Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

2dly. The corrupt World, those who are styled the Children of this ⟨p. 212⟩World, by their Example, and by their Opposition, are Obstacles in the way to Heaven.

2dly. The corrupt World, those who are stiled the Children of this ⟨p. 212⟩World, by their Example, and by their Opposition, are Obstacles in the way to Heaven.

(1.) By Example: for the broad Way is beaten by the Multitude, and few strive to enter in at the strait Gate that leads to Eternal Life. Now Men easily receive the Impression of Example. Of this there is palpable Evidence; for when Sins are common, the numbers of the Guilty diminish the Sense and Shame of the Guilt. But if Conscience be sometimes unquiet, they smother the Sparks of Conviction in their Breasts, and make a resolute Reckoning they shall be in no worse condition than others. Miserable Comfort! as if one tortured on a Rack could receive any Mitigation of his Pains, by the sight of many others suffering the same Torture. So contagious are the Fashions and Manners of the World, that a principal end of our Saviour's ⟨p. 213⟩Death was to deliver us from this ¹present evil World: that is, not from the Place, but from the depraved State, and sinful Practices of the Men of the World. The Apostle Peter remembers Believers, Ye know that ye ²are not redeemed with corruptible things, as Silver and Gold, from your vain Conversation, received by Tradition from your Fathers; but with the precious Blood of Christ as of a Lamb without Blemish and without Spot. So deep was the Pollution, it could only be washed out in that precious Fountain. The Principles and Ways of the World have a mighty Influence to blind and harden Men in Conformity to them. The Heathen Idolatries and Impurities were continued so long in the World, being commended and established by public Custom: and accordingly the Apostle tells the Ephesians, they in time past walked according to the course of the World.