A Christian library, or, A pleasant and plentiful paradise of practical divinity in 37 treatises of sundry and select subjects ... / by R. Younge ...

CHAP. XXII.

FOurthly, another reason, (were there no other) why it is so im∣possible to prevail with the covetous, is, they will never hear any thing that speaks against covetousness, (and their refusing to hear it, shews them to be such, for flight argues guiltiness always). Covetous men will never hear Sermons, or read Books that press to good Works, or where∣in the necessity of restitution is urged; neither had Satan any brains, if he should suffer them so to do. A Faulkner ye know, will carry divers Hawks b••••ded quietly, which he could not do, had they the use of their sight.

Such I say, will not vouchsafe to hear reason, lest it should awake

their consciences, and convince their judgements; resembling 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that would nor have his Physician remove the thirst which he felt in his ague: be∣cause he would not lose the pleasure he took in quenching the same with often drinking; they had rather have their lusts satisfied, then ex∣stinguished.

Now we know, that hearing is the only ordinary means of life and salvation; if then the soul refuse the means of life, it cannot live. If Caesar had not delayed the reading of his Letter, given him by Artemi∣dorus, as he went to the Senate, wherein notice was given him of all the conspiracy of his murtherers; he might with ease have prevented his death, but his not regarding it, made the same inevitable: which to∣gether with the rest of this Chapter, gives me a just and fair occasion (now I have obtain my purpose) to acquaint the ingenuous Reader, why I rather call my Book, The prevention of Poverty, and best way to become Rich and Happy, then The arraignment and conviction of Covetousness; for by this means, many a covetous wretch may out of lucre, be touled one to read it, to the saving of their souls; who otherwise would ne∣ver have been acquainted with a thousand part of their wretchedness, and so not capable of amendment. Bnt

Fiftly, suppose he should be prevailed withall to hear me, alls one; even an ounce of gold with him, will weigh down whatsoever can be a∣ledged from the Word, for though with that rich man, Luk. 10. he may have a good mind to heaven in reversion, yet for all that, he will not hear of parting with his heaven, whereof he hath present possession. He can like Canaan well enough so he may injoy his flesh-pots also, and could love the blessing, but he will not lose his pottage; and in case he cannot gain by being religious, his care shall be not to loose by it; and tha•• Religion shall like him best, that is best cheap, and will cost him least; any Doctrine is welcome to him, but that which beats upon good works: Nor will he stick with the Sages, to fall down and worship Christ, but he cannot abide to present him with his gold; No, if another will be at the charges to serve God, he will cry out, why is this waste? as Iudas did when Mary bestowed that precious oyntment upon her Saviour, which otherwise might have been sold, and so put into his bag. The love of money, and commings in of gain, is dearer and sweeter to the Muck-worm, the•• the saving of his soul, what possibility then of his being prevailed with∣all?

To other sins Satan tempts a man often, but Covetousness is a fine and recovery upon the purchase, then he is sure of him; as when a Goaler hath lockt up his prisoners safe in a Dungeon, he may go play.

Cove••ous men are blinde to all dangers, deaft to all good instructions; they are be sotted with the love of money, as Birds are with their bain; yea, they resolve against their own conversion. The Scribes and Pha∣risees, who were covetous, shut their eyes, stopt their ears, and barri•• ••••d••ed their hearts against all our Saviour did or said; yea, they s••oft at his preaching, Luk. 1••.24. and of all sorts of sinners that Christ preached un∣to

••e was never 〈…〉〈…〉, but by them, when he preached a∣gainst covetousness. Christianum dogma, vertitur in scomma, and whats the reason but this? rich worldlings think themselves so much the wiser, as they are the richer.

These things considered, no wonder that our Saviour expresly affirm∣eth, that it is easier for a camell to go throug•• the eye of a needle, then for a rich man (that is a covetous rich man) to enter into the Kingdom of Hea∣ven; as well knowing, that no Physick can be found strong enough to purg out this humor. Well may they gnaw their tongues for sorrow, when they shall be tormented with fire, and boyl with great heat, and blaspheme the God of Heaven for their pains, and for their soars, but repent of their works they will not, as it is Revel. 16.8. to 12. only others may make some good use of that evil they see in them, at least learn to beware of covetousness.

I grant, that to God (who hath commanded us to use the means) all things are possible, for he is able, even of stones, to raise up children unto A∣braham, Mat. 3.9. but in respect of ordinary means, it is no more possi∣ble for a covetous miserly muck-worm to be converted, then it is for a dead man to be raised. And therefore, though I had rather be a Toade then a Drunkard, yet had I rather be a Drunkard then a covetous Miser, and should somewhat the more hope to go to Heaven, Mat. 21.31, 32.