John Trapp on Matthew 19:21

Verse 21. If thou [illegible: 1 word] be perfect] As thou boastest and aimest: and which never yet any man was, nor can be here. The [illegible: 1 word] of this text made some of the Ancients count and call it consilium perfectionis, a counsell of perfection: such as whosoever did observe should do something more then the law required: and so merit for themselves an higher degree of glory in heaven then others had. Hence Bernard writeth, that this sentence of our Saviour filled the Monasteries with Monks, and the deserts with Anchorites. Goe sell all, &c.] A personall command (for triall and discovery) as was that of God to Abraham, Go kill thy sonne [illegible: 1 word]. Christians may possesse; but yet as if they possessed not, they must [illegible: 1 word] loose to all outward things, and be ready to forgoe them, when called to loose them for Christ. And give to the poor] So shalt thou clear thy self from all [non-Latin text not transcribed] quod ad pedes [illegible: 2 words]. [illegible: 5 words] to [illegible: 1 word]. suspition of coveteousnesse; which properly consists in pinching and saving: and so is distinguished by the Apostle from extortion, which stands [illegible: 1 word] immoderate getting, 1 Cor. 6 10. 1 Tim. 3. 3. And [illegible: 2 words] have treasure in heaven] Far beyond the [illegible: 1 word] of Egypt, which yet is called Rahab, Psal. 89. 10. because of the riches power and pride thereof. Oh get a Patriarchs eie to see the wealth and worth of heaven: and then we shall soon make Moses his choice. In the year of grace 759, certain Persian [illegible: 1 word] fell into that madnesse, that they perswaded themselves [illegible: 5 words]. and sundry others, that if they sold all they had, and gave it to the poor, and then afterwards threw themselves naked from off the walls into the river, they should presently be admitted into [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] hac insaniâ [illegible: 1 word], saith mine Author. [illegible: 2 words] cast away by this mad enterprize. How much better (if without superstition and opinion of merit) Amadeus Duke of [illegible: 1 word] ) who [illegible: 1 word] asked by certain Embassadours that came to [illegible: 5 words]. his court, what hounds he had, for they desired to see them? shewed them the [illegible: 1 word] day a pack of poor people feeding at his table, and said, these are the hounds wherewith I hunt after heaven.