Vol. 2

—CHAPTER X. 159As the cross is the only way whereby we can arriveat glory ; to promise a persevering love for the former,is no other than to promise the latter. Grant,O Jesus, that we may both live and die with theeunder the banner of the cross.Sect. VI.Imperiousnessforbid,"41. And when the ten heard it, they began tobe much. displeased with James and John."The ambition of clergymen is a great scandal inthe church, and is frequently an occasion of emulations,enmities, divisions, schisms, and wars; of allwhich the displeasure and indignation of the apostlesgive us an imperfect shadow and resemblance. Ifapostles, trained up with so much care in the schoolof charity and humility, notwithstanding are not freefrom this vice; what effects will not ambition producein souls, wholly immersed in flesh and blood, whichhave no motion but from their passions,no law butthat of their own desires ?" 42. But Jesus called them to him, and saithunto them, Ye know that they which are accountedto rule over the Gentiles, exercise lordship over them ;and their great ones exercise authority upon them.43. But so shall it not be among you : but whosoeverwill be great among you, shall be your minister ;"Observe here the spirit and rule of ecclesiasticalgovernment : much humility, instruction, and condescension; no dominion, imperiousness, or harshness.Men strangely forget themselves, when, in a ministryappointed only for the sake of heaven, they arefor contending with the great ones of the earth inhaughtiness and grandeur. It is very difficult to