Moses his choice with his eye fixed upon Heaven, discovering the happy condition of…

And as outward prosperity hath not been always an argument that they could make use of; so we hope that time will come, when they shall make use of it no more, when their judgements shall be altered, and this argument wherein now they boast, shall for ever fail them; but for the present, though now she be crowned with Diamonds, and clothed with Scarlet, yet still she is the mother of Harlots, and the ⟨p. 64⟩abominations of the earth. I have not, says Luther, a stronger argument against the Papal Kingdom, then ¹this, that it is without the cross.

And as outward prosperity hath not been always an argument that they could make use of; so we hope that time will come, when they shall make use of it no more, when their judgements shall be altered, and this argument wherein now they boast, shall for ever fail them; but for the present, though now she be crowned with Diamonds, and cloathed with Scarlet, yet still she is the mother of Harlots, and the ⟨p. 64⟩abominations of the earth. I have not, says Luther, a stronger argument against the Papal Kingdom, then ¹this, that it is without the cross.

1. 1Ego non habeo aliu• contra Papae regnum robustius argument• quam quod sine cruce regnat. Luth. T. • 323.

Let none amongst us deceive themselves, by resting upon outward prosperity, as an argument of Gods love, for their everlasting estates. Many have no other hold to lean upon for their salvation but this; all those solemn protestations of God against this in his word; all the works of Gods providence towards his own people, in leading them on in an afflicted condition, and towards the wicked in giving them the fat of the earth, will not take mens hearts off from this false reasoning, but still they will think, if God did not love them, surely he would not let them prosper so as he doth. A painted face is as certain an argument of a good complexion, as this is of a good condition. When God shall come hereafter, to take up his own to himself, he will not look so much amongst the great ones of the earth, the rich, the gorgeous attires, sumptuous houses, furnished tables, as amongst the the persecuted, contemned, scorned company; out of them he will find his own;