The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…

2. And if one Law were made, that every man that traveleth shall stumble and wallow in the dirt, and wander up and down out of his way; and that every man that eateth and drinketh, should feed on dirt, and ditch-water, or poison, &c. And another Law, that all men should keep their right way, and live soberly, and feed healthfully; which of these would fit a wise man best, and be easiest to obey? or if one Law were made, that all Scholars shall learn nothing but lies and errors; and another, that they shall learn nothing but truth and wisdom, which of them would be more easy and suitable to humanity? (Though the first might be more pleasing to some fools.) Why then should not the goodness of Gods Laws be confessed, who doth but forbid men learning the most pernicious errors, and wandering in the maze of folly, and wallowing in the dirt of sensuality, and feeding on the dung and poison of sin? Is the love of a harlot, or of gluttony, drunkenness▪ rioting, or gaming, more suitable to humanity, than the Love of God, and Heaven, and Holiness, of Wisdom, Temperance, and doing good? To a Swine or a Bedlam it may be more suitable; but not to one that liveth like a man. What did God ever forbid you, that was not hurtful to you? And what did he ever command you, which was not for your benefit? either for your present delight, or for your future happiness; for the healing of your diseases, or the preventing them?

2. And if one Law were made, that every man that traveleth shall stumble and wallow in the dirt, and wander up and down out of his way; and that every man that eateth and drinketh, should feed on dirt, and ditch-water, or poyson, &c. And another Law, that all men should keep their right way, and live soberly, and feed healthfully; which of these would fit a wise man best, and be easiest to obey? or if one Law were made, that all Scholars shall learn nothing but lies and errours; and another, that they shall learn nothing but truth and wisdom, which of them would be more easie and suitable to humanity? (Though the first might be more pleasing to some fools.) Why then should not the goodness of Gods Laws be confessed, who doth but forbid men learning the most pernicious errours, and wandering in the maze of folly, and wallowing in the dirt of sensuality, and feeding on the dung and poyson of sin? Is the love of a harlot, or of gluttony, drunkennenss▪ rioting, or gaming, more suitable to humanity, than the Love of God, and Heaven, and Holiness, of Wisdom, Temperance, and doing good? To a Swine or a Bedlam it may be more suitable; but not to one that liveth like a man. What did God ever forbid you, that was not hurtful to you? And what did he ever command you, which was not for your benefit? either for your present delight, or for your future happiness; for the healing of your diseases, or the preventing them?