VII 304 The- Evil and Folly of Covetoufaef. S ER M. ment. Here is the real motive of the covet- XI. ous ; that which attraEeth their affet`fions to, `""j and engageth them in the eager purfuit of riches, is, that they promife themfelves great and biting fatisfadtion in the poffeffion of them. Perhaps they do not avow it even to their own minds, from a fecret confcioufnefs, that it will not abide a fair trial, the uncer- tainty of riches, and their infufliciency to preferve an uninterrupted inward contentment being fo very apparent upon the leaft reflec- tion ; but, undoubtedly, this is the prevail- ing prefumption in their hearts ; and the only principle upon which an infatiable deliire of riches mutt reft, if it refteth on any at all, is this, that in proportion as they increafe, they tend to render life eafy and happy. But whether this be a deliberate perfualion in the minds of men, or only a ftrong unexamined prejudice, which bath the fame force and effe &, I will enquire into the grounds of it, and endeavour to Phew that it is falfe, which will, I think, be a proper illuftration of the prefent fubjed : For furely men will be de- termined in their choice and their purfuits in life, by the opinion they have of enjoyment or happinefs ; that will Rill be thought the molt effential, which giveth the greateft pro - fpe t of it ; and therefore, if betides what 4 bath
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