§. 10. Of mens backwardness in seeking after holiness.
MAny that profess the true faith, and have the word of God to be their in∣structor, may be thought to be better instructed in the worth of spirituall matters, then the aforesaid men of the world: yet too many of these are too too backward in seeking after holiness. It is the Lords charge to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, (Matth. 6. 33.) to seek holiness before, and above all other things: But commonly it is the last thing which men seek after, and with least care and diligence. It is said of Manna, that it was Angels food, Psal. 78. 25. So delightsom it was, so wholsom, every way so excellent, that if Angels had taken any food, they would have eaten that food; yet the Israelites after they had some while enjoyed it, accounted it light bread, and loathed it, Num. 21. 5. Diffi∣culty in obtaining holiness cannot justly be pretended: For an especiall means tending thereunto, is that word which is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou maiest do it, Deut. 30. 14. This is the Gospel, even the word of faith which we preach, Rom. 10. 8. Yet how little is this word regarded? I may in this case say, Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get holiness, seeing he hath no heart to use it? Prov. 17. 16. Were carefull to get holiness, more would be holy then are: and they that are in some measure holy, would be more holy. Many in this case shew what kinde of spirit they have, even a fleshly, carnall, sluggish spirit: a spirit that savoureth not the things of God.