           good
           .
           Those
           who
           are
           given
           up
           to
           carnal
           Delights
           ,
           and
           are
           in
           a
           confederacy
           with
           the
           gross
           Senses
           ,
           even
           their
           directive
           and
           judging
           Faculty
           is
           carnal
           in
           its
           apprehensions
           .
           A
           
             reprobate
             Mind
          
           ,
           and
           
             vile
             Affections
          
           ,
           are
           naturally
           and
           judicially
           the
           Cause
           and
           Effect
           of
           one
           another
           .
           Even
           natural
           Truths
           that
           are
           plain
           and
           bright
           ,
           as
           the
           essential
           distinction
           between
           moral
           Good
           and
           Evil
           ,
           between
           Vertue
           and
           Vice
           ,
           and
           the
           belief
           of
           a
           Judgment
           to
           come
           ,
           that
           is
           inseparably
           connext
           with
           it
           ;
           yet
           through
           the
           perversness
           and
           crookedness
           of
           Mens
           Hearts
           ,
           are
           strangely
           darkned
           .
           Men
           wish
           according
           to
           
           their
           carnal
           Interest
           ;
           and
           what
           they
           wish
           ,
           they
           would
           fain
           believe
           ;
           and
           as
           when
           there
           was
           no
           
             King
             in
             Israel
             ,
             every
             one
             did
             what
             was
             good
             in
             his
             own
             Eyes
             :
          
           so
           if
           there
           were
           no
           after-reckoning
           ,
           Men
           would
           ,
           without
           the
           check
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           follow
           the
           Wills
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           therefore
           they
           are
           Atheists
           in
           desire
           ,
           and
           if
           not
           scared
           by
           the
           pangs
           of
           a
           throbbing
           Conscience
           ,
           will
           be
           so
           in
           their
           thoughts
           .
        
         
           The
           Heathens
           cancell'd
           the
           Law
           of
           Nature
           ,
           and
           transgress'd
           all
           the
           Rules
           of
           Duty
           and
           Decorum
           ;
           they
           securely
           indulg'd
           those
           Lusts
           that
           are
           a
           derogation
           and
           debasement
           to
           the
           reasonable
           Creature
           ,
           and
           make
           Men
           below
           Men.
           The
           reason
           of
           this
           prodigious
           degeneracy
           was
           ,
           their
           Manners
           corrupted
           their
           Minds
           .
           
             St.
             Paul
          
           
           charges
           the
           Ephesians
           ,
           not
           to
           walk
           
           
             as
             the
             other
             Gentiles
             ,
             in
             the
             vanity
             of
             their
             Minds
             ,
             having
             the
             Understanding
             darkned
             ,
             being
             alienated
             from
             the
             Life
             of
             God
             ,
             through
             the
             Ignorance
             that
             is
             in
             them
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             blindness
             of
             their
             Heart
             ;
             who
             being
             past
             feeling
             ,
             have
             given
             themselves
             over
             to
             lasciviousness
             ,
             to
             work
             all
             uncleanness
             with
             greediness
             .
          
           A
           dead
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           a
           dissolute
           Life
           ,
           are
           inseparable
           .
           And
           how
           many
           that
           are
           surrounded
           with
           the
           Celestial
           Beams
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           are
           as
           impure
           and
           impenitent
           ,
           as
           those
           in
           the
           black
           Night
           of
           Paganism
           ?
           They
           stand
           at
           the
           entrance
           of
           the
           bottomless
           Pit
           ,
           yet
           do
           not
           smell
           the
           Brimstone
           that
           inrages
           the
           Fire
           there
           :
           the
           flames
           of
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           have
           feared
           their
           Consciences
           to
           a
           desperate
           degree
           of
           hardness
           and
           insensibility
           .
           Of
           such
           the
           
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           
             But
             these
             ,
             as
             natural
          
           
           
             brute
             Beasts
             ,
             made
             to
             be
             taken
             and
             destroyed
             ,
             speak
             evil
             of
             the
             things
             they
             understand
             not
             ,
             and
             shall
             utterly
             perish
             in
             their
             own
             corruption
             ;
             and
             shall
             receive
             the
             Reward
             of
             Unrighteousness
             ,
             as
             they
             that
             count
             it
             pleasure
             to
             riot
             in
             the
             day
             time
             ;
             spots
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             blemishes
             ,
             sporting
             themselves
             with
             their
             own
             deceivings
             ,
             while
             they
             feast
             with
             you
             .
          
           They
           violated
           all
           the
           Prescriptions
           and
           Restraints
           of
           natural
           Reason
           ,
           they
           had
           lost
           all
           the
           ingenuous
           bashfulness
           of
           the
           humane
           Nature
           ,
           and
           pleas'd
           themselves
           in
           their
           false
           licentious
           Principles
           ,
           whereby
           they
           endeavoured
           to
           justify
           their
           enormous
           Actions
           ,
           and
           set
           a
           superficial
           gloss
           upon
           their
           foul
           Deformities
           .
           Now
           a
           seduced
           and
           seducing
           Mind
           ,
           make
           the
           conversion
           of
           a
           Sinner
           most
           difficult
           .
           Whilst
           the
           Judgment
           
           condemns
           what
           the
           Affections
           approve
           ,
           Men
           are
           not
           so
           invincibly
           and
           irrecoverably
           lost
           ;
           the
           inlightned
           Conscience
           is
           an
           earnest
           of
           their
           return
           to
           their
           Duty
           .
           But
           when
           the
           Spirit
           is
           deceived
           ,
           the
           flesh
           always
           prevails
           ;
           and
           Men
           are
           most
           dissolute
           ,
           corrupt
           ,
           and
           desperately
           wicked
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           says
           ,
           
             If
             the
             Light
             that
             is
             in
             us
             be
             Darkness
             ,
             how
             great
             is
             that
             Darkness
             ?
          
           how
           disorderly
           and
           ruinous
           will
           the
           course
           be
           ?
           
             If
             the
             Salt
             hath
             lost
             its
             savour
             ,
             wherewith
             shall
             it
             be
             salted
             ?
          
           If
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           should
           be
           as
           Salt
           to
           preserve
           the
           Soul
           from
           tainting
           Pleasures
           ,
           be
           corrupted
           ,
           wherewith
           can
           it
           be
           restored
           ?
        
         
           3.
           
           Fleshly
           Lusts
           smother
           and
           suppress
           the
           Dictates
           and
           Testimony
           of
           the
           enlightned
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           not
           influential
           
           upon
           the
           Life
           .
           The
           Dictates
           of
           Conscience
           are
           in
           a
           direct
           Line
           ,
           instructing
           and
           advising
           Men
           in
           their
           Duty
           :
           the
           Testimony
           is
           by
           reflexion
           upon
           their
           Errors
           from
           the
           Divine
           Rule
           ,
           and
           condemning
           them
           for
           their
           Guilt
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Dictates
           of
           the
           inlightned
           Conscience
           are
           supprest
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           observation
           of
           *
           the
           Philosopher
           ,
           concerning
           sensual
           Persons
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           Reason
           in
           the
           Faculty
           and
           Habit
           ,
           but
           not
           in
           the
           Use
           and
           Exercise
           .
           The
           practical
           Understanding
           declares
           our
           Duty
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           absolutely
           necessary
           to
           obey
           God
           ;
           and
           Men
           assent
           to
           it
           in
           the
           general
           :
           but
           when
           this
           Principle
           is
           to
           be
           applied
           to
           Practice
           in
           Particulars
           that
           are
           ungrateful
           to
           the
           corrupt
           Will
           ,
           Lust
           draws
           a
           Veil
           over
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           not
           appear
           to
           check
           the
           sensual
           
           Inclinations
           .
           Whilst
           the
           Mind
           seduc'd
           by
           the
           Senses
           ,
           is
           intent
           upon
           the
           pleasing
           Object
           ,
           it
           does
           not
           actually
           and
           strongly
           consider
           the
           Divine
           Command
           ;
           and
           Conscience
           is
           brought
           under
           the
           controul
           of
           the
           impetuous
           Passions
           .
           The
           Light
           of
           Reason
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           Divine
           Revelation
           ,
           discovers
           ,
           that
           the
           blessed
           Beginning
           ,
           and
           the
           happy
           End
           of
           Man
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           like
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           enjoy
           his
           Love
           ;
           but
           when
           there
           is
           a
           competition
           between
           his
           Favour
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           carnal
           Heart
           suppresses
           the
           Dictates
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           makes
           a
           blindfold
           choice
           of
           things
           present
           and
           sensible
           ,
           as
           if
           Man
           were
           all
           Earth
           ,
           and
           there
           were
           no
           spark
           of
           Heaven
           within
           him
           .
        
         
           The
           Heathens
           are
           charged
           by
           
             St
             ,
             Paul
             ,
             —
             That
             they
             with
             held
             the
          
           
           
             Truth
             in
             Unrighteousness
          
           .
           The
           Notion
           of
           God
           as
           the
           Supream
           Law-giver
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           obeyed
           according
           to
           his
           Law
           imprest
           upon
           Conscience
           ,
           was
           a
           natural
           Truth
           ,
           and
           should
           have
           reign'd
           in
           their
           Hearts
           and
           Lives
           ;
           but
           they
           would
           not
           suffer
           it
           to
           exert
           its
           Power
           in
           ordering
           their
           Actions
           .
           There
           is
           a
           natural
           Miracle
           seen
           in
           Egypt
           every
           Year
           ;
           when
           the
           River
           Nilus
           overflows
           the
           Plains
           :
           many
           living
           Creatures
           are
           half
           form'd
           ,
           and
           part
           remains
           slimy
           Earth
           ,
           without
           Life
           or
           Motion
           .
        
         
           Altera
           pars
           vivit
           ,
           rudis
           est
           pars
           altera
           tellus
           .
        
         
           Such
           Monsters
           were
           the
           ungodly
           and
           unrighteous
           Heathens
           ;
           half
           Men
           in
           their
           Understandings
           ,
           and
           half
           Mud
           in
           their
           filthy
           Affections
           .
           
           And
           there
           are
           innumerable
           such
           Monsters
           in
           the
           
             Christian
             world
          
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Testimony
           of
           Conscience
           is
           supprest
           and
           neglected
           by
           the
           prosperous
           Sinner
           .
           If
           Conscience
           be
           in
           some
           degree
           Righteous
           ,
           and
           faithful
           in
           its
           Office
           ,
           
             and
             reproves
             him
             ,
             and
             sets
             his
             Sins
             in
             order
             before
             his
             Eyes
          
           ;
           he
           will
           not
           regard
           its
           earnest
           Warnings
           .
           He
           is
           as
           unwilling
           to
           hear
           that
           sincere
           Witness
           in
           his
           Bosom
           ,
           as
           Ahab
           was
           the
           inflexible
           Prophet
           Micaiah
           ;
           of
           whom
           he
           said
           ,
           
             I
             hate
             him
             ,
             for
             he
             doth
             not
             prophesie
             Good
             of
             me
             ,
             but
             Evil.
          
           Prosperity
           affords
           many
           diversions
           ,
           whereby
           the
           sinner
           shifts
           off
           conversing
           with
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           remains
           ingaged
           in
           his
           sinful
           state
           .
           
             I
             hearkned
             ,
             and
             heard
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Prophet
           
             Jeremy
             ,
             but
             they
             spake
             not
             aright
             ;
             no
             Man
             repented
             of
             his
             Wickedness
             ,
             saying
             ,
          
           
           
             What
             have
             I
             done
          
           ?
           What
           foul
           ignominious
           Acts
           ,
           how
           defiling
           and
           debasing
           my
           Soul
           ,
           how
           offensive
           to
           the
           pure
           Eyes
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           so
           glorious
           in
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           dreadful
           in
           Power
           ?
           Such
           a
           sight
           of
           Sin
           would
           make
           the
           Conscience
           boil
           ,
           and
           chill
           the
           Passions
           ,
           and
           urge
           sinners
           to
           return
           to
           their
           Duty
           .
           But
           whilst
           they
           prosper
           ,
           they
           are
           obstinate
           in
           Rebellion
           ;
           
             Every
             one
             turn'd
             to
             his
             course
             ,
             as
             the
             Horse
             rushes
             into
             the
             Battel
             .
          
           As
           the
           Horse
           when
           inflam'd
           ,
           by
           the
           noise
           and
           other
           Accidents
           of
           War
           ,
           furiously
           rushes
           to
           his
           own
           destruction
           :
           thus
           sinners
           when
           they
           encounter
           alluring
           Objects
           that
           divert
           the
           Mind
           from
           serious
           consideration
           ,
           either
           they
           do
           not
           discern
           ,
           or
           will
           not
           observe
           the
           Dangers
           before
           them
           ,
           and
           with
           as
           little
           consideration
           ,
           and
           as
           much
           fierceness
           as
           
           the
           Beasts
           venture
           upon
           their
           own
           destruction
           .
           Conversion
           is
           the
           product
           of
           the
           most
           serious
           and
           sad
           thoughts
           ,
           from
           which
           a
           prosperous
           sinner
           is
           most
           averse
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           external
           means
           for
           converting
           sinners
           ,
           are
           usually
           ineffectual
           upon
           them
           whilst
           they
           enjoy
           Prosperity
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           
             Gospel
             is
             the
             Power
             of
             God
             to
             Salvation
             to
             them
             that
             believe
          
           ;
           and
           the
           preaching
           of
           it
           is
           by
           divine
           Institution
           the
           ordinary
           means
           of
           Conversion
           .
           God
           could
           by
           the
           immediate
           illumination
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           influence
           upon
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           ,
           convert
           sinners
           from
           the
           Errors
           of
           their
           Ways
           ;
           but
           his
           Wisdom
           and
           condescending
           Goodness
           makes
           use
           of
           the
           Ministry
           of
           Men
           to
           convey
           the
           Word
           of
           Truth
           and
           Life
           to
           the
           World.
           This
           way
           is
           very
           
           congruous
           ,
           both
           to
           the
           compounded
           Nature
           of
           Man
           ,
           by
           the
           Senses
           to
           work
           upon
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           native
           freedom
           of
           his
           Will
           :
           for
           tho
           the
           supernatural
           Agent
           infallibly
           changes
           the
           Heart
           ,
           yet
           the
           Instrument
           can
           only
           direct
           and
           perswade
           Men
           ,
           as
           those
           who
           are
           endowed
           with
           intellectual
           and
           elective
           Faculties
           ;
           and
           thus
           the
           efficacy
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           is
           insinuated
           ,
           in
           a
           way
           suitable
           to
           the
           reasonable
           Nature
           .
           The
           Ministers
           are
           stiled
           the
           Light
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           discover
           to
           Men
           their
           undone
           condition
           by
           sin
           ,
           and
           to
           point
           out
           the
           way
           to
           their
           everlasting
           Peace
           .
           Our
           blessed
           Redeemer
           saves
           the
           lost
           Remnant
           of
           Mankind
           by
           the
           sacred
           Ministry
           ;
           and
           where
           there
           are
           no
           
             Evangelical
             Preachers
             sent
          
           ,
           or
           only
           a
           doleful
           succession
           of
           blind
           Guides
           ,
           what
           
           *
           Tertullian
           says
           of
           Scythia
           ,
           a
           Country
           that
           by
           the
           extremity
           of
           the
           cold
           ,
           is
           hard
           and
           dry
           ,
           and
           perpetually
           barren
           ,
           but
           the
           residence
           of
           fierce
           Cruelty
           ,
           is
           applicable
           to
           a
           Nation
           ,
           the
           Hearts
           of
           Men
           are
           frozen
           to
           their
           sins
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           melting
           in
           the
           tears
           of
           true
           Repentance
           ,
           no
           holy
           Heat
           ,
           only
           their
           brutish
           Lusts
           are
           ardent
           and
           active
           .
           But
           where
           the
           Embassadors
           of
           Christ
           are
           faithful
           and
           zealous
           to
           induce
           sinners
           to
           break
           off
           their
           sins
           by
           repentance
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           reconciled
           to
           God
           ,
           there
           are
           none
           more
           uncapable
           of
           the
           sanctifying
           Power
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           than
           sinners
           in
           Prosperity
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Pride
           ,
           the
           Vice
           of
           Prosperity
           ,
           makes
           them
           fierce
           and
           stubborn
           against
           the
           holy
           and
           strict
           Rules
           of
           the
           Word
           .
           
             We
             will
             not
          
           
           
             hearken
             to
             thee
             ,
             but
             will
             certainly
             do
          
           
           
             whatsoever
             goes
             out
             of
             our
             own
             mouth
             .
          
           If
           a
           faithful
           Minister
           represents
           the
           inside
           of
           their
           foul
           Souls
           ,
           their
           uncomely
           Passions
           are
           rais'd
           against
           him
           :
           if
           he
           recommends
           the
           earnest
           study
           of
           Holiness
           and
           Godliness
           ,
           they
           entertain
           his
           Counsels
           with
           derision
           and
           disdain
           .
           Those
           to
           whom
           the
           dearest
           and
           most
           affectionate
           Honour
           is
           due
           ,
           being
           spiritual
           Fathers
           and
           Physicians
           ,
           are
           despised
           in
           their
           Persons
           and
           Office
           ,
           by
           Fools
           in
           their
           Prosperity
           .
           They
           condemn
           what
           they
           do
           not
           understand
           ,
           and
           affect
           not
           to
           understand
           what
           condemns
           them
           .
           They
           hear
           Sermons
           to
           censure
           ,
           and
           censure
           that
           they
           may
           not
           be
           troubled
           by
           them
           .
           What
           hope
           is
           there
           of
           reducing
           haughty
           Scorners
           to
           the
           Obedience
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ?
           Even
           the
           Miracles
           and
           Ministry
           of
           our
           
           Saviour
           was
           without
           success
           upon
           the
           Pharisees
           ,
           
             who
             heard
             and
             derided
             him
          
           .
           If
           such
           are
           convinc'd
           in
           their
           Minds
           ,
           and
           not
           disarm'd
           of
           their
           Pride
           and
           Self-will
           ,
           they
           refuse
           to
           yield
           
             themselves
             to
             the
             Lord.
          
           Meekness
           is
           a
           requisite
           Qualification
           for
           receiving
           the
           Word
           with
           its
           saving
           Vertue
           .
           
             We
             are
             directed
             to
             lay
             aside
             all
             filthiness
             ,
             and
             superfluity
             of
             naughtiness
             ;
             and
             with
             meekness
             to
             receive
             the
             ingrafted
             Word
             ,
             that
             is
             able
             to
             save
             our
             Souls
             .
          
           We
           are
           prepared
           for
           
             Divine
             Grace
          
           ,
           by
           a
           serious
           sense
           of
           our
           want
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           earnest
           desire
           to
           obtain
           it
           .
           
             He
             fills
             the
             hungry
             with
             good
             things
             ,
             and
             the
             Rich
             he
             sends
             empty
             away
             .
          
           None
           are
           so
           insensible
           of
           their
           spiritual
           Wants
           ,
           and
           avers
           from
           the
           humble
           acknowledgment
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           the
           Prosperous
           Sinner
           ;
           and
           none
           more
           unlikely
           to
           obtain
           spiritual
           Riches
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           Infidelity
           ,
           that
           is
           occasion'd
           and
           confirm'd
           by
           Prosperity
           in
           Sin
           ,
           renders
           the
           Gospel
           ineffectual
           to
           the
           Salvation
           of
           Men.
           
             The
             Word
             preached
             did
             not
             profit
             the
             Jews
             ,
          
           
           
             not
             being
             mixt
             with
             Faith
             in
             them
             that
             heard
             it
             .
          
           A
           stedfast
           belief
           of
           Divine
           Revelations
           ,
           is
           the
           principle
           of
           Obedience
           :
           without
           it
           ,
           Motives
           of
           the
           highest
           strain
           are
           ineffectual
           .
           Eternal
           things
           are
           not
           within
           the
           prospect
           of
           Sense
           ,
           and
           tho
           set
           forth
           with
           the
           clearest
           evidence
           of
           Reason
           ,
           and
           enforced
           with
           the
           greatest
           earnestness
           of
           Affection
           ,
           yet
           the
           Sons
           of
           Darkness
           sleep
           profoundly
           in
           their
           sins
           .
           If
           Heaven
           with
           its
           Joys
           and
           Glory
           be
           revealed
           in
           the
           most
           affecting
           manner
           ,
           it
           has
           no
           more
           efficacy
           to
           move
           them
           ,
           than
           charming
           Musick
           to
           awaken
           one
           out
           of
           a
           Lethargy
           :
           only
           violent
           
           Remedies
           ,
           bleeding
           ,
           scarrifying
           ,
           and
           burning
           ,
           are
           proper
           and
           powerful
           for
           his
           recovery
           .
           If
           they
           are
           warned
           ,
           that
           the
           everlasting
           King
           will
           shortly
           open
           the
           Clouds
           ,
           and
           come
           with
           terrible
           Majesty
           to
           the
           universal
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           require
           an
           account
           for
           his
           abused
           Mercies
           :
           their
           Hearts
           are
           apt
           to
           reply
           ,
           as
           the
           Priests
           did
           to
           
             Judas
             ,
             What
             is
             that
             to
             us
             ?
             see
             ye
             to
             it
             .
          
           The
           Terrors
           of
           the
           Lord
           no
           more
           affect
           them
           ,
           than
           Thunder
           does
           the
           Deaf
           ,
           or
           Lightning
           the
           Blind
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           tho
           charged
           and
           adjured
           by
           all
           the
           Threatnings
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           the
           neglected
           Gospel
           ,
           tho
           intreated
           by
           all
           the
           precious
           Promises
           of
           Mercy
           ,
           they
           continue
           hardned
           in
           their
           voluptuous
           sins
           :
           they
           despise
           the
           eternal
           Rewards
           of
           Holiness
           and
           Wickedness
           ,
           as
           incredible
           and
           
           impertinent
           ,
           and
           Ministers
           as
           men
           of
           vain
           talk
           and
           imaginations
           .
           For
           the
           Infidel
           Senses
           are
           not
           affected
           with
           things
           future
           ,
           and
           Sinners
           ,
           whilst
           prosperous
           ,
           are
           under
           their
           Dominion
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Suppose
           in
           preaching
           the
           Word
           ,
           a
           sharp
           ray
           of
           Truth
           darts
           through
           the
           deep
           and
           setled
           darkness
           of
           the
           Heart
           ,
           yet
           't
           is
           soon
           dampt
           ,
           and
           without
           saving
           effect
           upon
           Sinners
           in
           their
           Prosperity
           .
           They
           may
           be
           terrified
           ,
           but
           are
           not
           subdued
           by
           the
           
             Armour
             of
             Light
          
           ;
           for
           they
           presently
           take
           sanctuary
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           escape
           the
           strokes
           of
           it
           .
           The
           carnal
           Passions
           dare
           not
           appear
           before
           such
           Objects
           as
           awaken
           the
           Conscience
           ;
           the
           Senses
           strongly
           apply
           the
           Mind
           to
           things
           that
           touch
           them
           ;
           the
           Fancy
           is
           the
           spring
           of
           of
           distraction
           in
           the
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           
           these
           reign
           in
           their
           full
           power
           in
           prosperous
           Sinners
           ,
           so
           that
           they
           do
           not
           by
           serious
           consideration
           apply
           things
           of
           eternal
           consequence
           to
           themselves
           .
           The
           Heart
           of
           Man
           with
           difficulty
           changes
           its
           end
           ;
           the
           outward
           actions
           may
           be
           suspended
           or
           over-ruled
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           but
           the
           love
           that
           is
           natural
           and
           predominant
           in
           the
           Heart
           to
           the
           present
           World
           ,
           cannot
           be
           purified
           and
           raised
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           without
           the
           Divine
           efficacy
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           applied
           by
           most
           solemn
           and
           frequent
           thoughts
           .
           How
           plain
           and
           convincing
           are
           the
           words
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ;
           
             What
             will
             it
             profit
             a
             Man
             ,
             if
             he
             gain
             the
             whole
             World
             ,
             and
             lose
             his
             own
             Soul
             ?
          
           But
           how
           few
           in
           hearing
           them
           ,
           have
           found
           their
           Souls
           that
           were
           lost
           in
           the
           corrupting
           Vanities
           of
           this
           World
           ?
           The
           most
           seem
           not
           to
           
           know
           they
           have
           immortal
           Souls
           ,
           whilst
           they
           live
           as
           if
           they
           had
           none
           .
           The
           Reason
           is
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           consider
           duly
           their
           unvaluable
           worth
           ,
           and
           the
           woful
           folly
           in
           neglecting
           them
           .
           When
           the
           Bird
           often
           straggles
           from
           the
           Nest
           ,
           the
           Eggs
           are
           chil'd
           and
           unprolific
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           its
           warming
           incubation
           .
           Divine
           Truths
           are
           without
           life
           and
           vigour
           ,
           when
           they
           only
           lie
           in
           the
           memory
           ,
           without
           serious
           and
           frequent
           reflections
           on
           them
           .
           Many
           are
           enlightned
           ,
           but
           not
           affected
           ;
           or
           affected
           ,
           but
           not
           resolved
           ;
           or
           resolved
           ,
           but
           their
           resolutions
           are
           not
           prevailing
           and
           permanent
           ,
           because
           the
           Word
           does
           
             not
             sink
             into
             their
             Minds
          
           ,
           by
           deep
           consideration
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           other
           external
           means
           of
           recovering
           a
           Sinner
           from
           the
           snares
           of
           Death
           ,
           is
           private
           admonition
           ,
           
           either
           authoritative
           ,
           or
           meerly
           charitative
           ,
           by
           shewing
           him
           his
           Sins
           ,
           and
           the
           fearful
           Consequences
           that
           attend
           them
           .
           The
           neglect
           of
           this
           Duty
           ,
           is
           a
           sign
           and
           effect
           of
           the
           greatest
           hatred
           ;
           as
           the
           command
           of
           it
           implies
           ,
           
             Thou
             shalt
             not
             hate
             thy
             Brother
             in
             thy
             heart
             ,
             and
             suffer
             Sin
             to
             lie
             upon
             him
             .
          
           The
           performance
           of
           it
           ,
           with
           prudence
           and
           meekness
           ,
           with
           dear
           and
           earnest
           love
           ,
           has
           a
           special
           advantage
           and
           efficacy
           ,
           being
           directly
           applied
           to
           the
           Person
           whose
           Soul
           is
           concern'd
           .
           The
           Reproofs
           of
           a
           Preacher
           are
           levell'd
           in
           common
           against
           the
           Sins
           of
           Men
           ,
           but
           not
           applied
           in
           particular
           to
           every
           Sinner
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Office
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           to
           bring
           home
           to
           every
           Man's
           Bosom
           ,
           what
           is
           proper
           to
           his
           Case
           ;
           and
           singularly
           to
           observe
           in
           himself
           ,
           what
           is
           spoken
           
           in
           the
           general
           .
           But
           in
           private
           Admonition
           ,
           the
           Superior
           or
           Friend
           supplies
           the
           part
           of
           Conscience
           .
           And
           (
           in
           this
           sense
           )
           
             wo
             be
             to
             him
             that
             is
             alone
             !
          
           that
           wants
           a
           faithful
           Friend
           to
           supply
           the
           Duty
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           either
           to
           preserve
           him
           from
           falling
           into
           Sin
           ,
           or
           to
           raise
           him
           when
           down
           .
           Now
           a
           prosperous
           Sinner
           is
           most
           unlikely
           to
           receive
           the
           Benefit
           design'd
           by
           admonition
           .
           If
           the
           Patient
           does
           not
           assist
           the
           Cure
           ,
           by
           receiving
           holy
           Counsels
           with
           humility
           ,
           respect
           ,
           and
           thankfulness
           ,
           they
           prove
           ineffectual
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           if
           they
           be
           rejected
           with
           aversness
           and
           contempt
           .
           When
           a
           Superiour
           ,
           (
           like
           a
           Father
           that
           holds
           a
           Child
           over
           a
           Pit
           ,
           to
           make
           him
           fear
           where
           there
           is
           danger
           )
           with
           solemnity
           admonishes
           him
           of
           his
           Guilt
           and
           approaching
           
           Judgments
           ,
           he
           is
           apt
           to
           slite
           his
           Person
           as
           censorious
           ,
           and
           his
           Admonition
           as
           impertinent
           .
           When
           a
           Friend
           by
           faithful
           reproof
           endeavours
           to
           save
           his
           Soul
           from
           Sin
           and
           Hell
           ,
           he
           entertains
           his
           Reproof
           with
           scorn
           ,
           or
           with
           conviction
           and
           indignation
           .
           Thus
           the
           wise
           observer
           of
           Men
           declares
           the
           careless
           wretched
           disposition
           of
           Sinners
           in
           their
           Prosperity
           ,
           by
           
           their
           sorrowful
           reflections
           in
           Adversity
           :
           
             Thou
             shalt
             mourn
             at
             the
             last
             ,
             when
             thy
             Flesh
             and
             thy
             Body
             are
             consumed
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             How
             have
             I
             hated
             Instruction
             ,
             and
             my
             Heart
             despised
             reproof
             ?
             And
             have
             not
             obeyed
             the
             Voice
             of
             my
             Teachers
             ,
             nor
             inclined
             mine
             Ear
             to
             them
             that
             instructed
             me
             ?
          
