The Christians labour and reward, or, A sermon, part of which was preached at…

Quest. But if the reward be so glorious, what reason can then be given, why so few are found that will labour for it.

Answ. If you expect a good reason, there is none can be given: but if a true reason will serve, it is soon at hand. First, Because Heaven is a reward that is unseen to the Eye of Sense, and Carnal men (who make the most in the world) have not such an ⟨p. 85⟩eye, as the eye of Faith, to make it evident to them: they have, indeed, an eye of Sense in their Head, but that like the Sun, doth revelare inferiora, sed obsignare superiora. It shows the good of sensual objects here below, but leaves the Glory of Heaven unseen. Secondly, Heaven is a glorious reward, but 'tis to come, we must wait for it; and carnal mens desires are impetuous, that will not let them stay so long for their consolation. Now the world that offers present pleasure, present profit, present ease; and most men are like beggarly traders, who cannot sell for time, but must have ready money, though they put off their Goods with loss; thus do carnal men. Give me my Portion (said the Prodigal) Never thinks what he shall do, when that is spent. Demas loved this present World, 2 Tim. 14.10. Heaven is a great way off, they will put that to the adventure; occidit modo imperat. Let him kill me, (said Agrippina of her Son) only let him reign. This is the language of many mens ⟨p. 86⟩hearts, fall back, fall edge, damned, or not damned hereafter, so I may have my present lust satisfied Thirdly, Sinners do not like the nature and quality of Heaven. Some expressions, indeed, there are, with which it is set forth in Scripture, that please them very well, were they true in the Letter; as when it is set out by a Marriage Feast, by Rivers of Pleasures, by a Crown and Kingdom. A Feast the Glutton likes, were the cheer such in Heaven, as is on his own Table here on Earth; if the Wine of that Kingdom were such as is drawn at the Tavern, the Drunkard would be for it. But a Feast without Sensual fare, joy without jollity, Music without Fiddling, a Crown and Kingdom without worldly Splendour or Pomp, are such things as put them quite out of liking with it. So that they care for Heaven only, when they can have Earth no longer, and choose it as a place only more desirable than Hell.