THE PREFAC E. A S the VISIONS IN VERSE, and other Pieces of the late Dr. COTTON, which have made their appearance, have given general fatisfaction, the Editor flatters himself that the prefent volumes, fome pieces in which have not yet been published, will be acceptable to the Public. It may not be improper to observe, in regard to the SERMONS here offered, that as Mr. Boyle, Mr. Locke, Sir Ifaac Newton, and Mr. Addifon, Addison, were firm believers in Christianity; that being laymen, and having no temporal interests relative to religion, their influence in the support of it has been extenfive and effectual: So every fresh inftance of a firm faith, in a mind far removed from all fufpicion, will be acceptable to the lovers of Chriftianity. 1 CONTENTS FABLE S. The Advantages of Application and Diligence in our earlier Years, and the destructive Confequences of Pride and Cruelty. FABLE I. The BEE, the ANT, and the SPARROW. Y My dears, 'tis faid in days of old, Μ That beafts could talk, and birds could fcold. But now it seems the human race Alone engross the speaker's place. (And much the tale relates to you) There met a Sparrow, Ant, and Bee, VOL. I. B Who |