Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

3. In the way of his following his worldly business, there is a great change. It appears to be no more his all, as some time it was. Tho' ⟨p. 144⟩saints apply themselves to worldly business, as well as others; yet their hearts are not swallowed up in it. It is evident they are carrying on a trade with heaven, as well as a trade with earth, Philip. iii 20. For our conversation is in heaven. And they go about their employment in the world as a duty laid upon them by the Lord of all; doing their lawful business, as the will of God, Eph vi. 7. working, because he has said, Thou shalt not steal.

4. They have a special concern for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ in the world: they espouse the interests of religion, and prefer Jerusalem above their chief joy, Psal. cxxxvii 6. How privately soever they live, grace makes them of a public spirit, which will concern itself in the ark and work of God; in the gospel of God; and in the people of God; even these of them whom they never saw in the face. As children of God, they naturally care for these things. They have a new and unwonted concern for the spiritual good of others. And no sooner do they taste of the power of grace themselves, but they are inclined to set up to be agents for Christ and holiness, in this world; as appears in the case of the woman of Samaria, who, when Christ had manifested himself to her, went her way into the city, and saith unto the men, Come, see a man which told me all things that ever I did! Is not this the Christ? John iv. 28, 29. They have seen and felt the evil of sin, and therefore pity, the world lying in wickedness. They would fain pluck the brands out of the fire, remembering that they themselves were plucked out of it. They will labour to commend religion to others, both by word and example; and rather deny themselves their liberty in indifferent things, than by the uncharitable use of it, destroy others, 1 Cor. viii. 13