4. Ambition and affectation of high places in the Church of God, and to be above others. This hath made men build hay and stubble. This indeed is a daughter of pride, and so is of the same nature, yet it's a distinct head; for more bitter fruit hath grown on this root, than upon most sins, which made the Apostle James give that excellent Antidote, Not to be many Masters, James 3.1. Do not ambitiously affect places of trust and rule in the Church of God: and thereupon he makes a large digression, to show the several wicked ways of the tongue, that is the unruly member, that setteth all on fire. If thou once hast a proneness to offend there, look to it, set a watch before thy mouth; nature ⟨p. 171⟩hath hedged it in by teeth and lips. The Scripture also hath put many muzzles, on thy mouth, especially that, My Brethren, be swift to hear, and slow to speak, Jam. 1.13. You ought to be far more desirous to hear than to speak. If ambition and affectation to be above others, provoke thee to false ways, know God will make it manifest; yet this corruption is wonderful pleasing The Pharisees loved the high places, and to be called Rabbis. Nestorius and many others broached heresies, because they missed of such great preferment as they desired. Donatus was so admired of his Disciples, that they would swear by him, as by a god. Thus men with Herod, love to have acclamations, The voice of God, and not of a man; though his terrible judgement might be a warning.1
4. Ambition and affectation of high places in the Church of God, and to be above others. This hath made men build hay and stubble. This indeed is a daughter of pride, and so is of the same nature, yet it's a distinct head; for more bitter fruit hath grown on this root, than upon most sinnes, which made the Apostle James give that excellent Antidote, Not to be many Masters, James 3.1. Do not ambitiously affect places of trust and rule in the Church of God: and thereupon he makes a large digression, to shew the several wicked wayes of the tongue, that is the unruly member, that setteth all on fire. If thou once hast a pronenesse to offend there, look to it, set a watch before thy mouth; nature ⟨p. 171⟩hath hedged it in by teeth and lips. The Scripture also hath put many muzzles, on thy mouth, especially that, My Brethren, be swift to hear, and slow to speak, Jam. 1.13. You ought to be farre more desirous to hear than to speak. If ambition and affectation to be above others, provoke thee to false wayes, know God will make it manifest; yet this corruption is wonderfull pleasing The Pharisees loved the high places, and to be called Rabbies. Nestorius and many others broached heresies, because they missed of such great preferment as they desired. Donatus was so admired of his Disciples, that they would swear by him, as by a god. Thus men with Herod, love to have acclamations, The voice of God, and not of a man; though his terrible judgement might be a warning.1
- 15. Discontent and imparience.
