224 VireEtioiisforgetting and keeping fully gotten. He that loveth the world (that is, above Chrift and holinefs) the love of the father is not'in him (that is, favingly and fincerely ) a 7oh. 2. I S. He that tovc:th houfe or Lands better then Chrift cannot be his Difciple. I befeech you there- fore when God hides his face, fearch diligently; and fearch again and again, left the world (Mould en croach on (brifts interkji.,t inyour heart : If it fhould be fo , can you wonáer if Chrift feem to with- draw, when you begin to fet fo light by him, as to vainedung and earth in any comparifon with him- felt? May he not well fay toyou,lfyoufet fo much by the World, tae it, andfeeWhat it Willdoforyou ? If you can 11i re Me. better then your wealth, you fhad . be without me: Mutt not theLord Jefus needs take it exceeding unkindly,that after all his love and blood- fhed and pains with your heart , .and feats of his kindnefs, and difcoveries of his Amiableneff,and the Treafures ofhis Kingdom, you fhould now fo much forget and fl.gh him, to fet *up the world in any comparifonwith him ? and to give fuch loving en- tertainment to his enemy ? and look fo kindly on a competitor ? Is his glory wórth no more then fo ? and hath he deferved no better at your., hands? Again, therefore do ì befeech you tobe afraid, left you fhould be guilty of this fin. Examine,-whether thethoughts ofthe world grow not fweeter to you, andsthe thoughts of,'God and glory moreunwel- come, and unpleafng : whether you have .not an eagernefs after a fuller elrate, and too keen an edge uponyour defires after richès,or at leaf' after a fuller portion and provifion for your children or, after better accommodations and contentment; tn`
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=