A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

¹As the Light of Nature tells us all this, so also it doth dictate to us that no man is born for himself, to mind only his own good, and to escape evil and punishment himself; but to our utmost power in the places and societies of which we are heads or members to endeavour the good of that Society, and every member thereof. He that will help no other, who should help him? or with what reason can he expect it? He that is so selfish, is unprofitable to any Society, and good for nothing. Man being [Greek or Hebrew], nature hath inclined him to a sociable life, not only for his own, but also for the good of others; which whoso doth neglect, sins against that Society. Come then you Parents and Masters of Families, see now why I alleged before what the Light of Nature doth dictate concerning the Soul's immortality, and the state of Souls in another world, even that you may do your utmost to save the precious Souls in your houses from this place of torment, and to help them to prepare for an everlasting state. The Law of Charity firmly binds you to it: If your children were fallen into a pit, would not nature tell you you are to help them out? If any of your house were falling into the fire, would not nature tell you you should prevent it if you can? or snatch them out with haste and speed? Doth nature tell you (as hath been showed) that there is a place of torment where sinful Souls must suffer, and do you see any in your houses in danger of falling into it, and will you sit still and do nothing to endeavour to prevent their everlasting misery? If they were sick, or had drunk down poison, doth not nature tell you you should use means for their recovery, to prevent their death? And doth not nature tell you that their Souls are more precious than their Bodies, and more to be regarded? It doth: Certainly it doth. Are not their Souls sick and diseased, and poisoned with the venom of sin, and doth not nature tell you there is charity to be shown to their Souls, as well as to their Bodies, and much more? Certainly these are the dictates of nature; if I suppose you have not one spark of grace, the light of reason will tell you all this.