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Such have a sweet and comforting part, whether the VVorld smile or frown, who know there is an eternity of joy before them: But you see how many are not more low in their outward state, than dreadfully wicked and loose, without thc least serious weight of Religion on their soul.
ANS. This may shew, that no affliction, or the saddest lot here can of it self lead into Jesus Christ, with∣out the efficacious and irresistible power of grace; but as to their part, who•• are so visibly active to their own ruine, I must say, there seemes not a more sad and astonishing sight, than such are, 1. Who thus follow the world with a weeping eye, and have their heart cleave so fast to it, which will scarce bestow one flattering smile on them, & knowes not what gain they••might make of their present Affliction and strait. 2. Who thus seek the living among the dead, & their reliefe from the airth from whence they see they cannot have it, who have such greatest things laid in their offer, to make them here and for ever bles∣sed. 3. That the very report of the gain of Godliness should not press them once to be this length, to know upon trial, vvhat might be the certainty thereof, and if such an advantage can be truely reached here, as to make the poor mans life more Sweet and Comforting under all the toile of his hand, than if he had the greatest estate of the earth. 4, It may seeme strange, what these can possibly reckon upon their Condition in being men, as desireable above that of the beasts of the field, who have so little either in hand, or hope to be comforting; to know only a sensual life with so small and almost indiscerneable advan∣tage to satisfy the senses. It is true, many such entertain a hope of a blessedness to come, whilst they are wholly strangers to a life of grace here: But Oh! It is at such a rate, that the Scripture of God must be false, if theirs be true. 5 How amazing also is it, to see for what these pe∣rish, and lose their immortal soul, which is in it self a higher interest, than the glory and riches of all the Mo∣narchies in the Earth, yea of more value, than the Sun and Moon? Yet as if this were but some triffle, how easily do such hazard the same for the smallest gain; yea it may be said, are content to serve Satan withont the wages of visible pleasure and satisfaction which others have in the world. 6 Yea how strange is it, how many such,
whose trade and imployment lyes most at sea, who thus have such peculiar enforcing Arguments, to be serious about Religion, yet are so visibly loose in their walk, and strangers to a Christian life.