CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

3. This life is full of fears, We are obnoxious unto death from principles of corruption within, as also from violence without;¹ So that if we could suppose an universal good in this life, That we had mercies and no sorrow mingled with them, yet the fear of losing them or our death no longer to enjoy them, may justly be the death in the pot, or the root of bitterness in all our joys: There is no ground we can shadow our selves under, but a worm will arise either from it, or from our selves, or God will create one to destroy it, so that when all things are to our hearts desire, yet we are not able to say, I fear not the loss of it, neither death, or the violence of man can deprive me of it, but still we are subject every moment to an alteration, set we then this eternal ⟨p. 64⟩life by it, and there we shall see how glorious that is comparatively, for as there is an universal good, so there is a quiet, full, and secure possession of it; There is no danger from within or from without: Adam though created happy, yet was mutable, The devil seduced him out of all his felicity; but now there is a confirmation of the Saints in heaven, if once in possession of glory there cannot be any to eject them, unless there could be a stronger then God: It's not so much happiness as security in happiness that makes a man blessed, Fear to lose it takes off from the enjoying of it, but it's not so with this eternal life, There is all quietness, all security, and ease, and certainly if the Apostle Rom 8. even in this life can make such a glorious charge: Who shall separate us from the love of God through Christ? Neither death, nor things present, nor things to come. How much more shall they in heaven triumph after this manner? If those that are tossed up and down in the Sea have such security, what may they have who are in the haven? Upon this account it is that our Saviour bids them treasure up that wealth, Mat. 6.20. where thieves cannot break through and steal; By that he means no secret craft or open violence can get away that treasure; Here again we see the madness of wicked and earthly men; They venture their souls, and God, and heaven and all to get this uncertain wealth, these uncertain pleasures, which when they have they may fear every moment that voice from heaven; Thou Fool, this night thy soul shall be taken from thee;