Heavenly merchandiseHeavenly merchandize

USE III. For Exhortation and Direction: and there are two branches of the Exhortation; Buy the Truth, and Sell it not: which may be applied distinctly.

1. In the first place, let it be to invite customers to come and Buy. Truths market is kept up in these Ordinances, which we are called to dispense; and here are a great many lookers on that vouchsafe to come where this heavenly treasure is opened, and exposed to their view; and you do well (so far) that you do come; who knows but that God may persuade you to buy also before you go? his preventing grace may meet with men unexpectedly. But let me ask what (I pray) do you come for? is there any thing here to be had that you are apprehensive ⟨p. 65⟩that you have a need of, and are therefore making enquiry after? if they be the worlds dignities and preferments that you would have, you are more like to lose than get them by coming hither; you must go to Princes Courts, or Kings Palaces if you hope to find them: it it be the Earths Gallantry and outward Bravery, or any other thing which may afford content to your carnal Lusts that you are inquisitive after, neither do we pretend to offer such things as these, but counsel you to mortify such lusts, and to exercise sobriety in the use of those things; but if you are resolved to have them, you must go to the Worlds Market for them: here is nothing but truth set out at this Fair, and if you have no occasion for that, you are like to lose your labour in coming hither: But if that be it which you do indeed stand in need of, here it is, and you shall have it good cheap: and why will you not Buy the Truth? One would think that this Trade should never be dead, that Truth should never have occasion to complain for want of Customers; that this Market rather than any other, should be crowded so full of Buyers, that there should be no room left for Gazers. But the truth is, the bigger part by far of the Children of men have ⟨p. 66⟩other Bargains in making, and are deeply engaged in contriving and pursuing of them; and all their business in turning in hither, is only for a little diversion, and yet so, they can hardly divert their minds from that which they have in chase; but whiles their bodies are in the house of God, their hearts are after their covetousness. But give me leave now to borrow the liberty of a few words with you who never have bought the Truth, since you seem for the present to have a little leisure to be spoken withal.