Page:Last sermon of the Reverend James Hervey.pdf/3

 pages as to become wiſe unto ſalvation.

Examining the records of, I found the memorials of a promiſcuous multitude. They were huddled, at leaſt they reſted together, without any regard to rank or ſeniority. None were ambitious of the uppermoſt rooms, or chief ſeats, in the houſe of mourning. None entertained fond and eager expectation of being honourably greeted in their darkſome cells. The man of years and experience reputed as an oracle in his generation, was content to lie down at the foot of a babe. In this houſe appointed for all living, the ſervant was equally accommodated, and lodged in the ſame ſtory with his maſter. The poor indigent lay as ſoftly, and ſlept as ſoundly, as the moſt oppulent profeſſor; all the diſtinction that ſubſiſted was a graſſy hillock, bound with oſiers; or a ſepulchral ſtand ornamented with imagery.

Why then, ſaid my working thoughts, Oh, why ſhould we raiſe ſuch a mighty ſtir about ſuperiority and precedence, when the next remove will reduce us all to a ſtate of equal meanneſs? why ſhould we exalt ourſelves, or debaſe others, ſince we muſt all one day be upon a common level, and blended together in the ſame undiſtinguiſhed duſt? Oh that this conſideration might humble my own, and others pride; and ſink our imaginations as low as our habitation will ſhortly be.

Among theſe confuſed relicks of humanity, there are without doubt, perſons of contrary intereſts and contradicting ſentiments, but death like an able days-man, has laid his hand