The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 /

2. All the Prosperity in the World cannot bring true Satisfaction to him that enjoys it: for ⟨p. 129⟩'tis disproportionate to the spiritual and immortal nature of the Soul. This is so clear by Reason, that it may seem as needless and impertinent to insist on it, as to use Arguments to prove that Gold and Diamonds are not proper Food for the Body: but the self-deceiving folly of the carnal Heart, so enamoured of the vanity of this World, (that like the pleasure of a Charm, is counterfeit and deadly) makes it necessary to inculcate known Truths, that Men may timely prevent the sad Consequences of such Folly, and not be accessories to their tormenting Conviction by experience. 'Tis true, carnal and material▪ Things, pleasantly affect the outward Man; yet such a vanity is in them, that they are neither a pure nor a prevalent ⟨p. 130⟩Good, with respect to the natural and civil state of Man here. Riches, and Honours, and sensual Pleasures, are not without a mixture of bitterness, that corrupt the content that Men expect in them; they are not efficacious to remove or allay the Evil to which all are exposed in this open state. A sharp Disease makes all the Joys of the World insipid and despicable. But suppose them in their elevation, they cannot supply the Wants and Exigencies, nor satisfy the Desires of the Soul. They cannot restore Men to the Favour of God, and blessed Communion with him▪ nor renew the Image of his Holiness in them. They are but a vain Name, a naked shadow of Felicity, and entirely depend upon the simplicity and fancies ⟨p. 131⟩of Men for their valuation. The Apostle therefore tells us, that they that will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish lusts. Those who resolve and labour to get Riches, thinking to find Felicity in them, are misled by as gross folly, as those who presume by their costly preparations to turn Brass or Lead into Gold. For if it be Folly to desire and attempt what is impossible, 'tis equally so in those who seek for joyful satisfaction in Wealth, and in any other secular Things, as in the Alchemists, that waste their real Estates for imaginary Treasures.