Seasonable truths in evil-times in several sermons / lately preached in and about London

Secondly, If the things of this world be, and are as if they were not, why should we not use them as if we used them not? In the 23 of the Proverbs, Solomon saith, that they are not, why shouldest thou let thine eyes fly upon that which is not. They are not, and ⟨p. 132⟩if that they be as if they were not, why should we not use them as if we used them no?

Secondly, If the things of this world be, and are as if they were not, why should we not use them as if we us'd them not? In the 23 of the Proverbs, Solomon saith, that they are not, why shouldest thou let thine eyes fly upon that which is not. They are not, and ⟨p. 132⟩if that they be as if they were not, why should we not use them as if we us'd them no?

Thirdly, If it be not in the power of any creature in this world for to help us, or to hurt us, to do either good or evil to us, why then should we not use the world as if we used it not? you know, Psa. 62. 10. If riches increase, set not your hearts upon them; why, God hath spoken once, twice, and I heard it, that power belongs to God: 'Tis not in the power of riches, or any creature in the world, to do us either hurt or help. In Isa. 41. its made Gods Prerogative; Show the things that are to come hereafter, v. 23. That we may know that ye are Gods, do good, or do evil; do good, or do evil: if ye will show your selves O ye Idols to be Gods, then do good, or do evil; this is Gods great Prerogative, to help, or to hurt, its Gods prerogative, 'tis not in the power of any creature for to help, or hurt; now if it be not in the power of any creature for to help, or hurt, why should we not use the world, and the things thereof, as if we used them not?

Thirdly, If it be not in the power of any creature in this world for to help us, or to hurt us, to do either good or evil to us, why then should we not use the world as if we us'd it not? you know,