Husbandry spiritualized, or, The heavenly use of earthly things consisting of many pleasant observations,…

Or,¹ 2ly. Which of all the Saints hast thou known to be the better for much of the world? it hath been some mens ⟨p. 43⟩utter ruin. Seldom doth God suffer men to be their own carvers, but they cut their own fingers. To give riches and pleasures to an evil man (saith Aristotle is but to give wine to one that hath a Fever. Where there is no want, there is usually much wantonness. What a sad story was that of Pius Quintus; When I was in a low condition (said he) I had some comfortable hopes of my salvation, but when I came to be a Cardinal, I greatly doubted of it; but since I came to the Popedom, I have no hope at all. Though this poor undone wretch spake it out, and others keep it in, yet doubtless he hath many thousand fellows in the world, that might say as much would they but speak the truth.

1. 12. Quest.

And even Gods own people, though the world hath not excluded them out of heaven, yet it hath sorely clogged them in the way thither. Many that have been very humble, holy and heavenly in a low condition, have suffered a sad ebb in a •ull condition. What a cold blast have they felt coming from the cares and delights of this life, to chill both their graces and comforts! it had been well for some of God's people if they had never known what prosperity meant.

And even Gods own people, though the world hath not excluded them out of heaven, yet it hath sorely clog'd them in the way thither. Many that have been very humble, holy and heavenly in a low condition, have suffered a sad ebb in a •ull condition. What a cold blast have they felt coming from the cares and delights of this life, to chill both their graces and comforts! it had been well for some of God's people if they had never known what prosperity meant.