           Instruction
           to
           prevent
           Sin
           ,
           Reproof
           to
           correct
           Sin
           ,
           were
           disregarded
           with
           an
           implicit
           hatred
           ,
           or
           rejected
           with
           absolute
           and
           express
           hatred
           .
        
         
         
           To
           conclude
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Argument
           ;
           Experience
           sadly
           proves
           that
           Sinners
           are
           never
           reclaimed
           from
           their
           stubborn
           Folly
           but
           by
           sharp
           Afflictions
           .
           They
           will
           not
           believe
           the
           evil
           of
           Sin
           ,
           till
           by
           a
           real
           and
           sensible
           conviction
           they
           take
           a
           measure
           of
           the
           Evil
           they
           have
           done
           ▪
           by
           the
           Evil
           they
           suffer
           .
           Affliction
           tames
           the
           stubborn
           heart
           ,
           and
           makes
           it
           humble
           and
           relenting
           .
           Even
           Pharaoh
           that
           was
           a
           bold
           Atheist
           in
           his
           Prosperity
           ,
           and
           stood
           upon
           high
           terms
           with
           Moses
           ,
           saying
           ,
           
             Who
             is
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             I
             should
             obey
             him
             ?
          
           yet
           was
           an
           humble
           Suppliant
           in
           his
           Distress
           :
           And
           Pharaoh
           
             sent
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             called
             for
          
           Moses
           and
           Aaron
           ,
           
             and
             said
             unto
             them
             ,
             I
             have
             sinned
             :
             the
             Lord
             is
             righteous
             ,
             and
             I
             and
             my
             People
             are
             wicked
             .
             Intreat
             the
             Lord
             that
             there
             be
             no
             more
             mighty
             Thundrings
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             Hail
          
           .
           This
           is
           set
           forth
           in
           a
           true
           and
           lively
           comparison
           by
           the
           Prophet
           
             Jeremy
             :
             As
             a
             wild
             Ass
          
           
           
             used
             to
             the
             Wilderness
             ,
             that
             snuffs
             up
             the
             Wind
             at
             her
             pleasure
             :
             in
             her
             occasion
             ,
             who
             can
             turn
             her
             away
             ?
          
           When
           fir'd
           with
           Lust
           ,
           she
           ranges
           about
           swiftly
           ,
           without
           a
           Rider
           to
           guide
           ,
           and
           a
           Curb
           to
           restrain
           her
           .
           
             All
             they
             that
             seek
             her
             ,
             will
             not
             weary
             themselves
             ;
             but
             in
             her
             mouth
             they
             shall
             find
             her
             :
          
           'T
           is
           in
           vain
           to
           pursue
           her
           then
           ,
           but
           when
           she
           is
           bagg'd
           and
           heavy
           ,
           they
           will
           tame
           her
           .
           Thus
           when
           Sinners
           are
           prosperous
           ,
           the
           call
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           of
           Teachers
           ,
           do
           not
           stop
           them
           in
           their
           voluptuous
           course
           ,
           but
           affliction
           confines
           and
           reduces
           them
           to
           obedience
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Prosperity
           renders
           Men
           averse
           from
           suffering
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           Christ
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           called
           
           to
           give
           testimony
           to
           his
           Truth
           ,
           and
           support
           his
           Cause
           .
           Self-denial
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           present
           Life
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Ornaments
           ,
           Comforts
           ,
           and
           Endearments
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           absolutely
           necessary
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           when
           the
           preserving
           of
           it
           is
           contrary
           to
           the
           Glory
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           inconsistent
           with
           our
           Duty
           to
           him
           .
           
             Then
             said
          
           
           
             Jesus
             to
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             If
             any
             Man
             will
             come
             after
             me
             ,
             let
             him
             deny
             himself
             ,
             and
             take
             up
             his
             Cross
             and
             follow
             me
             .
          
           The
           Cross
           implies
           all
           kinds
           and
           degrees
           of
           suffering
           ,
           from
           the
           least
           afflicting
           evil
           ,
           to
           Death
           with
           ignominy
           and
           torment
           .
           And
           how
           just
           is
           it
           ,
           if
           we
           expect
           to
           be
           glorified
           by
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           willingly
           suffer
           for
           his
           Glory
           .
           At
           the
           first
           preaching
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           many
           were
           
             offended
             at
          
           
           
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ
          
           :
           they
           esteemed
           
           it
           folly
           ,
           to
           expect
           eternal
           Life
           from
           one
           that
           was
           put
           to
           death
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           should
           bring
           them
           to
           the
           highest
           Glory
           ,
           who
           suffered
           in
           the
           lowest
           Weakness
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           was
           conceal'd
           from
           their
           carnal
           Eyes
           ,
           by
           the
           overshadowing
           train
           of
           his
           Afflictions
           .
           And
           the
           
             Cross
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           that
           is
           to
           be
           
           voluntarily
           and
           obediently
           taken
           up
           by
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           is
           a
           greater
           offence
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           than
           that
           to
           which
           he
           was
           nail'd
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           harder
           Lesson
           ,
           that
           we
           must
           obtain
           Glory
           by
           our
           own
           Sufferings
           ,
           than
           that
           it
           was
           purchased
           by
           our
           Saviour's
           .
           The
           Mind
           more
           willingly
           assents
           to
           the
           reasons
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           than
           of
           ours
           :
           in
           the
           first
           ,
           it
           only
           encounters
           with
           false
           Prejudices
           ,
           and
           vain
           Shadows
           that
           darken
           that
           mighty
           Mystery
           ;
           but
           in
           the
           second
           ,
           it
           
           must
           overcome
           the
           natural
           Love
           of
           this
           Life
           ,
           and
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           so
           predominant
           in
           Men.
           The
           alliance
           to
           the
           Body
           ,
           and
           the
           allurements
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           are
           the
           causes
           of
           forsaking
           Religion
           ,
           when
           the
           owning
           of
           it
           will
           cost
           us
           dear
           .
           And
           those
           who
           enjoy
           Prosperity
           ,
           are
           most
           easily
           terrified
           from
           their
           Duty
           to
           Christ
           ;
           the
           account
           of
           which
           is
           open
           to
           Reason
           ,
           both
           from
           some
           general
           Considerations
           ,
           and
           from
           special
           ,
           that
           respect
           Sufferings
           for
           Religion
           .
           The
           general
           Considerations
           are
           two
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           living
           in
           Pleasures
           and
           soft
           Delicacy
           ,
           enervates
           the
           masculine
           vigour
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           damps
           Resolution
           ,
           that
           it
           presently
           faints
           when
           assaulted
           with
           Difficulties
           .
           The
           Spirit
           of
           a
           Man
           ,
           encouraged
           by
           just
           ,
           and
           wise
           ,
           
           and
           generous
           Reasons
           ,
           will
           stand
           firmly
           under
           heavy
           Troubles
           :
           But
           Fear
           breaks
           the
           native
           strength
           of
           Mind
           ,
           and
           like
           a
           secret
           suddain
           Palsy
           ,
           that
           slackens
           the
           Nerves
           ,
           and
           loosens
           the
           Joints
           ,
           causes
           a
           trembling
           and
           incapacity
           of
           bearing
           Evils
           .
           The
           least
           glimpse
           of
           Danger
           ,
           makes
           the
           Fearful
           to
           retire
           :
           like
           some
           ,
           that
           apprehensive
           of
           the
           rising
           Winds
           ,
           will
           not
           venture
           any
           further
           in
           a
           Boat
           ,
           than
           that
           one
           Oar
           may
           be
           on
           the
           Shore
           ,
           whilst
           the
           other
           strikes
           in
           the
           Water
           .
           The
           Timerous
           ,
           when
           Afflictions
           attend
           the
           faithful
           profession
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           usually
           are
           treacherous
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           their
           Souls
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           Truth
           .
           To
           God
           (
           whose
           Servants
           they
           are
           by
           the
           dearest
           Titles
           )
           by
           contradicting
           their
           Duty
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           suffer
           chearfully
           for
           his
           Gospel
           and
           
           his
           Glory
           ,
           when
           called
           forth
           :
           and
           by
           revolting
           from
           his
           Service
           ,
           they
           occasion
           such
           dishonourable
           unworthy
           conceptions
           of
           him
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           regardless
           of
           his
           suffering
           Servants
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           gloriously
           reward
           those
           who
           are
           faithful
           to
           the
           Death
           ,
           the
           Seal
           of
           their
           Loyalty
           and
           Perseverance
           :
           they
           are
           treacherous
           to
           their
           Souls
           ,
           by
           preferring
           the
           Interest
           of
           the
           perishing
           Flesh
           ,
           before
           the
           happiness
           of
           the
           immortal
           Part
           :
           they
           betray
           the
           Truth
           ,
           by
           exposing
           it
           to
           a
           suspicion
           of
           Falshood
           ;
           for
           as
           the
           confirming
           Religion
           by
           Sufferings
           ,
           doth
           most
           effectually
           recommend
           it
           to
           the
           belief
           and
           affections
           of
           others
           ;
           so
           the
           denial
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           the
           withdrawing
           our
           Testimony
           in
           times
           of
           Danger
           ,
           will
           incline
           others
           to
           judg
           that
           it
           is
           not
           the
           Truth
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           of
           no
           great
           
           moment
           ,
           that
           the
           Professors
           of
           it
           do
           not
           think
           worth
           their
           Sufferings
           .
           How
           many
           faint-hearted
           Persons
           have
           thus
           betrayed
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           again
           ,
           and
           their
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           their
           Religion
           ?
           Their
           Faith
           that
           sparkled
           in
           Prosperous
           times
           ,
           when
           Troubles
           come
           ,
           is
           a
           quencht
           Cole
           ,
           rak'd
           up
           in
           the
           cold
           pale
           Ashes
           of
           distrustful
           Fears
           ,
           without
           any
           Divine
           Light
           or
           Heat
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Prosperity
           makes
           Men
           unthoughtful
           and
           careless
           of
           Evils
           that
           may
           happen
           .
           
             I
             said
             in
             my
             Prosperity
             ,
             I
             shall
             never
             be
             moved
             .
          
           Carnal
           Joy
           (
           the
           Affection
           of
           Prosperity
           )
           and
           Folly
           are
           nearly
           allied
           ,
           and
           flatter
           Men
           as
           if
           their
           Ease
           and
           Calm
           would
           never
           be
           disturbed
           :
           and
           by
           supine
           negligence
           ,
           they
           are
           unprovided
           for
           the
           encountring
           with
           Evils
           .
           According
           
           to
           our
           circumspection
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           such
           is
           our
           courage
           in
           Adversity
           ;
           and
           by
           how
           much
           the
           less
           affliction
           is
           expected
           ,
           so
           much
           the
           more
           are
           we
           perplex'd
           when
           it
           seises
           upon
           us
           .
           The
           last
           Day
           ,
           that
           shall
           strangely
           surprize
           the
           World
           in
           its
           deep
           security
           ,
           is
           compar'd
           to
           Lightning
           for
           its
           suddenness
           and
           terror
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           therefore
           plainly
           has
           foretold
           ,
           that
           the
           Cross
           is
           the
           Appendix
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           the
           Property
           of
           Error
           to
           persecute
           ,
           and
           the
           Lot
           of
           Truth
           to
           be
           persecuted
           :
           He
           counsels
           his
           Disciples
           to
           imitate
           a
           wise
           Builder
           ,
           that
           computes
           the
           Expence
           before
           he
           begins
           the
           Fabrick
           ,
           lest
           having
           laid
           the
           Foundation
           ,
           and
           not
           being
           able
           to
           finish
           it
           ,
           he
           be
           exposed
           to
           the
           just
           Censure
           of
           Folly.
           So
           Christians
           are
           to
           forecast
           the
           Injuries
           and
           
           Troubles
           they
           are
           likely
           to
           suffer
           for
           Religion
           ,
           lest
           when
           the
           Tempest
           threatens
           ,
           they
           shamefully
           desert
           it
           .
           And
           how
           heavy
           will
           their
           Doom
           be
           ?
           
             The
             fearful
          
           ,
           that
           
           are
           not
           storm-proof
           ,
           
             and
             the
             Lyars
          
           ,
           that
           openly
           renounce
           what
           they
           believe
           ,
           and
           profess
           what
           they
           do
           not
           believe
           ,
           
             shall
             be
             with
             Infidels
             ,
             Idolaters
             ,
             and
             Murderers
             ,
             cast
             into
             the
             Lake
             that
             burns
             with
             Fire
             and
             Brimstone
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           special
           Reasons
           why
           Prosperity
           makes
           Men
           so
           dispos'd
           to
           quit
           the
           Truth
           in
           times
           of
           Danger
           ,
           are
           ,
           because
           it
           weakens
           the
           Principles
           from
           whence
           Christian
           Magnanimity
           springs
           ;
           and
           those
           are
           unfeigned
           Faith
           ,
           and
           divine
           Love.
           As
           in
           natural
           things
           the
           formative
           Virtue
           determinates
           the
           Matter
           to
           such
           a
           Being
           ,
           and
           disposes
           to
           such
           Operations
           
           in
           proportion
           to
           the
           Principles
           from
           which
           it
           results
           :
           So
           in
           moral
           things
           ,
           the
           Soul
           is
           disposed
           and
           regulated
           in
           its
           Actings
           correspondently
           to
           its
           Principles
           ,
           and
           is
           either
           Carnal
           or
           Spiritual
           .
           The
           universal
           Principle
           of
           Carnal
           Persons
           is
           to
           be
           happy
           here
           :
           their
           Eyes
           are
           ever
           engaged
           upon
           ,
           and
           their
           Desires
           ever
           thirsting
           after
           sensual
           Satisfaction
           :
           
             Who
             will
             shew
             us
             any
             good
             ?
          
           and
           by
           consequence
           their
           main
           care
           is
           ,
           to
           obtain
           and
           secure
           temporal
           things
           ,
           the
           materials
           of
           their
           happiness
           .
           The
           supernatural
           Principle
           of
           a
           Saint
           is
           to
           please
           God
           ,
           and
           enjoy
           his
           Favour
           .
           As
           Men
           believe
           they
           love
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           love
           they
           live
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Unfeigned
           Faith
           of
           the
           Rewards
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           is
           necessary
           to
           keep
           a
           Christian
           steady
           in
           his
           course
           ,
           through
           all
           the
           Storms
           
           and
           Tides
           of
           this
           mutable
           World.
           
             It
             is
             a
             faithful
             saying
             ,
             If
             we
             die
             with
          
           
           
             him
             ,
             we
             shall
             also
             live
             with
             him
             .
             If
             we
             suffer
             with
             him
             ,
             we
             shall
             reign
             with
             him
             .
          
           The
           Apostle
           usually
           prefaces
           with
           that
           strong
           assurance
           ,
           
             It
             is
             a
             faithful
             saying
          
           ,
           when
           the
           Truth
           is
           of
           eminent
           importance
           ,
           and
           contrary
           to
           the
           Sentiments
           of
           Carnal
           Nature
           ,
           
             If
             we
             die
             with
             him
             ,
             we
             shall
             also
             live
             with
             him
             .
          
           Our
           Saviour
           dedicated
           Martyrdom
           in
           his
           own
           Person
           :
           His
           Death
           was
           a
           Ransom
           for
           us
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           sealing
           Testimony
           of
           the
           Gospel
           to
           Men
           :
           
             He
             witnessed
          
           
           
             before
             Pontius
             Pilate
             a
             good
             Confession
             .
          
           The
           Terror
           of
           the
           Roman
           Tribunal
           ,
           nor
           the
           Rage
           of
           the
           Jews
           ,
           could
           not
           make
           him
           retract
           the
           Divine
           Truth
           which
           he
           had
           so
           often
           declared
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           come
           from
           
           Heaven
           to
           save
           the
           World
           :
           and
           when
           the
           Cross
           with
           its
           Infamy
           and
           horrour
           was
           in
           his
           view
           ,
           he
           avowed
           his
           Heavenly
           Kingdom
           .
           And
           all
           those
           
             who
             suffer
             with
             him
          
           ,
           for
           his
           Truth
           ,
           and
           in
           conformity
           to
           his
           Pattern
           ,
           with
           his
           Meekness
           and
           Patience
           ,
           his
           Charity
           and
           Constancy
           ,
           shall
           reign
           with
           him
           .
           And
           what
           is
           more
           powerful
           for
           the
           consolation
           and
           establishment
           of
           Christians
           ,
           than
           that
           their
           Sufferings
           for
           Christ
           shall
           end
           in
           Glory
           .
           
             This
             is
             the
             Victory
             that
             overcometh
             the
             World
             ,
             even
             our
             Faith.
          
           
           This
           did
           Miracles
           in
           the
           first
           Ages
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           conquering
           all
           that
           was
           terrible
           to
           Flesh
           and
           Blood.
           The
           Heathens
           despised
           the
           Hopes
           of
           Christians
           as
           wretched
           Illusions
           ,
           and
           with
           impious
           scorn
           upbraided
           them
           for
           their
           constancy
           under
           Persecutions
           :
           
           Where
           is
           the
           God
           
             that
             can
          
           
           
             raise
             the
             dead
             ,
             and
             not
             rescue
             the
             living
             ?
          
           Unbelief
           is
           blind
           ,
           and
           cannot
           see
           beyond
           this
           World
           to
           the
           Eternal
           State.
           But
           Faith
           in
           the
           blessed
           Redeemer
           ,
           opens
           a
           Prospect
           into
           the
           World
           to
           come
           ,
           so
           full
           of
           Glory
           ,
           that
           no
           Person
           that
           has
           an
           understanding
           and
           will
           to
           discourse
           and
           choose
           ,
           if
           he
           stedfastly
           believes
           it
           ,
           but
           must
           despise
           all
           the
           Evils
           that
           the
           wit
           and
           strength
           of
           Persecutors
           can
           inflict
           in
           comparison
           of
           it
           .
           
             I
             reckon
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           
           Apostle
           ,
           
             that
             the
             sufferings
             of
             the
             present
             Life
             ,
          
           in
           all
           their
           kinds
           and
           degrees
           ,
           
             are
             not
             to
             be
             compared
             with
             the
             Glory
             that
             shall
             be
             reveal'd
             .
          
           Inlightned
           Christians
           esteemed
           their
           Sufferings
           for
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           ,
           no
           Arguments
           of
           his
           Weakness
           ,
           but
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           to
           exercise
           and
           try
           their
           Loyalty
           and
           cordial
           Obedience
           
           before
           he
           rewarded
           them
           ;
           and
           had
           reason
           to
           admire
           his
           Providence
           ,
           not
           to
           suspect
           his
           Power
           and
           Love.
           They
           knew
           that
           the
           power
           of
           Tyrants
           could
           only
           reach
           the
           Body
           ,
           the
           vile
           ,
           frail
           ,
           and
           mortal
           part
           of
           Man
           ;
           but
           the
           precious
           Soul
           was
           entirely
           exempted
           from
           their
           rage
           ;
           and
           Faith
           assur'd
           them
           of
           a
           glorious
           Resurrection
           after
           Death
           .
           The
           Body
           of
           a
           Martyr
           shall
           be
           revived
           as
           a
           Phaenix
           out
           of
           its
           Ashes
           ;
           when
           the
           Body
           of
           a
           Persecutor
           shall
           be
           quickned
           ,
           as
           a
           Serpent
           out
           of
           a
           Dunghil
           ,
           the
           one
           to
           be
           glorified
           ,
           the
           other
           tormented
           for
           ever
           .
           The
           belief
           of
           this
           made
           them
           extremely
           valiant
           in
           the
           face
           of
           all
           their
           threatning
           cruel
           Enemies
           .
           But
           
             the
             evil
             Heart
             of
             unbelief
          
           ,
           
           
             causes
             a
             departure
             from
             the
             living
             God.
          
           He
           that
           suspects
           God's
           
           fidelity
           in
           his
           Promises
           ,
           will
           suspend
           his
           own
           :
           Nature
           will
           shrink
           at
           the
           first
           sight
           of
           imminent
           Dangers
           .
           An
           Infidel
           ,
           that
           lives
           as
           if
           he
           were
           all
           Body
           ,
           and
           no
           immortal
           Soul
           ,
           judges
           the
           loss
           of
           the
           present
           Life
           ,
           and
           the
           comforts
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           his
           utter
           undoing
           and
           total
           perishing
           .
           He
           has
           an
           appearance
           of
           reason
           to
           secure
           his
           present
           Possessions
           ,
           what-ever
           becomes
           of
           Religion
           ;
           for
           he
           expects
           no
           future
           Good
           ,
           that
           will
           infinitely
           more
           than
           countervail
           his
           present
           loss
           :
           And
           that
           Prosperity
           inclines
           Men
           to
           Atheism
           and
           Infidelity
           ,
           has
           been
           proved
           before
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Love
           of
           God
           inspires
           Believers
           with
           a
           heavenly
           Fortitude
           ,
           to
           endure
           the
           worst
           Evils
           that
           may
           befal
           them
           for
           his
           sake
           .
           
             Perfect
             Love
             casts
             out
             Fear
          
           ;
           keeps
           
           
           its
           Supremacy
           inviolate
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           the
           greatest
           Dangers
           .
           Love
           is
           an
           active
           invincible
           Affection
           ,
           
             as
             strong
             as
             Death
          
           ,
           that
           none
           can
           vanquish
           .
           The
           Love
           of
           God
           is
           a
           never-dying
           Flame
           in
           the
           Hearts
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           because
           it
           depends
           upon
           the
           unchangeable
           Love
           of
           God
           to
           them
           .
           
             We
             love
             him
             ,
             because
             he
             first
             loved
             us
             .
          
           Love
           
           esteems
           God
           as
           the
           greatest
           Reward
           .
           A
           Saint
           does
           not
           so
           much
           love
           God
           for
           Heaven
           ,
           tho
           a
           place
           of
           inconceivable
           Glory
           ,
           as
           Heaven
           for
           God
           ,
           because
           he
           there
           reveals
           his
           Perfections
           to
           his
           People
           .
           This
           Holy
           Love
           ,
           makes
           the
           Christians
           faithful
           and
           obsequious
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           prefer
           his
           Honour
           incomparably
           before
           the
           present
           World.
           The
           Martyrs
           of
           the
           divinest
           Courage
           ,
           were
           animated
           by
           this
           holy
           Affection
           :
           
           they
           
             loved
             not
             their
             lives
             unto
             the
             death
             ,
          
           but
           chearfully
           offered
           them
           as
           a
           Sacrifice
           to
           his
           praise
           .
           Love
           kindled
           in
           them
           a
           sacred
           Vehemence
           ,
           in
           despising
           all
           the
           glittering
           temptations
           of
           the
           World.
           Love
           inspir'd
           them
           with
           a
           victorious
           Patience
           ,
           to
           blunt
           the
           edg
           of
           Cruelty
           .
           They
           never
           repented
           the
           choice
           of
           his
           Religion
           ,
           but
           rejoiced
           when
           his
           Glory
           was
           set
           forth
           by
           their
           Ignominy
           ,
           and
           when
           their
           love
           to
           Christ
           appear'd
           in
           its
           radiancy
           and
           vigor
           through
           their
           Sufferings
           .
           Love
           is
           the
           Principle
           of
           Constancy
           ,
           by
           which
           Religion
           reigns
           on
           Earth
           ,
           and
           is
           crown'd
           in
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           On
           the
           contrary
           ,
           when
           Riches
           ,
           Honours
           ,
           and
           Pleasures
           ,
           are
           the
           Idols
           of
           Mens
           Heads
           and
           Hearts
           ,
           the
           chief
           Objects
           of
           their
           esteem
           and
           affections
           ,
           they
           will
           sacrifice
           their
           Souls
           rather
           than
           lose
           the
           
           World
           ,
           their
           dear
           Felicity
           .
           Therefore
           St.
           John
           earnestly
           dehorts
           Christians
           ,
           
             Love
             not
             the
             World
             ,
             neither
             the
             things
             that
             are
             in
             the
             World.
             If
             any
             Man
             love
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             love
             of
             the
             Father
             is
             not
             in
             him
             :
          
           they
           are
           utterly
           inconsistent
           ;
           partly
           because
           the
           Heart
           cannot
           be
           entirely
           set
           upon
           contrary
           Objects
           ,
           and
           partly
           because
           love
           to
           the
           one
           requires
           what
           is
           directly
           contrary
           to
           love
           to
           the
           other
           .
           From
           hence
           St.
           James
           vehemently
           upbraids
           carnal
           Professors
           ,
           
             Ye
             Adulterers
             ,
             and
             Adulteresses
             ,
             know
             ye
             not
             that
             the
             friendship
             of
             the
             World
             is
             enmity
             with
             God
             ?
             Whosoever
             therefore
             will
             be
             a
             Friend
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             is
             the
             Enemy
             of
             God.
          
           The
           World
           is
           the
           powerful
           Star
           ,
           whose
           Aspect
           he
           regards
           ,
           and
           tho
           with
           the
           dishonour
           and
           displeasure
           of
           God
           ,
           he
           will
           by
           irreligious
           compliance
           secure
           his
           
           temporal
           Interests
           .
           The
           pure
           refined
           Truth
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           has
           past
           the
           fiery
           Trial
           ,
           he
           will
           corrupt
           and
           embase
           by
           carnal
           temperaments
           :
           the
           precious
           Truth
           so
           dearly
           bought
           by
           the
           Blood
           of
           the
           Martyrs
           ,
           he
           will
           vilely
           sell
           for
           the
           things
           of
           this
           World.
           Nay
           of
           a
           Professor
           ,
           he
           will
           by
           degrees
           turn
           Persecutor
           of
           those
           who
           stedfastly
           own
           the
           Truth
           .
           The
           love
           of
           the
           World
           so
           strangely
           inchants
           &
           infects
           the
           Mind
           ,
           that
           a
           false
           Religion
           which
           a
           Man
           did
           abhor
           from
           ,
           yet
           when
           recommended
           by
           secular
           Advantages
           ,
           will
           appear
           tolerable
           ,
           then
           eligible
           ,
           then
           necessary
           ;
           and
           consequently
           the
           
             divine
             Truth
          
           must
           be
           supprest
           that
           contradicts
           it
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           such
           frequent
           Examples
           of
           this
           in
           every
           Age
           ,
           that
           to
           insist
           upon
           many
           particular
           Instances
           ,
           were
           to
           tell
           great
           numbers
           
           of
           the
           dead
           to
           prove
           that
           Men
           are
           mortal
           .
           The
           Young
           Man
           that
           so
           earnestly
           addrest
           himself
           to
           Christ
           for
           his
           direction
           how
           to
           obtain
           Eternal
           Life
           ,
           when
           commanded
           to
           
             give
             all
             his
             Estate
             to
             the
             Poor
             ,
             and
             to
             follow
             Christ
             :
          
           he
           would
           not
           gain
           at
           so
           dear
           a
           rate
           
             Celestial
             Treasures
             ,
             but
             went
             away
             sorrowful
             .
          
           Whereupon
           our
           Saviour
           declares
           with
           solemnity
           to
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           
             Verily
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             ,
             that
             a
             rich
             Man
             shall
             hardly
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             .
          
