Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 14:33

33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you, that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Our Lord, had in the Parable of the Supper shewed what those things are, which keep Men from imbracing the Call of the Gospel; to wit their Hearts too much adherence to, and imbracing of Sensible, and Sensual things. For the according of which Temptation he had told them, v. 25, 26, 27. That if they loved any thing in the World more than him, they could have no Portion [illegible: 2 letters] him, they could not be his Disciples, for (as Matthew saith) they are not worthy of him. Nay, more than this, they must take up, and bear their Cross, and come after him. Here he directs them the best Expedient in order to the performance of these Duties, so hard to Flesh and Blood. That is, to sit down before Hand, and think what it will cost them to go through with the Profession of Religion. This he tells them, ordinary Prudence directeth men to, when they go about to Build, or Fight. As to the first they make as good an Estimate as they can of the Charge. As to the latter they consider both the charge, and the Strength that they are able to produce, to make opposition. So saith he, must they do who will be his Disciples, 1. Sit down and consider what it will cost them to bec[illegible: 1 letter]me the Lords Building, what old Foundation of Nature must be digged up, what new Foundation must be laid, how many Stones must be laid before they can come up to a Wall [illegible: 1 letter]evel, to the promise wherein Salvation is insured. 2. Then they must consider what Oppositions they are like to meet with, from the World, the Flesh and the Devil. And they must be ready to forsake all for Christ, tho it may be they shall not be Actually called out to it. Only we must remember, that in Parables every Branch is not to be applyed. We must desire no Conditions of Peace from our Spiritual Adversaries. 2. In our counting up of our Strength to maintain the Spiritual Fight we must do as Princes use to do, who use to count the Forces of their Allies, and Confederates, as well as their own: So we must not count what opposition we alone can maintain against the World, the Flesh and the Devil; but what Christ (who is in Covenant with us as to these Fights) and we can do together. So as Consideration, and Pre-deliberation here is not required of us upon any account to deter us from the Fight (for fight we must, or dye Eternally) but to prepare us for the Fight, by a firm and Steady Resolution, and to help us how to manage the Fight, looking up to Christ for his Strength and Assistance in the Managery of it.