Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

Reader, have you seen the inconstancy of man; have you considered the frailty of human nature; or have you suffered by the unfaithfulness of those from whom you expected better things?-Remember, there is a Friend above, whose counsels you do well to follow; on whose faithfulness you may depend; and whose presence can afford you the highest enjoyment, not only in the midst of changing scenes, and dying friends, but in the valley of the shadow of death, and in the realms of eternal glory.

ALL WORLDLY PROSPERITY.

FINALLY, as to all the world and the highest state of prosperity, what is it? The apostle says, "the fashion (the masquerade) of this world passeth away." "* "It is," says Solomon, "Vanity of Vanities, yea, all is Vanity."+ As one observes, "These earthly things, though they make a fair and gaudy show, yet it is all

* 1 Cor. vii. 31. + Eccl. i. 2.

nothing but show and appearance. As bubbles blown into the air will represent a variety of orient and glittering colours, through the reflection of light cast upon them; so truly this world, this earth on which we live is nothing else but a great bubble, blown up by the breath of God in the midst of the air where it now hangs. It sparkles with ten thousand glories; not that they are so in themselves, but only that they seem so to us through the false light by which we look upon them. If we come to grasp it, like a thin film, it breaks, and leaves nothing but wind and disappointment in our hands: as history reports of the fruits that grow near the Dead Sea, where once Sodom and Gommorrah stood: they appear very fair and beautiful to the eye, but if they be crushed, turn immediately to smoak and ashes.

Indeed, the whole use of what we so much dote upon, is merely fancy,* and to make our

* Thrassyllus, it is said, noted down all the ships that arrived at the port of Athens, thinking them and their merchandise to be all his own. And when eured of that pleasant madness, confessed that he never in

selves needy we have invented an artificial kind of riches; which are no more necessary to the service of sober nature, than jewels and bracelets were to the Plane Tree which Xerxes so ridiculously adorned. And although we eagerly pursue these things, and count ourselves poor and indigent without them, yet, possibly right reason will dictate that they are no more needful to us, than to brute, or senseless creatures; and that it would be altogether as ridiculous for a man to be decked with them, as for a beast or plant, were it but as uncommon. These precious trifles, when they are hung about us, make no more to the warmth, or defence of the body, than if they were hung upon a tree, they could make its leaves more verdant, or its shade more refreshing. Doth any man lie the softer because his bed posts are gilt? doth his meat and drink relish the better because served up in gold? Is his house more convenient, because better carved

his whole life enjoyed so much content, as in that conceited wealth those ships brought him. Thus, alas! too many solace themselves with imaginary good, and suppose they possess much, when after all they have nothing.

or painted? or are his clothes more fit, because more fashionable than others? And if they are not necessary to these natural uses, all that is left them is but fancy and opinion. Indeed mankind cozen themselves by compact, and by setting a value upon things that are rare, have made many think themselves poor; whereas God made all equally wealthy, had they not artificially impoverished themselves. It is nothing but conceit that makes the difference be tween the richest and the meanest, if both enjoy necessaries. For what are all superfluous riches, but a load that men's covetousness lays upon them? They are like Roman slaves, that were wont to carry heavy burdens of bread, upon their backs, whereof others eat as large a share as they. Whatever is more than sufficient to satisfy the cravings of nature, is of no other use but only to look upon. Our lands, our houses, and fair estates are but pictures of things. The poorest who see them, enjoy as much of them. as ourselves: yea, and if we could be contented with reason, every thing that we behold with our eyes, is as much ours as it is the owners."*

* Hopkins.

Reader, if these things be so, then we may learn the folly of setting our hearts on earthly things. They are not worthy that supreme attachment we often pay to them. Should not our affections be fixed on objects suitable to our nature? It is wise to strive for that which is not congenial with our happiness. What should we think of a Merchant if he purchased a capacious vessel, fitted it out at a great expense, and made a long and dangerous voyage, only to bring home a few worthless pebbles? Now this is but a picture of the conduct of those who are seeking for happiness in mere sublunary things. They labour and toil, they are at great cost, they encounter the boisterous waves, they surmount many dangers, and after all what do they obtain, but a few trifles, while they leave the precious treasures behind? There are very few but what like to have something to shew for the pains they have taken; but what have the men of this world to produce, as worthy of notice and approbation? Let us search their cabinet; let us ask for the reward they have received for their labours: Alas! instead of being able to shew us any thing valuable; on the

« AnteriorContinuar »