           We
           read
           of
           two
           Tribes
           of
           the
           Israelites
           ,
           that
           chose
           their
           Inheritance
           on
           this
           side
           Jordan
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           have
           a
           share
           in
           the
           Land
           of
           Canaan
           :
           thus
           the
           earthly-minded
           prefer
           the
           present
           World
           ,
           the
           Object
           of
           their
           choice
           and
           love
           ,
           before
           the
           heavenly
           Canaan
           .
           The
           Ecclesiastical
           Historian
           
           
           relates
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           time
           of
           Persecution
           by
           Decius
           ,
           the
           rich
           Men
           among
           the
           Christians
           ,
           were
           most
           easily
           and
           miserably
           foil'd
           :
           the
           love
           of
           the
           World
           was
           a
           dangerous
           earnest
           in
           their
           Hearts
           ,
           of
           their
           revolting
           back
           to
           Pagan
           Idolatry
           ,
           and
           the
           Bondage
           of
           Satan
           .
           And
           in
           the
           time
           of
           the
           Arian
           Persecution
           ,
           how
           many
           who
           by
           their
           Titles
           and
           Office
           were
           specially
           obliged
           to
           
             be
             valiant
             for
             the
             Truth
             ,
             and
             to
             contend
             earnestly
             for
             the
             Faith
          
           ;
           yet
           did
           accommodate
           their
           Profession
           to
           their
           aspiring
           Ambition
           and
           greedy
           ▪
           Avarice
           ?
           The
           Standard
           of
           their
           Religion
           was
           the
           pitch
           of
           the
           State
           :
           they
           had
           a
           politick
           Faith
           ,
           and
           appear'd
           either
           Orthodox
           or
           Arian
           ,
           as
           the
           publick
           Favour
           shin'd
           upon
           Truth
           or
           Heresy
           .
           They
           rob'd
           our
           Saviour
           of
           the
           Honour
           of
           his
           
           Deity
           (
           
             O
             astonishment
          
           !
           )
           rather
           than
           part
           with
           their
           beloved
           Dignities
           and
           Riches
           ▪
           So
           powerful
           are
           humane
           Respects
           in
           those
           who
           mind
           earthly
           things
           .
           Great
           force
           is
           requisite
           to
           pluck
           up
           a
           Tree
           that
           has
           its
           Roots
           spread
           and
           deeply
           fastned
           in
           the
           Earth
           ;
           and
           it
           cannot
           be
           so
           entirely
           separated
           ,
           but
           that
           part
           of
           the
           Roots
           will
           be
           broken
           :
           thus
           when
           the
           Affections
           are
           deeply
           set
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           by
           Pleasures
           and
           Riches
           fastned
           to
           it
           ,
           how
           hardly
           is
           it
           rent
           from
           it
           !
           every
           Fibre
           of
           the
           Heart
           is
           broken
           with
           sorrow
           .
           As
           
           Lot's
           Wife
           ,
           when
           by
           an
           Angel
           forc'd
           out
           of
           Sodom
           ,
           yet
           cast
           a
           lingring
           affectionate
           look
           after
           it
           ,
           and
           was
           turn'd
           into
           a
           Pillar
           of
           Salt.
           The
           Separation
           is
           as
           bitter
           as
           the
           Possession
           is
           sweet
           :
           and
           none
           are
           more
           unwillingly
           divorc'd
           from
           
           the
           World
           ,
           than
           those
           who
           enjoy
           the
           confluence
           of
           earthly
           happiness
           .
           Now
           when
           secular
           Interest
           outweighs
           Duty
           ,
           when
           apparent
           Danger
           induces
           to
           deny
           the
           Truth
           of
           Christ
           ;
           how
           terrible
           and
           unavoidable
           will
           be
           the
           punishment
           of
           that
           disloyalty
           ?
           Our
           Saviour's
           threatning
           is
           universal
           ;
           Whosoever
           
           
             shall
             deny
             me
             before
             Men
             ,
             him
             will
             I
             deny
             before
             my
             Father
             which
             is
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
           A
           most
           righteous
           and
           dreadful
           retribution
           ;
           They
           denied
           him
           as
           their
           Lord
           ,
           and
           he
           denies
           them
           as
           his
           Servants
           .
           They
           usurp'd
           the
           Title
           of
           Christians
           ,
           the
           Relation
           of
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           last
           Day
           he
           will
           publickly
           disown
           them
           .
           When
           that
           sad
           Sentence
           shall
           come
           from
           their
           Judg
           ,
           
             Depart
             ye
             cursed
             ,
             I
             know
             you
             not
          
           ;
           what
           confusion
           ,
           what
           anguish
           will
           seize
           upon
           them
           !
           They
           shall
           
           be
           banish'd
           from
           his
           glorious
           Kingdom
           ,
           excommunicated
           from
           his
           blessed
           Society
           ,
           and
           tormented
           with
           the
           rebellious
           Angels
           for
           ever
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           this
           universal
           and
           peremptory
           Threatning
           ▪
           must
           be
           understood
           with
           an
           exception
           of
           those
           who
           after
           their
           falling
           away
           are
           restor'd
           ▪
           by
           Repentance
           .
           Sometimes
           a
           Christian
           that
           has
           deliberately
           and
           entirely
           devoted
           himself
           to
           Christ
           ▪
           that
           has
           sincerely
           resolved
           rather
           to
           part
           with
           his
           Life
           ,
           than
           that
           for
           which
           Life
           is
           worthy
           the
           enjoying
           ;
           yet
           by
           strong
           temptations
           has
           been
           faint-hearted
           and
           denied
           the
           Truth
           :
           like
           one
           that
           disannuls
           in
           the
           heighth
           of
           a
           Fever
           ,
           the
           Will
           he
           made
           in
           his
           composed
           Mind
           :
           but
           afterward
           such
           have
           resumed
           new
           courage
           ,
           and
           have
           ,
           by
           enduring
           the
           sharpest
           Sufferings
           ,
           confirm'd
           
           the
           Truth
           ,
           and
           ascended
           to
           Heaven
           in
           a
           fiery
           Chariot
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           The
           Prosperity
           of
           Sinners
           is
           the
           great
           temptation
           to
           delay
           repentance
           till
           their
           state
           is
           desperate
           .
           Nothing
           fills
           Hell
           with
           so
           many
           lost
           Souls
           ,
           as
           the
           putting
           off
           Repentance
           till
           hereafter
           .
           How
           many
           Diseases
           would
           be
           cur'd
           in
           time
           ,
           if
           they
           threatned
           present
           Death
           ?
           but
           their
           Malignity
           being
           of
           a
           slow
           operation
           ,
           they
           are
           despised
           as
           not
           worth
           the
           trouble
           of
           a
           Cure
           ,
           till
           they
           are
           desperate
           .
           'T
           is
           in
           Spiritual
           Diseases
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           in
           those
           of
           the
           Body
           :
           for
           Sin
           that
           is
           a
           sickness
           unto
           Death
           ,
           might
           be
           prevented
           by
           speedy
           Repentance
           ;
           but
           many
           ,
           not
           apprehending
           present
           Danger
           ,
           neglect
           the
           precious
           Remedy
           till
           they
           are
           desperately
           ruin'd
           .
           
             To
             day
             if
             you
             will
             hear
             his
             Voice
             ,
             harden
          
           
           
           
             not
             your
             Hearts
          
           .
           The
           Command
           respects
           the
           Season
           as
           well
           as
           the
           Duty
           :
           As
           our
           Obedience
           must
           be
           entire
           without
           reserves
           ,
           so
           it
           must
           be
           present
           without
           delay
           ,
           even
           in
           our
           early
           Age
           ,
           and
           continued
           in
           the
           whole
           tenor
           of
           our
           Life
           .
           The
           Worm
           of
           Conscience
           sometimes
           nips
           Security
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           a
           strange
           union
           of
           Contrarieties
           in
           the
           Breast
           of
           a
           Sinner
           ,
           that
           makes
           him
           inexcusable
           and
           incurable
           .
           He
           complains
           of
           the
           bondage
           to
           his
           Lusts
           ,
           yet
           takes
           pleasure
           in
           it
           :
           he
           is
           convinc'd
           't
           wil
           be
           destructive
           ,
           yet
           voluntarily
           continues
           in
           that
           sweet
           captivity
           .
           If
           Conscience
           be
           troublesome
           ,
           he
           pacifies
           it
           with
           an
           intention
           to
           reform
           hereafter
           ,
           and
           thinks
           that
           a
           future
           Repentance
           will
           be
           sufficient
           to
           prepare
           for
           a
           future
           Judgment
           .
           And
           none
           are
           
           so
           easily
           and
           willingly
           deceived
           to
           their
           everlasting
           ruin
           by
           this
           pretence
           ,
           as
           those
           who
           enjoy
           the
           present
           World.
           Prosperity
           makes
           them
           forgetful
           of
           the
           Grave
           ,
           and
           humane
           Vicissitudes
           ,
           and
           hardens
           them
           in
           deep
           Security
           .
           'T
           was
           the
           Divine
           Prayer
           of
           
             Moses
             ,
             So
             teach
             us
             to
             number
             our
             days
             ,
             as
             to
             apply
             our
             hearts
             unto
             Wisdom
          
           ;
           implying
           ,
           that
           the
           great
           Cause
           of
           Mens
           destructive
           folly
           ,
           is
           from
           not
           reflecting
           upon
           the
           shortness
           and
           uncertainty
           of
           their
           Time
           here
           .
           Death
           is
           certain
           to
           the
           Old
           ,
           and
           Life
           uncertain
           to
           the
           Young.
           There
           are
           many
           back
           Doors
           to
           the
           Grave
           ,
           and
           Men
           are
           led
           surprisingly
           thither
           .
           The
           time
           of
           their
           residence
           here
           is
           fixed
           by
           the
           Divine
           Determination
           ,
           and
           concealed
           from
           their
           Eyes
           .
           How
           many
           in
           their
           Youth
           and
           Prosperity
           
           have
           presum'd
           upon
           a
           long
           Life
           ,
           yet
           unexpectedly
           have
           
             returned
             to
             their
             Earth
          
           ;
           as
           a
           Wall
           covered
           with
           Ivy
           ,
           that
           falls
           on
           a
           suddain
           with
           its
           green
           Ornaments
           ,
           by
           its
           weight
           and
           weakness
           .
           The
           Hour
           of
           Death
           ,
           is
           the
           hour
           of
           mens
           Destiny
           for
           ever
           .
           There
           is
           no
           space
           of
           Repentance
           in
           the
           interval
           between
           Death
           and
           Judgment
           ;
           but
           the
           Soul
           immediately
           after
           its
           departure
           ,
           receives
           a
           decisive
           irrevocable
           Doom
           ▪
           that
           is
           in
           part
           executed
           ▪
           and
           shall
           be
           publick
           and
           entirely
           executed
           at
           the
           last
           Day
           .
           Yet
           Men
           boldly
           venture
           to
           continue
           in
           their
           pleasant
           Sins
           ,
           upon
           the
           forlorn
           hope
           of
           a
           Season
           to
           repent
           hereafter
           .
           Astonishing
           enormous
           Folly
           !
           as
           if
           they
           were
           assured
           of
           Time
           ,
           and
           the
           Divine
           Grace
           .
           And
           thus
           't
           is
           fully
           proved
           how
           
           fatal
           and
           destructive
           Prosperity
           is
           to
           the
           Wicked
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           thing
           to
           be
           consider'd
           ,
           is
           the
           Folly
           of
           prosperous
           Sinners
           .
           Folly
           is
           the
           Cause
           of
           their
           abusing
           Prosperity
           ,
           and
           the
           Effect
           of
           their
           Prosperity
           abused
           .
           The
           most
           proper
           Notion
           of
           Folly
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           Understanding
           mistakes
           in
           judging
           and
           comparing
           things
           ;
           from
           whence
           the
           Will
           slides
           into
           Error
           ,
           and
           makes
           an
           unworthy
           choice
           :
           And
           according
           to
           the
           weight
           and
           consequence
           of
           things
           ,
           the
           more
           remarkable
           is
           the
           degree
           of
           Folly
           in
           not
           discerning
           their
           Differences
           .
           Now
           when
           Men
           value
           and
           are
           delighted
           in
           temporal
           Prosperity
           as
           their
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           Heaven
           with
           its
           Glory
           &
           Joys
           is
           neglected
           and
           vilified
           in
           the
           comparison
           ,
           
           't
           is
           Folly
           above
           all
           wonder
           ;
           Folly
           of
           so
           rare
           and
           singular
           a
           Nature
           ,
           that
           if
           the
           judicative
           Faculty
           were
           not
           corrupted
           ,
           it
           were
           impossible
           they
           should
           be
           guilty
           of
           it
           .
           This
           will
           appear
           by
           considering
           the
           essential
           and
           inseparable
           Properties
           of
           Man's
           Felicity
           ;
           
           't
           is
           perfective
           and
           satisfying
           of
           Man
           in
           his
           supream
           Faculties
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           perfection
           of
           Man
           does
           principally
           consist
           in
           the
           excellencies
           of
           his
           spiritual
           &
           immortal
           part
           :
           As
           in
           the
           various
           kinds
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           there
           is
           something
           that
           is
           their
           proper
           Excellency
           ,
           for
           which
           they
           were
           made
           ,
           and
           accordingly
           are
           valued
           :
           as
           Strength
           or
           Beauty
           ,
           Swiftness
           or
           Courage
           :
           so
           ,
           the
           first
           and
           chief
           and
           proper
           Excellency
           of
           Man
           ,
           is
           the
           rational
           Mind
           ,
           that
           distinguishes
           him
           from
           the
           Brutes
           ,
           and
           gives
           
           him
           a
           natural
           and
           regular
           dominion
           over
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           highest
           and
           divinest
           Faculty
           of
           the
           Soul
           ;
           and
           from
           hence
           the
           deduction
           is
           clear
           ,
           that
           our
           Felicity
           consists
           in
           the
           perfection
           of
           the
           Mind
           .
           If
           the
           Excellencies
           of
           all
           other
           Creatures
           were
           united
           in
           Man
           ,
           they
           could
           derive
           no
           true
           worth
           to
           him
           ,
           because
           they
           cannot
           adorn
           and
           perfect
           what
           is
           his
           proper
           Excellence
           .
           Now
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           quality
           of
           the
           Objects
           ,
           about
           which
           the
           Mind
           is
           conversant
           ,
           't
           is
           either
           tainted
           and
           depreciated
           ,
           or
           purfied
           and
           exalted
           .
           To
           apply
           it
           to
           sensual
           worldly
           things
           ,
           how
           to
           
             increase
             Riches
             ,
             and
             make
             provision
             for
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             to
             fulfil
             its
             Lusts
             ,
          
           is
           more
           truly
           vilifying
           ,
           than
           if
           a
           Prince
           should
           employ
           his
           Counsellors
           of
           State
           ,
           and
           the
           Judges
           of
           his
           Courts
           ,
           in
           the
           Offices
           of
           his
           
           Kitchin
           ,
           or
           to
           dig
           in
           the
           Cole-pits
           .
           The
           Mind
           is
           corrupted
           and
           debased
           by
           application
           to
           inferior
           perishing
           things
           ,
           as
           Gold
           and
           Silver
           are
           allayed
           ,
           and
           lose
           of
           their
           purity
           and
           value
           ,
           by
           a
           mixture
           with
           Copper
           and
           Tin.
           God
           alone
           is
           the
           Sovereign
           Object
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           its
           dignity
           and
           capacity
           ,
           its
           superior
           and
           noblest
           Operations
           :
           and
           by
           contemplating
           his
           glorious
           Attributes
           and
           Excellencies
           ,
           who
           is
           best
           in
           himself
           ,
           and
           best
           to
           us
           ;
           the
           Mind
           is
           inlightned
           and
           enlarged
           ,
           renewed
           and
           raised
           ,
           made
           holy
           and
           heavenly
           ,
           full
           of
           Beauty
           ,
           Order
           ,
           and
           Tranquillity
           ,
           and
           transformed
           into
           the
           likeness
           of
           the
           Divine
           Perfections
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           All
           the
           Prosperity
           in
           the
           World
           cannot
           bring
           true
           Satisfaction
           to
           him
           that
           enjoys
           it
           :
           for
           
           't
           is
           disproportionate
           to
           the
           spiritual
           and
           immortal
           nature
           of
           the
           Soul.
           This
           is
           so
           clear
           by
           Reason
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           seem
           as
           needless
           and
           impertinent
           to
           insist
           on
           it
           ,
           as
           to
           use
           Arguments
           to
           prove
           that
           Gold
           and
           Diamonds
           are
           not
           proper
           Food
           for
           the
           Body
           :
           but
           the
           self-deceiving
           folly
           of
           the
           carnal
           Heart
           ,
           so
           enamour'd
           of
           the
           vanity
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           (
           that
           like
           the
           pleasure
           of
           a
           Charm
           ,
           is
           counterfeit
           and
           deadly
           )
           makes
           it
           necessary
           to
           inculcate
           known
           Truths
           ,
           that
           Men
           may
           timely
           prevent
           the
           sad
           Consequences
           of
           such
           Folly
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           accessaries
           to
           their
           tormenting
           Conviction
           by
           experience
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           carnal
           and
           material
           ▪
           Things
           ,
           pleasantly
           affect
           the
           outward
           Man
           ;
           yet
           such
           a
           vanity
           is
           in
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           neither
           a
           pure
           nor
           a
           prevalent
           
           Good
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           natural
           and
           civil
           state
           of
           Man
           here
           .
           Riches
           ,
           and
           Honours
           ,
           and
           sensual
           Pleasures
           ,
           are
           not
           without
           a
           mixture
           of
           bitterness
           ,
           that
           corrupt
           the
           content
           that
           Men
           expect
           in
           them
           ;
           they
           are
           not
           efficacious
           to
           remove
           or
           allay
           the
           Evil
           to
           which
           all
           are
           exposed
           in
           this
           open
           state
           .
           A
           sharp
           Disease
           makes
           all
           the
           Joys
           of
           the
           World
           insipid
           and
           despicable
           .
           But
           suppose
           them
           in
           their
           elevation
           ,
           they
           cannot
           supply
           the
           Wants
           and
           Exigencies
           ,
           nor
           satisfy
           the
           Desires
           of
           the
           Soul.
           They
           cannot
           restore
           Men
           to
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           blessed
           Communion
           with
           him
           ▪
           nor
           renew
           the
           Image
           of
           his
           Holiness
           in
           them
           .
           They
           are
           but
           a
           vain
           Name
           ,
           a
           naked
           shadow
           of
           Felicity
           ,
           and
           entirely
           depend
           upon
           the
           simplicity
           and
           fancies
           
           of
           Men
           for
           their
           valuation
           .
           The
           Apostle
           therefore
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           they
           
             that
             will
             be
             rich
             ,
             fall
             into
             temptation
             ,
             and
             a
             snare
             ,
             and
             into
             many
             foolish
             lusts
             .
          
           Those
           who
           resolve
           and
           labour
           to
           get
           Riches
           ,
           thinking
           to
           find
           Felicity
           in
           them
           ,
           are
           misled
           by
           as
           gross
           folly
           ,
           as
           those
           who
           presume
           by
           their
           costly
           preparations
           to
           turn
           Brass
           or
           Lead
           into
           Gold.
           For
           if
           it
           be
           Folly
           to
           desire
           and
           attempt
           what
           is
           impossible
           ,
           't
           is
           equally
           so
           in
           those
           who
           seek
           for
           joyful
           satisfaction
           in
           Wealth
           ,
           and
           in
           any
           other
           secular
           Things
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           Alchymists
           ,
           that
           waste
           their
           real
           Estates
           for
           imaginary
           Treasures
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ;
           the
           happiest
           Condition
           here
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           like
           the
           Moon
           ,
           that
           at
           the
           brightest
           is
           spotted
           and
           imperfect
           ;
           so
           Eclipses
           are
           not
           less
           strange
           to
           it
           than
           to
           that
           Planet
           .
           
           The
           World
           is
           at
           the
           best
           of
           a
           transient
           use
           ,
           and
           the
           pleasant
           Error
           of
           the
           Carnal
           Mind
           ,
           will
           be
           of
           short
           continuance
           .
           Within
           a
           little
           while
           ,
           that
           which
           was
           declar'd
           with
           such
           solemnity
           by
           the
           Angel
           in
           the
           
             Revelation
             ;
             He
             lifted
             up
             his
             hand
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             swore
             by
             Him
             that
             lives
             for
             ever
             ,
             that
             Time
             shall
             be
             no
             more
          
           ;
           will
           be
           true
           of
           every
           mortal
           Person
           .
           The
           rich
           Man
           that
           was
           surveying
           his
           Estate
           with
           carnal
           complacency
           ,
           and
           extending
           his
           hopes
           of
           voluptuous
           living
           to
           many
           Years
           ,
           was
           surpriz'd
           with
           the
           fatal
           Sentence
           ;
           
             Thou
             Fool
             ,
             this
             Night
             shall
             thy
             Soul
             ,
          
           
           
             be
             required
             of
             thee
             :
             then
             whose
             shall
             those
             Things
             be
             which
             thou
             hast
             provided
             ?
          
           Now
           ,
           can
           that
           be
           our
           Happiness
           that
           is
           of
           such
           an
           uncertain
           tenure
           ,
           that
           every
           hour
           may
           be
           snatch'd
           from
           us
           ,
           or
           we
           
           from
           it
           ?
           If
           one
           should
           with
           great
           Expences
           build
           a
           Mansion-House
           ,
           and
           plant
           Gardens
           in
           a
           place
           subject
           to
           frequent
           Earthquakes
           ,
           that
           would
           overturn
           all
           into
           confusion
           ;
           would
           not
           his
           folly
           be
           conspicuous
           ?
           Yet
           how
           many
           practise
           themselves
           what
           they
           would
           deride
           in
           others
           ?
           They
           set
           their
           Heart
           upon
           the
           things
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           are
           liable
           to
           a
           thousand
           changes
           ,
           and
           must
           shortly
           be
           parted
           with
           for
           ever
           .
           The
           Slaves
           of
           Honour
           ,
           that
           are
           so
           swell'd
           with
           airy
           Titles
           of
           Greatness
           ,
           and
           the
           flattering
           Respects
           of
           others
           ,
           must
           shortly
           be
           devested
           of
           all
           ;
           and
           when
           laid
           in
           their
           Tombs
           ,
           the
           Trophies
           of
           Vanity
           ,
           will
           be
           insensible
           of
           the
           renown
           and
           applauses
           of
           the
           World.
           *
           Alexander
           the
           Great
           is
           long
           since
           dead
           to
           the
           pleasure
           of
           
           his
           Immortal
           Man.
           And
           Death
           will
           make
           a
           final
           separation
           between
           the
           Rich
           and
           their
           Treasures
           ,
           and
           put
           an
           end
           to
           all
           the
           Delights
           of
           Men.
           Now
           what
           folly
           is
           it
           to
           prefer
           a
           Felicity
           ,
           that
           is
           deceitful
           in
           the
           enjoyment
           ,
           and
           leaves
           the
           Soul
           empty
           when
           it
           most
           fills
           it
           ,
           that
           is
           so
           vain
           and
           transitory
           ,
           before
           an
           Eternal
           Heaven
           ;
           a
           blessedness
           that
           surpasses
           our
           Hopes
           ,
           that
           secures
           our
           Fears
           ,
           that
           satisfies
           our
           immense
           ▪
           Desires
           ;
           a
           blessedness
           that
           the
           humane
           Understanding
           in
           all
           the
           capacity
           of
           its
           thoughts
           is
           not
           able
           to
           comprehend
           ;
           a
           blessedness
           becoming
           the
           Majesty
           and
           Magnificence
           of
           God
           that
           bestows
           it
           .
           What
           madness
           ,
           to
           despise
           Heaven
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           Eternity
           of
           the
           next
           World
           were
           but
           a
           moment
           ,
           and
           to
           love
           this
           World
           ,
           as
           if
           this
           momentary
           
           Life
           were
           an
           Eternity
           .
           The
           full
           aggravation
           of
           this
           ,
           dyes
           the
           Love
           of
           the
           World
           with
           the
           deepest
           tincture
           of
           Folly
           :
           as
           will
           appear
           by
           considering
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           a
           voluntary
           chosen
           Folly
           .
           Thus
           the
           Divine
           Wisdom
           with
           passion
           reproaches
           wretched
           
           Sinners
           ,
           
             How
             long
             ye
             simple
             Ones
             ,
             will
             ye
             love
             simplicity
             ?
          
           This
           heightens
           their
           Character
           to
           love
           so
           obstinately
           ,
           what
           is
           so
           unlovely
           and
           unbecoming
           the
           reasonable
           Nature
           .
           The
           Light
           of
           Reason
           and
           Revelation
           discovers
           the
           Vanity
           of
           the
           World
           :
           't
           is
           not
           for
           want
           of
           Evidence
           ,
           but
           for
           want
           of
           using
           the
           Light
           ,
           that
           Men
           do
           not
           discern
           their
           wretched
           mistake
           .
           God
           complains
           in
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             My
             People
             doth
             not
             consider
          
           .
           
           
           The
           means
           of
           restoring
           Men
           to
           a
           sound
           Mind
           ,
           is
           by
           due
           consideration
           .
           The
           Soul
           retires
           from
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           makes
           a
           solemn
           enquiry
           ;
           For
           what
           End
           am
           I
           created
           ?
           for
           what
           do
           I
           consume
           my
           Time
           ?
           If
           my
           Endeavours
           are
           all
           for
           the
           Earth
           ,
           what
           remains
           for
           Heaven
           ?
           what
           do
           I
           prepare
           ,
           what
           shall
           attend
           me
           ,
           what
           shall
           I
           meet
           in
           the
           next
           State
           ?
           How
           long
           will
           it
           be
           before
           I
           must
           leave
           this
           visible
           World
           ,
           and
           after
           the
           irrevocable
           step
           into
           the
           next
           ,
           immediately
           appear
           before
           the
           inlightned
           Tribunal
           of
           God
           ,
           whose
           Judgment
           is
           so
           strict
           ,
           that
           the
           
             Righteous
             are
             scarely
             saved
          
           ,
           and
           so
           heavy
           ,
           that
           the
           strongest
           Sinners
           cannot
           endure
           ?
           Can
           the
           World
           prevent
           my
           doom
           to
           Hell
           ,
           or
           release
           me
           from
           it
           ?
           Will
           the
           remembrance
           of
           the
           Enjoyments
           
           here
           ,
           afford
           any
           refreshment
           in
           Everlasting
           Burnings
           ?
           By
           such
           sad
           and
           frequent
           Soliloquies
           ,
           the
           vicious
           sensual
           Affections
           are
           eradicated
           ,
           and
           the
           Heart
           is
           transplanted
           from
           Earth
           to
           Heaven
           .
           If
           Men
           would
           wisely
           ponder
           things
           ,
           if
           Conscience
           ,
           the
           sincere
           and
           unsuspected
           Judg
           did
           hold
           the
           Ballance
           ,
           and
           put
           into
           one
           Scale
           the
           Glory
           ,
           the
           Riches
           ,
           and
           Pleasures
           of
           this
           World
           ;
           and
           into
           the
           other
           ,
           the
           Promises
           that
           belong
           to
           Godliness
           here
           ,
           and
           hereafter
           ,
           how
           despicably
           light
           will
           they
           be
           found
           ?
           'T
           was
           truly
           said
           ,
           that
           false
           Scarlet
           appears
           with
           lustre
           ,
           till
           compared
           with
           the
           Rich
           and
           True
           ;
           so
           the
           fictitious
           Felicity
           of
           this
           World
           is
           very
           specious
           ,
           and
           ravishes
           the
           Minds
           of
           Men
           ,
           till
           compared
           with
           Coelestial
           Felicity
           .
           Worldly
           Honour
           
           is
           counterfeit
           ,
           because
           't
           is
           no
           certain
           Argument
           of
           inherent
           worth
           :
           Vain-glory
           and
           real
           Infamy
           ,
           often
           meet
           in
           the
           same
           Person
           :
           yet
           't
           is
           admir'd
           ,
           and
           ambitiously
           sought
           ,
           till
           compar'd
           with
           the
           
             Honour
             of
             the
             Saints
          
           .
           What
           is
           a
           Reputation
           and
           Honour
           with
           the
           Worms
           and
           Moles
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           compared
           with
           the
           Honour
           that
           comes
           from
           the
           esteem
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Angels
           ,
           and
           other
           blessed
           Spirits
           above
           ,
           who
           incomparably
           exceed
           all
           Mortals
           in
           number
           ,
           and
           infinitely
           in
           understanding
           ?
           What
           is
           a
           vanishing
           shadow
           of
           Reputation
           ,
           against
           an
           eternal
           inestimable
           weight
           of
           Glory
           ?
           What
           are
           the
           Riches
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           Gold
           ,
           and
           Silver
           ,
           and
           Jewels
           ,
           for
           gaining
           of
           which
           so
           many
           lose
           their
           Souls
           ,
           but
           vile
           trash
           compared
           with
           the
           sacred
           Treasures
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           the
           
           Graces
           of
           the
           Saints
           ?
           What
           are
           the
           empty
           delights
           of
           the
           Senses
           ,
           compared
           with
           the
           
             Peace
             of
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             Joy
             in
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
          
           that
           can
           sweeten
           all
           our
           Sorrows
           here
           ,
           and
           the
           fulness
           of
           Joy
           that
           springs
           from
           God's
           Presence
           in
           Heaven
           ?
           If
           Men
           would
           make
           judicious
           Comparisons
           ,
           their
           Affections
           would
           cool
           towards
           perishing
           Vanities
           .
           But
           they
           will
           only
           look
           upon
           what
           is
           pleasant
           and
           attractive
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           without
           regarding
           its
           miserable
           Defects
           ,
           without
           considering
           what
           is
           infinitely
           better
           ,
           and
           most
           worthy
           of
           their
           ardent
           desires
           and
           vigorous
           endeavours
           .
           They
           are
           so
           pleas'd
           with
           their
           Error
           ,
           so
           ingaged
           in
           the
           sweet
           captivity
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           they
           cannot
           extricate
           themselves
           if
           they
           would
           ,
           because
           they
           will
           not
           if
           they
           could
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           'T
           is
           a
           culpable
           and
           guilty
           Folly.
           When
           Children
           prefer
           things
           of
           Lustre
           before
           things
           of
           Value
           ,
           their
           childish
           Toys
           ,
           before
           real
           Treasures
           ;
           when
           they
           chuse
           a
           little
           present
           Enjoyment
           ,
           before
           a
           future
           Good
           that
           is
           incomparably
           better
           ,
           their
           Folly
           is
           innocent
           ,
           because
           Reason
           cannot
           display
           its
           operations
           in
           them
           :
           But
           when
           Men
           ,
           who
           are
           capable
           to
           distinguish
           between
           the
           things
           that
           
             are
             seen
             and
             temporal
             ,
             and
             the
             things
             that
             are
             not
             seen
             and
             eternal
          
           ;
           when
           they
           sottishly
           prefer
           sensible
           things
           before
           Spiritual
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           vast
           difference
           between
           them
           ,
           both
           in
           the
           quality
           and
           duration
           ,
           their
           choice
           is
           so
           criminal
           ,
           as
           deserves
           an
           everlasting
           Hell.
           If
           Esau
           had
           been
           a
           Child
           when
           he
           sold
           his
           Birthright
           for
           a
           Mess
           of
           
           Pottage
           ,
           his
           folly
           had
           been
           excused
           ;
           for
           he
           was
           compelled
           by
           hunger
           ;
           and
           the
           glorious
           dignity
           of
           the
           Birthright
           was
           disproportionate
           to
           his
           Appetite
           and
           Understanding
           :
           but
           in
           his
           mature
           Age
           ,
           when
           capable
           to
           understand
           his
           Interest
           ,
           to
           part
           with
           so
           sacred
           and
           precious
           an
           advantage
           ,
           for
           a
           little
           sensual
           satisfaction
           ,
           was
           so
           
             profane
             an
             Act
          
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           justly
           deprived
           of
           the
           Divine
           Blessing
           that
           was
           annext
           to
           the
           Birthright
           .
           That
           Beasts
           are
           wholly
           led
           by
           their
           sensual
           Appetities
           ,
           is
           natural
           and
           regular
           ,
           their
           voracity
           and
           crue●ty
           ,
           folly
           and
           filthiness
           ,
           envy
           and
           fury
           ,
           are
           not
           vicious
           passions
           ,
           because
           Sense
           is
           the
           superior
           Faculty
           in
           them
           .
           But
           when
           Men
           are
           so
           brutish
           ,
           that
           the
           Objects
           that
           please
           their
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           carnal
           
           Senses
           ,
           are
           the
           only
           Attractives
           of
           their
           affections
           ,
           't
           is
           unnatural
           and
           monstrous
           ;
           because
           Reason
           should
           have
           the
           supremacy
           in
           them
           .
           If
           a
           Woman
           remain
           in
           a
           single
           state
           ,
           she
           has
           power
           over
           her
           Actions
           ,
           and
           may
           freely
           govern
           her self
           ;
           but
           if
           married
           ,
           is
           subordinate
           to
           her
           Husband
           :
           and
           disobedience
           to
           his
           Authority
           and
           prudent
           Counsels
           ,
           is
           culpable
           .
           The
           Body
           considered
           as
           the
           Seat
           of
           the
           Senses
           ,
           has
           natural
           Appetites
           ,
           and
           might
           enjoy
           what
           is
           suitable
           to
           them
           according
           to
           their
           capacity
           ;
           but
           united
           with
           an
           immortal
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           is
           stampt
           with
           the
           living
           Image
           of
           God
           ,
           its
           desires
           must
           be
           limited
           and
           directed
           by
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           the
           pleasing
           of
           Sense
           in
           Actions
           forbidden
           by
           the
           Mind
           ,
           is
           rebellion
           against
           the
           ruling
           Faculty
           .
           
