manifest contradictions to nature has been laid down by men of
speculation as a discovery in moral philosophy; which they, it
seems, have found out through all the specious appearances to the
contrary. This reflection may be extended further. The
extravagances of enthusiasm and superstition do not at all lie in
the road of common sense; and therefore, so far as they are ORIGINAL
MISTAKES, must be owing to going beside or beyond it. Now, since
inquiry and examination can relate only to things so obscure and
uncertain as to stand in need of it, and to persons who are capable
of it; the proper advice to be given to plain honest men, to secure
them from the extremes both of superstition and irreligion, is that
of the Son of Sirach: In every good work trust thy own soul; for
this is the keeping of the commandment. {14}



SERMON VI.
UPON COMPASSION.
PREACHED THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT.
Rom. xii. 15.



Rejoice with then that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

There is a much more exact correspondence between the natural and
moral world than we are apt to take notice of. The inward frame of
man does in a peculiar manner answer to the external condition and
circumstances of life in which he is placed. This is a particular
instance of that general observation of the Son of Sirach: All