The crucifying of the world

Have you been so far illuminated by the Word and Spirit, as to see the Amiableness of the Lord by faith, and have you so firm a Belief of the Everlasting Glory, where we shall see his face immediately ⟨p. 83⟩or more nearly, and praise him among his Angels for ever? I say, have you so firm a […] of this, that you are unfeignedly resolved upon it as your Happiness, that you take it for your Portion▪ and there have laid up your Hopes? Can you truly say, that God hath more of your Heart then all the world, and Heaven is dearer to your thoughts then earth? Can you say, that whatever you are tempted to on the by, that the main care, design and bent of your life is for God and the Glory to come; and that this is your daily Work and Business? If so, you are Christians indeed: you have Crucified the world by the Cross of Christ: The world is dead and down, where God reigneth and is exalted; and no where else. But if all this be clean contrary with you; and if the flesh and the world have the prevalent Interest, and these cut out your work, and form your thoughts, and choose your employments; if these choose the calling that you live upon, and the manner of managing it, and your very Religion, or set limits to it; if it be these that rule your tongue and hands, and they can make a cause seem good or bad to you•, and that seemeth best which most conduceth to your fleshly, worldly interests, and that seemeth worst which destroyeth it or is against it; if God be loved and worshipped but as a Necessary M•ans to your carnal Happiness; or if he have but the second place in your hearts, and the leavings of the flesh and world, (be they never so much) and if your Religion and Endeavours for salvation, for pleasing God, and for the invisible Glory, be but on the by; and the flesh and the world hath the main scope, and bent, and drift of your life; flatter not your selves then, most certainly you are but carnal wretches and drudges of the world, and slaves to him that is styled by Christ, the Prince of this world. Me thinks Sirs you might be able by this time to be somewhat acquainted with your own condition, and either to Condemn your selves as Worldlings and Carnal men, or to see Christ by his Spirit and Interest reigning in your souls, and give him the glory and take to your selves the joy of your Sanctification.

Have you been so far illuminated by the Word and Spirit, as to see the Amiableness of the Lord by faith, and have you so firm a Belief of the Everlasting Glory, where we shall see his face immediately