A26905:768
The crucifying of the world
The crucifying of the world by the cross of Christ with a preface to the nobles, gentlemen, and all the rich, directing them how they may be richer / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R. W. for Nevill Simmons, 1658
The Crucifying of the world, BY The Cross of CHRIST. › Part 2 › Section 27
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
6. Have you health of body, and feel no sickness? Glory not in it. It will last you but a while. Your oil will be spent ere long, and your candle will go out: You must know what pains and death are as well as others. A little cold, or heat, or a thousand accidents, may quickly change the case with you. Many that were young and lusty go to their graves, when some that were more likely to have gone before them are left behind: But first or last we must all away. Rather glory in a healthful frame of soul: that Christ hath cured you of your worldliness and pride, of your self-seeking, and passion, and fleshly lusts: For this will be a more durable health then the other.
6. Have you health of body, and feel no sickness? Glory not in it. It will last you but a while. Your oyl will be spent ere long, and your candle will go out: You must know what pains and death are as well as others. A little cold, or heat, or a thousand accidents, may quickly change the case with you. Many that were young and lusty go to their graves, when some that were more likely to have gone before them are left behind: But first or last we must all away. Rather glory in a healthfull frame of soul: that Christ hath cured you of your worldliness and pride, of your self-seeking, and passion, and fleshly lusts: For this will be a more durable health then the other.
7. Have you Nobility of birth? are you descended of worshipful or honourable Ancestors? Glory not in it. We are all made of one common earth. There is as good blood in the veins of a beggar as of a Lord. This is but a remnant of ⟨p. 249⟩your Ancestors honour. Perhaps the favour of some great men might bestow it on them at first without desert? Or it might be the Consequent of a little riches, though ill got. However the merit descendeth not to you; and therefore its little honour that comes that way. That's your chief honour which is most your own and least borrowed from others: The deserving Son of a beggar is more truly honourable, then the undeserving Son of a Lord. Glory rather that you are born again, not of the flesh, but of the Spirit, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible; the word of God that endureth for ever. Your first birth, how noble so ever, makes you but children of wrath and slaves of Satan. But your new birth is the truly honourable birth, which makes you partakers of the Divine Nature, the Sons of God, the heirs of Heaven, and Co-heirs with the Lord Jesus.