Three tractates by Jos. Hall, D.D. and B.N.

SECT. XXI.

Of true inward riches.

IN the third place, it will be most requisite to furnish the foul with true inward riches; I mean not of meer morall ver∣tues, (which yet are truly pre∣cious when they are found in a good heart) but of a wealth as much above them, as gold is a∣bove drosse; Yea, as the thing which is most precious, is above nothing: And this shall be done, if we bring Christ home to the soul; if we can possesse our selves of him, who is God al-sufficient; For, such infinite contentment there is in the Son of God made ours, that whosoever hath tasted of the sweetnesse of this com∣fort, is indifferent to all earthly things; and insensible of those extream differences of events,

wherewith others are perplexed; How can he be dejected with the want of any thing, who is possessed of him that possesseth all things? How can he be o∣ver-affected with triviall profits, or pleasures, who is taken up with the God of all comfort? Is Christ mine therefore? How can I fail of all contentment? How can he complain to want light, that dwels in the midst of the Sun? How can he com∣plain of thirst, out of whose belly flow rivers of living wa∣ter? * 1.1 What can I wish, that my Christ is not to me? Would I have meat and drink? My flesh * 1.2 is meat indeed; and my bloud is drink indeed: Would I have clothing? But, put ye on the * 1.3 Lord Jesus Christ, saith the Apo∣stle: Would I have medicine? He is the Tree of life, the leaves * 1.4 whereof are for the healing of the Nations: Would I have safety and protection?

He truly is my strength, and my salvation; he is my defence, so as I shall not fall; In God is my health and my glory; the Rock * 1.5 of my might, and in God is my trust: Would I have direction? I am the way, and the truth: Would I have life? Christ is to * 1.6 me to live; I am the resurrecti∣on * 1.7 and the life: Would I have all spirituall things? We are in Christ Jesus, who of God is * 1.8 made unto us Wisdome, and Righteousnesse, and Sanctifica∣tion, and Redemption.

Oh the happy condition of the man that is in Christ, and hath Christ in him! Shall I ac∣count him rich that hath store of Oxen, and Sheep, and Hor∣ses, and Camels; that hath heaps of metals, and some spots of ground; and shall I not account him infinitely more rich, that ownes and enjoyes him whose the earth is, and the fulnesse of it; whose Heaven is, and the

glory of it? Shall I justly ac∣count that man great, whom the King will honour, and place near to himselfe; and shall I not esteeme that man more honou∣rable, whom the King of Hea∣ven is pleased to admit unto such partnership of glory, as to professe; To him that overcom∣meth * 1.9 will I grant to sit with me in my Throne; even as I also o∣vercame, and am set downe with my Father in his Throne?

It is a true word of Saint Au∣gustine, that every soul is either Christs Spouse, or the Devils Harlot: Now if we be matched to Christ, the Lord of glory; what a blessed union is here? What can he withhold from us, that hath given us himself? I could envie the devotion of that man (though otherwise mis-pla∣ced) whom Saint Bernard heard to spend the night in no other words, then, Deus meus & omnia; My God, and all things; Cer∣tainly,

he who hath that God, hath more then all things; he that wants him (what ever else he seemes to possesse) hath lesse then nothing.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Joh. 7. 38.
• * 1.2

  Joh. 6. 55.
• * 1.3

  Rom. 13. 14.
• * 1.4

  Rev. 22. 2.
• * 1.5

  Ps. 62. 6, 7.
• * 1.6

  Phil. 1. 21
• * 1.7

  Joh. 11. 25
• * 1.8

  1 Cor. 1. 30
• * 1.9

  Rev. 3. 23.