The Worldling's Mean Choice.
THE world hath many servants, because it gives present wages; where Christ hath but a few disciples, because their reward is in another life. Most live by sight, and therefore must have to satisfy sense; they had rather, with Ishmael, be sent away with a small gift, than with Isaac, to wait for the inheritance: they had rather take their portion in this life, than to wait for the inheritance reserved in the heavens. Their unworthy spirits cry with Esau, What profit will this birthright do us? We must have pleasure, and we must have riches; and therefore, with Lysimachus, they will sell their kingdom and themselves, for a draught of water. There are but few such elevated spirits as the disciples had, that can leave a possession to live upon a promise: there are but few that have such heroic spirits as Moses had, that can despise the treasures of this present world, out of respect unto the recompense of a future reward: but there are many of such sordid spirits as Dives had, that would enjoy their good things here; but for my part, Lord! give not my portion in this life, I had rather live by faith.—Sel.