The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

Certain it is, that the Sacred Oracles of the Gospel set before us a more excellent pattern, and speak things not less magnificent, but much more modest, and perspicuous. With less pomp of words, they give us a much clearer account of a far more excellent temper of mind, and prescribe the direct, and certain way of attaining it (Do but view over the many passages of Scripture occasionally glanced at Chap. 7.)

Certain it is, that the Sacred Oracles of the Gospel set before us a more excellent pattern, and speak things not less magnificent, but much more modest, and perspicuous. With less pomp of words, they give us a much clearer account of a far more excellent temper of mind, and prescribe the direct, and certain way of attaining it (Do but view over the many passages of Scripture occasionally glanc't at Chap. 7.)

But we grope as in the dark for blessedness, we stumble at noon day, as in the night, and wander as if we had no eyes; we mistake our business, and lay the Scene of an happy state at a great distance from us, in things which we cannot reach, and which if we could, it were to little purpose.

Not to speak of grosser sensualists (whom at present I have less in my eye.) Is there not a more refined sort of persons, that neglecting the great business of inspecting, and labouring to better, and improve their spirits; are wholly taken up about the affairs of another Sphere? that are more solicitous for better times, for a better world, then better spirits. That seem to think all the happiness they are capable of on earth, is bound up in this, or that external state of things. Not that the care of all public concernments should be laid aside. Least of all a just solicitude for the Churches welfare; but that should not be pretended, when our own interest is the one thing with us. And when we are really solicitous about the Churches interests, we should state them aright. God designs the afflictions of his people for their Spiritual good, therefore that is a much greater good, then their exemption from suffering these evils; otherwise, his means should eat up his end, and be more expensive then that will countervail; which were an imprudence, no man of tolerable discretion would be guilty of. We should desire the outward prosperity of Zion for, it is a real good; but in as much as it hath in it the goodness,