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[ 1975] The welfare of the Soul to be preferred before any Worldly enjoyments whatsoeuer.
THere is a story of one Marinus, a Souldier,* 1.1 who having hopes of prefer∣ment to some place, being a Christian, it was suggested unto him, that he must first forsake his Religion, before he should be invested in his place; It was so strong a temptation to him, that he began to stagger betwixt his Preferment and his Christianity: but by the good providence of God, there cometh one Theodistus unto him, brings him into the Temple, and layeth by a him a Sword, and the Gospel, the Sword being the ensign of his place and preferment; Now saith he, whether had you rather have the Gospel, or the Sword? and dealt so seriously with him,* 1.2 that it pleased God to overcome him, so that he chose the Gospel, and let the Sword go; forsook all Worldly pomp, that so he might save his Soul, and preferred the welfare there of before any Earthly enjoyments whatsoever, And it is heartily wished, that there were many at this day to be found in the midst of us, raised up to the pitch of such an Heroick resolution, that what∣soever the competition be, whether place, preferment, Office, &c. they would lay the Bible by it,* 1.3 and seriously consider, that if ever they mind the saving of their Souls, they must let go their hopes and possessions, and deny themselves in them, rather then let go their share in the Gospel of Christ Iesus, whereby they have a firm title for the eternal happinesse of their immortal Souls.