Object. Why then are many of Gods children so heavy in their sufferings and losses for Christ Jesus?
I answer, This hapneth sometimes out of distemper of body; sometimes out of distemper and weaknesse of minde, which they labour against, and chide themselves for as did David, Psal. 42. & 43. why art thou disquieted O my Soul, and why art thou so heavy within me? still trust in GOD, for I will praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.
Eightly.
Christian weanedness from this worlds comforts.
Eighthly, It argues strength of Grace when we use this world, and all the comforts of it with a weaned eye and mind, as if we used it not: as English Travellers that lodge in an Indian house, use all the wild Indians comforts with a strange affection, willing and ready to be gone: or as Passengers in a Ship, willing and ready (when God will) to land, and goe ashoar in our own countrey, to our owne House, and comforts in the Heavens.
Thus Gideons Souldiers (in a figure of such as are fit for Christs Battels) are not only couragious and depart not with the cowards, but also lap at the comforts of this life, with a speedy necessity, but lye not downe to them in excesse of affection and delight.
Object. May not Hypocrites use this world with a strange affection, weaned from the vanities of it, &c.
The heavenly use of earthly comforts.
I answer, Doubtlesse not onely a false Christian or Hypocrite, but other naturall men (out of the sence and experience of the vanitie and uncertainty of this life, and the comforts of it) may attaine to a great seeming dispising of these earthly things, though never without sorrow that they are not more full and certain, as being their portion: Onely Gods children who have made the Lord himselfe their portion, and his word and Ordinances their inheritance, they only I say use them as from God, tokens of his Love and goodnesse, and as golden chaines to draw them unto him, and humbly submit to Gods holy pleasure, in his gracious bestowing or withdrawing of them.
Ninthly.