A Christian Library, Chapter 24
CHAP. XXIV.
TRue, this so transcends the condition, or indeed, the capacity of a Miser or Muck-worm, that he will count these but words, and meere bravadoes; but that those lovers of wisedom, were so contented with a little, that they desired no more, their practice did sufficiently prove. For when Alexander bad Diogenes ask what he would, his answer was, Stand aside, and let the Sun shine upon me, take not that away which thou art not able to give; further avouching, that he was richer then himself; for I, quoth he, desire no more then what I enjoy, wheras thou, O Emperor, canst not content thy self with all the world, but daily hazardest thy life and fortunes, to augment thy Possessions. Now all that this Heathen possest, was a Tub to dwell in, the peoples charity to maintain him, and a Dish to take up water in, the which (when he saw a boy take up with his hand to drink) he threw away, saying▪ I knew not that nature had provided every thing needfull, so little did he desire superfluities. Abdolomenes, a poor Gardiner, refused a great City offered him by Alexander. Fabricius, a noble Roman, refused a great sum of money, sent him by Pirrhus; albeit, he was so poor, that when he dyed, his daughters were married at the common charge of the City. Apollonius T…neas, having divers rich gifts sent him by Vespasian, refused the saying. They were for covetous-minded men and for those that had need of them, which he had not. Socrates being … by Archel…u… to come to receive store of gold; sent him word, that a measure of flower was sold in Athens for a peny, and that water cost him nothing. Themistocles finding rich bracelets of Pearl and precious stones lie in his path: bade another take them up, saying, Thou art not Themistocles. Anacreon the Philosopher, having received from Policrates a great reward, of ten thousand Duckets; soon after repented himself: for he entred into such thoughts, and was so vexed with fear, care and watching for three dayes and three nights; that he sent it back again, saying, It was not worth the pains, he had already taken about it.
Democritus the Philosopher of Abdera, having learned of the Chaldeans Astronomy, and of the Persians Geometry: returned to Athens, where he gave infinite wealth to the City, reserving only a little Garden to himself. Crates, to the end that he might more quietly study Philosophy; threw his goods into the Sea. Crates the Thebane, delivered a stock of money to a friend of his, upon condition; that if it should happen his children proved Fools, he should deliver it unto them: but if they became learned, and Philosophers; then to distribute it to the Common people, because said he, Philosophers have no need of wealth. Which examples I could parallel with many mentioned in the Word, as Iacob, Gen. 28.20. and Samuel, 1 Sam. 12.3. and Iob Chap. 31.24, 28. Moses, Numb. 16. & 15. Ier. 15. & 10. Agar, Prov. 30.8. Abraham, who would not receive so much as a shoe-latchet of the King of Sodom: Gen. 14.21, 22, 23. David, who refused to have the threshing-floor of Araunah, except he might pay to the full for it; and whose longing was not after the increase of corn, wine and oil; but for the light of Gods countenance, Psal. 4.67. Yea, he more valued Gods Word, then thousands of gold and silver, Psal. 19.10. and 119.14, 127. Elisha refused Naamans rich present of gold and costly garments; though so freely offered, and so well deserved, 2 Kings 5.16. Saint Paul in his greatest need, —was as well content, as when he had the most plenty: and rather chose to work at his trade, then he would be chargeable to any, Phil. 4.11. He coveted no mans silver, nor gold, Acts 20.33. it was only the saving of souls, that he thirsted after, 2 Cor. 12.14. Zaccheus, when he was once become a Christian, was so far from desiring more, that he was all for diminishing what he had: for he gave one half to the poor, and with the other he made four-fold restitution, Luke 19.8. And the like might be shewen of all the Apostles, and lastly, of our Saviour Christ.
To all which I might adde examples of many in this age, and of that that went before it; As Sir Thomas Moore, Sir Iulius Caesar, The Lord Harrington, Bishop Hooper, Mr. Bradford Martyr, Reverend Mr. F…x that wrote the Book of Martyrs, Master Wheatley, Minister of Banbury, Doctor Taylor; and others that are yet living: were it fit to name them, that have but a small portion, a poor pittance of these earthly enjoyme…s (in comparison of what others have, and are not pleased with all) even just enough to make even at the years end, living frugally: yet are they so contented, that they desire no more, nor would they change their private and mean condition, with any men alive, be they never so rich, never so great. Nor wouldst thou think it probable, their hearts should deceive them, if thou knewest what offers they have refused. And I doubt-not, but there are many such in the land.
Nor can it be thought strange, that Gods children (whose affections are set upon heavenly things) should be so content with a little; that they desire no more; when we read of one Esau, that could say, I have enough my brother, keep that thou hast to thy self, Gen. 33.9. Yea, if it fared so with the Heathen, for the love of that wisdome and vertue, which shall have no reward, because they wanted faith and saving knowledge, how much more should Christians? (who have a more sure word of promise, then they had, 2 Pet. 1.19. with Mary make choice of that better part, which shall never be taken from them, Luke 10.41, 42.
True worldly mindes think, no man can be of any other then their own diet; and because they finde the respects of self-love, and private profit, so strongly prevail with themselves: they cannot conceive, how these should be capable of a repulse from others. Nature thinks it impossible, to contemn honour and wealth: and because so many souls are thus taken, cannot believe that any would escape. But let carnal hearts know there are those, that can spit the world in the face, and say, Thy gold and silver perish with thee, Acts 8.20. That had rather be masters of themselves, then of the Indies: and that in comparison of a good conscience, can tread under foot with disdain, the worlds best proffers, like shadows as they are; and that can do as Balaam said, If Balack would give me his house-full of silver and gold; I cannot go beyond the Commandement of the Lord, Numb. 24.13.
Elisha and Gehazi, looked not with the same eyes upon the Syrian treasure; but one with the eye of contempt, the other with the eye of admiration and covetous desire. Two men see a Masse together, one is transported with admiration and delight, the other looks upon it with indignation and scorn; one thinks it heavenly, the other knowes it blasphemy.