A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures

That therefore that I shall do, shall be in an Applicatory Way, to make some Reflections upon the brutish Stupidity of Men, who, though they know themselves Mortal, yet thrust from themselves the Thoughts of Death, and neglect due Preparations for it. Men live in the World as if they were arbitrary of their own Time, as if they should never die and come to Judgment. Oh the beastly Sottishness of Men, who, though they see Multitudes cut down daily by the hand of Death, round about them, yet they live carelessly and presumptuously, as if they were privileged Persons, and Death durst not touch them. Should we make Enquiry into the Causes of this gross Stupidity and Sottishness, perhaps we should find it to proceed from some of these following.

That therefore that I shall do, shall be in an Applicatory Way, to make some Reflections upon the brutish Stupidity of Men, who, though they know themselves Mortal, yet thrust from themselves the Thoughts of Death, and neglect due Preparations for it. Men live in the World as if they were arbitrary of their own Time, as if they should never die and come to Judgment. Oh the beastly Sottishness of Men, who, though they see Multitudes cut down daily by the hand of Death, round about them, yet they live carelesly and presumptuously, as if they were priviledged Persons, and Death durst not touch them. Should we make Enquiry into the Causes of this gross Stupidity and Sottishness, perhaps we should find it to proceed from some of these following.

¹First, The generality of men are so immersed and drowned in the Affairs and pleasures of Life, that all serious thoughts of Death and preparations for it are swallowed up and devoured by them: Their minds are taken up about other things, and their time spent upon other matters; like an heap of Ants that busily toil to gather in their Provision, not regarding the foot that is ready to tread upon them; so is it with most men, they are taken up with impertinences and vain things: One contrives how he may melt away his days in Luxury and Pleasure, and with variety of invented Delights imp the wings of time that in their apprehensions makes but slow hast, that so their days and hours may roll away the faster; these are such Prodigals of their time, and lavish it away at that rate, as if their stock would last as long as Eternity it self. Some are busily climbing up the sleep ascent of Honour and Dignity, and are so taken up in seeking after promotions and new Titles that they forget their old stile of mortal creatures. Others are plotting with the Fool in the Gospel, how they may grow rich, and lay up goods for themselves for many