           If
           one
           be
           under
           a
           Disease
           that
           Wine
           inflames
           and
           increases
           ,
           and
           the
           Physician
           forbids
           it
           as
           deadly
           ,
           yet
           the
           Patient
           will
           judg
           only
           by
           his
           Pallate
           whether
           Wine
           be
           good
           for
           him
           ;
           were
           it
           not
           a
           kind
           of
           brutishness
           worthy
           of
           the
           Evil
           that
           attends
           it
           ?
           Such
           perverse
           Folly
           are
           Men
           guilty
           of
           in
           their
           sensual
           Satisfactions
           ,
           whereby
           the
           Soul
           is
           unspeakably
           wronged
           ,
           and
           God
           highly
           dishonoured
           ,
           who
           has
           given
           to
           Man
           a
           more
           excellent
           Spirit
           ,
           than
           to
           the
           Fowls
           of
           the
           Air
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           judg
           of
           things
           ,
           not
           as
           they
           appear
           ,
           but
           as
           they
           are
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           'T
           is
           the
           most
           ignominious
           Folly.
           Shame
           arises
           from
           the
           sense
           of
           a
           debased
           Excellence
           :
           the
           Understanding
           is
           the
           most
           excellent
           Faculty
           in
           Man
           ;
           and
           
           nothing
           brings
           a
           greater
           disreputation
           to
           him
           ,
           than
           when
           he
           is
           deceived
           by
           the
           ignorance
           or
           inconsiderateness
           of
           his
           Mind
           .
           And
           the
           delusion
           is
           most
           shameful
           in
           matters
           of
           great
           moment
           .
           Now
           for
           a
           Man
           to
           exchange
           his
           Soul
           ,
           that
           is
           of
           Angelical
           Eminence
           ,
           for
           transitory
           Vanities
           ;
           O
           folly
           !
           how
           enormous
           ,
           how
           astonishing
           !
           The
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           who
           as
           the
           Creator
           and
           Redeemer
           of
           Souls
           ,
           perfectly
           knew
           their
           Worth
           ,
           puts
           the
           Question
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           imply
           the
           strongest
           denial
           ,
           
             What
             is
             a
             Man
             profited
             ,
             if
             he
             shall
             gain
             the
             whole
             World
             ,
             and
             lose
             his
             own
             Soul
             ?
             or
             ,
             what
             shall
             a
             Man
             give
             in
             exchange
             for
             his
             Soul
             ?
          
           The
           vanity
           of
           the
           Purchase
           ,
           and
           the
           value
           of
           the
           Loss
           ,
           is
           such
           ,
           that
           no
           Man
           ,
           conscious
           of
           his
           Immortality
           in
           the
           next
           state
           ,
           but
           must
           acknowledg
           
           that
           he
           is
           an
           infinite
           loser
           ,
           and
           prodigious
           Fool
           ,
           that
           gains
           the
           World
           by
           the
           loss
           of
           his
           Soul.
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           the
           ancient
           *
           Germans
           ,
           that
           in
           their
           Commerce
           with
           the
           Romans
           ,
           receiving
           Silver
           for
           their
           Amber
           ,
           that
           has
           no
           virtue
           but
           to
           draw
           Straws
           to
           it
           ,
           they
           were
           amazed
           at
           the
           price
           .
           And
           certainly
           the
           great
           Tempter
           cannot
           but
           wonder
           at
           the
           foolish
           exchange
           that
           Men
           make
           ,
           in
           giving
           their
           immortal
           Souls
           to
           him
           for
           perishing
           Vanities
           ;
           and
           having
           this
           scornful
           advantage
           ,
           will
           much
           more
           upbraid
           them
           hereafter
           ,
           than
           ever
           he
           allur'd
           them
           here
           .
        
         
           The
           shame
           that
           attends
           this
           Folly
           ,
           is
           sometimes
           felt
           by
           Sinners
           in
           this
           World
           ;
           when
           they
           are
           shaken
           out
           of
           their
           stupifying
           
           slumber
           ,
           and
           fully
           awak'd
           to
           discover
           their
           evil
           Choice
           .
           Thus
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           
             What
             Fruit
             had
             you
             of
             those
             things
             whereof
             you
             are
             now
             ashamed
             ,
             for
             the
             end
             of
             those
             things
             is
             death
             ?
          
           When
           the
           memory
           of
           Sin
           is
           revived
           ,
           with
           a
           true
           judgment
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           which
           
             has
             Emptiness
             in
             the
             beginning
             ,
             and
             Death
          
           
           
             in
             the
             Issue
             ,
             must
             have
             Shame
             in
             the
             middle
             .
          
           The
           Prophet
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             He
             that
             getteth
             Riches
             ,
             and
             not
             by
             right
             ,
             shall
             leave
             them
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             his
             days
             ,
             and
             at
             his
             end
             shall
             be
             a
             Fool.
          
           He
           was
           a
           Fool
           all
           along
           in
           his
           deceiving
           of
           others
           ,
           tho
           reputed
           ▪
           worldly
           wise
           ;
           but
           in
           the
           issue
           ,
           when
           that
           which
           he
           gained
           cannot
           be
           kept
           ;
           and
           the
           Soul
           being
           lost
           ,
           can
           never
           be
           recovered
           ;
           by
           the
           conviction
           of
           his
           Conscience
           ,
           he
           is
           a
           Fool
           ,
           and
           reflects
           upon
           his
           past
           
           folly
           with
           confusion
           .
           But
           at
           the
           last
           day
           ,
           the
           shame
           of
           foolish
           Sinners
           shall
           be
           displayed
           before
           the
           Eyes
           of
           the
           whole
           World.
           'T
           is
           foretold
           ,
           that
           
             some
             shall
             rise
          
           
           
             to
             shame
             and
             everlasting
             contempt
          
           .
           Obscurity
           is
           the
           Mask
           of
           Shame
           ,
           but
           to
           be
           exposed
           a
           spectacle
           of
           Scorn
           before
           a
           thronged
           Theatre
           ,
           is
           the
           aggravation
           &
           eminence
           of
           the
           Shame
           .
           How
           confounding
           will
           the
           shame
           of
           Sinners
           be
           in
           the
           universal
           confluence
           of
           Angels
           and
           Saints
           ,
           and
           the
           presence
           of
           the
           glorious
           God
           ,
           the
           Judg
           of
           all
           ?
           the
           sense
           of
           their
           Guilt
           and
           Folly
           will
           sting
           them
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           'T
           is
           the
           most
           woful
           Folly.
           Here
           such
           mischievous
           Effects
           proceed
           from
           it
           as
           deserve
           the
           saddest
           lamentation
           .
           The
           Understanding
           ,
           
           the
           highest
           Faculty
           ,
           the
           Beauty
           and
           Excellency
           of
           Man
           is
           blinded
           ,
           the
           Will
           is
           fettered
           by
           corrupt
           Passions
           ,
           and
           the
           whole
           Man
           miserably
           inslaved
           to
           Satan
           .
           What
           a
           spectacle
           of
           Compassion
           was
           Sampson
           in
           the
           slavery
           of
           the
           Philistines
           ?
           He
           that
           had
           been
           the
           General
           and
           Judg
           of
           Israel
           ,
           was
           deprived
           of
           his
           Sight
           ,
           and
           Divine
           Strength
           :
           his
           warlike
           Hands
           ,
           that
           had
           been
           of
           equal
           power
           with
           an
           Army
           ,
           and
           perform'd
           such
           glorious
           Atchievements
           ,
           were
           imployed
           in
           turning
           a
           Mill
           ,
           the
           Work
           of
           a
           Beast
           :
           and
           his
           Misery
           was
           pointed
           and
           made
           sharper
           by
           the
           insultation
           of
           his
           Enemies
           .
           The
           true
           Emblem
           of
           the
           degenerate
           State
           of
           Men
           ;
           the
           Soul
           that
           was
           created
           in
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           had
           a
           peaceful
           soveraignty
           
           over
           the
           sensual
           Appetites
           ,
           a
           superiority
           over
           sensible
           things
           ,
           is
           now
           inslaved
           and
           employed
           in
           the
           vile
           drudgery
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           become
           the
           derision
           of
           the
           Devils
           .
           This
           is
           little
           thought
           of
           ,
           or
           lamented
           ,
           but
           therefore
           the
           more
           woful
           .
           The
           loss
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           was
           not
           so
           dismal
           a
           Judgment
           to
           Nebuchadnezzar
           ,
           as
           the
           loss
           of
           his
           Understanding
           .
           When
           his
           Reason
           was
           taken
           away
           ,
           and
           the
           Heart
           of
           a
           Beast
           was
           given
           to
           him
           ;
           't
           was
           the
           lowest
           and
           saddest
           degradation
           .
        
         
           But
           hereafter
           the
           misery
           of
           foolish
           Sinners
           will
           be
           extream
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           love
           of
           the
           World
           causeth
           
             Men
             to
             fall
          
           
           
             into
             temptation
             and
             a
             snare
             ,
             and
             into
             many
             foolish
             and
             hurtful
             Lusts
             ,
             which
             drown
             Men
             in
             Destruction
             and
             Perdition
             .
          
           The
           Expressions
           are
           full
           
           to
           exaggerate
           the
           horror
           of
           their
           ruines
           ,
           and
           to
           signify
           that
           't
           is
           absolute
           and
           irrecoverable
           .
           The
           Lusts
           of
           Men
           are
           equally
           foolish
           and
           pernicious
           ;
           they
           please
           themselves
           in
           the
           Enjoyments
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           are
           secure
           ,
           as
           if
           bathing
           in
           the
           Fountains
           of
           Felicity
           ,
           when
           ready
           to
           be
           swallowed
           up
           in
           the
           Whirlpool
           of
           Death
           .
           By
           sensual
           Vanities
           they
           are
           estranged
           from
           God
           ,
           careless
           of
           their
           Duty
           ,
           and
           are
           finally
           separated
           from
           his
           blessed
           Presence
           .
           And
           as
           the
           enjoying
           God
           ,
           without
           a
           possibility
           of
           losing
           him
           ,
           is
           our
           consummate
           happiness
           ;
           so
           to
           lose
           him
           ,
           without
           hopes
           of
           ever
           enjoying
           him
           ,
           is
           extream
           misery
           .
           The
           foolish
           Sinner
           is
           not
           affected
           with
           this
           now
           ;
           whilst
           he
           lives
           in
           pleasure
           ,
           he
           is
           content
           to
           be
           without
           
           God
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           but
           hereafter
           ,
           when
           he
           shall
           be
           deprived
           of
           these
           slight
           short-liv'd
           Pleasures
           ,
           and
           shall
           know
           the
           unvaluable
           loss
           of
           his
           Happiness
           ,
           Sorrows
           will
           overwhelm
           him
           for
           ever
           .
           As
           it
           befel
           that
           Infidel
           in
           the
           2
           Kings
           8.
           he
           saw
           the
           Plenty
           ,
           but
           was
           not
           suffered
           to
           taste
           of
           it
           ;
           so
           the
           damned
           shall
           see
           the
           Glory
           of
           Heaven
           shining
           in
           the
           Saints
           ,
           but
           shall
           not
           partake
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           This
           misery
           will
           be
           amplified
           under
           the
           following
           Heads
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           We
           are
           to
           consider
           the
           Justice
           ,
           the
           certainty
           and
           the
           heaviness
           of
           the
           Destruction
           ,
           that
           shall
           seize
           on
           foolish
           Sinners
           that
           abuse
           Prosperity
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           To
           illustrate
           the
           Justice
           of
           God
           in
           their
           destruction
           ,
           I
           shall
           only
           insist
           on
           that
           Reason
           that
           is
           so
           admirably
           amplified
           in
           this
           Chapter
           for
           their
           conviction
           ;
           that
           
           is
           ,
           their
           Destruction
           is
           the
           Fruit
           of
           their
           own
           choice
           .
           The
           Divine
           Wisdom
           allures
           and
           invites
           them
           ,
           by
           all
           the
           most
           tender
           and
           powerful
           Perswasives
           ,
           to
           forsake
           their
           ruinous
           Course
           ,
           and
           
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Grace
             should
             be
             poured
             upon
             them
             ,
          
           which
           is
           the
           Earnest
           of
           Glory
           ;
           but
           they
           would
           not
           be
           convinced
           and
           reformed
           ;
           they
           
             loved
             simplicity
          
           ,
           the
           vain
           volatile
           Pleasures
           of
           Sin
           ,
           though
           attended
           with
           Perdition
           :
           
             They
             hated
             Knowledg
          
           ,
           Godliness
           ,
           though
           recommended
           by
           the
           assurance
           of
           a
           blessed
           eternal
           Reward
           :
           therefore
           their
           Destruction
           is
           resolved
           into
           
           their
           own
           Choice
           .
           Indeed
           no
           Man
           can
           directly
           and
           absolutely
           chuse
           Misery
           ,
           or
           reject
           Happiness
           ,
           but
           vertually
           and
           by
           real
           consequence
           the
           most
           do
           .
           A
           Prodigal
           that
           wastes
           his
           Estate
           ,
           does
           not
           intentionally
           and
           deliberately
           chuse
           Poverty
           ,
           but
           thus
           he
           thinks
           ,
           this
           Expence
           is
           for
           my
           Honour
           ,
           this
           for
           my
           Pleasure
           ,
           and
           proceeding
           to
           innumerable
           Expences
           ,
           he
           at
           last
           becomes
           poor
           ,
           and
           his
           poverty
           is
           voluntary
           ,
           because
           't
           is
           the
           issue
           of
           his
           voluntary
           exorbitant
           profuseness
           .
           The
           evil
           of
           Sin
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           destructive
           ,
           and
           in
           that
           respect
           not
           eligible
           by
           Man
           ,
           yet
           't
           is
           pleasing
           to
           his
           corrupt
           Nature
           :
           and
           the
           depraved
           Will
           is
           so
           allured
           by
           the
           present
           Pleasure
           ,
           that
           it
           anticipates
           the
           Reflections
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           
           and
           chuses
           to
           gratify
           the
           Propensions
           of
           Nature
           ,
           with
           a
           brutish
           disregard
           of
           the
           terrible
           Consequences
           of
           Sin.
           And
           the
           present
           disconvenience
           of
           serious
           Piety
           to
           the
           carnal
           Heart
           ,
           causes
           an
           averseness
           from
           it
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           heavenly
           Felicity
           that
           is
           promised
           to
           it
           .
           Men
           prefer
           carnal
           Sweets
           before
           Communion
           with
           God
           ;
           and
           tho
           not
           ignorant
           of
           the
           Issue
           ,
           continue
           in
           their
           Sins
           .
           And
           't
           is
           the
           exactness
           of
           Justice
           ,
           to
           deprive
           Sinners
           of
           that
           blessedness
           which
           they
           obstinatly
           refus'd
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           on
           them
           the
           
           misery
           they
           perversly
           chuse
           .
           And
           when
           at
           the
           last
           Day
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           shall
           charge
           upon
           Sinners
           their
           neglect
           of
           his
           compassionate
           and
           repeated
           Calls
           ,
           that
           he
           often
           knock'd
           at
           the
           Door
           to
           get
           an
           
           entrance
           into
           their
           Hearts
           ,
           but
           all
           in
           vain
           ,
           the
           World
           was
           there
           ,
           and
           barr'd
           it
           against
           him
           .
           The
           guilty
           graceless
           Souls
           will
           be
           struck
           with
           a
           defenceless
           silence
           ,
           not
           able
           to
           make
           a
           Request
           for
           Pardon
           ,
           but
           with
           despairing
           Tears
           must
           submit
           to
           their
           righteous
           Condemnation
           .
           The
           Equity
           of
           God's
           Ways
           ,
           and
           the
           Iniquity
           of
           Mens
           ,
           will
           at
           the
           last
           be
           clear
           to
           every
           Eye
           .
           Then
           all
           the
           Blessings
           they
           received
           will
           rise
           up
           in
           judgment
           against
           them
           ,
           as
           proofs
           of
           their
           Wickedness
           ,
           that
           makes
           them
           more
           guilty
           ,
           and
           deservedly
           miserable
           .
           Then
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           is
           now
           stupified
           by
           sensuality
           ,
           will
           make
           furious
           reflections
           upon
           the
           folly
           of
           their
           Choice
           ,
           and
           be
           more
           tormenting
           than
           the
           infernal
           Fiends
           .
           When
           Cresus
           ,
           the
           
           rich
           King
           of
           Lydia
           ,
           was
           bound
           to
           the
           Stake
           ,
           and
           the
           Fire
           kindled
           for
           his
           burning
           ,
           he
           lamentably
           cried
           out
           ,
           
             Solon
             ,
             Solon
             ,
             Solon
          
           ;
           and
           being
           ask'd
           the
           reason
           of
           it
           ,
           declared
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           height
           of
           his
           Prosperity
           ,
           that
           wise
           Grecian
           had
           advised
           him
           to
           prepare
           for
           a
           Revolution
           from
           his
           Glory
           and
           Greatness
           into
           a
           miserable
           State
           ,
           and
           his
           neglect
           of
           that
           Counsel
           was
           more
           tormenting
           than
           the
           loss
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           .
           How
           piercing
           will
           the
           remembrance
           be
           to
           lost
           Souls
           of
           their
           despising
           the
           Instructions
           ,
           Warnings
           ,
           and
           gracious
           Methods
           of
           the
           Divine
           Wisdom
           ,
           to
           have
           prevented
           their
           ruin
           ?
           that
           Mercy
           was
           so
           often
           and
           so
           rebelliously
           resisted
           ?
           this
           will
           be
           the
           Hell
           of
           Hell.
           
        
         
         
           2.
           
           The
           certainty
           of
           their
           Destruction
           is
           next
           to
           be
           considered
           .
           'T
           is
           unchangeably
           establish'd
           by
           the
           Divine
           Ordination
           ,
           that
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           Sin
           shall
           end
           in
           the
           misery
           of
           obstinate
           Sinners
           .
           This
           is
           declared
           in
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           
             If
             ye
             live
             according
             to
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             ye
          
           
           
             shall
             die
          
           :
           And
           as
           't
           is
           founded
           in
           destributive
           Justice
           ,
           so
           it
           shall
           be
           executed
           from
           his
           Truth
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
          
           
           
             shall
             pass
             away
             ,
             but
             one
             jot
             or
             tittle
             of
             the
             Law
             shall
             not
             be
             unfulfilled
             .
          
           All
           the
           threatnings
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           their
           fearful
           extent
           ,
           shall
           be
           accomplish'd
           upon
           impenitent
           Sinners
           ,
           the
           proper
           Objects
           of
           Vengeance
           .
           God
           
             cannot
             deny
             himself
          
           in
           ceasing
           to
           be
           Holy
           and
           True
           ,
           and
           his
           Power
           seconds
           his
           Word
           ,
           to
           inflict
           the
           full
           effects
           of
           it
           upon
           the
           Guilty
           and
           Impenitent
           ;
           for
           
           a
           time
           they
           are
           spared
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           repent
           :
           for
           Mercy
           is
           not
           only
           over
           all
           the
           Works
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           paramount
           to
           all
           his
           Attributes
           ,
           it
           suspends
           his
           Power
           from
           Acts
           of
           Vengeance
           ,
           it
           delays
           and
           mitigates
           his
           Justice
           :
           we
           may
           appeal
           from
           Justice
           to
           Mercy
           in
           the
           Court
           of
           Heaven
           :
           but
           when
           God's
           Mercy
           has
           been
           affronted
           and
           exasperated
           ,
           by
           the
           continual
           abuse
           of
           his
           Benefits
           ,
           when
           't
           is
           renounc'd
           and
           forfeited
           by
           Sinners
           ,
           their
           destruction
           is
           irreversible
           :
           for
           't
           is
           Mercy
           alone
           atones
           his
           righteous
           Anger
           ;
           and
           this
           being
           so
           fearfully
           provok'd
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           Advocate
           in
           his
           Bosom
           to
           plead
           for
           them
           .
           Did
           he
           not
           expel
           from
           Heaven
           the
           rebellious
           Angels
           ,
           Spirits
           of
           a
           higher
           Order
           ,
           and
           more
           excellent
           Endowments
           than
           Men
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           
           number
           perhaps
           exceeding
           the
           whole
           Progeny
           of
           Man
           ?
           Now
           as
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           considering
           that
           the
           Israelites
           ,
           the
           chosen
           People
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           dear
           to
           him
           above
           all
           others
           ,
           yet
           when
           they
           became
           unfruitful
           ,
           were
           broken
           off
           from
           the
           true
           
             Olive
             Tree
          
           ,
           and
           the
           wild
           Gentiles
           were
           grafted
           into
           it
           ,
           leaves
           this
           Caution
           in
           eternal
           memory
           ,
           Be
           
           
             not
             high-minded
             ,
             but
             fear
             .
             For
             if
             he
             spared
             not
             the
             natural
             Branches
             ,
             take
             heed
             lest
             he
             spare
             not
             thee
             .
          
           We
           may
           strongly
           infer
           ,
           If
           God
           
             spared
             not
             the
             Angels
             that
             sinned
             in
             their
             first
             act
             of
             disobedience
             ,
             but
             cast
             them
             down
             to
             hell
             ,
             and
             delivered
             them
             into
             Chains
             of
             Darkness
             ,
             to
             be
             reserved
             unto
             Judgment
             .
          
           Certainly
           he
           will
           not
           spare
           sinful
           Men
           that
           hate
           to
           be
           reformed
           ,
           and
           continue
           in
           the
           voluptuous
           course
           of
           Sin
           to
           the
           last
           .
           The
           secure
           and
           foolish
           Sinners
           ,
           that
           now
           make
           a
           mock
           
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           have
           so
           far
           lost
           their
           Innocence
           and
           Ingenuity
           ,
           that
           shame
           and
           request
           for
           their
           foul
           Actions
           is
           counted
           a
           vicious
           Infirmity
           ,
           a
           degenerous
           Humour
           ,
           they
           shall
           understand
           in
           what
           degree
           Sin
           is
           hateful
           to
           the
           Holy
           God.
           They
           who
           now
           sleep
           out
           all
           the
           denunciations
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           will
           find
           at
           last
           ,
           
             they
             have
             to
             do
          
           with
           a
           terrible
           inexorable
           God
           :
           
             Because
             I
             have
             called
             ,
             and
             ye
             refused
             ,
          
           
           
             I
             have
             stretched
             out
             my
             hand
             ,
             and
             no
             Man
             regarded
             ;
             But
             ye
             have
             set
             at
             nought
             all
             my
             Counsel
             ,
             and
             would
             have
             none
             of
             my
             Reproof
             :
             I
             also
             will
             laugh
             at
             your
             Calamity
             ,
             and
             mock
             when
             your
             Fear
             comes
             :
             When
             your
             Fear
             comes
             as
             Desolation
             ,
             and
             your
             Destruction
             comes
             as
             a
             Whirlwind
             ;
             when
             Distress
             and
             Anguish
             come
             upon
             you
             .
             Then
             shall
             they
             call
             upon
             me
             ,
             but
             I
             will
             not
             answer
             ;
             they
             shall
             seek
             me
             early
             ,
             but
          
           
           
             they
             shall
             not
             find
             me
             .
             For
             that
             they
             hated
             Knowledg
             ,
             and
             did
             not
             chuse
             the
             Fear
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           This
           dreadful
           Threatning
           is
           pointed
           against
           foolish
           Sinners
           who
           abuse
           Prosperity
           :
           When
           those
           who
           shut
           their
           Eyes
           against
           Danger
           ,
           shall
           be
           constrained
           to
           open
           them
           ,
           and
           see
           the
           fearful
           Face
           of
           Death
           attended
           with
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           Judgment
           with
           an
           eternal
           Hell
           :
           when
           Diseases
           in
           the
           Body
           ,
           and
           Anguish
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           shall
           assail
           them
           at
           once
           ,
           like
           two
           Clouds
           that
           by
           collision
           break
           forth
           in
           Thunder
           ,
           and
           they
           mournfully
           cry
           for
           Mercy
           ,
           their
           Prayers
           will
           be
           rejected
           with
           scorn
           ,
           and
           their
           Ruin
           be
           remediless
           .
        
         
           The
           carnal
           Conceit
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           graciously
           receive
           Sinners
           when
           the
           World
           has
           left
           them
           ;
           that
           when
           by
           calamitous
           constraint
           
           they
           are
           at
           last
           brought
           to
           confess
           their
           wickedness
           ,
           and
           are
           only
           sorrowful
           for
           the
           evil
           Consequences
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           conceit
           that
           they
           shall
           find
           Mercy
           ,
           is
           Atheism
           of
           as
           blasphemous
           a
           nature
           as
           the
           denial
           of
           a
           God
           :
           for
           to
           ascribe
           such
           a
           Mercy
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           is
           inconsistent
           with
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Truth
           ,
           is
           to
           deprive
           him
           of
           his
           purest
           Perfections
           ,
           and
           in
           effect
           to
           ungod
           him
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           rebellions
           of
           their
           lives
           ,
           they
           exprest
           open
           enmity
           against
           God
           ;
           and
           their
           Devotion
           at
           their
           death
           ,
           is
           secret
           Flattery
           in
           his
           account
           .
           For
           thus
           t
           is
           said
           by
           the
           Psalmist
           of
           such
           Sinners
           ;
           When
           
           
             he
             slew
             them
             ,
             then
             they
             sought
             him
             :
             and
             they
             returned
             and
             enquired
             early
             after
             God.
             Nevertheless
             ,
             they
             did
             flatter
             him
             with
             their
             mouth
             ,
             and
             lied
          
           
           
             to
             him
             with
             their
             tongues
             .
             For
             their
             heart
             was
             not
             right
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             they
             were
             not
             stedfast
             in
             his
             Covenant
             .
          
