The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain itThe soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it

3. I will add further how incongruous it is to delay the solemn work of Reconciliation with God till the time of Sickness. This is an affair wherein our transcendent interest is concerned, and should be performed in our most calm and sensible condition, when we are most capable of reflecting upon our ways, ⟨p. 131⟩and making an exact trial of our selves, and returning to God by a holy Change of our Lives. Now that the time of Sickness is not a convenient season for this Work, is sadly evident. For some Diseases are stupefying, and all the Powers of the Spirit are benumbed in a dull Captivity, so that the sick Man only perceives with his animal Faculties. Some Diseases are tormenting, and cause a great disorder in the Soul, and wholly distract the Thoughts from considering his spiritual State. When the Storm is at the highest, and the Pilot so sick that he can give no Directions, the Ship is left to the fury of the Winds, and escapes by Miracle. When there is a Tempest in the humours of the Body, and the Soul by sympathy is so discomposed, that it cannot apply it self seriously to prepare for the Divine Tribunal, what danger of being lost, and passing from a short Agony to everlasting Pains? Besides, suppose the Sickness more tolerable, yet how unfit is a Person weak and languishing,¹ when Sense and Conscience are both afflicted, to encounter with the cruel Enemy of Souls? All that truly seek Peace with God must expect fierce Anger and War ⟨p. 132⟩from Satan; therefore 'tis a point of necessary Wisdom while we are possest of Health and Strength, to be in a heavenly preparation against his Assaults.

3. I will add further how incongruous it is to delay the solemn work of Reconciliation with God till the time of Sickness. This is an affair wherein our transcendent interest is concern'd, and should be perform'd in our most calm and sensible condition, when we are most capable of reflecting upon our ways, ⟨p. 131⟩and making an exact trial of our selves, and returning to God by a holy Change of our Lives. Now that the time of Sickness is not a convenient season for this Work, is sadly evident. For some Diseases are stupifying, and all the Powers of the Spirit are benummed in a dull Captivity, so that the sick Man only perceives with his animal Faculties. Some Diseases are tormenting, and cause a great disorder in the Soul, and wholly distract the Thoughts from considering his spiritual State. When the Storm is at the highest, and the Pilot so sick that he can give no Directions, the Ship is left to the fury of the Winds, and escapes by Maracle. When there is a Tempest in the humours of the Body, and the Soul by sympathy is so discomposed, that it cannot apply it self seriously to prepare for the Divine Tribunal, what danger of being lost, and passing from a short Agony to everlasting Pains? Besides, suppose the Sickness more tolerable, yet how unfit is a Person weak and languishing,