The one necessary thing to be sought briefly touched in a four-fold dialogue upon some of the great and most concerning truths of practical religion.

QU. VI.

VVhat you have now spoke anent those, who have a large interest in the world, and in what termes they have it, is undeniable, I confess, from the Scripture; but this concernes a few, in respect of such as are of a Low and meane Condition in the VVorld, and what can these have to compense the want of such a Talent and make their lot desireable or sweet?

ANSW. I hope you will not bring these things under question, which may convincingly answer this. 1. That a serious Christian could yet never be so Low, but he hath much more than he wants, though he should be put to such a reckoning with Job. I have now neither Children, Friends, Honour, or Estate in the world to call mine own: but I know and am sure that my Redeemer lives. Job. 19: v. 25. and do you think that a mans lot, or the comforta∣ble enjoyment thereof consists in the abundance of the things he possesseth Luk. 12: 15. 2. Have the poor and despised cause to quarrel with their lot, if they be in truth par∣takers of the Grace of God, when it is so clear, there can be no substantial good in riches or honour, which the Lord hath cast out of the Counsel of his Love to∣wards those, on whom he hath set his heart from eternity? 3. Yea hath he not designed the most of the Elect to a poor, Low and afflicted Condition here? For you see your calling Brethren, how not many wise, not many noble &c. according to the flesh hath he chosen, 1 Cor. 1: 26, 27. 4. Hath not such a peculiar income in the way of the Promise, which these who are full, and abound most in the world

cannot understand, and is not owned in the Scripture to be under such a necessity to live by faith, which made the Apostle give such a strange account, 2 Cor. 12; 9, 10. I take pleasure in my infirmities, in distress, inpersecutions, &c. that the power of Christ may rest on me. O what strong and vigorous acts of faith and love have oft followed the Christians low and meane state in the World, whereto such as were at ease have been wholly strangers. 5. Have such cause to quarrel with a low and despised lot, who the less they have here, whilst they have a sure evident for Heaven, knowes they have the more before them? And whilst others may reckon what they have by year and property, can make another account what is their interest for all eternity, and not grudge the hireling's wages, who know they are Sons, and to abide in the house for ever, Joh. 8: 35. 6. Would such, were it put to their choice, have their good things in this life, or do they expect to find a Heaven out of Heaven, and is not that lot with greatest advantage suited to each of his Saints, that is most for promoting their eternal interest, and to make them meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light. Col. 1: ver. 12. 7. It is not by the bulk you can judge on the Christians condition here in the World, a little gold is of more value than a great heap of some other metals, and a little that the righteous hath is more than▪ the riches of many wicked, Psal. 37: ver. 16. For there lyes the blessing; and what a difference is there betwixt such, whose heart is gone up after his treasure, that is laid up for him in Heaven; and those, who mind earthly things and have their heart in their belly, Phil. 3: ver. 19?