MAN, who in his Creation was made of dissoluble Principles, is by his Apostasy subjected to that Dissolution, which, had he retained his Integrity, should never have actually seized upon him: whereas now the whole race of fallen men are daily exposed to be made a prey to Devouring Death, which comes armed against them in a thousand shapes; and without favour or respect to persons, snatcheth them away from among the living: sometimes it comes on foot, taking here one and there another, in an easy progress; as in times of health and peace: other whiles it comes on. Horseback, Jehu-like, driving furiously, hurrying men away by Shoals to the Land of Darkness: In which it dissolves the most sacred Ties, and makes a separation between the nearest Relations, which occasions Mankind's ⟨p. 2⟩being so often put into mourning. Now, as Nature prompts men to mourn over their Deceased Friends, and we may as well root out the Affections planted in Humanity, as to deny them the liberty of venting themselves when there is an occasion offered; so the Christian Religion giveth us Rules for the due bounding, and right regulating of these passions, and it is a point of Christian Wisdom to be well instructed therein at all times, much more when the Providence of God orders it to be a time wherein the Sword abroad, and mortal sickness at home, are so often calling us to the exercise thereof: and he that is acquainted with the extravagant exorbitancy of his own Affections, will see abundant reason to take pains in learning of this Lesson. No man in his right mind can be so fond of sorrow, as not to be willing to have some lenitives applied to it, for the casing of the grief of it. Heathen Morality hath laid it self out very much upon this Subject; but alas! the best dose that ever that could provide for men, was nothing but a few Narcotics, to stupefy, and not in the least to cure that Malady. He that would be well provided for his relief in this case, must consult Paul and not Seneca; the Word of God, and not Pagan Philosophy, and here is one excellent Receipt prepared to our hand in the Text and Context.
MAN, who in his Creation was made of dissoluble Principles, is by his Apostasy subjected to that Dissolution, which, had he retained his Integrity, should never have actually siezed upon him: whereas now the whole race of fallen men are daily exposed to be made a prey to Devouring Death, which comes armed against them in a thousand shapes; and without favour or respect to persons, snatcheth them away from among the living: sometimes it comes on foot, taking here one and there another, in an easy progress; as in times of health and peace: other whiles it comes on. Horseback, Jehu-like, driving furiously, hurrying men away by Shoals to the Land of Darkness: In which it dissolves the most sacred Ties, and makes a separation between the nearest Relations, which occasions Mankind's ⟨p. 2⟩being so often put into mourning. Now, as Nature prompts men to mourn over their Deceased Friends, and we may as well root out the Affections planted in Humanity, as to deny them the liberty of venting themselves when there is an occasion offered; so the Christian Religion giveth us Rules for the due bounding, and right regulating of these passions, and it is a point of Christian Wisdom to be well instructed therein at all times, much more when the Providence of God orders it to be a time wherein the Sword abroad, and mortal sickness at home, are so often calling us to the exercise thereof: and he that is acquainted with the extravagant exorbitancy of his own Affections, will see abundant reason to take pains in learning of this Lesson. No man in his right mind can be so fond of sorrow, as not to be willing to have some lenitives applied to it, for the casing of the grief of it. Heathen Morality hath laid it self out very much upon this Subject; but alas! the best dose that ever that could provide for men, was nothing but a few Narcoticks, to stupify, and not in the least to cure that Malady. He that would be well provided for his relief in this case, must consult Paul and not Seneca; the Word of God, and not Pagan Philosophy, and here is one excellent Receipt prepared to our hand in the Text and Context.
