S 24 The Evil and Folly of Covetoufneft. S E R M. temper of mind or prevent it, let us endeavour XI. to ftrengthen in our felves by a careful atten- `" Lion to the juft motives of it, a fincere and pious confidence in God. This is what our Saviour recommendeth in his fermon on the mount, as the belt prefervative from the fer- vice of Mammon, utterly incompatable with the fervice of God, and from exceffive thoughtfulnefs for the morrow, againft which he warneth his difciples, that is, a tormenting folicitude for the conveniences and enjoyments of life, and for avoiding the troubles of it. Our heavenly Father knoweth what we need, and his goodnefs always inclineth him to give his creatures that which is convenient for them; it will not fuffer his pious children and faithful fervants, to want any thing which is neceffary to their true happinefs. We may be affured our care for the things of the world and abudance of poífeffions in it, is to an ex- treme, and not without covetoufnefs, when it is attended with perturbation ; for God would have us, trufling in him, and principally folicitous about a treafure in heaven, to poffefs our minds in an eafy contentednefs, and even indifference to circumftances of our outward condition in life; Peek fir, fl the kingdom of God and his righteoufnefi, and then all things (hall he added to you. S E R-
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=