In reference to a


Vertuous or Christian


LIFE.





There is no so constant and satisfactory a Pleasure, to those who are
capable of it, as Rational Conversation gives: And to me, depriv'd of
that Enjoyment, the remembrance thereof, is, in my present Solitude,
the most delightful Entertainment: Wherein some of my leisure hours
will not, I hope, be mispent, should this engage me to prosecute such
Thoughts as were lately suggested to me by others. The which taking
their rise from a particular Enquiry, and thence proceeding to a
general Consideration of the Folly and Madness of Rational Creature's
acting, as if they had no other Principle to direct or determin them,
than the Incitements of their Passions and Appetites, comprehended at
once the unhappiness of Mankind, both Here and Hereafter. Since those
Breaches of the Eternal Law of Reason, which disorder Common-wealths
and Kingdoms; disturb the Peace of Families; and make by far the
greatest part of the Private Infelicities of Particular Persons in
this World, are what the Sovereign Disposer of all things has
ordain'd, shall render Men miserable in a future Life also.