The mischiefs of self-ignorance and the benefits of self-acquaintance opened in divers sermons at…

7. Lastly, that person is certainly unregenerate, that so far valueth and loveth this world, or any of the carnal accommodations therein, as practically to prefer them before the Love of God, and the Hopes of Everlasting Glory: seeking it first, with highest estimation, and holding it fastest; so as that he will rather venture his soul upon the threatened wrath of God, then his body upon the wrath of man; and will be religious no further then may consist with his prosperity or safety in the world, and hath something that he cannot part with for Christ and heaven, because it is dearer to him then they: Let this man go never so far in Religion, as long as he goeth further for the world, and setteth it nearest to his heart, and holds it fastest, and will do most for it, and consequently loveth it better then Christ, he is no true Christian, nor in a state of grace.

7. Lastly, that person is certainly unregenerate, that so far valueth and loveth this world, or any of the carnal accommodations therein, as practically to prefer them before the Love of God, and the Hopes of Everlasting Glory: seeking it first, with highest estimation, and holding it fastest; so as that he will rather venture his soul upon the threatned wrath of God, then his body upon the wrath of man; and will be religious no further then may consist with his prosperity or safety in the world, and hath something that he cannot part with for Christ and heaven, because it is dearer to him then they: Let this man go never so far in Religion, as long as he goeth further for the world, and setteth it nearest to his heart, and holds it fastest, and will do most for it, and consequently loveth it better then Christ, he is no true Christian, nor in a state of grace.

The Scriptures put this also out of doubt▪ as you may see, Mat. 10.37, 38. & Luke ⟨p. 275⟩•4.26, 27, 33. He that loveth Father or Mother more then me, is not worthy of me, &c. Whosoever doth not bear his Cross and come after me, cannot be my Disciple. Whoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that e hath, he cannot be my Disciple. Know e not that the friendship of the world, is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God, am. 4.4. No wonder then if the world must be renounced in our Baptism. [Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him,