I say, we ought to rejoice in this beautiful world, and all the conveniences and provisions, even for pleasure, we find in it; and which, in much goodness, is afforded us to sweeten and allay the labours and troubles incident to this mortal state, nay, inseparable, I believe, by disappointments, cross accidents, bad health, unkind returns for good deeds, mistakes even among friends, and what is most touching, death of friends.

“But in the worst of these calamities, the thought of a happy eternity does not alone support, but also revive the spirit of a man; and he goeth forth to his labour with inward comfort, till the evening of his day (that is, his life on earth), and, with the Psalmist, cries out, ’I will consider the heavens even the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars which Thou hast ordained.  What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that Thou shouldest so regard him?’ (Psalm viii.) ‘Thou madest him lower than the angels, to crown him with glory.’  Here is matter of praise and gladness.  ‘The fool,’ as the Psalmist expresses it, ‘hath said in his heart, There is no God.’  Or, let us consider the man, who is content to own an invisible power, yet tries to believe, that when man has done living on this earth he lives no more:  but I would ask, if any of these unhappy creatures are fully persuaded, or that there does not remain in those men at times (as in sickness or sober thoughtfulness) some suspicion or doubt, that it may be other than they try to think.  And although they may, to shun such a thought, or be rid of such a contemplation, run away from it to some unprofitable diversion, or, perhaps, suffer themselves to be rallied out of such a thought, so destructive to the way they walk in; yet, to be sure, that man does not feel the peace and tranquillity he does who believes a future state, and is a good man.

“For, although this good man, when his mind may be clouded with some calamity very grievous to him, or the disorder of vapours to a melancholy temper, I say, if he is tempted to some suspicion, that it is possible it may be other than he believes (pray observe) such a surmise or thought, nay, the belief, cannot drive him to any horror:  he fears no evil, because he is a good man, and with his life all sorrow ends too:  therefore, it is not to be denied, he is the wisest man who lives by the Scripture rule, and endeavours to keep God’s laws.  His mind is in peace and tranquillity; he walks sure who keeps innocence, and takes heed to the thing that is right.  He is secure, God is his friend, that Infinite Being; and He has said, ’Come unto Me, ye that are heavy laden, My yoke is easy.’  But guilt is, certainly, a heavy load; it sinks and damps the spirits.  ‘A wounded spirit who can bear!’ And the evil subtle spirit waits (I am persuaded) to drive the sinner to despair; but godliness makes a cheerful heart.  Let not past errors discourage; who lives and sins not?  God will judge the obstinate, profane,