Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /

II. Doctrine. That one of the diseases of mankind is, that we catch at felicity without considering the way that leadeth to it.

Peter seeing and apprehending this estate to be an estate of Happiness, and Glory, doth not consider what he must first do, and first suffer, before he could come to converse with Christ, and the glorified Saints. Our Saviour had lately told him that he must deny himself, and take up his Cross and follow him, but Peter overlooketh all this; and saith it is good to be here: he would be glorified before he was abased, and had suffered all the afflictions foretold, and would have his wages before he had done his work. Every one would enjoy Christs Glory and Happiness, but we do not like his yoke, are loath to submit to his Cross. If we would enjoy happiness with Christ, and the glorified Saints, we must be humbled with them, and suffer with them first. But we would triumph before we had fought any battle, and receive the Crown before we have run our Race, and reap in joy, before we have sowed in ⟨p. 113⟩tears, or performed that necessary work that God requires at our hands.

Now the Reasons of it are these.