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

CHAP. IV.

Thirdly, The rarest of all remedies is Regeneration. As what saith holy David? Turn my heart unto thy Law, and not to covetousnesse, Psalm. 119.36. As if a man could not be covetous that sets his heart upon heavenly things; nor have any leasure to think upon good, so long as he is covetous. Let them seek after the earth sayes one, that have no right to Heaven: let them desire the present, who believe not the future.

As Regeneration is the best physick, to purge away melancholy: so likewise of covetousnesse. As may be seen in Zacheus, who before he met with Christ, knew nothing but to scrape; but so soon as Christ had changed his heart, all his mind was set upon giving and restoring, Luk. 19.8. He was as liberal in almes and restitution, when he was be∣come a Convert: as possibly he was unjust and unmercifull, when he was an usurer.

And the like of all other sinnes. Paul was not a more hot and fiery enemy to Christ, when he was a Pharisee: than he was a shining burning, and zealous Preacher when he was an Apostle. When any man is born anew, (and better never be born, than not to be born a∣gain.) there will be new vertues, arise in the room of old vices. Here∣tofore, thy soul hath been an Idolatrous Temple: if the Ark of God, that is his Holy Spirit, once enter into it, Dagon, that is the works of dark∣nesse, will down, and soon moulder away: For both cannot stand together, 1 Sam. 5.3. especially covetousnesse will be chasheired. Yea God hath set Religion and covetousnesse, at such variance: that they cannot possibly reign, in one person. No man can serve God and Mam∣〈…〉〈…〉

not in him, 1 Joh. 2.15. Wherefore, as we desire to have peace in the end: let piety be our race. 'Twas Marcus Aurelius, his dying counsel to his Sonne Commodus: that if he would live quietly, he should live justly: if he would dye peaceably, he should live uprightly.

Now if covetousnesse be once cashiered by Regeneration: have a man much or little, he will not be overmuch troubled at it.

The godly man hath sufficient, though he have no wealth: even as man in innocency was warm, and comely, though without cloathing. A small thing unto the just man, is better than great riches to the wicked and mighty, Psal. 37.16. The reason is, the one hath his sight to see clearly his happinesse, in having what is best for him, and is content to be poor in outward things, because his wealth and purchase, is all inward. The other by a just judgment of God, is so blind, that he cannot see when he is well; but thirsts so after other mens goods, that he takes no pleasure in his own. His heart is glewed to the world, or rather to his wealth: and an object too near the eye, can∣not be seen: yea be it but the breadth of a penny, it will hide from the sight, the whole half heaven at once. Covetousnesse is like the Albugo, or white spot in the eye: that dimmes their understandings, and makes fools even of Achitophels, leaving them never an eye to see withall, according to that of Moses, A gift blindeth the eyes, Exod. 23.8. And this for certain, could the covetous chu••l but see, what peace, and rest, and joy through contentation the godly man hath, at the same time when he can say with Peter, Silver and gold have I none: he would be also a suter to godlinesse, that he might have the dowry of contentation. He would soon see, that it is much better to be poor than evil, that it is quieter sleeping with a good conscience, than in a whole skin: and that there is no comparison, between want with pi∣ety, and wealth with dishonesty.

As what canst thou say against it? thou hast abundance of all things, yet thou findest small peace, joy, or content in the world. Get but godlinesse, and thou shalt have true content of mind, great peace of conscience, together with joy in the Holy Ghost, and Gods blessing up∣on all thou hast, or takest in hand: be thy condition in the world ne∣ver so mean.

Thou hast hetherto like Satan, compassed the whole earth; never thought of compassing Heaven: thou art as poor in grace and parts, as rich in revenues. Thy desires about this world, have been insatiable; but for heavenly things, a small scantling hath been thought enough. I believe that Christ dyed for me, I am sorry for my sinnes, I hope to be saved: this is sufficient, though thou dost all thy devotions more out of custom, than of conscience: as Simonides reports of Theodoricus. But wilt thou prove thy self wise? wilt thou do thy self good indeed! the only way is to become godly. For godlinesse is great gain, if a man be content with that he hath, 1 Tim. 6.6. And this I may be bold to affirm, that if thou canst not say as Paul saith, I have learned to be con∣tent, godlinesse is not as yet come unto thine house. For the compa∣••ion

of godlinesse, is contentation: which when she comes will bring you all things. Therefore as Christ saith, If the Sonne make you free: you shall be free indeed, John 8.36. So I say, if godlinesse make you rich: you shall be rich indeed. Otherwise, have you never so much, it will no more satisfie your desire, or quench your lust: than fewel does the flame. Yea as oyl kindleth the fire, which it seems to quench: so riches come as though they would make a man contented, but they make him more covetous.