The reasons of the Christian religion the first part, of godliness, proving by natural…

¹That this is very desirable no man can doubt: How gladly would men receive a Letter or Book that dropped from Heaven? Or an Angel that were sent thence to tell them what is there, and what they must for ever trust to? Yea, if it were but one of their old acquaintance from the dead? But all this would leave them in uncertainty still, and they would be doubtful of the credit and truth of any such a Messenger: And therefore to have one of fuller Authority, that shall confirm his Word by unquestionable attestations, would very much satisfy men. I have proved, that Nature it self revealeth to us, a Life of Retribution after this; and that Immortality of Souls may be proved without Scripture: But yet there is still a darkness and unacquaintedness, and consequently a doubting and questioning the certainty of it, upon a carnal mind: And it would greatly satisfy such, if besides mere Reason, they had some proof which is more agreeable to a mind in flesh; and might either speak with some credible Messenger who hath been in Heaven, and fully knoweth all these matters; or at least might be certainly informed of his Reports. And indeed, to men that are fallen into such a dark depravedness of Reason, and such Strangers to God ⟨p. 253⟩and Heaven as mankind is,² it is become needful that they have more than natural light, to show them the nature, the excellency and certainty of the happiness to come; or else they are never like so to love and seek it, and prefer it before all earthly things, as is necessary to them that will attain it. For few men will seek with their utmost labour, or let go all other things to attain a happiness, which they are not well persuaded of the reality of. And though sound reason might well persuade them of it,³ yet reason is now become so blind, and unsound, and partial, and enslaved to the flesh, that it is not fit for such an office, according to our necessity, without some heavenly Revelation.

¹That this is very desireable no man can doubt: How gladly would men receive a Letter or Book that dropt from Heaven? Or an Angel that were sent thence to tell them what is there, and what they must for ever trust to? Yea, if it were but one of their old acquaintance from the dead? But all this would leave them in uncertainty still, and they would be doubtfull of the credit and truth of any such a Messenger: And therefore to have one of fuller Authority, that shall confirm his Word by unquestionable attestations, would very much satisfie men. I have proved, that Nature it self revealeth to us, a Life of Retribution after this; and that Immortality of Souls may be proved without Scripture: But yet there is still a darkness and unacquaintedness, and consequently a doubting and questioning the certainty of it, upon a carnal minde: And it would greatly satisfie such, if besides meer Reason, they had some proof which is more agreeable to a minde in flesh; and might either speak with some credible Messenger who hath been in Heaven, and fully knoweth all these matters; or at least might be certainly informed of his Reports. And indeed, to men that are fallen into such a dark depravedness of Reason, and such Strangers to God