SERM. controverfies that fubfift among ChriftiansXII. “Can any good thing proceed from those "whoare branded with opprobrious names, " and marks of Infamy?" The natural anfwer is again the fame-Come and fee: i. e. Try the merits of the cause, search it to the bottom, and weigh the evidence fairly, before you presume to pass judgment. If this method, which immediately strikes our natural fenfe of equity, was univerfally and honestly pursued, the confequence would probably be this, to the joy of every wife and good man--That there would be much lefs of error in points of any confiderable moment, whether in fpeculation, or practice; and the influence of the error that ftill remain'd, arifing from the incurable imperfection and weakness of Human nature, would be fcarce felt, if condefcenfion, and mutual forbearance, and a harmony of mild and benevolent affections, fupply'd the place of that unity of opinion---Which is morally speaking---impoffible.

SER

SERMON XIII.

Of the true idea and improvement of Human Life.

T

ECCLES. vii. 1.

And the day of Death than
the day of ones Birth.

HERE is nothing of more SERM.
certain and univerfal impor- XIII.
tance than a right confide-
ration and estimate of Hu-

man Life, and, at the fame

time, no point, about which the fentiments of Mankind are more divided, and inconfiftent with each other--The World,

VOL. II.

U

in

SERM. in which we now refide, affords to fome XIII. fair and tempting prospects: They think that they see many charms and agreeable advantages in it, which worthily engage their affections.-This, to fuch as are of a different turn, and who have been used to other impreffions, appears extremely furprizing. For the fame World to their view is a vale of tears, a region of darknefs; and Human life a tiresome pilgrimage through a wild and rude defart planted thick with fnares and dangers, and a scene of endless impertinence and difquietude.-There may be great mistakes on both fides, according to the principles by which each party are influenc'd. And it will be fufficient to enable us to fix, in general, the just medium, if we distinctly examine where the truth, and where the error, lies with respect to the latter opinion; which seems not only to be countenanc'd, but express'd in the strongest terms, by Solomon in the text.

THE propofition therein contain'd may be confider'd in three different lights-As the fentiment of a peevish man, uneafy and difcontented with his ftation and circum

ftances

ftances in the World As the language of SERM, a Sceptick difpofed to cavil, and find fault XIII. with the present conftitution-Or as the fentiment of a wife and good man built on sober reflection, and the folid principles of Reason and Religion. Under the two first of these heads, it will naturally fall in our way to rectify fome falle opinions, that fpring from impatience, prejudice, and fuperficial knowledge; and are both difhonourable to God, and debafe Mankind: And under the last, we shall have an opportunity of explaining and fixing the only rational and confiftent sense in which it can be faid, that the day of Death is better than the day of ones Birth. Let us then confider it,

FIRST, As the fentiment of a peevish man, uneafy and discontented with his ftation and circumstances in the WorldIn this view of it, it does not indeed fo properly deferve to be called Sentiment, as Paffion. It is not the refult of a cool deliberate judgment, formed on mature examination, and a due eftimate and comparison of things; but of felf-conceit,

XIII.

SERM. blind resentment, and a fullen gloominess of temper, that confound and cloud the understanding, hurry it on to hafty conclufions, and represent all objects in difagreeable colours. Perfons of this unhappy complexion fhew a peculiar art and dexterity in making the worst of their condition, and turning every thing against themselves. They aggravate the difappointments and afflictions which they meet with, and overlook all the favourable circumftances, all the conveniencies and pleasures of their fituation in life, as if they were unworthy of their regard: Though perhaps, at the fame time, the advantages which they enjoy are many, and fubftantial, but their miferies only imaginary. They entertain extravagant expectations, and are alarm'd by false terrors; and if their unreasonable defires are not gratified, if their fanciful schemes of happiness prove abortive, they generally vent their spleen in exclaiming against the prefent ftate of Human nature as if it was full of darkness and diftrefs, with very few bright and chearful intervals; and are forward to have recourfe to Solomon's autho