can hold no water a. Solomon, with the amplest means of enjoyment, confessed thisb. And we may address that appeal to all the votaries of pleasure c — .]
2. To worldlings —
[The lovers of this present world seem to follow some- thing substantial. They hope to obtain, not a momentary gratification, but solid and lasting benefits. They promise to themselves the acquisition of ease, and affluence, and respect. But riches are justly, and on many accounts, termed " uncer- tain'1." No dependence can be placed on their continuance with use. Our cares are also generally multiplied by means of them ; but if they were more conducive to happiness now, what shall they profit in the day of wrath f? What advantage has he now, who once took such delight in his stores6? or he, who placed his happiness in sumptuous fare, and magnificent apparel11? Surely all such persons will find ere long, that they " sowed the wind."]
3. To formalists —
[The performance of religious duties seems more cal- culated to make us happy. It is certain that no one can be happy who disregards them. But a mere round of services can never satisfy the conscience. " The form of godliness without the power" will avail little. It will leave the soul in a poor, empty, destitute condition. Some indeed delude them- selves with an idea that it will secure the Divine favour; and, under that delusion, they may be filled with self-complacency'. But if God send a ray of light into the mind, these comforts vanish. A sight of sin will speedily dissipate these self-right- eous hopesk. Nor will any thing satisfy an enlightened con- science but that which satisfies God. There was but one remedy for the wounded Israelites in the wilderness1. Nor can a wounded spirit ever be healed but by a sight of Christ.]
4. To false professors —
[Many wish to be thought religious, when they are des- titute of spiritual life. They perhaps are zealous for the doc- trines of the Gospel, and for their own particular form of Church government. But they are not solicitous to live nigh to God in holy duties ; nor do they manifest the efficacy of religion in their spirit and conduct. Yet, because of their professing godliness, they think themselves possessed of it, and buoy up themselves with expectations of happiness in the
a Jer. ii. 13. b Eccl. ii. 1, 10, 11. c Rom> vj 2].
d 1 Tim. vi. 17. e Prov. xxiii. 5. f Prov. xi. 4.
g Luke xii. 19. h Luke xvi. 19, 23, 2A.
' Luke xviii. 11, 12. k Rom. vii. 9. ' John iii. 14, 15.