were lately suggested to me by others. The which taking
their rise from a particular Enquiry, and thence proceeding to a
general Consideration of the Folly and Madness of Rational Creature's
acting, as if they had no other Principle to direct or determin them,
than the Incitements of their Passions and Appetites, comprehended at
once the unhappiness of Mankind, both Here and Hereafter. Since those
Breaches of the Eternal Law of Reason, which disorder Common-wealths
and Kingdoms; disturb the Peace of Families; and make by far the
greatest part of the Private Infelicities of Particular Persons in
this World, are what the Sovereign Disposer of all things has
ordain'd, shall render Men miserable in a future Life also.

A survey of which Moral Irregularities, as bringing into view a large
Scene of Human Depravity, does indeed furnish matter for melancholy,
rather than pleasing Contemplations: But the Mind is sometimes no less
affected with Delight, wherein there is a mixture of sadness on
Subjects, which in themselves consider'd are ungrateful, than on
occasions the most welcome to us: And such a just zeal in any for the
interests of Vertue, as makes them, with a Charitable concern, reflect
on the miscarriages of others, and thence take occasion to examine
their own Actions by the true Rules and Measures of their Duty,
expresses a disposition of Mind too becoming Rational Creatures, and
too seldom met withal, not to please, tho' excited by Representations
which are disagreeable; provided they are of such a matter as is not
then new to our Thoughts.

That the Gross of Mankind do every where live in opposition to that
Rule of Nature which they ought to obey, is a sad Truth; but that we
who have this Rule enforc'd by a clearer Light, are included herein,
and do in this find the source of many Evils, not only fear'd, but
which we actually feel, are Considerations yet more affecting, and not
a little aggravated in that, within Memory, this heretofore sober
Nation has been debauch'd from Principles of Vertue and Religion, to
such an excess of Vice and Prophaneness, that it has been Fashionable
to have no shame of the grossest Immoralities; and Men have thought
even to recommend themseves by avow'd Impiety. A Change which could
not be consider'd without extream regret by all who either were in
earnest Christians, or who truly lov'd the Prosperity of their
Country: And as upon this occasion there was reason to be sensible
that not