A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

Secondly; The next Term is strong Consolation. Why is it so called?

1. It is called so, either in opposition to worldly Comforts, which are weak, ravishing and washy. The Consolations of the World seem to be strong, till they come to be tried. Carnal Joy makes a great noise, but is soon gone. As the crackling of Thorns under a Pot, so is the laughter of the Fool, Eccles. 7.6. None seem to lead such merry Lives as carnal Men; but when it comes to the Trial, when their Joy is put to it by Sickness, Trouble, Pangs of Conscience, or Death, it is soon spent. Take away the Creature, and it is gone, it dependeth upon somewhat without them: Or if the Creature continueth, it availeth not; before it cometh to trial, wicked Men tremble at the very thoughts of Eternity. Outward things cannot ease the Conscience; if they could satisfy the Heart, they cannot buy a Pardon. Jer. 17.11. As the Partridge sitteth on Eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth Riches, and not by Right, shall leave them in the midst of his Days, and at his End shall be a Fool. Prov. 11.4. Riches profit not in the Day of Wrath. Carnal Mirth is a merry Madness, as a Bird in the Powler's Snare. Prov. 9.17, 18. Stolen Waters are sweet; and Bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the Dead are there, and that her Guests are in the Depths of Hell; a stolen fit of Mirth when Conscience is asleep. Carnal Mirth entangleth us; the more dreggy Delights oppress Reason, wound Conscience, and so make way for Sorrow.

1. It is called so, either in opposition to worldly Comforts, which are weak, ravishing and washy. The Consolations of the World seem to be strong, till they come to be tried. Carnal Joy makes a great noise, but is soon gone. As the crackling of Thorns under a Pot, so is the laughter of the Fool,