Bates - BT766 B3 1699

Spiritual Perfeüion. Reed, that has not ftrength to fupport, but fharpnefs to wound any one that refts on it. Earthly Treafurescannot fe- cure us from the Anger of God, nor the Violence and Fraud of Men. How of- ten are fair Hates ravifh'd from the Owners ? But fuppofe they are continu- ed here to the Poffeffor , they are not Antidotes againff the malignity of a Di- feafe ; they cannot purchafe a priviledge to exempt the Rich fromDeath. And is he truly rich that muff be deprived of his Treafures when he leaves this World, and enter naked and folitary into the next World, where he will be poor for ever ? He is rich that carries with him Divine Graces and Comforts, the Trea- fures of the Soul, when he dyes, and takes poffefí-ion of the Inheritance unde- filed , that paffes not away. How often do Worldly Men in their laft hours, when the thoughts of the Heart are declared with molt feeling, and leafl affeaation , condemn their unaccoun- table Folly , for their having fet their .Affelions on things below, and negleiting things above; that with fuch fervour and conftancy they profecuted their fecular ends , and were fo coldly affeaed to eternal things, as unworthyof their care and diligence ? Thofe forlorn Wretches in their Extremities, with what fignifi- cant

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