The crucifying of the world

3. IF you are Crucified to the world, then let it not have power to Crucify you, by putting you upon inordinate cares or sorrows. Will you vex your brains with contrivings for the world, and weary your mind with tearing cares, and walk in sorrow because you have not your desires? and yet say that you are Crucified to the world? Are the dead so solicitous? or is a Carcass to be so much valued? Your Passions and Endeavours will proclaim your excessive estimation of the world, when you have never so long in words professed your contempt of it. Alas how many that seem to know better, do almost distract their minds with cares, and entangle themselves in a life of so much misery, as a wise man would not like, for all the world! If they want any thing, what trouble are their minds i• till their wants be supplied? If they be afflicted with losses, or wrongs, or contempt; they are troubled as if they had lo•• some great o• necessary thing. A Crucified world could not make such a •••• in your minds; but doubtless it is so far alive as it thus a•••cte•h you. The Lord Jesus hath himself made so full and moving a Sermon to his Disciples, against the cares of the world, Mat. 6. and Luke 12. that its a double sin to Christians to be still so careful and earthly minded; and I know not what to hope for from that man that will not be moved with such words as those from ⟨p. 182⟩the Lord himself. And yet how many professors have I known that have tormented themselves with cares and sorrows, yea and cast their bodies into diseases by it, and many of them have dyed of it, and some it hath brought besides their wits: So observable is that of the Apostle,