        
         
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           God
           is
           rich
           in
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           most
           willing
           to
           pardon
           returning
           Sinners
           ,
           when
           their
           contrition
           is
           sincere
           ;
           when
           they
           are
           truly
           sorrowful
           ,
           that
           Sin
           has
           made
           them
           unholy
           as
           well
           as
           unhappy
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           abus'd
           the
           Mercies
           of
           God
           ,
           our
           gracious
           Creator
           and
           Preserver
           ,
           compassionate
           Redeemer
           ,
           and
           blessed
           Comforter
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           provok'd
           his
           Anger
           :
           and
           when
           the
           resolutions
           of
           amendment
           are
           so
           deeply
           rooted
           ,
           as
           would
           prove
           effectual
           if
           they
           should
           be
           tried
           by
           the
           lengthning
           of
           their
           Time
           in
           this
           World.
           But
           those
           who
           defer
           their
           repenting
           whilst
           God
           defers
           punishing
           ,
           and
           like
           the
           unjust
           Steward
           ,
           never
           think
           of
           making
           provision
           for
           
           their
           Souls
           ,
           till
           they
           are
           cited
           to
           give
           an
           account
           of
           their
           unrighteous
           and
           ungrateful
           abuse
           of
           his
           Blessings
           :
           those
           who
           renounce
           their
           Sins
           when
           unable
           to
           commit
           them
           ,
           and
           resolve
           to
           live
           well
           when
           they
           can
           live
           no
           longer
           ,
           have
           great
           reason
           to
           suspect
           their
           own
           hearts
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           fearful
           of
           their
           future
           state
           .
           If
           a
           Minister
           be
           call'd
           to
           assist
           such
           in
           their
           dying
           hours
           ,
           there
           is
           infinite
           reason
           he
           should
           be
           cautious
           of
           assuring
           them
           of
           Pardon
           and
           Salvation
           ,
           lest
           natural
           Sorrow
           be
           mistaken
           for
           godly
           Sorrow
           ,
           and
           the
           Repentance
           declar'd
           by
           them
           ,
           would
           be
           retracted
           upon
           new
           temptations
           :
           't
           is
           safe
           to
           imitate
           a
           *
           discreet
           Physician
           ,
           that
           is
           unwilling
           to
           declare
           what
           he
           fears
           will
           be
           the
           issue
           of
           the
           Disease
           ,
           but
           modestly
           infinuates
           the
           Danger
           
           to
           those
           that
           are
           about
           the
           sick
           Person
           :
           The
           good
           God
           can
           do
           all
           things
           ,
           he
           can
           revive
           the
           almost
           spent
           and
           expiring
           ,
           O
           pray
           for
           him
           .
           'T
           is
           advice
           given
           by
           a
           skilful
           Herbalist
           ,
           that
           particular
           care
           is
           necessary
           in
           planting
           the
           Seed
           of
           the
           Cardus
           ,
           for
           if
           they
           are
           not
           set
           upright
           ,
           they
           degenerate
           and
           produce
           a
           wild
           Herb.
           The
           Gospel
           is
           compar'd
           to
           Seed
           ,
           and
           if
           the
           conditional
           promises
           of
           Pardon
           and
           Salvation
           are
           not
           received
           in
           the
           Heart
           aright
           ,
           if
           the
           comfort
           of
           them
           be
           not
           applied
           according
           to
           the
           Qualifications
           that
           are
           requisite
           to
           give
           us
           an
           interest
           in
           them
           ,
           they
           produce
           a
           vain
           Presumption
           ,
           a
           false
           Hope
           ,
           a
           delusive
           Peace
           ,
           instead
           of
           an
           unfeigned
           Faith
           ,
           a
           purifying
           Hope
           ,
           a
           solid
           Peace
           .
           God
           declares
           it
           with
           the
           
           most
           sacred
           solemnity
           ,
           
             As
             I
             live
          
           ,
           
           
             saith
             the
             Lord
             God
             ,
             I
             have
             no
             pleasure
             in
             the
             death
             of
             the
             Wicked
          
           ;
           if
           the
           carnal
           Heart
           (
           like
           the
           Devil
           who
           abus'd
           Scripture
           ,
           by
           leaving
           out
           part
           of
           it
           )
           shall
           not
           consider
           what
           follows
           ,
           
             but
             that
             the
             Wicked
             turn
             from
             his
             way
             and
             live
             ,
          
           but
           shall
           harden
           and
           fortifie
           it self
           in
           Sin
           ,
           with
           hopes
           of
           impunity
           ,
           God
           will
           rejoice
           in
           their
           just
           destruction
           .
           He
           tells
           us
           that
           a
           converted
           Sinner
           shall
           be
           forgiven
           ▪
           but
           that
           conversion
           must
           be
           uniform
           and
           lasting
           ;
           
             If
             the
             Wicked
          
           
           
             turn
             from
             all
             his
             Sins
             that
             he
             hath
             committed
             ,
             and
             keep
             all
             my
             Statutes
             ,
             and
             do
             that
             which
             is
             lawful
             and
             right
             ,
             he
             shall
             surely
             live
             and
             not
             die
             .
          
           He
           has
           promised
           to
           
             be
             found
             of
             those
             that
             seek
             him
          
           ;
           but
           we
           are
           commanded
           
             to
             seek
             the
             Lord
             whilst
             he
             may
             be
             found
             :
          
           implying
           ▪
           it
           is
           
           not
           in
           our
           power
           when
           we
           please
           to
           find
           him
           with
           his
           pardoning
           Mercy
           and
           assisting
           Grace
           .
           To
           apply
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           against
           the
           Mind
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           injurious
           to
           his
           Honour
           ,
           and
           pernicious
           to
           deluded
           Souls
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           heaviness
           of
           the
           Destruction
           will
           be
           according
           to
           the
           aggravation
           of
           their
           Sin
           ,
           who
           abuse
           Prosperity
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           'T
           is
           a
           Sin
           most
           contrary
           to
           the
           acknowledged
           Duty
           of
           Man
           ,
           and
           unbecoming
           the
           reasonable
           Nature
           .
           'T
           is
           an
           universal
           concession
           that
           springs
           from
           the
           purest
           Light
           of
           Reason
           ,
           that
           we
           
             should
             return
             good
             for
             good
          
           :
           the
           
           Heathens
           agreed
           in
           it
           .
           To
           be
           defective
           in
           observance
           ,
           and
           thankful
           respects
           to
           a
           Benefactor
           is
           unnatural
           ,
           but
           to
           requite
           Evil
           
           for
           Good
           ,
           is
           so
           direct
           a
           violation
           of
           the
           ingenuous
           Principles
           of
           Humanity
           ,
           that
           one
           is
           prodigiously
           wicked
           in
           doing
           it
           :
           he
           ceases
           to
           be
           a
           Man
           ,
           and
           becomes
           a
           Devil
           .
           Now
           this
           black
           Guilt
           cleaves
           to
           those
           who
           abuse
           Prosperity
           .
           The
           Blessings
           of
           God
           are
           strong
           and
           sweet
           obligations
           to
           love
           him
           ,
           yet
           their
           perverse
           Hearts
           are
           thereby
           alienated
           from
           him
           :
           his
           Mercies
           engage
           and
           enable
           them
           to
           serve
           and
           glorify
           him
           ,
           but
           are
           used
           to
           gratify
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           them
           more
           capable
           and
           presumptuous
           to
           offend
           him
           .
           Prosperity
           makes
           them
           luxurious
           and
           secure
           ;
           Riches
           makes
           them
           sin
           at
           a
           higher
           rate
           ;
           the
           patient
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           waits
           for
           their
           Repentance
           ,
           (
           such
           is
           their
           desperate
           corruption
           )
           fortifies
           them
           in
           their
           rebellion
           against
           
           him
           .
           This
           was
           the
           reason
           of
           that
           stinging
           Reproach
           of
           Moses
           to
           
             Israel
             ,
             Do
             ye
             thus
             requite
          
           
           
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             foolish
             People
             and
             unwise
             ?
          
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           abuse
           of
           Prosperity
           is
           most
           injurious
           and
           provoking
           to
           God.
           To
           sin
           against
           his
           Law
           ,
           is
           an
           high
           affront
           to
           his
           Majesty
           ;
           but
           to
           sin
           against
           his
           Love
           and
           Benefits
           is
           more
           contumelious
           to
           him
           .
           The
           Apostle
           calls
           it
           ,
           
             a
             despising
          
           
           
             of
             God's
             goodness
          
           :
           what
           is
           more
           contumelious
           ,
           than
           to
           employ
           his
           Benefits
           for
           the
           pleasing
           our
           
             dishonourable
             vile
             Affections
          
           ?
           as
           the
           Gift
           of
           a
           Friend
           is
           slited
           that
           is
           put
           to
           a
           base
           use
           ;
           or
           as
           one
           that
           will
           not
           be
           reconciled
           by
           the
           Presents
           of
           a
           Friend
           ,
           despises
           his
           Gifts
           :
           thus
           when
           the
           Favours
           of
           God
           do
           not
           melt
           the
           Heart
           into
           kindly
           resentments
           ,
           
           and
           endear
           him
           to
           us
           ,
           they
           are
           despised
           .
        
         
           If
           a
           Favorite
           ,
           that
           were
           raised
           by
           a
           Prince
           to
           the
           highest
           Honour
           and
           Trust
           ,
           should
           betray
           his
           Magazines
           ,
           both
           Arms
           and
           Treasures
           to
           his
           Enemy
           ,
           could
           there
           be
           a
           fouler
           wickedness
           ?
           and
           of
           this
           heinous
           nature
           is
           their
           Wickedness
           ,
           who
           abuse
           the
           Mercies
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Service
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           implicitly
           betray
           them
           into
           the
           Devil's
           hands
           ,
           who
           maliously
           wars
           against
           God.
           What
           a
           contumelious
           indignity
           heightned
           with
           the
           basest
           ingratitude
           was
           Jeroboam
           guilty
           of
           ,
           who
           chang'd
           the
           Glory
           of
           the
           uncorruptible
           God
           ,
           into
           an
           Image
           like
           a
           corruptible
           Beast
           .
           *
           God
           advanc'd
           him
           to
           the
           Throne
           ,
           and
           he
           deprest
           the
           Deity
           to
           the
           rank
           of
           stupid
           Calves
           .
           What
           a
           hateful
           
           abuse
           of
           his
           Bounty
           was
           it
           ,
           that
           the
           Israelites
           turned
           the
           Jewels
           of
           Gold
           wherewith
           he
           inricht
           them
           by
           the
           Egyptians
           ,
           into
           a
           detestable
           Idol
           :
           of
           such
           Wickededness
           are
           Men
           deeply
           guilty
           ,
           when
           the
           precious
           Blessings
           that
           God
           bestows
           upon
           them
           ,
           are
           made
           the
           Idols
           of
           their
           heads
           and
           hearts
           ,
           and
           rob
           him
           of
           the
           Honour
           and
           Love
           that
           is
           incommunicably
           due
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           What
           can
           more
           provoke
           the
           jealous
           God
           ?
           Mercy
           is
           his
           dearest
           Glory
           ,
           in
           which
           he
           peculiarly
           delights
           ;
           't
           is
           the
           Attribute
           of
           which
           he
           is
           most
           tender
           ,
           and
           the
           abuse
           of
           it
           is
           to
           stab
           him
           to
           the
           Heart
           .
        
         
           From
           hence
           we
           may
           justly
           infer
           ,
           the
           punishment
           of
           such
           Sinners
           will
           be
           most
           heavy
           ,
           in
           exact
           proportion
           to
           their
           most
           odious
           ingratitude
           .
           Damnation
           is
           the
           
           recompence
           of
           every
           impenitent
           Sinner
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           most
           fearful
           effect
           of
           God's
           Wrath.
           Temporal
           Judgments
           are
           
             but
             the
             smoke
             of
          
           
           
             his
             Anger
          
           ,
           the
           flaming
           Coles
           are
           in
           Hell.
           But
           there
           are
           degrees
           of
           torment
           in
           Hell
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           number
           and
           quality
           of
           Mens
           Sins
           .
           
             Those
             who
             despise
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             ,
             treasure
             up
             Wrath
             against
             the
             day
             of
             Wrath.
          
           As
           they
           continually
           abuse
           his
           Bounty
           and
           Patience
           ▪
           they
           increase
           his
           Vengeance
           ,
           which
           will
           be
           as
           terrible
           as
           his
           Patience
           was
           admirable
           .
           The
           Judgment
           of
           Babylon
           was
           a
           strict
           proportion
           to
           her
           Luxury
           :
           How
           
           
             much
             she
             hath
             glorified
             her self
             ,
             and
             lived
             deliciously
             ,
             so
             much
             troment
             and
             sorrow
             give
             her
             .
          
           Justice
           will
           exact
           all
           the
           Arrears
           of
           abused
           Mercies
           .
           The
           lovers
           of
           this
           World
           shall
           pass
           from
           
             their
             good
             Things
          
           ,
           
           to
           the
           Flames
           that
           live
           by
           the
           Breath
           of
           God's
           revenging
           Wrath.
           Doleful
           exchange
           !
           an
           hours
           feeling
           of
           that
           Fire
           is
           more
           tormenting
           ,
           than
           an
           Ages
           enjoyment
           of
           this
           World
           in
           all
           its
           abundance
           is
           pleasing
           .
           But
           tho
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           has
           discovered
           the
           swift
           and
           thick-coming
           Sorrows
           that
           shall
           seize
           upon
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           yet
           so
           foolish
           and
           obstinate
           are
           Sinners
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           be
           perswaded
           to
           fly
           from
           the
           Wrath
           to
           come
           !
           The
           Light
           of
           Reason
           ,
           and
           Illumination
           of
           Faith
           ,
           is
           too
           weak
           to
           make
           them
           sensible
           of
           their
           Danger
           :
           they
           will
           not
           be
           convinc'd
           ,
           till
           shut
           up
           in
           the
           darkness
           of
           Hell.
           
        
         
           It
           now
           follows
           ,
           that
           by
           Application
           we
           should
           make
           this
           great
           Doctrine
           more
           useful
           to
           our selves
           .
        
         
         
           In
           the
           general
           ,
           't
           is
           of
           excellent
           use
           to
           rectify
           our
           Judgments
           about
           the
           Things
           and
           Men
           of
           the
           World.
           The
           most
           are
           miserably
           deluded
           ,
           and
           live
           in
           a
           blindness
           so
           gross
           and
           misleading
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           secure
           when
           near
           steep
           ruin
           .
           Asclepius
           being
           blind
           ,
           mournfully
           complain'd
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           fain
           to
           be
           led
           by
           a
           Child
           :
           but
           carnal
           Men
           are
           voluntarily
           guided
           by
           Sence
           and
           Fancy
           the
           false
           Lights
           that
           rule
           in
           Children
           ,
           and
           blindly
           follow
           ,
           without
           considering
           who
           is
           their
           Leader
           ,
           and
           whether
           they
           are
           led
           .
           Or
           like
           one
           in
           a
           slumber
           ,
           is
           strongly
           affected
           with
           slight
           things
           :
           a
           Scene
           of
           Fancy
           in
           a
           Dream
           transports
           him
           as
           a
           glorious
           Reality
           :
           a
           prick
           of
           a
           Pin
           makes
           him
           start
           as
           fearfully
           as
           if
           a
           Viper
           bit
           him
           :
           thus
           carnal
           Men
           are
           as
           deeply
           affected
           with
           
           temporal
           good
           and
           evil
           things
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           Eternal
           ,
           wherein
           their
           Blessedness
           or
           Misery
           consists
           .
           And
           there
           is
           nothing
           of
           greater
           use
           and
           defence
           to
           the
           Soul
           ,
           than
           to
           make
           a
           true
           judgment
           of
           things
           that
           greatly
           and
           nearly
           concern
           us
           .
           From
           thence
           proceeds
           a
           wise
           Choice
           ,
           a
           well-ordered
           Conversation
           ,
           and
           upon
           it
           our
           blessed
           End
           depends
           .
           For
           as
           the
           Rudder
           is
           to
           a
           Ship
           ,
           the
           Will
           is
           to
           Man
           ;
           if
           it
           be
           duly
           turn'd
           ,
           it
           conducts
           him
           safely
           to
           Felicity
           .
        
         
           
             The
             particular
             just
             Inferences
             from
             the
             Doctrine
             are
             ,
          
        
         
           1.
           
           Temporal
           Prosperity
           is
           not
           a
           certain
           sign
           of
           God's
           special
           Favour
           .
           There
           are
           some
           Benefits
           disperst
           by
           a
           general
           Providence
           
           to
           all
           ,
           like
           the
           common
           Benefits
           of
           a
           Prince
           to
           all
           within
           his
           Dominions
           :
           some
           are
           like
           special
           Gifts
           to
           his
           Favorites
           :
           Of
           the
           first
           kind
           are
           Riches
           and
           Honours
           ,
           and
           whatever
           is
           the
           support
           or
           comfort
           of
           the
           present
           Life
           :
           of
           the
           second
           are
           spiritual
           and
           heavenly
           Blessings
           ,
           the
           Graces
           and
           Comforts
           of
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           infallible
           Seal
           of
           his
           Love
           to
           us
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           prays
           ,
           
             Remember
             me
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             with
             the
             favour
          
           
           
             thou
             bearest
             unto
             thy
             People
             :
             O
             visit
             me
             with
             thy
             Salvation
             :
          
           there
           is
           a
           Favour
           common
           to
           all
           Men
           as
           his
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           the
           Fruits
           of
           it
           are
           promiscuous
           to
           the
           Evil
           and
           the
           Good
           :
           but
           the
           Favour
           from
           whence
           proceeds
           
             Grace
             and
             Glory
          
           ,
           is
           the
           priviledg
           of
           his
           Chosen
           .
        
         
           The
           temporal
           Prosperity
           of
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           is
           consistent
           with
           
           
           God's
           Hatred
           .
           When
           Men
           turn
           his
           Blessings
           into
           the
           fuel
           of
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           his
           Patience
           into
           an
           advantage
           of
           sinning
           more
           securely
           ,
           how
           flourishing
           soever
           they
           are
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           he
           looks
           on
           them
           with
           an
           avenging
           Eye
           .
           
             He
             hates
             all
             the
             workers
             of
             Iniquity
             .
          
           His
           seeming
           connivance
           is
           no
           Argument
           that
           he
           is
           not
           highly
           provok'd
           by
           their
           Sins
           ,
           or
           that
           they
           may
           obtain
           an
           easy
           Pardon
           .
           Yet
           this
           is
           the
           inward
           principle
           of
           the
           gross
           and
           outward
           Sins
           in
           the
           lives
           of
           Men
           ,
           tho
           unobserved
           by
           them
           .
           As
           the
           vital
           Heat
           is
           not
           felt
           in
           the
           Heart
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           Cause
           of
           all
           the
           Heat
           that
           is
           felt
           in
           the
           outward
           parts
           of
           the
           Body
           .
           
             These
             things
             hast
             thou
             done
          
           ,
           (
           saith
           God
           to
           the
           rebellious
           Sinner
           )
           
             and
             I
             kept
             silence
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           suspended
           
           the
           terrible
           Effects
           of
           Justice
           ,
           
           
             thou
             thoughts
             I
             was
             altogether
             such
             a
             one
             as
             thy self
             .
          
           Astonishing
           blindness
           !
           not
           to
           discern
           the
           apparent
           antipathy
           of
           such
           Connexions
           .
           As
           if
           
           God's
           forbearance
           of
           the
           Guilty
           were
           forgiveness
           :
           and
           rebellion
           against
           his
           Commands
           ,
           and
           the
           love
           of
           Sin
           which
           is
           enmity
           to
           him
           ,
           were
           consistent
           with
           the
           fruition
           of
           his
           Favour
           .
           But
           we
           have
           the
           most
           clear
           and
           convincing
           assurance
           ,
           God
           cannot
           be
           pleased
           with
           Men
           ,
           without
           their
           being
           made
           like
           him
           in
           Righteousness
           and
           true
           Holiness
           .
           He
           sees
           and
           hates
           Sin
           ,
           and
           abhors
           the
           Sinners
           tho
           for
           a
           time
           they
           are
           spared
           .
           Justice
           and
           Patience
           are
           his
           Attributes
           :
           
             He
             is
             slow
             to
          
           
           
             anger
             ,
             and
             great
             in
             Power
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             acquit
             the
             Guilty
             .
             He
             endures
             with
             much
             long-suffering
             the
             Vessels
             of
          
           
           
             Wrath
             ,
             till
             they
             are
             fitted
             for
             destruction
             ▪
          
           
           The
           presumptuous
           Sinner
           that
           is
           encouraged
           and
           harden'd
           ,
           as
           if
           Sin
           were
           not
           so
           hateful
           to
           God
           ,
           because
           he
           enjoys
           the
           World
           in
           abundance
           ,
           and
           expects
           an
           easy
           remission
           at
           last
           ,
           fearfully
           deceives
           his
           Soul
           :
           
             He
             sows
             the
             Wind
             ,
             and
             shall
             reap
             the
             Whirlwind
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Prosperity
           of
           the
           Wicked
           is
           so
           far
           from
           being
           a
           sign
           of
           
             God's
             love
          
           ,
           that
           it
           often
           proceeds
           from
           his
           deepest
           Displeasure
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           Curse
           candied
           over
           with
           a
           little
           vanishing
           sweetness
           ,
           but
           deadly
           in
           the
           Operation
           .
           It
           makes
           them
           careless
           of
           God
           and
           their
           Souls
           ,
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Eternity
           ,
           and
           they
           become
           incorrigible
           in
           their
           perverse
           Wills
           and
           wicked
           Ways
           ,
           and
           irrecoverable
           in
           their
           lost
           State.
           Prosperity
           induces
           Security
           ,
           that
           presages
           
           and
           accelerates
           their
           ruin
           .
           'T
           is
           exprest
           as
           the
           most
           fearful
           and
           sorest
           Judgment
           by
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             hath
             poured
             out
             upon
             you
          
           
           
             the
             spirit
             of
             deep
             sleep
          
           ,
           an
           insensibleness
           of
           the
           worst
           Evils
           ,
           their
           Sins
           ,
           and
           the
           infinite
           danger
           that
           attends
           them
           .
           This
           Judgment
           is
           usually
           inflicted
           from
           the
           righteous
           God
           by
           the
           prosperity
           of
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           and
           extreamly
           provokes
           him
           ,
           it
           being
           a
           Sin
           of
           the
           greatest
           Guilt
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           a
           Punishment
           of
           former
           high
           provocations
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           distinguishing
           Judgment
           inflicted
           upon
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           from
           which
           his
           Children
           are
           exempted
           .
           Other
           Judgments
           that
           cause
           grief
           and
           trouble
           to
           Sinners
           ,
           often
           incline
           his
           Compassions
           to
           them
           ;
           but
           this
           Judgment
           inflames
           his
           Wrath.
           In
           short
           ,
           the
           Prosperity
           of
           the
           Wicked
           here
           ,
           is
           a
           fatal
           sign
           
           they
           are
           reserved
           for
           the
           severity
           of
           Justice
           ,
           for
           their
           abuse
           of
           the
           Riches
           of
           his
           Mercy
           :
           and
           of
           all
           Judgments
           that
           is
           the
           most
           terrible
           ,
           that
           insensibly
           destroys
           ,
           and
           certainly
           brings
           damnation
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           From
           hence
           we
           are
           instructed
           to
           look
           upon
           Prosperous
           Sinners
           with
           pity
           ,
           not
           with
           envy
           and
           indignation
           .
           They
           please
           themselves
           ,
           and
           triumph
           in
           their
           conceit
           and
           happiness
           ,
           as
           the
           Psalmist
           expresseth
           it
           ,
           
             Whilst
             he
             lived
             ,
             ▪
             he
             blessed
             his
             Soul.
          
           But
           how
           contrary
           is
           the
           Opinion
           of
           vain
           Men
           to
           the
           Judgment
           of
           Christ
           ;
           He
           pronounces
           (
           and
           upon
           his
           Sentence
           depends
           Eternity
           )
           
             Wo
             unto
             you
             that
             are
             rich
             ,
          
           for
           ye
           have
           received
           your
           Consolation
           ?
           
             Wo
             unto
             you
             that
             are
             full
             ,
          
           for
           ye
           shall
           hunger
           :
           
             Wo
             unto
             you
             that
             laughnow
             ,
             for
          
           
           
             ye
             shall
             mourn
             and
             weep
          
           .
           And
           we
           are
           told
           by
           the
           inspired
           Prophet
           ,
           
             Man
             that
             is
             in
             honour
             ,
             and
             understands
          
           
           not
           ,
           (
           that
           does
           not
           consider
           the
           Vanity
           and
           frail
           Tenure
           of
           his
           present
           flourishing
           State
           ;
           nor
           his
           Duty
           and
           Interest
           to
           imploy
           his
           Riches
           ,
           Power
           ,
           and
           Greatness
           ,
           for
           securing
           his
           everlasting
           Felici●ty
           )
           is
           like
           
             the
             Beasts
             that
             perish
          
           ,
           stupid
           and
           insensible
           of
           approaching
           Ruin
           ;
           as
           the
           Beast
           that
           was
           to
           be
           sacrificed
           ,
           did
           not
           perceive
           that
           the
           guilding
           its
           Horns
           ,
           and
           adorning
           it
           with
           Garlands
           ,
           was
           a
           sign
           it
           was
           destin'd
           to
           Death
           .
           They
           now
           live
           in
           ease
           and
           pleasures
           ;
           but
           they
           must
           shortly
           remove
           from
           their
           rich
           Possessions
           ,
           and
           splendid
           Palaces
           ,
           to
           the
           dark
           Regions
           of
           Woe
           ,
           and
           Death
           will
           be
           an
           entrance
           into
           endless
           Sorrows
           .
           
             The
             laughter
          
           
           
             of
             Fools
             is
             like
             the
             crackling
             of
             Thorns
          
           
           
             under
             the
             Pot
          
           ,
           a
           short
           Blaze
           soon
           damp'd
           and
           extinguish'd
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           a
           dreadful
           Imprecation
           of
           the
           Holy
           Psalmist
           ;
           
             Let
             their
             way
          
           
           
             be
             dark
             and
             slippery
             ;
             and
             let
             the
             Angel
             of
             the
             Lord
             persecute
             them
             .
          
           To
           fly
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           and
           in
           slippery
           places
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           fall
           into
           the
           Mire
           and
           Pits
           ,
           is
           a
           fit
           Emblem
           of
           their
           Condition
           ,
           who
           are
           prosperous
           and
           wicked
           .
           They
           are
           hood-wink'd
           by
           Prosperity
           ,
           in
           a
           voluntary
           darkness
           ,
           and
           see
           not
           the
           Precipices
           that
           surround
           them
           :
           And
           how
           slippery
           is
           their
           way
           by
           so
           numerous
           and
           insinuating
           Temptations
           ?
           how
           easily
           ,
           how
           frequently
           and
           dangerously
           do
           they
           fall
           ,
           and
           both
           defile
           and
           wound
           themselves
           ?
           Briefly
           ,
           they
           are
           truly
           miserable
           here
           ,
           even
           whilst
           they
           most
           pleasantly
           and
           
           contentedly
           enjoy
           the
           World
           ,
           they
           are
           accumulating
           the
           Treasures
           of
           Wrath
           ,
           and
           preparing
           new
           Torments
           for
           their
           Souls
           :
           they
           stand
           upon
           brittle
           Ice
           ,
           and
           Hell
           is
           beneath
           ready
           to
           swallow
           them
           up
           in
           its
           deepest
           Gulph
           .
           As
           't
           is
           said
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Saints
           darkend
           by
           Sorrows
           here
           ,
           that
           their
           
             glorious
             Life
             is
             hid
          
           
           
             in
             God
          
           ,
           and
           shall
           illustriously
           appear
           with
           Christ
           at
           his
           second
           Coming
           :
           So
           the
           terrible
           Death
           of
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           whilst
           they
           flourish
           here
           ▪
           is
           hid
           from
           the
           Eyes
           of
           Sense
           ▪
           but
           shall
           be
           revealed
           in
           the
           Day
           of
           Wrath.
           And
           to
           a
           wise
           Observer
           ,
           to
           a
           serious
           Believer
           ,
           the
           prosperous
           Sinner
           is
           the
           most
           unhappy
           and
           compassionable
           Object
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           for
           he
           perishes
           by
           such
           a
           flattering
           kind
           of
           Death
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           neither
           
           apprehensive
           ,
           nor
           affected
           with
           his
           Danger
           .
        
