Two treatises of Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs. The first of earthly-mindedness

CHAP. I Rebuke of those that follow the example of the wicked, and reject the example of the godly.

IF the example of men whose Conversation is in Heaven is to be followed, hence then are to be rebuked those that rather follow the example of wicked and ungodly ones, if they be great, or learned, or the example of the multitude, will rather follow the example of any than the example of those whose Conversation is in Heaven: thou doest thus and thus, and yet say, Do not others do so? but who are they that do so? can you say in your consciences, that you think that they that do so have their Conversations in Heaven, you will do as they do? If there be any example that you will follow, they should be such that you can take it upon your consciences, that these are the men who have their Conversations above; you will do ⟨p. 99⟩as others do, in drinking; swearing, Sabbath-breaking, and in all manner of profaneness; have these their Conversations in Heaven? Certainly you that do so, you follow the example of those who have their Conversations in hell. But it may be you have some neighbours live by you whose Conversations are blameless, yea, they are Heavenly, and when you are in your good moods, your consciences witness to them, and you could wish that you might die the death of the righteous; are there not some that live in the same families, streets, or towns where you live, that though sometimes your hearts are against them, you oppose them, and scorn them, and speak against them, yet when you are in any good temper, or afraid of death, then you could wish that you were as they are, and might die their death; now will you not follow their example, but rather the example of others, whose examples are in such things as are suitable to your vile, sinful, and base lusts? We know that these examples of holy men shall rise up in judgment against you another day, the Lord will condemn you from their example, and say, Did not such and such live in the family and place where you lived, and did not you behold their holy and gracious Conversation, and shall the example of such and such vile wretches be followed rather than the example of my Saints? (I say) this will stop your mouths and aggravate your condemnation in the great Audit-day: