SERM, thro' the Merits of Chrift accept our X. temporal Sufferings in Atonement for it, yet the Joy that arises to us from this Hope is mix'd and alloy'd with the Tears of the Penitent, and is not like that Joy unspeakable and full of Glory, which fhines forth in the Triumphs of the Martyr.

Let us then be convinced by this Scripture, and what has occurr'd to us in reflecting on it, of what Importance it is to our prefent as well as future Happiness, to keep Innocency, and take heed unto the Thing that is right. This will be our best Guard in our Paffage thro' this Vale of Mifery, will give us Courage and Chearfulness thro' the feveral Stages of our Journey, and fupport us under the various Evils that attend us in it. And tho' a steady Adherence to Duty may fometimes itself be an Occafion of our Suffering; yet in the Multitude of thefe Sorrows, the Comforts

that

that arise to us from the Promifes SERM. of God, will be able to refresh our X. Souls, will conduct us with Patience, and even Pleafure thro' our Trials, and infallibly bring us Peace at the laft.

SER

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SERMON XI.

The Difficulty of St. Paul's Choice.

PHILLIP I. 22, 23, 24

What I fhall choose I wot not. For I am in a Strait betwixt two, having a Defire to depart, and to be with Chrift, which is far better: Nevertheless, to abide in the Flesh is more needful for you.

A

S an Over-fondnefs for LifeSERM. is a mean effeminate Paf- XI. fion, that exposes us to the basest and most ignoble Impreffions, and renders us infignificant to every honourable Purpofe of Life; fo a

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SERM. Contempt of Death has always XI. (even in the Accounts of Nature) been efteem'd among the Perfections of a human Understanding, and the principal Ingredient in a great Character. From the Views of Heathen Morality, 'tis indeed difficult to affign a rational Foundation for this Temper It might argue a natural Bravery and Hardinefs of Mind, and procure Refpect to the Man poffeft of it, as a Perfon equal to great Attempts, and whofe Service and Fidelity might be farther rely'd on than other Men's ; but 'twill be hard to account upon any rational Principles, why he who had no fure Prospect of another Life, should be over-prodigal of this.

Sometimes, even under better Informations, we fee Men profuse of Life, from Impatience under the Corrections, or defpair of the Mercy of God; but this betrays a weak and defpicable Spirit, funk below the Hopes of a Christian, and the Dignity of a rational Being.

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