Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

4. Christ is to be followed in his contempt of the worlds glory, and contentment with a mean and low estate in it. Never was the world so set forth, in such an alluring dress; as when the God of it in a moment of time, showed unto our Lord Jesus all the Kingdoms of the world, and all the glory of them, Luk. 4.5. yet the heavenly Mind of Christ is not taken with the sight; he knew he saw nothing but what was Vanity: and his Kingdom which was not of this world, was a far better thing, than the worlds best Kingdom. Instead of pursuing, he flees from a Crown; which the people were ready to force upon his head.

4. Christ is to be followed in his contempt of the worlds glory, and contentment with a mean and low estate in it. Never was the world so set forth, in such an alluring dress; as when the God of it in a moment of time, shew'd unto our Lord Jesus all the Kingdoms of the world, and all the glory of them, Luk. 4.5. yet the heavenly Mind of Christ is not taken with the sight; he knew he saw nothing but what was Vanity: and his Kingdom which was not of this world, was a far better thing, than the worlds best Kingdom. Instead of pursuing, he flees from a Crown; which the people were ready to force upon his head.

Ambition and covetousness after worldly grandeur and gain; which make us so unlike to Christ; should be far from us. If the world be the great thing with us; Mammon will have us at command; and Christ will have but little service from us. Why should that be high in the esteem and affection of your hearts, which Christ so little minded? Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, 1 Joh. 2.15. Set your affection on things above, not on things that are ⟨p. 317⟩on earth,