154 The Delight of Thriving andPro ?ethyl &c. no wonder if it be a great matter in their own eyes, Pfid.73.3. If the belt are in danger of puffing up with carnal delight and confidence in their attainments,and laying in their profperity;. [we Asti never be moved ]Pfal.3o.6 no wonder if it be much more fowith others. Profperity is as firong a trial to many as fuffering for Chritt ; 0 how eager is the flefh upon this bait ; and how clofe doth it cleave to what it doth attain ! See then that in this you Deny yonr felves : Not in refilling .Prolperity when God bellows it on you ; but in refufing the fenfual Delagbts which it affordeth the Bern to fatisfie its lull. Not in pulling down your houfes, or calling away your eftates, or hindering your increafe ; but t. See that you do not pronoife your Pelves too much in the creature ; feed not your carnal fancies with vain hopes. Think not too highly of aprofperous hate. Judge not of it as it accommodateth the flefh, but as it either helps or hinders you for God and hea- ven : And then you'l perceive that it is an heavy charge and burden to the beft, if not a dangerous temptation. 0 if you knewbut how dear themoll do pay for their profperitv, you wouldpity them, andhave lower thoughts of profperity. 2. Seekuvot after profperity too eagerly. Seek firfl the King- dom of God and hio Rigbteotofnefs, and then if other things be call in or added to you, take them thankfully, but with felt fufp;cion and holy fear; but run not after them. Labour not for the meat that perilheth, but for that which endureth to ever- Lifting life, 701).6.27. and then take your daily bread as from your Fathers provifion. Labour about the world, in obedience to God ; but not for the world as your ultimate end. 3. When Profperity is given you by God, then above alt take heed how you tole it Let carnal felf and corrupt defires fare newer thebetter for it, if youhad all the country, or were Princes in the earth. But as you have it from God, remem- ber you have it for God, and ufe it for him. When the flefh would be pleafed and liftedup, whether with delicious meats and drinks, or carnal pomp, applaufe or oftentation, or by fports, or idlenefs, or any other fenfual delight, deny it thefe defires, as much as if you had no riches, and ufe nothing but for health and the fervice of God ; and tell the kill, E le way
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