362 DIRECTIONS FOR GETTING AND SEEPING be brought down by fair. For my own part, I have had as great means to help me against this sin, as most men living ever had; first, in many years' trouble of mind, and then in near twenty years' languishing, and bodily pains, having been almost twenty times at the grave's mouth, and livingnear it continually ; and last- ly, and above all, I have had as full a sight of it in others, even in the generality of the professors, and in the doleful state of the church and state, and heinous, detestable abominations of this age, which one would think should have fully cured it. Andyet if I hear but either an applauding word from any of fame on tine side, or a disparaging word on theother side, I am fain to watch my heart as narrowly as I would, do the thatch of my house when fire is put to it, and presently to throw on it the water of detestation, resolution, and recourse to God. And though the acts Through God's great mercy be thus restrained, yet theconstancy of these in- clinations assures me,that there is still a strong and deep root. I beseech you, therefore, if you would ever have settled peace and' comfort, be watchful against this sin of pride, and be sure to keep it down, and get it mortified at the very heart. 2. The next sin that I would have you be speciallyjealous of, Is covetousness, or love of the profits or riches of the world. This is not the sin of the rich only, but also of the poor: andmore hei.' nous is it in them to love the world inordinately, that have so little of it, than in rich men, that have more to tempt them, though dangerous in both. Nor doth it lie only in coveting that which is, another's, or in seeking to get byunlawful means ; but also in over- valuing and overloving the wealth of the world, though lawfully gotten. He that loveth the world, (that is, above Christ and holi- ness,) the love of the Father is not in him, (that is, savingly and sincerely ;) 1 John ii. 15. He that loveth house or lands better than Christ, cannot be his disciple. I beseech you, therefore, when God hides his face, search diligently, and search : again and again, lest the world should encroach on Christ's interest in your heart. If it should be so, can you wonder if Christ seem to withdraw, when you begin to set so light by him, as to value dung and earth in any comparison with himself? May he not well say to you, If you set so much by the world, take it, and see what it will do for you ? Ifyou can spareme better than your wealth, you shall be without me.' Must not the Lord Jesus needs take it exceedingly unkind, that after all his,love and bloodshed, and pains with your heart, and seals of his kindness, and discoveries of his amiableness, and the treasures of his kingdom, you should now so much forget and slight him, to set hp the world in any comparison with him? And to give,such loving entertainment to his enemy? And look so kindly on a competitor ? Is his glory worth no more than so? .wd
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