Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

Who is so void of rational Sentiments,¹ as not to acknowledge 'tis our indispensable Duty, Our reasonable service, to offer up our selves, an entire living Sacrifice to his glory? What is more natural, according to the Laws of uncorrupt Natures (I might say, and of corrupt Nature, for the Heathens practised it) than that Love should correspond with Love, as the one descends in Benefits, the other should ascend in Thankfulness. As a polished Looking-glass of Steel, strongly reverberates the Beams of the Sun shining upon it, without losing a spark of light, thus the understanding Soul should reflect the Affection of Love upon our blessed Maker, in Reverence, and Praise, and Thankfulness. Now Sin breaks all those Sacred Bands of Grace and Gratitude, that engage us to love and obey God. He is the just Lord of all our Faculties Intellectual and Sensitive, and ⟨image 114⟩the Sinner employs them as Weapons of Unrighteousness against him. He preserves us by his powerful gracious Providence, which is a renewed Creation every Moment, and the Goodness he uses to us, the Sinner abuses against him. This is the most unworthy, shameful and monstrous Ingratitude. This makes forgetful and unthankful Men, more brutish than the dull Ox, and the stupid Ass, who serve those that feed them; nay, sinks them below the insensible part of the Creation, that invariably observes the Law and order prescribed by the Creator. Astonishing Degeneracy! Hear O Heavens, give ear, O earth, I have nourished and brought up Children, and they have rebelled against me, was the Complaint of God himself. The considerate Review of this, will melt us into Tears of Confusion.

Who is so void of rational Sentiments,¹ as not to acknowledge 'tis our indispensable Duty, Our reasonable service, to offer up our selves, an intire living Sacrifice to his glory? What is more natural, according to the Laws of uncorrupt Natures (I might say, and of corrupt Nature, for the Heathens practised it) than that Love should correspond with Love, as the one descends in Benefits, the other should ascend in Thankfulness. As a polish'd Looking-glass of Steel, strongly reverberates the Beams of the Sun shining upon it, without losing a spark of light, thus the understanding Soul should reflect the Affection of Love upon our blessed Maker, in Reverence, and Praise, and Thankfulness. Now Sin breaks all those Sacred Bands of Grace and Gratitude, that engage us to love and obey God. He is the just Lord of all our Faculties Intellectual and Sensitive, and