For which of you intending to build a tower
Taking up a profession of Christ and his Gospel, is like building
a tower; which, as a tower, must be laid on a good foundation;
not on carnal descent and parentage; nor on a sober and religious
education; nor on a civil, moral life and conversation; nor on a
bare knowledge of Gospel truths and a flash of affection for
them, and the people of God; but upon Christ the sure foundation;
and on principles of grace formed by his Spirit, in their hearts:
and this, like a tower, is carried very high; not by professing
high things, but by living on high amidst a profession; by having
the affections set on things above; and by looking down with
contempt on things below; and by looking to, and pressing after,
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ: the profession of
some persons is very low; it arises from low principles, and
proceeds on low views, aims, and ends; but where it is right, and
well founded, it is like a tower, firm and steady, and is a
fortress and bulwark against apostacy. Now what person acting
deliberately in such a case as this, and proceeding with
intention and design,
sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he
have
sufficient to finish it?
as every wise man would, who has any thoughts of building a
tower, or any other edifice: and so such that have an intention
to take up a profession of religion, should sit down and well
consider of it; which does not imply, that persons should delay
making a profession, on whom it is incumbent; but that this
should be done with thoughtfulness, care, and prudence: it should
be considered on what foundation a man is going to build: whether
the work of grace is truly wrought upon his soul; what be the
nature and use of Gospel ordinances; with what views he takes up
a profession, and submits to ordinances; what the church and
minister are, he intends to walk with; and what the charge and
cost of a profession; for such a work is chargeable and costly,
and should be thought of and considered, whether he is able to
bear it: for he will be called to self-denial; and must expect to
suffer the loss of the favour of carnal relations and friends;
and to be exposed to the scorn and rage of the world; a cross
must be took up and bore; and great grace and strength are
requisite to all this.