If therefore God would give us leave to dye, we should, upon our own account, be much more inclined to choose it; but, while he thinks fit to have it deferred, should yield to his will, with an unrepining submission. Only it ought not to rest at all, on our part, or that, as to our selves we find any thing more grateful to us in this world, that we are willing to stay a day longer in it. That for our own sakes, we should affect a continuance here; would argue a terrene sordid Spirit. But then such should be ⟨p. 399⟩our dutiful filial Love to the Father of our Spirits, that in pure devotedness to his interests; we would be content to dwell (if he would have it so) a Methuselahs age in an earthly tabernacle for his service; that is, that we may help to preserve his memorial in a elapsed world (over-run with Atheism, and ignorance of its Maker) and win him hearts and love (to our uttermost) among his apostate disloyal creatures; and in our capacities be helpful to the encouragement of such as he continues in the world, for the same purposes. This is the very temper the Apostle expresses, when in that strait,* which way the poise of his own Spirit inclined him, in the consideration of his own interest; and what was simply more eligible to him. He expresses with High Emphasis; to be with Christ, saith, he is more desirable to me (for there are two comparatives in the Greek Text) and therefore he professes his own desire in order thereto, to be dissolved; but that private desire was not so peremptory, and absolute, but he could make it yield, and give place to his duty towards God, and his Church, as it follows. So we know 'tis possible that, respects to a friend may oversway a mans own particular inclination; and the inclination remain notwithstanding; but is subdued only; otherwise had any reason or argument, that did respect my self persuaded me to change it; I should then follow but my own proper inclination still; and so my friend hath nothing to thank me for.
If therefore God would give us leave to dye, we should, upon our own account, be much more enclin'd to chuse it; but, while he thinks fit to have it defer'd, should yeild to his will, with an unrepining submission. Onely it ought not to rest at all, on our part, or that, as to our selves we find any thing more grateful to us in this world, that we are willing to stay a day longer in it. That for our own sakes, we should affect a continuance here; would argue a terrene sordid Spirit. But then such should be ⟨p. 399⟩our dutiful filial Love to the Father of our Spirits, that in pure devotedness to his interests; we would be content to dwel (if he would have it so) a Methuselahs age in an earthly tabernacle for his service; that is, that we may help to preserve his memorial in a elapsed world (over-run with Atheisme, and ignorance of its Maker) and win him hearts and love (to our uttermost) among his apostate disloyal creatures; and in our capacities be helpful to the encouragement of such as he continues in the world, for the same purposes. This is the very temper the Apostle expresses, when in that strait,* which way the poise of his own Spirit enclin'd him, in the consideration of his own interest; and what was simply more eligible to him. He expresses with High Emphasis; to be with Christ, saith, he is more desirable to me (for there are two comparatives in the Greek Text) and therefore he professes his own desire in order thereto, to be dissolved; but that private desire was not so peremptory, and absolute, but he could make it yeild, and give place to his duty towards God, and his Church, as it follows. So we know 'tis possible that, respects to a friend may oversway a mans own particular inclination; and the inclination remain notwithstanding; but is subdued onely; otherwise had any reason or argument, that did respect my self perswaded me to change it; I should then follow but my own proper inclination still; and so my friend hath nothing to thank me for.
- *Phil. 1.
