Englands sickness, comparatively conferred with Israels Divided into two sermons, by ThoEnglands sicknes, comparatively conferred with Israels Diuided into two sermons, by Tho

Now they are not simply the things of this world, that thus sicken the Soul, but our extravagant desires and corrupt usage. For all these were made for mans delight and comfort in the second place, yield them immediately for the makers glory, and we offend not to serve our necessities in them it is their abuse which brings this sickness. It is with nutritive things to the soul, (in some sort) as with all meats to the body. They are of three kinds,¹ Contraria, naturalia, neutralia, contrary, natural, indifferent. Contraries hurt, natural and kindly help, neutral or indifferent, either hurt or help as they are received, 1. Food merely contrary to the soul is, Sin, this kills, 2. natural and proper to it is grace, this saves, 3. indifferent, or of a middle nature, are the inferior things of this world, house, lands, riches, &c. these either hinder or further our souls health, as they are used or abused. They may be consolations, they may be desolations, ladders of ascent, or stairs of descent, as our regenerate or degenerate minds shall embrace them. Now the reason why earthly things do neither strengthen our spirits, nor lengthen our joys is doubt, 1. They be transitory, 2. They be not satisfactory.

Now they are not simply the thinges of this world, that thus sicken the Soule, but our extrauagant desires and corrupt vsage. For all these were made for mans delight and comfort in the second place, yeelde them immediately for the makers glory, and wee offend not to serue our necessities in them it is their abuse which brings this sicknesse. It is with nutritiue thinges to the soule, (in some sort) as with all meates to the body. They are of three kindes,¹ Contraria, naturalia, neutralia, contrary, naturall, indifferent. Contraires hurt, naturall and kindly helpe, neutrall or indifferent, eyther hurt or helpe as they are receiued, 1. Food meerely contrarie to the soule is, Sinne, this kils, 2. naturall and proper to it is grace, this saues, 3. indifferent, or of a middle nature, are the inferiour things of this world, house, lands, riches, &c. these eyther hinder or further our soules health, as they are vsed or abused. They may be consolations, they may be desolations, ladders of ascent, or staires of descent, as our regenerate or degenerate minds shall embrace them. Now the reason why earthly things doe neyther strengthen our spirits, nor lengthen our ioyes is doub•, 1. They be transitory, 2. They be not satisfactory.