The crucifying of the world

3. When we are Crucified to the world, our expectations of Good from the world are Crucified. Before we looked for much from it; we thought if we had this Pleasure, or that Honour, if ⟨p. 41⟩we had such lands, buildings, friends, or provision, then we were well, or at least much better then now we are! O how Good did we think that these were for us! And therefore we still lived in Hope of more. But when we are Crucified to the world, we give up these Hopes. We see then that we were deceived: we did but hope for nourishment from a stone: The breasts are dry which we thought would have refreshed and satisfied us. When we see that the world is an empty thing, a cask, a picture, a dream, a shadow; we turn away from it, and look no more after it, but look for content in something else. As a child that seeth a painted Apple may be eager of it till he try that it is favourless, and then he careth for it no more; or if a beautiful crab deceive him, when he hath set his teeth in it he casteth it away. So when a Christian findeth the folly of his former expectations, and tasteth the vexation of the creature which he was so greedy of, and withal is acquainted by a lively faith, where he may be better; away go all his expectations from the world; and he promiseth himself no more content or satisfaction in it. This is a notable part of Mortification. As it is the Hopes of some Good, that sets men awork in all endeavours; so take down their Hopes, and all the wheels of the soul stand still. If it were not for Hope, we say, the heart would break. And therefore when all our Hopes from the world are dead, the very Heart of the old man is broken, and all his worldly motions cease. Then he saith, Its as good sit still as labour for nothing. I despair of ever having contentment in the creature: I see it will not pacify my conscience: it will not save me from the wrath to come: it will do nothing for me that is worthy my regard: and therefore let it go; I will follow it no further; It shall have my heart no more. Before he had many a promising delightful thought of the creatures, which he could not reach: He thought with himself, If I were but thus placed and settled once: if I had but this or that which I want: if I were but here or there where I would be: if I had but the favour of such or such an one, how happy were I? how well should I be?

3. When we are Crucified to the world, our expectations of Good from the world are Crucified. Before we looked for much from it; we thought if we had this Pleasure, or that Honour, if