F1' 64 The Ways of Wifdom, S E R M. mandments, not, only more pure, but in. III. deed ftronger and more intenfe than all the `'""..1 enjoyments of this world could yield them. The Pfalmift faith, in the r 19th pfalm, ver. i4. I have rejoiced in the way of thy tei- monies more than in all riches, and, Pfiol. xix. z o. More to be defired than gold, yea than much fine gold, fweeter alfo than honey and the honey-comb; and yob efteemed them more than bis nece/Thry food. How many decla- rations have we of the Apoftles to this pur- pofe, which are the more to be regarded becaufe of their circumftances, (hewing that not only the pleafantnefs of wifdom's ways or of pure religion is fuperior to the pleafures of this world, hut fufficient to fupport the the mind againft its pains ? They were fet forth as examples of affliction and perfecu- tion, Spehlacles to men and angels, counted as the offcourings of all things, as St. Paul expreffeth it, and the filth of the world, the very refufe of mankind ; yet under that load of contempt which was poured upon them, and in all their Difireffes, they rejoiced not only in the profpe fì of a glorious reward at the refurredion of the juft, but in the faithful difcharge of their Duty even in the prefent time, in the teftirony of their con.
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