42. A reflexion on the com∣pletion of every wish the moment it is formed.

The plain we came into from the de∣file, was above a mile over to the opposite hills, and a-cross it was a walk of aged oaks, that seemed, in such a place, as the avenue that leads to the fairy castle of wishes. If such beings there are, as Dr. Fowler, bishop of Glocester, hath in one of his books af∣firmed, then here, I said, in this fine ro∣mantic region, where all the charms of the field, the forest, the water, and the moun∣tains, are united, may be their favorite man∣sion, and perhaps they will admit me into their fairy castle: then commences their friendship, and when they have all breathed on me, it is but wishing for the future, and the completion of every desire is granted the moment it is formed. Would not this be compleat happiness? what do you say, re∣flexion?

No, (reflexion answered, as we rid up this avenue.) Imagination may form fine pictures Page  210of felicity from an indulgence in every wish; but, so blind are mankind to their own real happiness, that it is oftner to the gratification than to the disappointment of their wishes that all their misery is owing. We often choose what is not consonant to the welfare of our nature, and strive to avoid those inci∣dents which are fated in the order of incon∣trolable events for our good. Frequently do we labour to secure the things that debase us into slaves, and overwhelm us with cala∣mity; but seldom do we desire, rarely do we strive to obtain those objects, and acquire that station, which are most likely to render humanity as perfect as it can be in this world, rational and godlike, and thereby crown our lives with true happiness. Many a man has pursued a Venus, an estate, an honour, with much toil and wonderful activity, and when possessed of the fancyed blessing, have been made very miserable mortals. The wished for beauty has often made even the husband wretched. An aching scar is often covered with the laurel: and in respect of envied great fortunes, gaudy is the thing without, and within very often is mere bitterness. The wisdom is, as to this world, not to get from the fairies a power of enjoying all that fancy may desire, if that was possible; but, to act well and wisely, in the most rea∣sonable, lovely, and fair manner, and pro∣pose Page  211nothing of ourselves, but with a reserve that supreme wisdom permits it; welcoming every event with chearfulness and magnani∣mity, as best upon the whole, because or∣dained of infinite reason; and acquiescing in every obstruction, as ultimately reservable to divine providence. This (continued reflexion), in respect of this life, were there no other, is preferable to the castle of wishes, if we could find it at the end of this avenue (17) .

But if another life is taken into the que∣stion, the argument grows stronger against a power of enjoying all we could wish for.— As we are accountable creatures, and are pouring fast out of time into eternity, reli∣gion undoubtedly ought to be the main busi∣ness of mortals;—that religion, which is a living principle, spring, or root of ac∣tions Page  212in the soul; wrought there by the hand of him that made us; and which requireth us to honour and fear God as the supreme Lord, to esteem him as the chief good; and to exercise and express that honour, that fear, and that esteem, by all the means, and in all the ways, which reason and revelation ap∣point for such exercise and expression; that we may gain the love of the Almighty, and obtain the established seat of happiness above: but such force hath the objects of sense upon the mind, that it is more than probable they would outweigh the distant hopes of religion, if wishing could bring in even a tenth part of what the vanity of man, and his senses would call for. It would be so far from be∣ing an advantage to mankind, if they could wish and have vast fortunes, all the pleasures, the pomps and honours of the world, that they would thereby be deprived of the ra∣tional joys of life, and be influenced to think no more of the excellency and beauty of re∣ligion, and the good consequences of serving God truly. They would not even divide themselves between this world and the other. The Idol Gods of this state would have all their service. The wish then should be for daily bread, and that the kingdom of God may come—his will be done in our souls. In these are comprized the greatest and most va∣luable blessings, and we are sure we can ob∣tain Page  213them, if we will add to asking an in∣dustry and prudence in acquiring, and take care by culture, to bring up the seeds of vir∣tue and holiness. This is enough to make us as happy here as reason can desire. We have a sufficiency to go through this world to that other where we are to be stationed for ever, and against the accidents of the way, we have the supports which innocence and virtue to the good administer. Peace and tranquillity of mind here, and hopes full of comfort with respect to hereafter, are the in∣gredients of our happiness; a happiness the greatest! and we are certain that he, upon whose mercy and goodness we confess we ex∣ist, will, in regard to our confidence and trust, our faith and religion, when this fleeting scene is over, make us glorious and ever blessed in the kingdom he has prepared for those that rely on the Divine Goodness, and do their best to advance the state of true vir∣tue in the world. Let us not regret, then, the want of a castle of wishes. Let us not have a desire of that wealth, dominion and splendor, which lives in contempt of the pro∣phets, and riots in the heinous pleasures of irreligion.

Let our great Master's Will be made the rule of all our actions, and let his interest be regarded, as our interest. Let us consult his ho∣nour, as our own honour; and having food and Page  214raiment, be content, as we are hasting away with a never ceasing pace, to the realms of eternity and unmixed bliss. This is reason and light. This only deserves our care. There is nothing worth wishing for, but the happi∣ness of God's presence in our hearts; and the more immediate communications of his love and favour in the regions of day.