(2.) His example. I shall only instance in two things — we are to follow him in humility of heart and purity of life.
(Isi.) In humility : Mat. xi. 29, ' Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart.' This is the great thing the Son of God would recom- mend to us, in which we should take after him, even to be of an humble and lowly spirit : ' Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,' Phil. ii. 5. Christ was the Son of God. He did not affect to be a God by robbery, as the angels had rebellious thoughts against the empire and majesty of God, and they were thrust down from heaven for their aspiring ; but the Son of God was equal with God the Father:
VeR. 25.] SERMONS UPOX JIAIUv X. 17-27. 53
' He thought it no robbery to be equal with God,' ver. 6 ; aud yet 'he made himself of no reputation, toolv: upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,' ver. 7, 8. Certainly, if any had cause to stand upon his terms, Jesus Christ had much more. That preface is notable and very magnificent, John xiii. 3, ' Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God.' And what follows ? ' He washed his disciples' feet,' ver. -4, 5. Thus the boughs that are most laden hang their heads, and the sun at the highest casts the least shadow. Jesus Christ indeed was high, excellent, and glorious, yet he would conde- scend to set his disciples such a pattern of humility. But now who more proud and disdainful than the rich ? When men have anything in the world, they grow high and lofty. Oh ! when we consider the pride of man to man, we may more stand wondering at the condescen- sions of God to man. As soon as a man hath any estate in the world, he is altered presently : 1 Tim. vi. 17, ' Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded.' Many that in their low estate were humble and meek, in prosperity grow proud and disdain- ful ; many that were forward and zealous, grow cold and slothful in spiritual things ; many that, while they were kept dependent upon (xod, were diligent in hearing, profitable in conference, thought it no disgrace to instruct their families, were patient of reproof, but when the world comes in upon them, no such matter. As the moon is never eclipsed but in the full, so all the grace that they seemed to have it is under an eclipse when they are in the full of prosperity.
(2d.) In purity and holiness: 'He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself so to walk even as he walked,' 1 John ii. 6, and 1 John iii. 3, ' Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure ; ' and 1 John iv. 17, ' As he is, so are we in the world.' Now prosperity and true holiness seldom go together ; they are afflic- tions that promote holiness : ' They verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure, but he for our profit, that we might be par- takers of his holiness : now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous, nevertheless it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them that are exercised thereby,' Heb. xii. 10, 11. Then are men most serious when they feel the rod and are pinched with some necessity ; but when they are full, they wax wanton, kick with the heel, and throw off all respects to God and godliness.
2. As the difficulty ariseth from the general duties that are common to them with others, so it ariseth also from this: more is required of them that are rich and great in this world than of others They should be eminent and exemplary for holiness. They have larger accounts to make to God than others, for our account must be according to our receipts : Luke xii. 48, ' Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required ; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.' Among men this is a constant rule, and so it is with God ; the account is according to the thing with which ye are trusted ; they that have more must account for more. Now certainly more is required of great and rich men than of others upon four accounts — they have greater obligations, more opportunities for spirit-
54 SERMONS UPON MARK X. 17-27. [SeR. XII.
iial improvement, tliey have larger abilities and advantages of honour- ing God, and because of the influence of their example.
[1.] They have greater obligations. Certainly they to whom God hath been more bountiful, are bound to be more dutiful than others. It is not enough to render to God, but we must render according to what we have received. It was Hezekiah's fault, 2 Chron. xxxii. 25, ' Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him.' Tlie rent must be paid according to the value of the farm. God will not accept that at the hands of a rich man which he would accept from a poor man, which hath not such great obligations. A man that hath tasted of the bounty of God's providence, and hath had fulness and plenty of all things, it is required he should serve God more cheerfully than others, Deut. xxviii. 47. Their duties are greater, and their sins are greater ; as you know the prophet aggravates David's sin by the mercies he had received, in 2 Sam. xii. 7-9, ' I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul ; and I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah ; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things : where- fore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight?' They have tasted more of the bounty and goodness of his providence, and have had more than others to revive the sense of God, and keep up the memorial of God in their hearts.