To vindicate the reasonableness of this prohibition, we shairproceed to shew,
II. Why we should not seek them —
That the reasons may more distinctly appear, we shall shew,
1. Why we should not make great things the objects of our pursuit —
[An aspiring after riches or honours necessarily supposes that we expect to find happiness in the enjoyment of them. But it is certain that even the whole world (supposing we could possess it) could never make us happy11. What folly then is it to be seeking to " fill our belly with the east wind ° ! " Besides, the more we possess of this world, the more we are exposed to temptations. Who does not see that the having the means of gratifying our evil inclinations operates as an inducement to indulge them? and that an elevation of rank or character has a tendency to strengthen the pride of our hearts? Are there not then temptations enough in our way without our seeking to increase them? Shall we " load our- selves with thick clay p " when we are about to run a race ; or make the way to heaven tenfold more difficult than it is al- ready*1? They to whom God has given great things, may doubtless enjoy them : but the man who seeks them, labours for that which will ultimately involve him in utter ruinr.]
2. Why we should not seek even moderate things
with eagerness —
[No man is eager after any thing but in consequence of the love he feels towards it : his eagerness therefore to it must imply a love of it. Now an attachment to any of the things of time and sense, especially such an attachment as stimulates us earnestly to pursue them, argues a want of true love to Gods: for to love both God and mammon is impossible1. Moreover, such an eagerness shews, that we have no just value for our souls : for if we had once learned to appreciate the soul aright, the whole world would appear as nothing in com- parison of itu. Will any one then justify a conduct that involves in it such consequences ? As long as the love of God,
n Luke xii. 15. ° Job xv. 2.
p Hab. ii. 6. i Matt. xix. 23, 24.
r 1 Tim. vi. 8, 10. Ol M fiovKo^itvoi irXovTtlv. The willing and desiring to be rich has this fatal tendency, without any determination to get rich at all events.
s 1 John ii. 15. * Matt. vi. 24.
u Matt. xvi. 26. Phil. iii. 7, 8.