The crucifying of the world

Two sorts of persons I would especially direct this advice to. First to the rich and powerful in the world. Secondly, To all that are professors of Religion.

For the first sort, let them consider, that their Riches are snares to them, and will prove a certain means of their damnation, if they devote them not to God. Tithes, and Oblations, and Firstfruits were devoted to God under the Law: but all is expressly devoted to him under the Gospel; Which was expressed by the Primitive Christians selling all, and laying down at the Apostles feet: For as Life and Immortality is brought to light more abundantly in the Gospel; So also is the means of obtaining it, and the duty which we owe to him that giveth it: And as Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ, and the greatest mercies are revealed by the Gospel: So the greatest holiness comes by Christ, and the greatest obligations are laid on us in the Gospel: Especially to self-denial, and an hearty Devoting our selves and all we have to God. I beseech you observe the distinction which Christ useth, Luke 12. 21. between Laying up Riches to your selves, and being Rich to God, and how dreadful the Application is. If almost all your Riches be expended on your selves and yours, or laid up in store as for provision for your flesh, its plain then that you [Lay up riches for your selves] and so are concluded by the sentence of Christ among the miserable fools that are there described. But if you are [Rich to God] you will study to improve your Riches for God, and often bethink your selves which way they may be employed to his greatest service. He that cannot spare his wealth, for the service of his Redeemer, and the good of his Brother, and the furthering of his own salvation, is very far from being Crucified to the world.

For the first sort, let them consider, that their Riches are snares to them, and will prove a certain means of their damnation, if they devote them not to God. Tythes, and Oblations, and Firstfruits were devoted to God under the Law: but all is expresly devoted to him under the Gospel; Which was expressed by the Primitive Christians selling all, and laying down at the Apostles feet: For as Life and Immortality is brought to light more abundantly in the Gospel; So also is the means of obtaining it, and the duty which we owe to him that giveth it: And as Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ, and the greatest mercies are revealed by the Gospel: So the greatest holiness comes by Christ, and the greatest obligations are laid on us in the Gospel: Especially to self-denyal, and an hearty Devoting our selves and all we have to God. I beseech you observe the distinction which Christ useth,