Sermons preached

1. Unbelief, and Atheism; they do not think God will recompense Men according to their Works. Now till Men ⟨p. 341⟩believe it, tell them of Hell or Heaven never so much, it will not work upon them. Who would lose that which is certain and present, for the hope or fear of that which is to come and doubtful, when they suspect or believe it not fully? No wonder they go on still in the Paths that lead down to the Chambers of Death, and are prejudiced against the Ways of Life. But why are Men such Infidels as to future things?

1. Unbelief, and Atheism; they do not think God will recompence Men according to their Works. Now till Men ⟨p. 341⟩believe it, tell them of Hell or Heaven never so much, it will not work upon them. Who would lose that which is certain and present, for the hope or fear of that which is to come and doubtful, when they suspect or believe it not fully? No wonder they go on still in the Paths that lead down to the Chambers of Death, and are prejudiced against the Ways of Life. But why are Men such Infidels as to future things?

(1.) You cannot disprove what is declared in Scripture, or by any sound Argument evince that there is no Heaven or Hell, for all you say or know there are both really existing; and if there were no more but that, it were good to take the surer side, especially when you part with nothing but a few base Pleasures and carnal Satisfactions. Reason should make us very careful. In a Lottery, where there is but a possibility of gaining, Men will venture a Shilling or a small matter for a Prize. If there be either no Hell or Heaven, you part with no more than the vain Pleasures of a fading perishing Life; but if this Doctrine prove true, you run the hazard of Eternal Torments, and lose the Comfort of Eternal Joys: therefore it is better to trust this Doctrine than try it; it is Prudence to make provision for the worst.