         
           And
           when
           an
           illuminate
           Christian
           sees
           the
           Marks
           of
           Damnation
           in
           Sinners
           ,
           whom
           Prosperity
           deceives
           and
           hardens
           ,
           he
           cannot
           but
           be
           tenderly
           moved
           ,
           and
           is
           obliged
           most
           earnestly
           to
           pray
           to
           the
           merciful
           
             Father
             of
             Spirits
          
           ,
           whose
           Grace
           is
           Omnipotent
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           recover
           their
           lapsed
           Souls
           ,
           bleeding
           to
           eternal
           Death
           .
           If
           there
           be
           any
           heavenly
           Charity
           in
           our
           brests
           ,
           it
           will
           melt
           our
           hearts
           ,
           and
           dissolve
           us
           in
           tears
           to
           prevent
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           to
           solemnize
           and
           lament
           their
           heavy
           Destiny
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           From
           hence
           we
           are
           instructed
           to
           judg
           truly
           and
           wisely
           of
           Afflictions
           :
           they
           are
           the
           necessary
           and
           merciful
           Dispensations
           of
           
           Heaven
           to
           recover
           Sinners
           corrupted
           by
           Prosperity
           ,
           and
           to
           return
           them
           to
           God.
           Sense
           ,
           tho
           its
           principal
           end
           is
           to
           preserve
           the
           Body
           ,
           is
           not
           always
           a
           fit
           judg
           of
           things
           beneficial
           to
           it
           :
           the
           Appetites
           and
           Aversions
           are
           sometimes
           pernicious
           :
           One
           in
           a
           Dropsy
           drinks
           to
           quench
           his
           Thirst
           ,
           and
           increases
           his
           Distemper
           .
           A
           bitter
           Potion
           is
           rejected
           by
           a
           sick
           Child
           ,
           not
           considering
           that
           a
           Medicine
           ,
           not
           Sweet-meats
           ,
           can
           cure
           his
           Disease
           .
           The
           pleasure
           of
           the
           taste
           ,
           is
           no
           certain
           indication
           of
           what
           is
           wholsome
           for
           Health
           :
           much
           more
           uncapable
           is
           Sense
           to
           judg
           of
           what
           is
           useful
           for
           the
           Soul.
           Reason
           is
           entirely
           renounc'd
           ,
           and
           fallacious
           Sense
           is
           in
           the
           Throne
           ,
           when
           Prosperity
           with
           its
           gaudy
           Allurements
           is
           esteemed
           as
           our
           Happiness
           ,
           and
           
           Adversity
           is
           abhorr'd
           as
           the
           worst
           Misery
           .
           The
           Wise
           Man
           instructed
           by
           dear
           Experience
           ,
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             It
             is
             better
             to
             go
             to
             the
             House
             of
          
           
           
             Mourning
             ▪
             than
             to
             go
             to
             the
             House
             of
             Feasting
             :
             for
             that
             is
             the
             end
             of
             all
             Men
             ,
             and
             the
             living
             will
             lay
             it
             to
             heart
             .
             Sorrow
             is
             better
             than
             Laughter
             :
             for
             by
             the
             sadness
             of
             the
             Countenance
             ,
             the
             Heart
             is
             made
             better
             .
             The
             Heart
             of
             the
             Wise
             is
             in
             the
             House
             of
             Mourning
             ,
             but
             the
             Heart
             of
             Fools
             is
             in
             the
             House
             of
             Mirth
             .
          
           Prosperity
           irritates
           and
           fortifies
           the
           sensual
           vile
           Affections
           ,
           the
           pleasing
           of
           which
           is
           fatal
           to
           the
           *
           Soul.
           As
           't
           is
           observed
           by
           the
           natural
           Historian
           ,
           that
           the
           sparkling
           Colour
           and
           delicious
           Relish
           of
           Wine
           ,
           tempts
           Men
           to
           drinking
           without
           thirst
           ;
           and
           from
           Intemperance
           ,
           innumerable
           Diseases
           flow
           .
        
         
         
           Prosperity
           diverts
           the
           Mind
           from
           considering
           the
           things
           that
           belong
           to
           our
           eternal
           Peace
           ,
           and
           the
           Will
           from
           consenting
           to
           them
           .
           The
           Thoughts
           are
           so
           scattered
           abroad
           ,
           that
           few
           are
           left
           at
           home
           ,
           duly
           to
           ponder
           the
           miserable
           Effects
           of
           Sin.
           Now
           in
           this
           the
           Rules
           of
           natural
           and
           spiritual
           Medicine
           agree
           ,
           that
           one
           Extream
           is
           to
           be
           cured
           by
           another
           .
           The
           Devil
           cruelly
           destroys
           the
           
           Souls
           of
           Men
           by
           the
           pleasures
           of
           Sin
           ;
           and
           God
           ,
           the
           wise
           and
           compassionate
           Physician
           ,
           recovers
           them
           by
           bitter
           Sorrows
           ,
           the
           most
           congruous
           and
           powerful
           means
           for
           that
           blessed
           Effect
           .
        
         
           Affliction
           makes
           us
           retire
           within
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           shuts
           out
           the
           noisy
           throng
           of
           worldly
           distracting
           Objects
           ;
           and
           then
           Truth
           and
           Conscience
           ,
           that
           were
           under
           
           unrighteous
           Restraints
           ,
           will
           break
           the
           Fetters
           ,
           and
           speak
           loudly
           and
           terribly
           to
           the
           Sinner
           .
           Affliction
           fixes
           the
           Mind
           upon
           those
           Objects
           ,
           that
           duly
           considered
           ,
           are
           able
           to
           terrify
           the
           most
           determin'd
           and
           resolved
           Sinner
           .
           There
           is
           no
           Man
           so
           prodigiously
           bad
           ,
           so
           perfectly
           a
           Brute
           ,
           but
           has
           at
           times
           some
           twinges
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           some
           workings
           in
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           some
           desires
           of
           Salvation
           .
           Even
           Balaam
           ,
           who
           in
           the
           judgment
           of
           the
           Angel
           was
           more
           stupid
           than
           the
           Ass
           he
           rode
           on
           ,
           yet
           had
           some
           springings
           in
           his
           heart
           towards
           Heaven
           ;
           
             O
             that
             I
             might
             die
             the
             Death
             of
             the
             Righteous
             ,
             and
             my
             last
             end
             may
             be
             like
             his
             :
          
           but
           these
           are
           fleeting
           and
           variable
           ,
           and
           so
           weak
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           Opposite
           desires
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           while
           Prosperity
           continues
           ,
           that
           they
           
           prove
           abortive
           .
           Now
           affliction
           deads
           the
           flaming
           edge
           of
           the
           Affection
           to
           Vanity
           .
           When
           the
           Sinner
           feels
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           divine
           Threatnings
           ,
           then
           he
           is
           effectually
           convinc'd
           of
           the
           Evil
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           understands
           ,
           by
           the
           beginning
           of
           Sorrows
           here
           ,
           what
           the
           Issues
           will
           be
           hereafter
           ,
           and
           retracts
           his
           foolish
           choice
           .
           In
           the
           time
           of
           Affliction
           ,
           
             our
             Sins
             find
             us
             out
          
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           most
           likely
           we
           shall
           then
           find
           our
           Sins
           out
           ,
           and
           with
           repenting
           tears
           acknowledg
           them
           ,
           and
           with
           hatred
           renounce
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           designed
           Benefit
           by
           Afflictions
           ,
           should
           reconcile
           them
           to
           our
           Wills
           ,
           and
           perswade
           us
           ,
           with
           patience
           and
           thankfulness
           ,
           to
           accept
           of
           them
           as
           the
           Testimonies
           of
           God's
           peculiar
           favour
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           declares
           ,
           
             As
             many
             as
             I
             love
             ,
             I
          
           
           
           
             rebuke
             and
             chasten
             ;
             be
             zealous
             and
             repent
             .
          
           God
           is
           often
           most
           angry
           ,
           when
           he
           makes
           no
           sensible
           discovery
           that
           he
           is
           so
           :
           thus
           he
           threatens
           the
           rebellious
           Jews
           ,
           
             I
             will
          
           
           
             make
             my
             Fury
             towards
             thee
             to
             rest
             ,
             and
             my
             Jealousy
             shall
             depart
             from
             thee
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             be
             quiet
             ,
             and
             will
             be
             no
             more
             angry
             :
          
           implying
           a
           final
           divorce
           ,
           a
           leaving
           them
           to
           their
           impure
           Idolatries
           ,
           without
           more
           correction
           .
           If
           there
           be
           such
           a
           hardness
           of
           heart
           as
           the
           Fire
           cannot
           melt
           ,
           such
           a
           rust
           that
           the
           Fire
           cannot
           purify
           ,
           God
           will
           not
           waste
           his
           Judgments
           on
           such
           desperate
           Sinners
           .
           He
           withdraws
           his
           chastising
           hand
           ,
           as
           hopeless
           of
           their
           amendment
           ,
           and
           that
           desertion
           is
           a
           fatal
           signature
           of
           Reprobation
           .
           And
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           many
           times
           God's
           Love
           is
           most
           tender
           and
           compassionate
           to
           us
           ,
           when
           to
           Sense
           
           there
           is
           the
           least
           evidence
           of
           it
           .
           Even
           the
           Heathens
           ,
           in
           the
           twilight
           ,
           
           between
           the
           darkness
           of
           Idolatry
           ,
           and
           the
           light
           of
           Nature
           ,
           discovered
           that
           Afflictions
           were
           the
           privilege
           of
           those
           that
           are
           singularly
           beloved
           of
           God.
           And
           Christians
           have
           a
           more
           sure
           word
           for
           their
           instruction
           ,
           
             Whom
             the
          
           
           
             Lord
             loves
             he
             chastens
             ,
             and
             scourgeth
             every
             Son
             whom
             he
             receives
             .
          
           There
           is
           not
           a
           stronger
           evidence
           of
           his
           fatherly
           wise
           Love
           ,
           than
           the
           discipline
           of
           the
           Rod
           ;
           and
           the
           afflicted
           returning
           Sinner
           may
           ,
           with
           an
           adoptive
           assurance
           come
           to
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           .
           By
           afflictions
           the
           World
           is
           less
           enticing
           and
           hurtful
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           Heaven
           is
           more
           amiable
           and
           desirable
           :
           the
           things
           that
           are
           seen
           ,
           are
           vilified
           and
           distasted
           ;
           and
           invisible
           things
           are
           sought
           with
           our
           highest
           
           esteem
           and
           respect
           ,
           and
           zealous
           endeavours
           .
           Those
           Lusts
           that
           spring
           ,
           and
           grow
           ,
           and
           flourish
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           are
           blasted
           and
           wither
           ,
           and
           die
           in
           adversity
           .
           Those
           who
           forget
           God
           when
           prosperous
           
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           are
           taught
           by
           the
           voice
           of
           the
           Rod
           to
           adore
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           obey
           his
           Laws
           ,
           imitate
           his
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           humbly
           to
           accept
           of
           his
           Mercy
           .
           By
           Afflictions
           the
           sensual
           Appetites
           are
           sudu'd
           ,
           and
           brought
           into
           order
           a
           low
           state
           ,
           is
           a
           protection
           from
           many
           strong
           and
           destructive
           Temptations
           .
           Sickness
           that
           brings
           near
           the
           Grave
           ,
           and
           makes
           us
           feel
           how
           frail
           we
           are
           ,
           renders
           
           the
           World
           despicable
           ,
           that
           by
           their
           Lusts
           so
           powerfully
           infatuates
           Men
           to
           their
           ruin
           .
           Sanctified
           Affliction
           ,
           is
           a
           happy
           preparative
           for
           the
           fulness
           of
           Joy
           
           in
           the
           blessed
           presence
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           The
           first
           to
           whom
           our
           Saviour
           promis'd
           the
           Rest
           and
           Joy
           of
           Paradise
           ,
           was
           the
           Companion
           of
           his
           Cross.
           
        
         
           Let
           us
           therefore
           ,
           with
           free
           Judgments
           ,
           and
           sincere
           Affections
           ,
           make
           an
           estimate
           of
           all
           sensible
           things
           ,
           not
           judg
           our selves
           to
           be
           in
           the
           favour
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           the
           good
           Things
           received
           here
           ,
           nor
           under
           his
           Wrath
           by
           Evil
           :
           Let
           us
           not
           be
           surpris'd
           at
           the
           Prosperity
           of
           the
           Wicked
           ,
           nor
           shaken
           at
           the
           Afflictions
           of
           the
           Godly
           ,
           but
           regulate
           our
           Thoughts
           by
           the
           
           unerring
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           ,
           so
           clearly
           revealed
           in
           his
           Word
           .
           He
           is
           propitious
           ,
           when
           he
           denies
           or
           takes
           from
           us
           those
           temporal
           Enjoyments
           that
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           abuse
           ;
           and
           severe
           when
           he
           bestows
           
           them
           ,
           and
           seems
           to
           indulge
           Mens
           carnal
           Affections
           .
           It
           is
           but
           a
           little
           while
           ,
           and
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           Sinners
           ;
           and
           the
           Afflictions
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           will
           end
           in
           a
           state
           directly
           contrary
           to
           what
           is
           enjoyed
           or
           suffered
           here
           .
           
             With
             God
             a
             thousand
             Years
             are
             but
             as
             one
             day
             :
          
           the
           World
           is
           not
           of
           a
           weeks
           standing
           in
           the
           Divine
           Account
           :
           he
           measures
           all
           things
           by
           Eternity
           :
           the
           Vessels
           of
           Mercy
           are
           by
           sanctified
           Afflictions
           made
           fit
           for
           Eternal
           Glory
           .
           
             The
             Vessels
             of
             Wrath
             are
             by
             the
             abuse
             of
             his
             Bounty
             and
             Patience
             ,
             fitted
             for
             eternal
             destruction
             .
          
        
         
           In
           the
           last
           place
           ,
           from
           hence
           we
           should
           be
           warned
           to
           be
           always
           circumspect
           to
           avoid
           the
           Evils
           that
           usually
           attend
           Prosperity
           ,
           to
           improve
           it
           to
           our
           eternal
           Advantage
           .
           Prosperity
           is
           not
           
           like
           an
           infected
           Garment
           ,
           that
           transfuses
           a
           contagious
           Malignity
           into
           every
           one
           that
           wears
           it
           .
           A
           Person
           that
           is
           rich
           and
           honourable
           ,
           and
           in
           Power
           ,
           may
           not
           only
           be
           a
           Saint
           ,
           but
           the
           more
           a
           Saint
           by
           his
           dedicating
           and
           employing
           the
           Gifts
           of
           God
           to
           his
           Glory
           ,
           and
           the
           Publick
           Good.
           'T
           is
           a
           Point
           of
           high
           and
           holy
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           only
           taught
           in
           the
           School
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           how
           to
           manage
           the
           opposite
           states
           of
           the
           present
           Life
           ,
           so
           as
           not
           to
           be
           vainly
           swelling
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           nor
           broken
           and
           flagging
           in
           Adversity
           ,
           but
           to
           preserve
           an
           aequanimity
           ,
           a
           constant
           composed
           mind
           ,
           the
           blessed
           imitation
           of
           the
           divine
           Unchangeableness
           .
           St.
           Paul
           saith
           ,
           without
           vain
           arrogance
           ,
           
             I
             know
             both
             how
             to
             be
             abased
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             I
             know
             how
             to
             abound
             :
             every
             where
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             things
             I
             am
             instructed
             ,
          
           
           
             both
             to
             be
             full
             and
             to
             be
             hungry
             ,
             both
             to
             abound
             and
             to
             suffer
             need
             .
          
           'T
           was
           a
           secret
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           not
           learn'd
           from
           Men
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           of
           God.
           In
           some
           respects
           't
           is
           a
           more
           difficult
           exercise
           to
           manage
           Prosperity
           than
           Adversity
           .
           Many
           are
           like
           Hannibal
           ,
           victorious
           in
           Arms
           ,
           whilst
           conflicting
           with
           Adversity
           ,
           and
           vanquisht
           by
           enticing
           Pleasures
           .
           'T
           is
           observed
           of
           the
           Lamps
           in
           some
           of
           the
           Roman
           Tombs
           ,
           that
           have
           burnt
           for
           many
           Ages
           ,
           and
           are
           bright
           whilst
           kept
           close
           ;
           that
           as
           soon
           as
           they
           are
           open'd
           to
           the
           Air
           ,
           a
           breath
           of
           Wind
           extinguishes
           them
           :
           Thus
           the
           Vertues
           of
           some
           shine
           in
           a
           low
           retired
           Condition
           ,
           when
           there
           are
           no
           Temptations
           ,
           no
           occasion
           of
           quenching
           them
           :
           but
           when
           brought
           forth
           into
           the
           open
           World
           ,
           and
           should
           appear
           in
           
           conspicuous
           Operations
           ,
           their
           Vertues
           are
           of
           so
           weak
           and
           consumptive
           a
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           the
           Light
           expires
           and
           dies
           .
           Even
           the
           Piety
           of
           David
           was
           chill'd
           by
           Prosperity
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           ,
           with
           an
           emphasis
           ,
           concerning
           Jehosaphat
           ,
           that
           he
           
           
             walk'd
             in
             the
             first
             Ways
             of
             his
             Father
             David
             :
          
           Intimating
           that
           his
           Religion
           was
           not
           so
           exact
           when
           he
           was
           in
           the
           Throne
           ,
           as
           in
           his
           Banishment
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           equally
           excellent
           as
           difficult
           .
           To
           be
           holy
           and
           heavenly
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           sensual
           tempting
           Objects
           ,
           is
           the
           clearest
           discovery
           of
           the
           Truth
           and
           Power
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           of
           the
           piety
           ,
           ingenuity
           ,
           and
           generosity
           of
           the
           Christian
           Spirit
           .
           Humility
           and
           Modesty
           in
           a
           low
           Condition
           ,
           are
           not
           so
           praise
           worthy
           ,
           as
           the
           absence
           of
           them
           is
           odious
           :
           but
           Humility
           
           in
           a
           state
           of
           Honour
           ,
           is
           more
           illustrious
           than
           the
           Splendor
           of
           external
           Dignity
           .
           Temperance
           in
           a
           Cottage
           ,
           where
           are
           only
           supplies
           of
           hunger
           and
           thirst
           ,
           seems
           rather
           the
           effect
           of
           Necessity
           ,
           than
           of
           wise
           Choice
           :
           but
           to
           be
           temperate
           when
           abundance
           and
           variety
           tempt
           the
           sensual
           Appetites
           ,
           when
           the
           sparkling
           colour
           and
           delicious
           relish
           of
           the
           purest
           Wines
           tempt
           the
           Fancy
           and
           the
           Pallate
           ,
           is
           Vertue
           in
           a
           height
           and
           excellency
           .
           To
           be
           pious
           ,
           and
           weaned
           from
           the
           World
           in
           Afflictions
           ,
           is
           no
           wonder
           ;
           but
           in
           Prosperity
           and
           Power
           to
           be
           serious
           in
           Religion
           ,
           and
           despise
           the
           splendid
           Vanities
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           is
           Vertue
           of
           a
           superior
           Order
           .
           What
           is
           observed
           of
           the
           perfuming
           Gums
           of
           
             Arabia
             the
             Happy
          
           ,
           is
           applicable
           in
           this
           matter
           :
           those
           
           that
           distil
           freely
           from
           the
           Tree
           ,
           
           excel
           in
           purity
           ,
           in
           fragrancy
           and
           value
           ,
           what
           comes
           from
           it
           when
           the
           Bark
           of
           it
           is
           cut
           .
           Thus
           Obedience
           that
           comes
           from
           the
           heart
           in
           love
           with
           God
           for
           his
           Benefits
           ,
           is
           more
           valuable
           and
           precious
           than
           what
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           Compulsion
           ,
           that
           comes
           from
           the
           heart
           wounded
           with
           terrors
           in
           adversity
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           add
           farther
           ;
           The
           using
           Prosperity
           aright
           is
           most
           comfortable
           .
           The
           Love
           of
           God
           can
           sweeten
           Afflictions
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           Dinner
           of
           green
           Herbs
           as
           savory
           as
           if
           they
           grew
           in
           Paradise
           :
           and
           it
           gives
           a
           quick
           and
           high
           taste
           to
           all
           our
           temporal
           Blessings
           .
           When
           his
           Love
           is
           conveyed
           and
           sealed
           to
           us
           by
           the
           Gifts
           of
           his
           Providence
           ,
           we
           have
           the
           purest
           enjoyment
           of
           them
           .
           Now
           when
           Prosperity
           
           is
           made
           subservient
           to
           his
           Glory
           ,
           when
           it
           endears
           Obedience
           to
           us
           ,
           we
           have
           an
           infallible
           testimony
           't
           is
           from
           his
           special
           Favour
           to
           us
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Rules
             how
             to
             manage
             Prosperity
             for
             our
             everlasting
             Good
             ,
             are
             ,
          
        
         
           1.
           
           Let
           us
           preserve
           an
           humble
           sense
           of
           our
           original
           meanness
           ,
           continual
           frailty
           ,
           and
           sinful
           unworthiness
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           Prosperity
           .
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           be
           high-minded
           ,
           and
           to
           cherish
           undue
           Conceptions
           of
           their
           worth
           when
           rais'd
           in
           the
           World
           :
           as
           if
           they
           were
           not
           as
           inferior
           to
           the
           Majesty
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           as
           liable
           to
           his
           impartial
           Justice
           as
           others
           :
           they
           lose
           the
           knowledg
           of
           themselves
           in
           a
           Mist
           of
           Vanity
           .
           This
           provokes
           
             the
             high
             and
          
           
           
             holy
             One
             that
             inhabits
             Eternity
          
           ,
           to
           blast
           them
           in
           their
           most
           fluorishing
           and
           secure
           state
           ,
           and
           convince
           them
           how
           deceitful
           and
           insufficient
           the
           grounds
           of
           their
           pride
           are
           .
           
             He
             puts
             them
             in
             fear
          
           ,
           
           
             that
             they
             may
             know
             themselves
             to
             be
             but
             Men.
          
           There
           are
           such
           great
           and
           just
           Allays
           of
           the
           vain
           Mind
           ,
           such
           Correctives
           of
           Pride
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           strange
           that
           any
           temporal
           Prosperity
           should
           occasion
           swelling
           Arrogance
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           considering
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           shining
           in
           the
           Heavens
           ,
           is
           in
           an
           extasy
           at
           his
           condescending
           Goodness
           .
           
             What
             is
             Man
             that
             thou
             art
             mindful
             of
             him
             ?
             or
             the
             Son
             of
             Man
             that
             thou
             regardest
             him
             ?
          
           His
           Original
           is
           from
           the
           Earth
           ,
           the
           lowest
           Element
           :
           all
           that
           he
           possesses
           ,
           to
           supply
           his
           want
           and
           satisfy
           his
           desires
           ,
           is
           from
           pure
           Mercy
           :
           and
           
           the
           more
           eminent
           the
           advantage
           of
           some
           is
           above
           others
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           the
           greater
           are
           their
           Receits
           and
           Obligations
           :
           and
           who
           would
           be
           proud
           that
           he
           is
           in
           a
           mighty
           Debt
           ?
           rich
           and
           poor
           ,
           honourable
           and
           mean
           ,
           are
           distinctions
           among
           Men
           ;
           but
           in
           respect
           to
           God
           all
           are
           equally
           mean
           and
           low
           .
           Neither
           do
           these
           things
           give
           any
           inherent
           worth
           ,
           and
           make
           Persons
           more
           acceptable
           to
           God.
           Poor
           Lazarus
           who
           was
           a
           miserable
           Spectacle
           ,
           his
           Body
           corroded
           with
           Ulcers
           ,
           yet
           had
           a
           precious
           Soul
           under
           it
           :
           the
           glorious
           Angels
           descended
           from
           Heaven
           to
           receive
           it
           at
           the
           point
           of
           Death
           ,
           and
           convey
           it
           to
           the
           reviving
           presence
           of
           God
           :
           but
           the
           rich
           Man
           was
           cast
           into
           Hell.
           Besides
           ,
           how
           uncertain
           are
           all
           the
           admired
           things
           of
           this
           World
           !
        
         
         
           Is
           he
           truly
           rich
           whose
           whole
           Estate
           lies
           in
           a
           Ship
           abroad
           ,
           that
           is
           to
           pass
           through
           Seas
           exposed
           to
           Tempests
           ,
           and
           infested
           with
           Pirats
           ,
           and
           runs
           a
           double
           hazard
           of
           being
           rob'd
           or
           cast
           away
           ?
           And
           the
           Consideration
           thereof
           ,
           is
           a
           proper
           Argument
           to
           cause
           us
           to
           keep
           a
           low
           Mind
           in
           a
           high
           Condition
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Apostle's
           counsel
           ,
           
             Let
             the
             rich
          
           ,
           and
           the
           great
           in
           
           the
           World
           ,
           
             rejoice
             in
             that
             he
             is
             made
             low
             :
             because
             as
             the
             Flower
             of
             the
             Grass
             he
             shall
             pass
             away
             :
          
           when
           the
           florid
           Beauty
           is
           displayed
           ,
           it
           presently
           withers
           .
           How
           many
           survive
           their
           Estates
           and
           Dignities
           ,
           and
           by
           unforeseen
           Revolutions
           become
           poor
           and
           low
           .
           Many
           that
           were
           overflowing
           in
           Riches
           and
           Pleasures
           ,
           are
           as
           dry
           and
           desolate
           as
           the
           Desart
           .
           And
           is
           it
           not
           a
           disparagement
           to
           our
           
           Reason
           to
           admire
           Shadows
           ,
           and
           be
           proud
           of
           transient
           Vanities
           ?
           But
           suppose
           they
           continue
           with
           Men
           here
           ,
           can
           they
           preserve
           the
           Body
           from
           Diseases
           and
           Death
           ,
           or
           the
           Soul
           from
           oppressing
           Sorrows
           ?
           And
           is
           it
           not
           miserable
           folly
           to
           pride
           themselves
           in
           secular
           Greatness
           ,
           that
           is
           so
           insufficient
           to
           prevent
           the
           worst
           Evils
           ?
           But
           especially
           the
           consideration
           how
           Man
           is
           vilified
           by
           Sin
           ,
           should
           make
           him
           be
           abased
           and
           low
           in
           his
           own
           Eyes
           .
           As
           that
           blessed
           Martyr
           ,
           Bishop
           Hooper
           says
           ,
           
             Lord
             ,
             I
             am
             Hell
             ,
             thou
             art
             Heaven
             ;
             I
             am
             a
             Sinck
             of
             Sin
             ,
             thou
             art
             the
             Fountain
             of
             Holiness
             .
          
           And
           the
           more
           gracious
           and
           bountiful
           God
           is
           to
           Men
           ,
           the
           more
           sinful
           should
           they
           appear
           to
           themselves
           .
           Humility
           discovers
           our
           native
           Poverty
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           rich
           Abundance
           ;
           our
           
           true
           Vileness
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           glittering
           Honours
           ,
           that
           nothing
           is
           ours
           but
           Sin
           and
           Misery
           ;
           and
           makes
           us
           say
           ,
           with
           the
           Spirit
           of
           that
           humble
           Saint
           ,
           
             We
             are
             less
             than
             the
             least
             of
             all
             God's
             Mercies
             .
          
           Now
           the
           more
           of
           Humility
           ,
           the
           more
           of
           Heaven
           is
           in
           the
           Soul
           :
           't
           is
           that
           disposition
           that
           prepares
           it
           to
           receive
           the
           Graces
           and
           Comforts
           of
           the
           Spirit
           in
           an
           excellent
           degree
           .
           
             God
             resists
             the
             Proud
          
           ;
           the
           Self-conceited
           and
           Aspiring
           he
           is
           at
           defiance
           with
           ,
           
             and
             abhors
             them
          
           ;
           he
           justly
           deprives
           them
           of
           Spiritual
           Treasures
           ,
           who
           value
           themselves
           and
           bear
           it
           high
           for
           the
           abundance
           of
           this
           World
           :
           
             But
             he
             gives
             Grace
             to
             the
             Humble
             .
          
           The
           due
           sense
           of
           our
           Wants
           and
           Unworthiness
           ,
           makes
           us
           fit
           to
           partake
           of
           Divine
           Blessings
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           A
           meek
           temper
           and
           deportment
           ,
           is
           an
           excellent
           preservative
           from
           the
           evil
           of
           Prosperity
           .
           Humility
           and
           Meekness
           are
           always
           in
           conjunction
           ,
           and
           most
           amiable
           in
           the
           Eyes
           of
           God
           and
           Men.
           
             A
             meek
             and
             quiet
             Spirit
             ,
             which
             is
             in
          
           
           
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             of
             great
             price
             .
          
           They
           are
           the
           brightest
           Jewels
           that
           adorn
           Humanity
           ,
           and
           shin'd
           so
           gloriously
           in
           our
           blessed
           Saviour
           ,
           the
           supream
           Pattern
           of
           Perfection
           ,
           and
           are
           propounded
           as
           signally
           imitable
           by
           us
           ▪
           
             Learn
             of
             me
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             meek
             and
             lowly
             .
          
