The Evil and Folly of Covetoufnefs. 3 z 7 Having thus explained our Saviour's aífer- S E R M. Lion in the text, and (hewed the truth of it, XI. let us next confider the purpofe to which applieth it, namely, as a difuafive from covet - oufnefs. All that covetoufoefs aimeth at is, the obtaining of large worldly poffefíions Now fuppofing them to be obtained, which yet is very uncertain, but fuppofing it, and it is the moil favourable fuppofition for the covetous man, what is he the better? If neither the being and prefervation of life, nor the ends, nor the enjoyment of it, dependeth on this. Other affections in the human nature have a vifible defign, and the necefiity and ufefulnefs of the gratification jufl:ifieth the defire. Life cannot long fubfif}, or with any comfort, without food and raiment, which maketh them reafonably defired ; the ob- jeets of our higher affections are abfolutely neceffary to our happinefs ; but how un- reafonable is a tormenting paffion fcr that, which, when poffeffed, cannot fecure any valuable end in life ? Nature itfelf bath fet bounds to the appetites which are of its own growth ; a certain quantity of meat fatisfieth hunger; and other natnral inclinations require only a limited meafure of enjoyment; but this infatiable, I may juftly fay, unnatural paillon hath no limits. If abundant poffef- fions
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