A96109:401
The saints delight. To which is annexed a treatise of meditation
The saints delight. To which is annexed a treatise of meditation. / By Thomas Watson, minister of Stephens Walbrook in the city of London. Imprimatur, Edm. Calamy.
London: printed by T.R. & E.M. for Ralph Smith, 1657
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Argu∣meant. 1 1. Consider how unworthy, it is for a Christian to have his heart set upon the world. I It is unworthy of his soul. The soul is dignified with honour, it is a noble coin that hath a divine impress stamped upon it, Tis capable of communion with God and angels, now it is too far below a man to spend the affections and operations of this heaven-born soul upon drossy things. Tis as if one should embroider sackcloth with gold, or set a diamond in clay.
Argu∣ment. 1 1. Consider how unworthy, it is for a Christian to have his heart set upon the world. I It is unworthy of his soul. The soul is dignified with honour, it is a noble coin that hath a divine impress stampt upon it, Tis capable of communion with God and angels, now it is too far below a man to spend the affections and operations of this heaven-born soul upon drossy things. Tis as if one should embroider sackloth with gold, or set a diamond in clay.
2. It is unworthy of his profession. Seekest thou great things for thy self? Jerem. 45.5. what thou Baruch? Thou who art a Godly man? a Levite? Oh how sordid is it for him that hath his hope in heaven to have his heart upon the earth. It is just as if a king should leave his ⟨p. 314⟩throne, and follow the plough, or as if a man should leave a golden mine to dig in a gravel pit. The lapwing hath a crown on her head and yet feeds on dung. A fit emblem of those who have a crown of profession shining on their head yet feed with eagerness on these things below. Christians should deny themselves, but not undervalue themselves, they should be humble but not base. If Alexander would not exercise at the Olympics, it being too far below him; (Kings do not use to run Races) then shall they who are the holy seed, the heirs of glory, disparage themselves by too eager pursuit after these contemptible things?
2. It is unworthy of his profession. Seekest thou great things for thy self?