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

Lastly, Glory with God must needs be the only support, ¹because the way to heaven is full of briars and thorns; Great are the afflictions and tribulations which abide all that go in this way to glory; Were it not then that the heart is full of hopes in this matter, it would soon be discouraged, it would presently give over, saying, Why should I deny such pleasures and comforts as others take; Do I not wrong my self? Am I not a defrauder of my own comforts? No; saith this hope of eternal glory, hold thy tongue from all grudgings and repinings; There is glory coming will make amends for all, Heaven in reversion is better then all the world in actual possession, know then if at any time thy soul be dejected or cast down within thee, if at any time thou art impatient and discontented; It's because this hope of glory doth not fill the heart

1. 14. Because the way to heaven is full of briars and thorns.

In the last place this is far to be desired above all humane glory,¹ and that although it be the Idol adored by the world, if we consider how most men refer all their actions to this; We may presently judge that description of man to be true; That he is animal gloriae vanissimum, all those actions the Heathens did were dedicated to honour; Even as the Romans consecrated a Temple to it, yea, which is the highest degree of vanity, men have made all their Religious actions to serve this Goddess; The Pharisees in all their alms, fastings and prayers did all to be seen of men, as our Saviour who knew their hearts condemned them, Mat. 6.2. It went so far with some that they placed the chiefest happiness of a man to be in honour, and how prone this is to keep in the hearts even of godly men, appeareth in the often prohibitions of it in the Scripture, and our Saviours advice about private Prayer and alms; This is the Pirate that many times surpriseth the Ship which is come richly laden to the very haven, it depriveth us of our duties, and the benefit by them; Well, as glorious as it is, yet it is no more comparable to this eternal glory, then a straw