Divine breathings: or, A pious soul thirsting after Christ

XLVI. Meditat.

ALexander when he had divided his wealth among his friends, and being ask'd, What he had reserved for himself? Answered, Hope. He is a rare Christian indeed, that can part with all for Christ, and live by faith; but when it comes to this, that we must lose what we have here, out of hope to find it again in Heaven, the running Professor stops, and goes back sor∣rowful. Crates in his way to Philosophy, threw his goods into the Sea, to save himself, saying, Fgo vos mergam, ne ipse mergar à

vobis: I had rather drown you, than that you should drown me: For he thought riches and vertue were incompatible. But how many Christians are there, that in their way to Jesus Christ, throw a∣way themselves, and their souls, to save their gold? Before they will cast their bread upon the waters, they will throw them∣selves into the Ocean; many that make such spe∣cious shews of following of Christ, in this same turning you may know their Master; but this is a truth, he hath no part at all in Christ, that will not part with all for Christ;

and he lives but the life of sence, that cannot make a living out of a promise. Therefore, Lord, of what I have, freely take thou what thou callest for; Christ is my portion and reward, I have enough to live on.