which Christ Jesus came down from Heaven to establish upon the earth; will easily be convinced, that all endeavours possible ought to be used, to stem the torrent of wickedness which is broken-in upon us, and to prevent the mischievous effects of those public diversions, which the generality of people are grown so fond of; I mean the Masquerades and Plays. In those seminaries of vice and irreligion, every thing is contrived to enflame the passions and corrupt the tender minds of young persons: and I am persuaded, they have greatly contributed to that general neglect of God and religion, which is so visible among us. Whether any thing that is here offered, will be effectual to draw men off from the pursuit of those deceitful vanities, I cannot say; but sure I am (if the Scripture is to be the rule of our practice, as most undoubtedly it is,) it must be the duty of every one, not only to take care that he gives no encouragement by his example, to these licentious and ensnaring entertainments, but also to do what in him lies, to dissuade others, especially those under his care, from resorting to places of so much danger and infection. It must be confessed, that it is no easy matter to prevail on those who are carried away by the false maxims and practice of a corrupt and deluded world, to renounce their sensual gratifications, for the more refined pleasures of virtue and religion; but the difficulty of the work should not discourage the attempt. I have therefore endeavoured, according to my ability, to lay before the reader the advantages attending a good life; in hope, that whoever seriously considers what is urged in the following pages, will be convinced there is no pleasure to be compared with that of a good conscience; and that religion really is, what it was designed by the great Author of it to be, the only solid foundation of our present, as well as future, happiness. I am sensible that what I shall offer hath been inculcated with much greater advantage in many of those excellent discourses which are already extant; yet, when I consider how much good hath been done by those small tracts which have heen printed and dispersed of late years, I am encouraged to hope that this little Treatise may prove of some service; as a check at least, to that insatiable thirst of sensual pleasures, which seems to be the disease of the present age, and which must undoubtedly destroy the love of God wherever it prevails. I have added some Prayers at the end of this Book, not with an intention to prescribe to any one, but to assist those who are not furnished with better helps; well knowing how important a duty prayer is, and how highly necessary it is for every good Christian to be frequent in his addresses to the throne of grace, if ever he expects the favour of God, and hopes to find Grace to help him in time of need. May God of his great goodness give a blessing to these weak endeavours, and render them instrumental to his glory, and the good of souls! |