XXV.

A Spartan haveing long bu∣sied himself about the car∣case of a dead man to try if he could settle it firme in an up∣right posture; perceiving how ineffectual his endeavours Page  75 prov'd, sometimes the head falling into the bosome, some∣times the armes flagging downward, and the whole, at last, falling to the ground▪ told the slanders by (who smil'd at his unsuccesful attempt) Ther's wanting (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) something within, meaning a Soul. Thus it is in dealing with those who are dead in trespasses and sins; if we endeavour to hold up their countenances heavenward, and would have them fix their eye on Eternity, and an immortal estate, we can't hold them to it one moment; they presently incline towards the earth a∣gain: if we would set them on their feet, and make them up∣right, if we would set their hands at work in deeds of righ∣teousnesse, Page  76 justice and truth; and have them to stretch out their armes to the relief of those that are in distresses; all is in vain; while ther's no spi∣rit nor principle of motion; something is wanting within. If God's dreadful threatnings be sounded in their ears with a voice of thunder they hear it not; if Hell be set before their eyes in clear and visible representations, they see it not; if a scourge be laid on their backs their dead flesh feel's it not.