The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…

I beseech you therefore, if you would ever have settled Peace and Comfort, be watchful against this sin of Pride, and be sure to keep it down, and get it mortified at the very heart.

I beseech you therefore, if you would ever have setled Peace and Comfort, be watchfull against this sinne of Pride, and be sure to keep it down, and get it mortified at the very heart.

2. The next sin that I would have you be specially jealous of is covetousness, or love of the profits or riches of the world. This is not the sin of the rich only, but also of the poor: and more heinous is it in them to love the world inordinately that have so little of it, then in rich men that have more to tempt them: though dangerous in both. Nor doth it lye only in coveting that which is another's, or in seeking to get by unlawful means; but also in over-valuing and over-loving the wealth of the world though lawfully gotten. He that loveth the world (that is, above Christ and holiness) the love of the Father is not in him (that is, savingly and sincerely) 1 Joh. 2.15. He that loveth house or lands better then Christ cannot be his Disciple. I beseech you therefore when God hides his face, search diligently, and search again and again, least the world should encroach on Christs interest in your heart: If it should be so, can ⟨p. 295⟩you wonder if Christ seem to withdraw, when you begin to set so light by him, as to value dung and earth in any comparison with himself? May not he well say to you, If you set so much by the world, take it, and see what it will do for you? If you can spare me better then your wealth, you shall be without me. Must not the Lord Jesus needs take it exceeding unkindly, that after all his love and bloodshed and pains with your heart, and seals of his kindness, and discoveries of his Amiableness and the Treasures of his Kingdom, you should now so much forget and slight him, to set up the world in any comparison with him? and to give such loving entertainment to his enemy? and look so kindly on a competitor? Is his glory worth no more then so? and hath he deserved no better at your hands? Again therefore do I beseech you to be afraid, lest you should be guilty of this sin. Examine, whether the thoughts of the world grow not sweeter to you, and the thoughts of God and glory more unwelcome, and unpleasing? whether you have not an eagerness after a fuller estate, and too keen an edge upon your desires after riches? or at least, after a fuller portion and provision for your children? or after better accommodations and contentments in House,