2. In order to make a right Choice, we must be very watchful lest the general Example of Men taint our Reason, and cause an immoderate esteem of temporal things. The whole World lies in Wickedness, in a sensual Sty, without ⟨p. 431⟩Conscience of its Misery, or care of regaining its Happiness, deceived and pleased with shows of Felicity. The way to Hell is broad, as the inclinations of the licentious Appetite; pleasant, as the delights of Sense; so plain and easy, that Men go to it *blindfold; and so frequented, that it would force Tears from any considering Person, to see Men so hasty to meet with Damnation. When Calisto the Harlot reproached Socrates that there were more followers of her Beauty than his Wisdom; the †Philosopher replied, That was not strange, because it was much easier to draw them in the way of Pleasure, that is steep and slippery, than to constrain them to ascend to Virtue, seated on a Hill, where the ascent is slow, and with toil and difficulty. Now there is nothing more contagious than Example. We blindly consent with the Multitude, and are possest with foolish Wonder, and carnal admiring of worldly Greatness, Treasures and Delights, neglecting to make a due estimation of things. 'Tis the ordinary Artifice of the Devil to render temporal things more valuable and attractive to particular Persons, from the common practice of Men who ⟨p. 432⟩greedily pursue them as their Happiness. As some crafty Merchants, by false reports raise the Exchange, to advance the price of their own Wares. The Men of the World are under the direction of Sense, and think them only to be wise and happy that shine in Pomp, abound in Riches, and overflow in Pleasures. The Psalmist tells us of the prosperous Worldling, that while he lives, he blesses his Soul; and Men will praise thee when thou dost well to thy self. By vicious imitation our Judgments are more corrupted, and our Passions raised to higher degrees for painted Vanities. The Affections in the pursuit of earthly things are inflamed by the contention of others. And when holy Desires and Resolutions spring up in Men, yet so powerful is the custom of the World, that they often become ineffectual. As a Ship whose Sails are filled with a fair Wind, but makes no way, stopped by the force of the Current. Now to fortify us against the pernicious influence of Example, consider,
2. In order to make a right Choice, we must be very watchful lest the general Example of Men taint our Reason, and cause an immoderate esteem of temporal things. The whole World lies in Wickedness, in a sensual Sty, without ⟨p. 431⟩Conscience of its Misery, or care of regaining its Happiness, deceived and pleased with shews of Felicity. The way to Hell is broad, as the inclinations of the licentious Appetite; pleasant, as the delights of Sense; so plain and easy, that Men go to it *blindfold; and so frequented, that it would force Tears from any considering Person, to see Men so hasty to meet with Damnation. When Calisto the Harlot reproach'd Socrates that there were more followers of her Beauty than his Wisdom; the †Philosopher replied, That was not strange, because it was much easier to draw them in the way of Pleasure, that is steep and slippery, than to constrain them to ascend to Vertue, seated on a Hill, where the ascent is slow, and with toil and difficulty. Now there is nothing more contagious than Example. We blindly consent with the Multitude, and are possest with foolish Wonder, and carnal admiring of worldly Greatness, Treasures and Delights, neglecting to make a due estimation of things. 'Tis the ordinary Artifice of the Devil to render temporal things more valuable and attractive to particular Persons, from the common practice of Men who ⟨p. 432⟩greedily pursue them as their Happiness. As some crafty Merchants, by false reports raise the Exchange, to advance the price of their own Wares. The Men of the World are under the direction of Sense, and think them only to be wise and happy that shine in Pomp, abound in Riches, and overflow in Pleasures. The Psalmist tells us of the prosperous Worldling, that while he lives, he blesses his Soul; and Men will praise thee when thou dost well to thy self. By vicious imitation our Judgments are more corrupted, and our Passions rais'd to higher degrees for painted Vanities. The Affections in the pursuit of earthly things are inflam'd by the contention of others. And when holy Desires and Resolutions spring up in Men, yet so powerful is the custom of the World, that they often become ineffectual. As a Ship whose Sails are fill'd with a fair Wind, but makes no way, stopt by the force of the Current. Now to fortify us against the pernicious influence of Example, consider,
- *Bion.
- †[Greek or Hebrew]. Aelian. l. 13. c. 32.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Aelian. l. 13. c. 32.
