The crucifying of the world

2. But what is it then that we may not Glory in? As I told you in the beginning, not in our selves, or any creature, as opposite to Christ, or separate from him, or any way pretending to be what it is not, or do what it cannot. But let us enter into some particulars.

1. Have you dignities, and honours, and high places in the world? Do others bow to you, and have you power to crush them or exalt them at your pleasure? Glory not in it as any part of your felicity. A horse is stronger then a man: The great Mogul, and the Turkish Emperor, and many another Infidel Prince, is a thousand fold beyond the greatest of you, in Power and earthly dignity: and yet what are they but miserable wretches! Your power will not conquer death, nor keep off sickness, nor keep the stoutest of your Carcasses from corruption. When a man shall see you gasping for breath, and yielding your selves prisoners to unresistible death; and closing those eyes that look so haughtily, then who can discern the Glory of your greatness? Who then will fear you, or honour or regard you, further then your deserts or their interests lead them? Your flatterers will then forsake you, and seek them a new Master? When they are winding your Carcass, and laying it up for rottenness in the dust, what signs of your power will then appear: Will your corpse have any reverend aspect? How many have been spurned when they were dead, that were bowed to while they were alive? There are many in Hell, and there will be for ever, that were greater men then you on earth. The higher you clime, the lower you have to fall. If the breath of a thousand applaud you now, perhaps a million may reproach you when you are dead? However, it is not the applause of men that will carry you to heaven, or abate the least of your pain in Hell. Glory ⟨p. 246⟩not then in worldly honours or greatness. But rather rejoice that you have enough without all this in God. How well, thinks the Christian, can I spare all these tedious troublesome employments, these complements, these applauses, this sumptuous provision and retinue; and all this stir that they make in the world? How easily can I spare their Titles and Obeisances? When I look up at them as on the pinac•e of a steeple, I bless my self that I am below them on saer ground. I have more leisure to converse with God in my solitude, then they have in a crowd. Rejoice that you neither need nor desire such a sate, but find Christ enough for you in a lower condition, and nothing without him enough in the highest. That you are above these empty childish honours, when those that possess them may be enslaved under them.