The happiness of the church, or, A description of those spiritual prerogatives wherewith Christ…The happines of the church, or, A description of those spirituall prerogatiues vvherewith Christ…

1. First, resolve every carnal delight in the first matter and principle of it, and there will be more likelihood of despising, then danger of much desiring. The Covetous ⟨p. 13⟩makes ^ogold his hope, and says to the Wedge, Thou art my confidence: and what are those precious metals he so worshippeth, but veins of the earth better coloured. T• Ambitious builder, that erects a ^pBabel for the honour of his own Majesty, thinks all eyes stand amazed at his magnificence. And what are those sumptuous monuments wherein he so glorieth, but monumental witnesses of his folly, a little hewne timber, some burnt and hardened earth? The Adulterer admires the beauty of his harlot, kneels to a pledge of her memory, by wanton sonnets Idolises her, turns his soul to an Elephant, and worships this Sun. Now what is that stately building of a humane lump, but the same earth his foot treads upon, better tempered, because painted worse; when it wants the guest, the soul that quickens it worst of all? The proud dotes on his costly robes, centres his eye upon himself, as if no second object was worth looking on; the Tailors hand hath made him a man, and his purse makes the Taylor a Gentleman. And what are those curious rags, but such are given of worms; and consumed of moths? Consider the materials of your lower joys, & if you will persist in their dotage, you shall do it without our envy.

1. First, resolue euery carnall delight in the first matter and principle of it, and there will be more likelihood of despising, then danger of much desiring. The Couetous ⟨p. 13⟩makes ^ogold his hope, and sayes to the Wedge, Thou art my confidence: and what are those precious metals hee so worshippeth, but veines of the earth better coloured. T• Ambitious builder, that erects a ^p