convincing proof of the glory, and happiness of the next,

If in this world, which in a degree is under a curfe* at best only a state of trial--and doomed to perish, we see so much grandeur, beauty, and accomodation, what may we not expect, when this curfe is changed into a bleffing-this ftate of trial into a state of enjoyment-and this perishing habitation into an everlasting abode ? We cannot conceive, after we have paffed religiously through a state of trial, that God would carry us from a better place to a worse.

Again, when we find in the various productions of this world, fo much pleafing, and innocent amusement-fo much gratification to all our fenfes, when ufed with innocence-and fuch wonderful accomodation to all our neceffities-what may we not expect, when rational enjoyment can have no alloy-when the necessary evils of a ftate of trial will be removed-and when more perfect fenfations will of courfe be proportionably gratified.

Again, when we confider what happiness arifes in this world from the little intercourse we can have here with virtuous friendship-where feldom two

or

* GENESIS . 17.

or three in a wide district are in harmony with each other—what may we not expect from the intercourse of millions of glorified fpirits, with whom we may suppose friendship may be enjoyed in all its purity-where in our mutual gratifications no mixture will be found of envy, diffimulation, or other corrofive ingredient.

Laftly, when we fee in this world fuch various pursuits of knowledge-fo much wifdom, and fagacity-fo much ingenuity, and informationwhat may we not expect when all our faculties are enlarged-and every field of knowledge, that is worth cultivation, laid open before us.-Some modes of knowledge feem confined to this world— as the ftudy of languages-logic-criticism, and feveral others. They feem not therefore to afford fo noble a purfuit, as thofe ftudies, which we may probably pursue hereafter-fuch as investigating the works of creation-the wonders of redemption-and the attributes of the Almighty in their feveral modes of juftice, and mercy, of punishment, and reward.

Thus the two worlds unite gradually with each other like the bloffom, and the fruit-the feedtime, and the harveft, one gives the happy earnest, which the other fulfils.

VOL. II.

D d

There

LXXIII.

There must be herefies among you, that they, who are approved, may be made manifeft among you.1 Cor. xi. 19.

UNDER the word herefy is commonly under

flood every thing contrary to true religion,

both in practice, and principle.

As this world is a ftate of trial, God hath appointed that religion, among other things, fhould make a part of that trial. The religious man therefore has a great variety of temptations to combat-the plaufible objections of defigning men-the loose practice and example of the world-the high pretenfions of reafon-and the obfcurities of fcripture; all of which are only various modes of trial.

As the means of repelling thefe various attacks, the religious man has fufficient evidence for the truth of his religion, and the integrity of fcripture; and his trial confifts in ftripping all this falfhood of

its difguife—or, if objections, as it may be, are too hard for him, in refting them on his own ignorance; and in building his faith firmly on the evidences of religion. Thus his faith, like the fcriptural house is founded on a rock. Objections, and difficulties, like ftorms, and floods, may affault it. But unless they can overthrow the foundationunless they can diffolve the evidences of religion, their efforts are ineffectual.

Thus then there must be herefies—that he who is approved, may be made manifeft.-Not that God over-rules the hearts of thefe heretical corrupters: he only turns their wickedness and perverseness, as he does the fury of the elements, into the appen dages of a state of trial.

LXXIV.

When ye shall hear of wars, and rumours of wars, be not troubled, for fuch things must needs be.Mark xiii. 7.

HERE must be wars, as there must be herefies.

THE

Yet when we furvey all these dreadful calamities brought on mankind by themfelves-and then confider the trifling caufes which gave birth to them, we are utterly aftonished, and difmayed.

Yet in the midft of our diftrefs let us not be caft down. It is a comfort to hear the voice of inspiration whispering, Be not troubled; for fuch things muft needs be. It is not for us to inveftigate the fecret purposes of Providence, Thefe calamities are often, we know, the means of trial-of punishment of purifying finful nations--and often of bringing about happy revolutions. God, no doubt, has his wife reafons for permitting them.For us, let us take care, if we are involved in them, not to be involved in the guilt they occafion; and if we are among the melancholy fufferers, let us bear with fortitude, and religious refignation, the calamities which it pleafes God to lay upon us.

The