           When
           he
           came
           in
           his
           Regal
           Office
           ,
           he
           is
           thus
           described
           ,
           
             Rejoice
             greatly
             ,
             O
          
           
           
             Daughter
             of
             Sion
             :
             Behold
             ,
             thy
             King
             cometh
             unto
             thee
             :
             he
             is
             just
             ,
             and
             having
             Salvation
             ,
             lowly
          
           ;
           the
           Church
           is
           excited
           to
           rejoice
           in
           his
           mild
           Monarchy
           .
           And
           Christians
           ,
           who
           in
           Profession
           
           are
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           are
           commanded
           to
           be
           
             gentle
             ,
             and
             to
             shew
             all
          
           
           
             meekness
             to
             all
             Men.
          
           This
           especially
           concerns
           those
           who
           are
           in
           a
           superior
           Order
           :
           for
           Prosperity
           is
           apt
           to
           make
           Men
           insolent
           and
           intollerable
           ,
           and
           to
           treat
           with
           an
           haughty
           roughness
           those
           that
           are
           below
           them
           .
           But
           there
           is
           nothing
           more
           becoming
           Men
           in
           Prosperity
           and
           Power
           ,
           than
           a
           sweetness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           not
           easily
           provok'd
           by
           Injuries
           ,
           and
           easily
           pardoning
           them
           ;
           a
           gracious
           condescension
           exprest
           in
           Words
           and
           Actions
           ,
           even
           to
           all
           Inferiors
           .
           And
           especially
           meekness
           is
           necessary
           in
           a
           submissive
           receiving
           Reproofs
           for
           Sin
           ,
           whether
           by
           the
           Ministry
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           or
           by
           a
           faithful
           Friend
           .
           Prosperity
           is
           never
           more
           dangerous
           ,
           than
           when
           Sin
           takes
           sanctuary
           in
           it
           ,
           when
           
           Men
           think
           Riches
           and
           Power
           to
           be
           a
           privilege
           to
           free
           them
           from
           sound
           and
           searching
           Reproof
           ,
           and
           damn
           themselves
           with
           less
           contradiction
           .
           And
           an
           humble
           submission
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           Authority
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           an
           ingenious
           tractableness
           ▪
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           sincere
           affection
           of
           those
           who
           are
           faithful
           in
           their
           Counsels
           for
           our
           Souls
           ,
           is
           an
           eminent
           instance
           of
           Meekness
           ,
           and
           preserves
           from
           the
           danger
           of
           Prosperity
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Solmn
           and
           affectionate
           Thanksgiving
           to
           God
           for
           his
           Mercies
           ,
           sanctifies
           Prosperity
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           certain
           consequent
           of
           an
           humble
           disposition
           of
           Soul.
           Pride
           smothers
           the
           Receits
           of
           God's
           Favours
           :
           Thankfulness
           is
           the
           homage
           of
           Humility
           .
           This
           is
           infinitely
           due
           to
           God
           ,
           who
           renews
           
           our
           Lives
           as
           often
           as
           we
           breath
           ,
           and
           renews
           his
           Mercies
           every
           moment
           ;
           yet
           so
           unjust
           and
           ungrateful
           are
           Men
           ,
           especially
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           that
           they
           strangely
           neglect
           it
           .
           From
           hence
           are
           those
           Divine
           Warnings
           so
           solemnly
           repeated
           to
           the
           Israelites
           ,
           
             When
             thou
          
           
           
             shalt
             have
             eaten
             ,
             and
             art
             full
             ,
             then
             beware
             lest
             thou
             forget
             the
             Lord.
          
           And
           ,
           lest
           
           
             when
             thou
             hast
             eaten
             and
             art
             full
             ,
             and
             hast
             built
             goodly
             Houses
             ,
             and
             dwelt
             therein
             ,
             then
             thy
             heart
             be
             lifted
             up
             ,
             and
             thou
             forget
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God.
          
           This
           was
           the
           wicked
           effect
           of
           their
           Prosperity
           :
           
             According
             to
             their
          
           
           
             pasture
             so
             were
             they
             filled
             ;
             they
             were
             filled
             ,
             and
             their
             heart
             was
             exalted
             :
             therefore
             have
             they
             forgotten
             me
             .
          
           There
           is
           a
           great
           backwardness
           in
           a
           carnal
           heart
           to
           thanksgiving
           for
           Mercies
           .
           Prayer
           in
           our
           distress
           ,
           is
           a
           Work
           of
           Necessity
           ,
           but
           thankful
           
           Praise
           is
           an
           Act
           of
           Duty
           ;
           carnal
           Love
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           divine
           Love
           of
           the
           other
           .
           Even
           David
           how
           ardently
           does
           he
           excite
           his
           Soul
           to
           the
           performing
           this
           Duty
           ;
           
             Bless
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             my
             Soul
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             all
             that
             is
             within
             me
             bless
             his
             Holy
             Name
             .
             Bless
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             my
             Soul
             ,
             and
             forget
             not
             all
             his
             Benefits
             .
          
           The
           earnest
           and
           repeated
           Address
           to
           make
           a
           lively
           and
           fervent
           Impression
           upon
           his
           Soul
           ,
           is
           a
           tacit
           intimation
           of
           the
           drowsy
           negligence
           he
           found
           in
           himself
           .
           This
           Duty
           is
           Spiritual
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           performed
           by
           the
           Soul
           that
           is
           our
           noble
           part
           ,
           and
           capable
           to
           understand
           our
           Obligations
           to
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           't
           is
           often
           exprest
           in
           the
           *
           vocal
           praises
           of
           God
           ,
           for
           there
           is
           a
           natural
           correspondence
           between
           the
           Tongue
           and
           the
           Heart
           ,
           as
           between
           the
           
           Hand
           of
           a
           Clock
           ,
           and
           the
           Motion
           of
           the
           Wheels
           within
           :
           but
           the
           chief
           part
           is
           performed
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           is
           only
           of
           value
           and
           acceptance
           with
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Maker
           ,
           the
           Searcher
           ,
           and
           the
           Judg
           of
           our
           Hearts
           .
           Therefore
           the
           Holy
           Psalmist
           calls
           
             upon
             his
             Soul
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             within
             him
             ,
             every
             Faculty
             to
             unite
             in
             the
             Praises
             of
             God
             :
          
           the
           Understanding
           to
           consider
           the
           several
           Arguments
           of
           Praise
           and
           Thankfulness
           ,
           to
           esteem
           and
           to
           admire
           the
           divine
           Goodness
           ,
           to
           ascribe
           the
           Glory
           that
           is
           due
           to
           God
           for
           his
           Mercies
           :
           the
           memory
           to
           register
           his
           Benefits
           ;
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           to
           love
           him
           for
           his
           Mercies
           ,
           and
           above
           them
           .
        
         
           Thankfulness
           implies
           a
           solemn
           recognition
           of
           the
           Mercies
           of
           God
           ,
           with
           all
           the
           Circumstances
           
           that
           add
           a
           lustre
           to
           them
           ,
           to
           affect
           us
           in
           as
           vigorous
           a
           manner
           in
           our
           Praises
           for
           the
           Blessings
           we
           enjoy
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           in
           our
           Prayers
           for
           what
           we
           need
           .
           Not
           only
           signal
           Mercies
           ,
           but
           common
           and
           ordinary
           should
           be
           continually
           acknowledged
           by
           us
           .
           And
           since
           our
           Memories
           are
           so
           slippery
           as
           to
           the
           retaining
           of
           Favours
           ,
           Injuries
           are
           inscrib'd
           in
           Marble
           ,
           Benefits
           written
           in
           Dust
           :
           We
           should
           every
           day
           review
           the
           Mercies
           we
           enjoy
           ,
           to
           quicken
           our
           Praises
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           Impressions
           not
           soon
           defac'd
           .
           Thankfulness
           implies
           a
           due
           valuation
           of
           God's
           Benefits
           :
           This
           will
           be
           raised
           ,
           by
           considering
           the
           Author
           ,
           the
           great
           God
           :
           the
           meanest
           Mercy
           from
           his
           Hand
           ,
           is
           a
           high
           Favour
           .
           As
           the
           Guilt
           of
           Sin
           arises
           from
           the
           greatness
           of
           the
           
           Object
           ,
           tho
           some
           Sins
           are
           comparatively
           small
           ,
           yet
           none
           is
           in
           its
           intrinsic
           Nature
           a
           small
           Evil
           :
           so
           tho
           of
           Mercies
           ,
           some
           are
           in
           comparison
           eminent
           ,
           and
           some
           are
           ordinary
           ,
           yet
           every
           Mercy
           is
           great
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           Author
           from
           whence
           it
           comes
           :
           And
           the
           thankful
           esteem
           of
           Mercies
           ,
           will
           rise
           in
           proportion
           to
           the
           sense
           of
           our
           unworthiness
           .
           A
           constant
           poverty
           of
           Spirit
           in
           reflecting
           upon
           our
           own
           vileness
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           not
           meerly
           a
           want
           of
           desert
           in
           us
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           God's
           Blessings
           ,
           but
           a
           desert
           of
           his
           heavy
           Judgments
           ,
           will
           heighten
           our
           esteem
           of
           them
           .
           For
           this
           end
           it
           is
           very
           useful
           ,
           that
           the
           Prosperous
           would
           consider
           those
           below
           them
           ,
           how
           many
           better
           than
           themselves
           are
           under
           oppressing
           Wants
           ,
           tormenting
           Pains
           ,
           heart-breaking
           
           Sorrows
           ,
           whom
           you
           may
           trace
           by
           their
           Tears
           every
           day
           ;
           and
           what
           free
           and
           rich
           Mercy
           is
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           enjoy
           the
           affluence
           of
           all
           things
           :
           this
           distinguishing
           Goodness
           ,
           should
           be
           acknowledged
           with
           a
           warm
           rapture
           of
           affection
           to
           the
           Divine
           Benefactor
           .
           To
           compare
           our selves
           with
           those
           that
           excel
           us
           in
           Grace
           ,
           will
           make
           us
           humble
           ,
           and
           with
           those
           who
           are
           below
           us
           in
           outward
           Blessings
           ,
           will
           make
           us
           thankful
           .
        
         
           The
           Prosperous
           have
           special
           Obligations
           to
           be
           most
           conversant
           in
           this
           Celestial
           Duty
           :
           there
           are
           various
           Graces
           and
           Duties
           that
           are
           only
           useful
           in
           this
           imperfect
           state
           ,
           and
           shall
           expire
           with
           us
           :
           as
           Repentance
           ,
           Faith
           ,
           Hope
           ,
           Patience
           ,
           &c.
           the
           Reward
           of
           them
           will
           be
           Eternal
           ,
           but
           the
           exercise
           is
           limited
           to
           present
           Life
           ;
           
           but
           Love
           and
           Praise
           remain
           in
           Heaven
           .
           The
           Saints
           eternally
           admire
           ,
           love
           ,
           and
           bless
           God
           for
           his
           Mercies
           .
           And
           the
           sincere
           and
           constant
           performance
           of
           this
           Duty
           ,
           is
           most
           pleasing
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           profitable
           to
           us
           :
           for
           thankfulness
           to
           our
           blessed
           Benefactor
           ,
           engages
           his
           Heart
           ,
           and
           opens
           the
           Treasures
           of
           his
           Bounty
           more
           liberally
           to
           us
           .
           The
           way
           to
           obtain
           new
           Benefits
           ,
           is
           not
           to
           suffer
           former
           Favours
           to
           be
           lost
           in
           ungrateful
           oblivion
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           't
           is
           the
           best
           and
           surest
           evidence
           of
           our
           thankfulness
           to
           God
           ,
           when
           his
           Mercies
           are
           effectual
           Motives
           to
           please
           him
           .
           We
           cannot
           always
           make
           an
           actual
           commemoration
           of
           his
           Benefits
           ,
           but
           an
           habitual
           remembrance
           should
           ever
           be
           in
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           influential
           in
           our
           Lives
           .
           
             Thy
             loving
             kindness
             is
             before
          
           
           
           
             mine
             eyes
          
           ,
           (
           saith
           holy
           David
           )
           
             and
             I
             have
             walked
             in
             thy
             Truth
          
           ;
           unfeignedly
           respected
           all
           thy
           Commandments
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           vigilant
           care
           to
           avoid
           the
           Sins
           that
           so
           easily
           encompass
           us
           ,
           is
           necessary
           in
           Prosperity
           .
           The
           Secure
           assist
           Satan
           in
           his
           War
           against
           the
           Soul
           :
           but
           watchfulness
           disarms
           the
           Tempter
           .
           Circumspection
           is
           never
           more
           a
           Duty
           ,
           than
           when
           Pleasures
           without
           ,
           and
           Passions
           within
           ,
           conspire
           to
           betray
           us
           .
           'T
           is
           useful
           to
           reflect
           upon
           the
           great
           numbers
           who
           have
           been
           corrupted
           and
           ruin'd
           by
           Prosperity
           :
           that
           the
           Vices
           of
           the
           dead
           may
           secure
           the
           Vertues
           of
           the
           living
           .
           The
           
             fear
             of
             God
             is
             clean
          
           ,
           effectively
           ,
           as
           it
           preserves
           from
           Sin.
           'T
           is
           
           Solomon's
           advice
           to
           young
           
           Men
           ,
           that
           enjoy
           the
           World
           in
           its
           Flower
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           season
           of
           their
           sinning
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           remember
           that
           God
           for
           all
           their
           Vanities
           will
           bring
           them
           to
           Judgment
           .
           This
           Consideration
           will
           be
           powerful
           to
           prevent
           the
           risings
           of
           the
           corrupt
           Affections
           ,
           or
           to
           suppress
           their
           growth
           ,
           and
           hinder
           their
           accomplishment
           .
           But
           with
           the
           excellently
           temper'd
           Soul
           ,
           an
           ingenuous
           Fear
           from
           the
           consideration
           of
           God's
           Mercies
           ,
           is
           an
           effectual
           restraint
           from
           Sin.
           'T
           is
           said
           ,
           
             they
             shall
             fear
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             his
             Goodness
             :
          
           fear
           to
           offend
           ,
           and
           grieve
           ,
           and
           lose
           his
           Goodness
           .
           This
           Fear
           does
           not
           infringe
           the
           comfort
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           but
           preserve
           and
           improve
           it
           :
           Servile
           Fear
           ,
           when
           the
           Soul
           is
           afraid
           to
           burn
           ,
           not
           to
           sin
           ,
           is
           a
           judicial
           forc'd
           Impression
           ,
           the
           Character
           of
           a
           
           Slave
           ;
           but
           an
           ingenuous
           grateful
           Fear
           ,
           that
           springs
           from
           the
           sense
           of
           the
           Divine
           Goodness
           ,
           is
           a
           voluntary
           Affection
           becoming
           a
           Child
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           cherish'd
           by
           him
           .
           
             The
             Fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             his
             Treasure
             .
          
           This
           watchfulness
           must
           be
           universal
           against
           all
           Temptations
           to
           which
           we
           are
           incident
           by
           Prosperity
           :
           otherwise
           we
           shall
           be
           guilty
           of
           a
           like
           folly
           with
           those
           that
           shut
           and
           fortifie
           one
           Gate
           ,
           and
           leave
           the
           other
           open
           to
           the
           Enemy
           .
           And
           it
           must
           be
           as
           continual
           as
           our
           Temptations
           .
           
             Blessed
             is
             the
             Man
             that
             feareth
             always
             .
          
        
         
           5.
           
           A
           moderate
           use
           of
           worldly
           things
           ,
           is
           an
           excellent
           preservative
           from
           the
           Evil
           adhering
           to
           them
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           Divine
           Blessing
           ,
           to
           partake
           of
           the
           Gifts
           of
           God
           with
           
           contentment
           and
           tranquility
           ,
           especially
           't
           is
           sweet
           to
           taste
           his
           Love
           in
           them
           .
           
             God
             gives
             to
             a
             Man
             that
             is
             good
             in
             his
             sight
             ,
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             Knowledg
             ,
             and
             Joy
             :
          
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           use
           temperately
           and
           comfortably
           ,
           outward
           Blessings
           .
           But
           the
           Flesh
           is
           the
           Devil's
           Sollicitor
           ,
           and
           perswades
           Men
           with
           a
           freer
           Fancy
           ,
           and
           looser
           Affections
           ,
           to
           enjoy
           the
           World
           ,
           than
           is
           consistent
           with
           the
           prosperity
           of
           their
           Souls
           .
           When
           Diogenes
           observed
           with
           the
           many
           sick
           and
           languishing
           Persons
           ,
           the
           Hydropick
           ,
           Consumptive
           ,
           and
           other
           Diseases
           ,
           that
           came
           to
           the
           Temple
           of
           Esculapius
           for
           recovery
           ,
           and
           that
           after
           their
           Sacrifices
           they
           made
           a
           luxurious
           Feast
           ,
           he
           cried
           out
           ,
           Is
           this
           the
           way
           to
           recover
           Health
           ?
           If
           you
           were
           sound
           ,
           't
           is
           the
           speedy
           and
           effectual
           way
           to
           bring
           Diseases
           ,
           and
           being
           
           diseased
           ,
           to
           bring
           Death
           to
           you
           .
           'T
           is
           applicable
           in
           a
           higher
           sense
           ;
           the
           intemperate
           use
           of
           sensual
           Delights
           ,
           weakens
           the
           Life
           and
           Vigour
           of
           the
           Soul
           in
           a
           Saint
           ,
           and
           certainly
           brings
           Death
           to
           diseased
           Souls
           ,
           that
           habitually
           indulge
           their
           corrupt
           Affections
           .
           The
           Apostle
           saith
           of
           the
           licentious
           Woman
           ,
           
             She
             that
             lives
             in
             pleasure
             ,
             is
             dead
             while
             she
             lives
             :
          
           an
           allusion
           to
           a
           Torch
           that
           is
           consum'd
           by
           its
           own
           flames
           .
           Sensual
           .
           Lusts
           are
           cherish'd
           and
           pamper'd
           by
           Prosperity
           ,
           and
           the
           carnal
           Heart
           over-rules
           the
           whole
           Man.
           Our
           Saviour
           charges
           his
           Disciples
           to
           beware
           of
           
             surfeiting
             and
             drunkenness
          
           .
           The
           indulging
           the
           lower
           Appetites
           ,
           is
           natural
           to
           Men
           ,
           but
           chiefly
           incident
           to
           those
           in
           Prosperity
           .
           
           The
           great
           care
           of
           such
           should
           be
           ,
           to
           use
           worldly
           things
           
           with
           that
           modesty
           and
           measure
           ,
           that
           the
           Divine
           Part
           ,
           the
           Soul
           ,
           may
           be
           untainted
           by
           them
           :
           that
           it
           may
           neither
           overvalue
           nor
           overdelight
           in
           them
           .
           The
           first
           degeneracy
           of
           Man
           is
           by
           sensual
           satisfaction
           .
           This
           expell'd
           him
           from
           Paradise
           ,
           and
           keeps
           him
           out
           ever
           since
           .
           The
           excess
           of
           Pleasures
           darken
           the
           Mind
           ,
           stupify
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           extinguish
           the
           radiancy
           and
           vigour
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           
             Wine
             and
             Women
             take
             away
          
           
           
             the
             Heart
          
           .
           The
           Apostle
           speaks
           of
           those
           who
           are
           abandon'd
           to
           Pleasures
           ,
           they
           
             are
             past
             feeling
          
           ;
           without
           
           a
           quick
           and
           tender
           sense
           of
           their
           Sin
           and
           Danger
           .
           That
           we
           may
           not
           in
           an
           unlawful
           degree
           use
           lawful
           things
           ,
           we
           should
           always
           be
           ordered
           by
           the
           Principles
           of
           Fear
           and
           Restraint
           ,
           not
           indulging
           our selves
           to
           the
           utmost
           
           of
           what
           may
           seem
           allowed
           :
           for
           to
           be
           upon
           the
           Confines
           of
           Sin
           ,
           exposes
           us
           to
           be
           easily
           overthrown
           by
           the
           next
           gust
           of
           a
           temptation
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           Divine
           Command
           ,
           that
           Christians
           should
           rejoice
           ,
           as
           tho
           
             they
             rejoiced
             not
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             buy
             as
             tho
             they
             possessed
             not
             ;
             and
             use
             the
             World
             as
             not
             abusing
             it
             .
          
           A
           Christian
           should
           converse
           with
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           a
           carnal
           Person
           converses
           with
           Heaven
           ;
           he
           prays
           for
           spiritual
           Blessings
           with
           that
           coldness
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           no
           desire
           to
           obtain
           them
           ;
           he
           hears
           the
           Word
           with
           that
           carelessness
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           no
           desire
           to
           profit
           by
           it
           :
           He
           performs
           other
           Religious
           Duties
           without
           a
           Heart
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           no
           desire
           to
           be
           saved
           :
           such
           an
           indifferency
           of
           Spirit
           in
           outward
           Enjoyments
           ,
           is
           our
           Duty
           and
           Safety
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           prodigious
           disorder
           ,
           
           and
           the
           great
           *
           Cause
           of
           the
           Sins
           and
           Miseries
           of
           Men
           ,
           that
           their
           Affections
           are
           lavishly
           wasted
           upon
           Trifles
           ,
           their
           Love
           ,
           Desires
           ,
           and
           Delights
           are
           let
           forth
           in
           their
           full
           vigour
           to
           the
           Honours
           ,
           Riches
           ,
           and
           Pleasures
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           but
           are
           wretchedly
           remiss
           to
           spiritual
           and
           eternal
           things
           .
           They
           would
           enjoy
           the
           World
           as
           their
           Heaven
           and
           Felicity
           ,
           and
           use
           God
           for
           their
           Necessity
           .
           And
           thus
           by
           embracing
           vanishing
           Shadows
           ,
           they
           lose
           the
           most
           substantial
           and
           durable
           Good.
           'T
           is
           a
           Point
           of
           great
           wisdom
           to
           consider
           the
           several
           respects
           of
           temporal
           things
           ,
           as
           they
           respect
           our
           sensitive
           Part
           ,
           and
           the
           present
           Life
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           respect
           our
           Souls
           and
           the
           future
           State
           :
           and
           to
           use
           them
           ,
           that
           the
           outward
           Man
           may
           be
           a
           more
           active
           and
           ready
           Instrument
           of
           the
           
           Soul
           in
           working
           out
           our
           own
           Salvation
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           Let
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Communion
           with
           him
           be
           most
           precious
           and
           joyful
           to
           us
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           Prosperity
           .
           The
           highest
           esteem
           and
           most
           ravishing
           apprehensions
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           dearest
           delight
           in
           him
           as
           the
           most
           excellent
           suitable
           Good
           ,
           and
           in
           whom
           the
           Soul
           has
           the
           most
           intimate
           propriety
           ,
           is
           the
           honour
           due
           to
           his
           incomparable
           Perfection
           .
           The
           Holy
           Psalmist
           often
           declares
           his
           transcendent
           Valuation
           ,
           and
           inflamed
           Affection
           towards
           God
           ;
           
             How
             precious
             are
             thy
             Thoughts
             unto
             me
             ,
             O
             God!
          
           (
           no
           artifice
           
           of
           words
           could
           fully
           express
           it
           )
           
             how
             great
             is
             the
             sum
             of
             them
             ?
             If
             I
             should
             count
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             more
             in
             number
             than
             the
             Sand
             ;
             when
             I
          
           
           
             awake
             I
             am
             still
             with
             thee
             .
          
           As
           if
           he
           breathed
           not
           oftner
           than
           he
           thought
           of
           God
           with
           reverence
           and
           complacency
           .
           Thus
           also
           he
           despises
           all
           that
           carnal
           Men
           pursue
           with
           violent
           desires
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           God's
           Favour
           ,
           
             There
             be
             many
             that
             say
             ,
             Who
             will
             shew
             us
             any
             Good
             ?
          
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           sensual
           Good
           ,
           for
           nothing
           is
           pleasant
           to
           them
           ,
           but
           what
           appears
           in
           a
           fleshly
           fashion
           .
           
             Lord
             ,
             lift
             thou
             up
             the
             light
          
           
           
             of
             thy
             Countenance
             upon
             us
             .
             Thou
             hast
             put
             gladness
             in
             my
             heart
             ,
             more
             than
             in
             the
             time
             that
             their
             Corn
             and
             their
             Wine
             increased
             .
          
           The
           carnal
           Man
           ,
           who
           is
           a
           stranger
           to
           spiritual
           Joys
           ,
           has
           a
           sweeter
           relish
           of
           carnal
           things
           ,
           than
           a
           Saint
           that
           has
           a
           new
           Nature
           ,
           that
           deads
           the
           Appetite
           to
           dreggy
           Delights
           :
           and
           in
           the
           Vintage
           and
           Harvest
           there
           is
           a
           Spring-tide
           of
           carnal
           Joy
           :
           yet
           
           David
           feels
           a
           more
           inward
           joy
           and
           cordial
           contentment
           in
           the
           fruition
           of
           God's
           Favour
           ,
           than
           a
           natural
           Man
           has
           in
           the
           flower
           of
           his
           worldly
           Felicity
           .
           Nay
           ,
           he
           prizes
           the
           Favour
           of
           God
           before
           Life
           it self
           ,
           which
           is
           our
           most
           precious
           possession
           in
           this
           World.
           
             Thy
             loving
             kindness
             is
             better
             than
             Life
             ,
          
           
           
             therefore
             my
             lips
             shall
             praise
             thee
             .
          
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           is
           the
           beginning
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           differs
           from
           the
           fulness
           of
           Joy
           that
           is
           in
           the
           Divine
           Presence
           above
           ,
           only
           in
           the
           degrees
           and
           manner
           of
           Fruition
           .
           As
           the
           Blushes
           of
           the
           Morning
           are
           the
           same
           Light
           with
           the
           glorious
           brightness
           of
           the
           Sun
           at
           Noon-day
           .
           The
           natural
           Man
           is
           averse
           from
           this
           heavenly
           Duty
           ,
           and
           most
           in
           Prosperity
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           observation
           of
           holy
           
             Job
             ;
             They
             spend
             their
             days
             in
             Wealth
          
           ;
           
           
             therefore
             they
             say
             to
             the
             Almighty
             ,
             Depart
             from
             us
             ;
             we
             desire
             not
             the
             knowledg
             of
             thy
             Ways
             .
          
           'T
           is
           the
           malignant
           property
           of
           worldly
           things
           ,
           to
           deface
           the
           Notions
           ,
           and
           cause
           a
           disrelish
           of
           sublime
           and
           spiritual
           things
           .
           The
           Objects
           that
           pleasantly
           affect
           the
           carnal
           Faculties
           ,
           draw
           the
           Soul
           from
           God.
           This
           is
           the
           principal
           and
           universal
           temptation
           of
           the
           present
           World
           ,
           by
           the
           corruption
           of
           our
           Hearts
           ,
           and
           never
           so
           dangerous
           as
           in
           our
           Prosperity
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           rule
           in
           Building
           ,
           that
           chief
           care
           must
           be
           taken
           for
           the
           contriving
           of
           Windows
           ,
           for
           the
           transmission
           of
           a
           liberal
           Light
           to
           refresh
           the
           Inhabitants
           .
           Now
           to
           build
           in
           a
           Plain
           where
           the
           Heavens
           are
           open
           on
           all
           sides
           ,
           and
           the
           pure
           Light
           shines
           ,
           't
           is
           easy
           to
           make
           the
           House
           convenient
           :
           but
           to
           
           raise
           a
           luminous
           Fabrick
           in
           a
           City
           thick
           set
           with
           Houses
           ,
           and
           straitned
           for
           room
           ,
           requires
           Art
           ,
           and
           the
           Building
           must
           be
           higher
           :
           thus
           a
           Person
           that
           is
           surrounded
           with
           the
           Honours
           ,
           Riches
           ,
           and
           Pleasures
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           are
           so
           apt
           to
           darken
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           to
           exclude
           the
           Influences
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           has
           need
           of
           holy
           Skill
           to
           preserve
           a
           free
           communication
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           always
           receptive
           of
           his
           Grace
           .
           Then
           holy
           Duties
           should
           be
           frequent
           and
           fervent
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Soul
           ascends
           to
           God
           by
           raised
           desires
           ,
           and
           God
           descends
           into
           the
           Soul
           ,
           by
           the
           Operations
           of
           his
           sanctifying
           and
           comforting
           Spirit
           .
           And
           as
           we
           see
           in
           Nature
           ,
           the
           Flowers
           of
           every
           kind
           open
           their
           Leaves
           to
           the
           rising
           Sun
           ,
           to
           be
           reviv'd
           with
           his
           vital
           Heat
           ;
           so
           we
           should
           every
           day
           open
           our
           
           Hearts
           to
           God
           in
           Prayer
           and
           Praises
           .
           And
           since
           all
           his
           Mercies
           invite
           and
           conduct
           us
           to
           the
           blessed
           Author
           ,
           and
           temporal
           Benefits
           are
           sensible
           Arguments
           of
           his
           Love
           ;
           those
           who
           most
           richly
           enjoy
           them
           ,
           are
           obliged
           infinitely
           more
           to
           value
           and
           delight
           in
           the
           Giver
           ,
           than
           in
           the
           Gifts
           themselves
           .
           If
           the
           
             Heart
             be
             set
             upon
             Riches
          
           ,
           which
           't
           is
           very
           apt
           
             to
             be
             when
             they
             increase
          
           ,
           or
           upon
           pleasures
           ,
           God
           is
           neglected
           and
           vilified
           :
           and
           tho
           many
           are
           not
           openly
           vicious
           and
           profane
           ,
           yet
           so
           pleasantly
           the
           things
           of
           the
           World
           insinuate
           into
           their
           Affections
           ,
           that
           they
           cannot
           
             taste
             how
             good
             the
             Lord
             is
          
           ;
           a
           sad
           indication
           of
           their
           unregenerate
           state
           :
           for
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           in
           a
           Saint
           ,
           inclines
           him
           to
           God
           as
           his
           supream
           Good
           ,
           his
           only
           Treasure
           and
           exceeding
           
           Joy
           ;
           and
           as
           soon
           as
           he
           begins
           to
           breath
           the
           Life
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           he
           dies
           to
           the
           Vanities
           of
           the
           World.
           And
           when
           Prosperity
           alienates
           the
           heart
           from
           God
           ,
           't
           is
           as
           surely
           destructive
           ,
           as
           when
           it
           draws
           forth
           the
           sensual
           Appetites
           into
           exorbitant
           and
           foul
           actions
           .
           A
           Consumption
           kills
           as
           surely
           as
           a
           Calenture
           .
           Those
           who
           abuse
           the
           Favours
           of
           God
           to
           impiety
           and
           luxury
           ,
           throw
           themselves
           headlong
           into
           the
           bottomless
           Pit
           ;
           and
           those
           who
           in
           their
           abundance
           are
           remiss
           and
           cold
           towards
           God
           ,
           gradually
           descend
           thither
           :
           for
           God
           will
           not
           be
           our
           Joy
           for
           ever
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           if
           he
           be
           not
           our
           exceeding
           Joy
           upon
           the
           Earth
           .
        
