(2.) Be not of a worldly spirit when thou hast the world. A godly man may be a rich man ; but take heed of trust, immoderate delight, and pride in them. Do not trust in them, for they are vain ; nor de- light in them, for they are snares ; nor be proud of them, they do not make us better; we do not value a horse by the trappings, but by his spirit and courage. We may accept the allowance of providence ; it is not having wealth, but setting the heart upon it, nor the enjoyment, but trust in it, that is condemned : Ps. Ixii. 11, ' Trust not in oppres- sion, become not vain in robbery ; if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.' You will be apt to do it ; but divert your heart, draw it otf into another country : 1 Tim. vi. 17, ' Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches ;' and ver. 19, ' Laying up in store for themselves a good founda- tion against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.' Get a bank in heaven, make an advantage of it for religion, to confirm your title to heaven by more evidences. Our wealth follows us not into another world, but our works do. A man that loveth his money is willing to part with it, to assure his title to an earthly inheritance.
(3.) Be not dejected and over-sorrowful when thou losest them ; thou art but delivered of a burden, a charge, and a snare; riches are a clog to thee. We are sure to give an account.
Take the words as they denote the outward condition of the dis- ciples : ' They are not of the world ;' that is, not respected by it, as if they were of their number and faction, left out of the world's tale and count.
1. Observe, it is a hard thing to digest the world's neglect and dis- respect. AVe had need be urged again and again ; partly because every one would be somebody in the world, and have some interest here, rh n,e<ya<; ; and when we miss our aims, sorrow is obstinate, suf- ferings harsh and irksome to flesh and blood, because we admire things below, and have too good an opinion of them.
Use. This should be regarded by us in these times. When some grasp the world, and use all kind of means to get it into their hands, others are apt to envy at them; when they see others have all, and themselves poor, men think themselves wronged.
1. Let them alone; look after better things: Ps. xvii. 14, 'From men of the world, who have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy good things.' If they grow fat upon common mercies, we have no reason to pine and murmur. You have not such large estates, costly furniture, fine clothes, but you have a better heart ; it is enough. Let the world's fondlings be dandled on the world's knees ; you have a better portion, full breasts to suck on, pui-er conso- lations. When a river is troubled the mud will come on top. - In troubles, sin would be uppermost. You have no reason to change con- ditions.
410 SERMONS UPON JOHN XVH. [SeII. XXV.
2. Remember by whose ])roviJence it falletli out. You think God is not wise enough ; you will teach him whom to advance and wliom not. Princes have their arcana imperii. Shall our servants know all our counsels ? Many times God raiseth bad men to high places, not because they deserve it, but because the age deserveth no better : Phil, ii. 14, L5, ' Do all things Avithout murmurings and disputiugs, that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God.'
3. If you are favoured by God, why should you trouble yourselves about the world's respects? In choosing heirs to salvation, God doth not ask their counsel. Thou hast the testimony of God's Spirit, and many now in hell have had much of the world's respects. Their dis- respect cannot hurt thee ; it may pi'ofit thee, if thou art not wanting to thyself. If God should take counsel of the world, whether he should assume thee to glory or cast thee into hell, then their respects were to be sought after ; but God will deal with thee alone, not ask their opinion, but refer it to thine own conscience. If all the world should respect thee, what is this to God, who will judge thee by another rule ? They had need of steady heads that walk on high places. When men study to preserve the world's good opinion they lose it. God is master of their respects. If men did not study to please the world, they would not only have more quiet, but more success.
2. Observe again, an excellent means to digest the world's neglect is to consider the example of Christ. It is our duty, it will be for our comfort, and it turneth to our profit.
1. It is our duty. In his example we have a taste of his Spirit : ' I am not of the world,' saith Christ ; and we should ' imitate Christ as dear children,' Eph. v. 1. They that love to live in delight and pleasures are but christians in name. If we had no other reason to contemn llie vanity of the world than the life of Christ, this were enough. Who was wisest, Christ or you ? AVho can make the better choice, Christ or you? Who is in error, Christ or you? Christ chose a poor life, and you affect greatness.