A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the…A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the…

And if we seriously weigh that the Lord Jesus calleth us to forsake the flesh-pots of Egypt, and alienate ⟨p. 164⟩our interest in the world, and the flesh with all their appurtenances, that we might be enriched with heavenly, ever-enduring pleasures, in comparison whereof all earthly contentments are but dung and dogs-meat;¹ that he invites us to cast away our harlotry delights, that he might marry us unto himself, and entitle us unto his everlasting kingdom, it will not be grievous to make this exchange. But here it must be remembered, that it is not the possession of earthly things, or delight in them, that is forbidden, but that possession and delight in them, which with-holdeth us from resigning our selves unto Christ, and seeking after the promised land withal the heart and all the soul. It is not the actual abandoning of riches, honour, or other contentments of this life, which our Saviour requires: but the dispossessing of the heart of such base delights, that the whole heart may be set upon heavenly things, and not with-drawn by secret reservation of special desires for other purposes. And being thus disposed, we receive Christ with well-rooted affiance, and cleave to the mercy of God, as much better then life it self.

And if wee seriously weigh that the Lord Iesus calleth vs to forsake the flesh-pots of Egypt, and alienat• ⟨p. 164⟩our interest in the world, and the flesh with all their appurtenances, that wee might be enriched with heauenly, euer-enduring pleasures, in comparison wherof all earthly contentments are but dung and dogs-meate;¹ that hee inuites vs to cast away our harlotrie delights, that he might marrie vs vnto himselfe, and intitle vs vnto his euerlasting kingdome, it will not be grieuous to make this exchange. But here it must be remembred, that it is not the possession of earthly things, or delight in them, that is forbidden, but that possession and delight in them, which with-holdeth vs from resigning our selues vnto Christ, and seeking after the promised land withall the heart and all the soule. It is not the actuall abandoning of riches, honour, or other contentments of this life, which our Sauiour requires: but the dispossessing of the heart of such base delights, that the whole heart may bee set vpon heauenly things, and not with-drawne by secret reseruation of speciall desires for other purposes. And being thus disposed, we receiue Christ with wel-rooted affiance, and cleaue to the mercie of God, as much better then life it selfe.