         
           But
           when
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           Prosperity
           the
           Soul
           is
           fill'd
           with
           a
           noble
           admiration
           of
           the
           Divine
           Excellencies
           ,
           when
           it
           tastes
           incomparable
           
           more
           sweetness
           in
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           whence
           outward
           Blessings
           are
           derived
           ,
           than
           in
           the
           things
           themselves
           ,
           when
           the
           chief
           Joy
           arises
           from
           the
           contemplation
           of
           his
           Favour
           in
           Christ
           ,
           whereby
           we
           are
           pardon'd
           ,
           and
           preferr'd
           to
           be
           his
           Brethren
           ,
           Coheirs
           with
           him
           of
           the
           immortal
           and
           undefiled
           Inheritance
           ,
           then
           we
           know
           how
           to
           abound
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           commands
           his
           Disciples
           not
           to
           
             rejoyce
             that
          
           
           
             Spirits
             were
             subject
             to
             them
          
           ,
           tho
           an
           admirable
           testimony
           of
           his
           Favour
           ,
           but
           that
           
             their
             Names
             were
             written
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
           Much
           less
           should
           this
           perishing
           World
           be
           the
           matter
           of
           our
           Joy
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           our
           Title
           ,
           and
           the
           blessed
           hope
           of
           Heaven
           .
           Spiritual
           Joy
           purifies
           and
           fortifies
           the
           Soul
           against
           the
           insnaring
           and
           corrupting
           
           Allurements
           of
           the
           World.
           
             The
             Joy
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             their
             strength
          
           ;
           that
           of
           which
           he
           is
           the
           Author
           and
           Object
           ,
           is
           both
           productive
           and
           preservative
           of
           the
           Vigour
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           to
           resist
           the
           Charms
           of
           the
           World.
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           Orpheus
           ,
           when
           he
           past
           by
           the
           Syrens
           ,
           who
           by
           their
           charming
           Voices
           subdued
           Men
           to
           sleep
           ,
           and
           then
           destroyed
           them
           ,
           that
           he
           played
           on
           his
           Harp
           ,
           and
           the
           sweet
           sound
           made
           him
           despise
           their
           singing
           ,
           and
           prevented
           the
           danger
           .
           The
           Fable
           is
           fitly
           moralized
           :
           Joy
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           our
           Portion
           ,
           and
           that
           infinite
           sweetness
           that
           is
           in
           communion
           with
           him
           ,
           makes
           such
           an
           impression
           upon
           the
           Soul
           ,
           that
           the
           insnaring
           and
           destructive
           Pleasures
           of
           the
           World
           are
           abhorr'd
           in
           comparison
           with
           them
           .
           That
           firm
           Peace
           and
           pure
           Joy
           ,
           
             passes
             the
          
           
           Understanding
           ,
           our
           most
           comprehensive
           Faculty
           ;
           whereas
           all
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           the
           World
           do
           not
           satisfy
           our
           Senses
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           When
           Riches
           and
           Power
           are
           employed
           for
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           and
           the
           good
           of
           others
           ,
           they
           are
           a
           happy
           advantage
           to
           those
           that
           possess
           them
           .
           All
           Benefits
           are
           virtual
           Obligations
           ;
           and
           the
           greater
           our
           Receipts
           are
           ,
           the
           greater
           our
           Accounts
           will
           be
           .
           God
           has
           a
           soveraign
           Right
           in
           all
           things
           we
           have
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           not
           to
           be
           employed
           meerly
           for
           our
           Pleasure
           or
           Profit
           ,
           but
           according
           to
           his
           Will
           ,
           and
           for
           his
           Honour
           .
           'T
           is
           true
           ,
           he
           enjoys
           his
           own
           Eternity
           ,
           his
           own
           Glory
           and
           Blessedness
           ,
           to
           which
           there
           is
           no
           possibility
           of
           accession
           :
           his
           essential
           Glory
           cannot
           be
           increas'd
           ,
           but
           his
           
           declarative
           Glory
           may
           be
           more
           manifested
           in
           the
           Eyes
           of
           Men
           :
           and
           he
           strictly
           requires
           that
           we
           should
           use
           his
           Gifts
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           shew
           forth
           his
           Glory
           ,
           to
           declare
           how
           highly
           we
           value
           his
           Glory
           ,
           and
           how
           ardently
           we
           desire
           and
           endeavour
           that
           others
           should
           bless
           and
           praise
           him
           .
           Thus
           Men
           in
           high
           Dignity
           should
           govern
           their
           Greatness
           so
           ,
           as
           to
           make
           it
           subservient
           to
           this
           blessed
           End
           ,
           that
           the
           Wisdom
           ,
           Power
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           Justice
           ,
           and
           Mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           may
           be
           manifested
           in
           their
           administration
           .
           And
           those
           who
           enjoy
           a
           present
           abundance
           ,
           should
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           capacity
           ,
           relieve
           the
           Wants
           of
           others
           .
           The
           wise
           God
           has
           order'd
           several
           degrees
           in
           the
           Society
           of
           Men
           ,
           the
           Rich
           and
           Poor
           ;
           that
           the
           inequality
           may
           be
           an
           occasion
           of
           the
           exercise
           of
           Charity
           .
           
           And
           't
           is
           a
           special
           favour
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           pleased
           to
           make
           some
           his
           Treasurers
           to
           dispense
           his
           Benefits
           to
           his
           Family
           .
           Whilst
           others
           can
           only
           be
           charitable
           in
           their
           compassionate
           Desires
           ,
           he
           gives
           to
           some
           an
           ability
           os
           diffusive
           Goodness
           :
           and
           't
           is
           Injustice
           mixt
           with
           foul
           ingratitude
           ,
           not
           to
           pay
           that
           Tribute
           of
           which
           he
           has
           appointed
           the
           Poor
           to
           be
           his
           Receivers
           ,
           not
           to
           abound
           in
           good
           Works
           ,
           when
           from
           his
           most
           free
           and
           special
           Favour
           ,
           he
           enables
           Men
           to
           imitate
           and
           honour
           him
           who
           is
           rich
           in
           Mercy
           .
           'T
           is
           more
           
             blessed
             to
             give
             than
             to
             receive
             .
          
           The
           present
           Reward
           is
           excellent
           :
           't
           is
           our
           Saviour's
           
             encouragement
             ,
             Give
             Alms
             of
             such
             things
             as
             you
             have
             ,
          
           according
           to
           your
           Capacity
           ,
           
             and
             behold
             all
             things
             are
             clean
             unto
             you
             .
          
           As
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           by
           offering
           the
           
           first
           Fruits
           in
           the
           Temple
           ,
           the
           whole
           Harvest
           was
           consecrated
           and
           bless'd
           ;
           so
           by
           a
           charitable
           distribution
           ,
           the
           Rich
           have
           a
           pure
           and
           comfortable
           enjoyment
           of
           their
           Estates
           .
           And
           the
           Reward
           hereafter
           will
           be
           glorious
           by
           infinite
           degrees
           ,
           exceeding
           the
           most
           costly
           and
           liberal
           Charity
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           Encouragement
           used
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             Charge
             them
             that
             are
             rich
             in
          
           
           
             this
             World
             ,
             that
             they
             do
             good
             ,
             that
             they
             be
             rich
             in
             good
             Works
             ,
             ready
             to
             distribute
             ,
             willing
             to
             communicate
             ;
             laying
             up
             in
             store
             for
             themselves
             a
             good
             foundation
             for
             the
             time
             to
             come
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             lay
             hold
             on
             eternal
             Life
             .
          
           Some
           by
           corrupt
           prodigality
           waste
           their
           Estates
           ,
           are
           profuse
           as
           the
           Sea
           ;
           some
           heap
           up
           Riches
           as
           the
           Sand
           ,
           and
           both
           must
           be
           responsible
           to
           the
           Righteous
           Lord
           ,
           who
           will
           severely
           call
           them
           to
           an
           
           account
           for
           the
           abuse
           of
           his
           Blessings
           .
           But
           those
           who
           according
           to
           their
           utmost
           ability
           honour
           him
           with
           their
           Substance
           ,
           and
           by
           their
           charity
           and
           beneficence
           open
           the
           hearts
           and
           lips
           of
           many
           in
           thanksgivings
           to
           God
           ,
           shall
           be
           accepted
           and
           rewarded
           from
           the
           Divine
           Mercy
           .
        
         
           Especially
           doing
           good
           to
           those
           whom
           God
           loves
           ,
           who
           bear
           his
           Image
           ,
           who
           are
           peculiarly
           related
           
           to
           him
           ,
           shall
           have
           an
           excellent
           Reward
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           some
           by
           entertaining
           Strangers
           ,
           received
           Angels
           :
           the
           honour
           is
           incomparably
           greater
           ,
           that
           in
           relieving
           the
           Godly
           ,
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           Lord
           of
           Angels
           ,
           is
           fed
           and
           cloathed
           in
           his
           Members
           .
           And
           at
           the
           last
           Day
           he
           will
           publickly
           own
           those
           Acts
           of
           Mercy
           as
           done
           to
           himself
           :
           Then
           he
           will
           
           give
           to
           the
           contented
           Poor
           the
           Crown
           of
           Patience
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           charitable
           Rich
           the
           Crown
           of
           Liberality
           .
           In
           short
           ,
           Riches
           and
           Honour
           ,
           Power
           and
           Prosperity
           ,
           are
           Temptations
           to
           the
           Carnal
           ,
           that
           draw
           forth
           their
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           increase
           their
           Guilt
           and
           Misery
           ;
           but
           to
           wise
           and
           faithful
           Christians
           ,
           they
           are
           Talents
           improved
           for
           their
           Master's
           Honour
           ,
           and
           their
           own
           everlasting
           Good.
           
        
         
           7.
           
           A
           firm
           resolution
           to
           part
           with
           all
           Possessions
           and
           Dignities
           ,
           when
           
           God's
           Honour
           ,
           and
           the
           testimony
           of
           his
           Truth
           requires
           it
           ,
           is
           an
           excellent
           Antidote
           against
           the
           Evil
           of
           Prosperity
           .
           God
           doth
           sometimes
           call
           forth
           his
           Servants
           to
           hard
           Trials
           ,
           to
           declare
           with
           more
           strength
           and
           evidence
           their
           love
           to
           his
           Name
           ,
           their
           zeal
           for
           
           advancing
           his
           Glory
           :
           Satan
           is
           an
           irreconcileable
           Enemy
           to
           God
           and
           his
           Saints
           ;
           and
           inspires
           the
           perverted
           World
           with
           his
           own
           Malice
           against
           them
           .
           Rage
           has
           no
           Reason
           :
           the
           Jews
           would
           excommunicate
           the
           blind
           Man
           ,
           because
           he
           saw
           ,
           and
           ascribed
           the
           Glory
           of
           the
           Miracle
           to
           our
           Saviour
           :
           and
           Lazarus
           must
           die
           ,
           because
           he
           was
           raised
           from
           the
           Grave
           .
           Now
           when
           a
           Christian
           is
           prepared
           for
           this
           noble
           Act
           of
           Self-denial
           ,
           to
           forsake
           all
           things
           when
           his
           Duty
           to
           Christ
           requires
           it
           ;
           this
           preserves
           him
           from
           the
           ensnaring
           temptations
           of
           Prosperity
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           observable
           ,
           the
           same
           Divine
           Disposition
           of
           Soul
           ,
           makes
           us
           temperate
           in
           the
           use
           of
           present
           Abundance
           ,
           and
           patient
           in
           the
           loss
           of
           it
           .
           The
           low
           esteem
           of
           earthly
           things
           ,
           joyn'd
           with
           the
           
           lively
           hope
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           renders
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           the
           World
           less
           delightful
           ,
           and
           the
           loss
           of
           it
           more
           tolerable
           .
           The
           Philosopher
           
           and
           Courtier
           says
           of
           himself
           ,
           that
           he
           always
           in
           his
           Prosperity
           kept
           a
           great
           distance
           between
           his
           Affections
           and
           Riches
           with
           Honours
           ;
           and
           in
           the
           change
           of
           his
           state
           ,
           they
           were
           rather
           taken
           easily
           away
           ,
           than
           rent
           from
           him
           .
           According
           to
           the
           temper
           of
           the
           Mind
           ,
           the
           difference
           is
           as
           sensible
           in
           the
           parting
           with
           outward
           things
           ,
           as
           between
           clipping
           the
           Hair
           ,
           and
           tearing
           it
           off
           with
           violence
           .
           Nay
           ,
           the
           Glory
           of
           Heaven
           does
           so
           eclipse
           the
           faint
           and
           fading
           lustre
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           that
           a
           Believer
           not
           only
           patiently
           but
           chearfully
           makes
           the
           exchange
           of
           the
           one
           for
           other
           .
           Moses
           
           
             preferred
             Affliction
             with
             the
             People
          
           
           
             of
             God
             before
             the
             Crown
             of
             Egypt
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             Reward
          
           above
           
             that
             was
             in
             his
             view
          
           .
           And
           the
           Christian
           Hebrews
           took
           
             joyfully
             the
             spoiling
             of
             their
             Goods
             ,
             knowing
             that
             they
             had
             in
             Heaven
             a
             better
             and
             an
             enduring
             substance
             .
          
           The
           blessed
           Hope
           will
           preserve
           us
           from
           being
           foil'd
           by
           Prosperity
           when
           it
           surrounds
           us
           ,
           and
           from
           sinking
           in
           Adversity
           .
           Like
           Mertyllus
           his
           Shield
           ,
           that
           secur'd
           him
           in
           the
           Field
           ,
           and
           sav'd
           him
           being
           Shipwrack'd
           at
           Sea
           ,
           by
           wasting
           him
           to
           the
           Shore
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ;
           Earnest
           and
           constant
           Prayer
           to
           God
           for
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           is
           a
           soveraign
           means
           to
           preserve
           those
           who
           are
           in
           Prosperity
           from
           the
           danger
           that
           attends
           it
           .
           
             I
             know
             how
             to
             abound
          
           ,
           says
           the
           Apostle
           ;
           and
           immediatly
           adds
           ,
           
             I
             can
             do
             all
          
           
           
           
             things
             through
             Christ
             that
             strengthens
             me
             .
          
           Supernatural
           Strength
           in
           an
           eminent
           degree
           is
           requisite
           to
           keep
           us
           entire
           and
           upright
           in
           the
           dangerous
           conflict
           with
           the
           pleasant
           Temptations
           of
           the
           World
           :
           and
           that
           Strength
           is
           derived
           from
           Christ
           ,
           and
           obtain'd
           by
           humble
           
           Prayer
           ,
           'T
           is
           St.
           
           Austin's
           observation
           ,
           that
           Elisha
           wanted
           a
           double
           portion
           of
           
           Elijah's
           Spirit
           ,
           because
           he
           was
           in
           publick
           Honour
           ;
           and
           exposed
           to
           a
           more
           dangerous
           trial
           ,
           an
           extraordinary
           Grace
           was
           necessary
           for
           him
           :
           But
           Elias
           was
           under
           continual
           persecution
           .
           The
           Trees
           that
           are
           expos'd
           to
           storms
           ,
           are
           strong
           and
           firm
           ;
           but
           those
           in
           the
           sunny
           Vallies
           are
           brittle
           and
           easily
           blown
           down
           .
           We
           are
           directed
           to
           ask
           Wisdom
           of
           God
           for
           the
           governing
           of
           our selves
           in
           Afflictions
           ,
           
             that
             in
             patience
          
           
           
             we
             may
             possess
             our
             Souls
          
           ,
           and
           the
           turbulent
           Passions
           may
           not
           cause
           rebellious
           disorders
           ,
           but
           the
           sanctified
           Mind
           may
           use
           Afflictions
           for
           our
           spiritual
           and
           eternal
           Good.
           And
           't
           is
           as
           necessary
           to
           beg
           Heavenly
           Wisdom
           for
           governing
           our selves
           in
           Prosperity
           ,
           that
           when
           Temptations
           are
           frequent
           ,
           and
           favour'd
           by
           our
           joyful
           Affections
           ,
           which
           are
           equally
           vehement
           and
           exorbitant
           as
           the
           sad
           Affections
           ,
           Reason
           may
           keep
           the
           Throne
           ,
           and
           manage
           Prosperity
           ,
           so
           as
           we
           may
           obtain
           our
           blessed
           End.
           Such
           is
           the
           malice
           of
           Satan
           ,
           that
           he
           incessantly
           desires
           leave
           to
           tempt
           us
           ,
           and
           love
           to
           our
           Souls
           should
           make
           us
           pray
           continually
           for
           confirming
           Grace
           against
           his
           Temptations
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           if
           the
           good
           things
           of
           this
           World
           make
           us
           more
           humble
           and
           holy
           ,
           
           more
           fearful
           to
           offend
           God
           ,
           and
           careful
           to
           please
           him
           ;
           if
           they
           are
           Motives
           to
           renew
           our
           Homage
           and
           Thankfulness
           to
           him
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           used
           in
           subordination
           to
           his
           Glory
           ,
           they
           are
           the
           Testimonies
           of
           his
           present
           Favour
           ,
           and
           the
           Pledges
           of
           our
           future
           Felicity
           .
           Our
           blessed
           Saviour
           keeps
           the
           best
           Wine
           for
           his
           obedient
           Friends
           till
           the
           last
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
           ERRATA
           .
        
         
           PAge
           68.
           line
           10
           ,
           for
           Love
           ,
           read
           Law.
           
        
         
           P.
           134.
           l.
           1.
           for
           Man
           ,
           r.
           Name
           .
        
         
           P.
           181.
           l.
           12.
           for
           
             conceit
             and
          
           ,
           r.
           conceited
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           Some
           Books
           printed
           for
           
             Brabazon
             Aylmer
          
           in
           Cornhil
           .
        
         
           THe
           Harmony
           of
           the
           Divine
           Attributes
           ,
           in
           the
           Contrivance
           and
           Accomplishment
           of
           Man's
           Redemption
           by
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Or
           ,
           Discourses
           ,
           wherein
           is
           shewed
           ,
           how
           the
           Wisdom
           ▪
           Mercy
           ,
           Justice
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           Power
           ,
           and
           Truth
           of
           God
           are
           glorified
           in
           that
           Great
           and
           Blessed
           Work.
           By
           
             William
             Bates
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           in
           Quarte
           .
        
         
           Considerations
           of
           the
           Existence
           of
           God
           ,
           And
           of
           the
           Immortality
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           with
           the
           Recompences
           of
           the
           Future
           State.
           To
           which
           is
           now
           added
           ,
           The
           Divinity
           of
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           ▪
           proved
           by
           the
           evidence
           of
           Reason
           ,
           and
           Divine
           Revelation●
           for
           the
           Cure
           of
           Infidelity
           the
           Hectick
           Evil
           of
           the
           Times
           .
           By
           
             William
             Bates
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           in
           Octavo
           .
        
         
           The
           Soveraign
           and
           final
           Happiness
           of
           Man
           ,
           with
           the
           effectual
           means
           to
           obtain
           it
           .
           Also
           the
           Joys
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           Torments
           of
           Hell
           are
           discoursed
           of
           ▪
           By
           
             William
             Bates
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           in
           Octavo
           .
        
         
           Several
           Sermons
           upon
           Death
           ,
           and
           Eternal
           Judgment
           .
           By
           
             William
             Bates
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           in
           Octavo
           .
        
         
           The
           great
           Duty
           of
           Resignation
           to
           the
           Divine
           will
           in
           Afflictions
           ,
           enforced
           from
           the
           Example
           of
           our
           suffering
           Saviour
           .
           By
           
             William
             Bates
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           in
           Octavo
           .
        
         
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A26784-e360
           
             *
             Mark
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             Vers.
             24
             ,
             26
             ,
             27
             ,
             28
             ,
             29.
             
          
           
             *
             1
             John
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             *
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             *
             Hos.
             11.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             
          
           
             *
             Psal.
             69.
             22.
             
          
           
             Ephes.
             2.
             
          
           
             James
             4.
             1.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             13.
             10.
             
          
           
             2
             Kings
             8.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             10.
             4.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             28.
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             30.
             9.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             6.
             12.
             
          
           
             An
             non
             paena
             satis
             est
             te
             non
             amare
             ?
             
               Aug.
               Conf.
            
             
          
           
             Psal.
             55.
             19.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             15
             
          
           
             Deut.
             29.
             19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             
          
           
             Ephes.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             l.
             
          
           
             James
             1.
             14
             ,
             15.
             
          
           
             *
             Nec
             mora
             ,
             quod
             pontus
             ,
             quod
             terra
             ,
             quod
             educat
             aer
             ,
             poscit
             .
          
           
             Ezek.
             16.
             49.
             
          
           
             *
             Ut
             remos
             agere
             possint
             ,
             hastas
             tractare
             non
             possint
             .
          
           
             *
             Haec
             enim
             conditio
             superiorum
             est
             ut
             quicquid
             faciunt
             praecipere
             videantur
             ,
             &
             pernitiosissimus
             est
             malae
             rei
             maximus
             quisque
             author
             .
             Quintil.
             
          
           
             Ipsa
             vitia
             religiosa
             sunt
             ,
             atque
             non
             modo
             non
             vitantur
             ,
             sed
             coluntur
             .
             Lact.
             
          
           
             *
             Non
             me
             potes
             uti
             amico
             &
             adulatore
             .
             
               Phocion
               Antipatri
            
             .
          
           
             *
             Nullis
             vitiis
             desunt
             pretiosa
             nomina
             .
             Plin.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             
          
           
             Jude
             .
          
           
             *
             Nec
             te
             posse
             carere
             velim
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             6.
             
          
           
             Mark
             6.
             5.
             
          
           
             Acts
             7.
             
          
           
             John
             3.
             20.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             Titus
             1.
             15.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             57.
             10.
             
          
           
             Ephes.
             4.
             17
             ,
             18
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             2.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
          
           
             *
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Arist.
             l.
             7
             ,
             &c
             c.
             3.
             
          
           
             *
             Omnia
             torpent
             ,
             omnia
             rigent
             ,
             sola
             feritas
             calet
             .
          
           
             Isa
             44.
             16
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             4.
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             5.
             11
             ,
             12
             ,
             13.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             9.
             27.
             28.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             2.
             24
             ▪
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             24.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             23.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             11.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             21.
             8.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             2.
             11
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             13.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             5.
             
          
           
             Min.
             fel.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             18.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             12.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             4.
             19.
             
          
           
             Euseb.
             lib.
             6.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             33.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             7.
             
          
           
             In
             cane
             sagacitas
             prima
             est
             ,
             si
             investigare
             debet
             feras
             ,
             cursus
             si
             consequi
             ;
             audacia
             si
             mordere
             &
             invadere
             .
             Id
             in
             quoque
             optimum
             est
             ,
             cui
             nascitur
             ,
             quo
             censetur
             .
             In
             homine
             optimum
             quid
             est
             ?
             ratio
             .
             Haec
             animalia
             antecedit
             ,
             Deos
             sequitur
             .
             Senec.
             Epist.
             76.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             12.
             20.
             
          
           
             *
             Morto
             all
             piacer
             dell
             '
             immortal
             suo
             nome
             .
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             22.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             1.
             
          
           
             *
             Pretium
             mirantes
             accipiunt
             .
             
               Tacit
               ▪
            
          
           
             Jer.
             17.
             11.
             
          
           
             Dan.
             12.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             20
             ,
             21.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             24
             ,
             25
             ,
             26
             ,
             27
             ,
             28
             ,
             29.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             78.
             34
             ,
             36
             ,
             37.
             
          
           
             *
             Stat
             anceps
             medicus
             ,
             non
             videt
             bonum
             quod
             promittat
             ;
             timet
             malum
             pronunciare
             ne
             terreat
             :
             modestam
             tamen
             istam
             concipit
             sententiam
             ,
             Deus
             bonus
             omnia
             potest
             ,
             orate
             pro
             illo
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             33.
             11
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             18.
             21
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             46.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             
          
           
             *
             Deus
             illum
             ad
             solium
             evexit
             ,
             &
             iste
             Deum
             ad
             boves
             demisit
             .
             
               Pet.
               Mart.
            
             
          
           
             Deut.
             29.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             18.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             106.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             50.
             
          
           
             Nahum
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             9.
             22.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             29.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             49.
             
          
           
             Eccles.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             35.
             6.
             
             Horrenda
             via
             tenebrae
             ,
             &
             lubricum
             .
             Tenebras
             solum
             quis
             non
             horreat
             ?
             lubri
             cum
             solum
             quis
             non
             caveat
             ?
             In
             tenebris
             &
             lubrico
             qua
             is
             ?
             ubi
             pedem
             figis
             ?
             sunt
             istae
             magnae
             poenae
             hominum
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.
             
          
           
             Eccles.
             7.
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             *
             Vino
             debimus
             quod
             etiam
             non
             sitientes
             bibimus
             .
             Plin.
             
          
           
             Nemo
             venenum
             temperat
             felle
             &
             Elleboro
             ,
             sed
             conditis
             pulmentis
             id
             mali
             injicit
             .
             Ita
             Diabolus
             letale
             quod
             conficie
             ,
             rebus
             gratissimis
             &
             acceptissimis
             imbuit
             .
             Tert.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             16.
             42
             
          
           
             Senec.
             
               de
               providentia
            
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             
          
           
             Inter
             adversa
             melior
             .
             Tacit.
             
          
           
             Optimos
             nos
             esse
             dum
             infirmi
             sumus
             .
             Plin.
             lib.
             3.
             
          
           
             Propitius
             Deus
             cum
             male
             amamus
             ,
             negat
             quod
             amamus
             :
             iratus
             autem
             dat
             amanti
             quod
             male
             amat
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Chron.
             17.
             3.
             
          
           
             Sponte
             manans
             pretiosior
             sudor
             est
             ,
             elicitus
             corticis
             vulnere
             vilior
             judicatur
             .
             Solin
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             9.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             1.
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.
             4.
             
          
           
             Zach.
             9.
             9.
             
          
           
             Tit.
             3.
             3.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             6.
             11
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             8.
             12.
             
          
           
             Hos.
             13.
             6.
             
          
           
             Ps.
             103.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             *
             Psal.
             34.
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             26.
             
          
           
             Utentis
             modestia
             ,
             non
             amantis
             affectu
             .
          
           
             Hos.
             4.
             11.
             
          
           
             Ephes.
             4.
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             7.
             30
             ,
             31.
             
          
           
             *
             Omnis
             humana
             perversio
             fruendis
             uti
             velle
             ,
             &
             utendis
             frui
             .
             Aug.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             139.
             17
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             4.
             6
             ,
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             63.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             10.
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.
             
          
           
             Intervallum
             inter
             me
             &
             illa
             magnum
             habui
             :
             itaque
             abstulit
             illa
             non
             avulsit
             .
             Senec.
             Cons.
             ad
             Helv.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             
          
           
             Aelizaeus
             cum
             magno
             honore
             &
             seculi
             dignitate
             prophetiae
             donum
             habuit
             :
             Elias
             profugus
             &
             persecutus
             .