The crucifying of the world

Answ. The word [Necessity] is taken either strictly for that which we cannot be without; and so there's no doubt of it. Or largely, for that which is useful to the End: And for Delights, some of them are Necessary, that is, Useful Means to our ultimate End; and these must not be opposed to things Necessary; but may be used because Necessary. As any thing which truly tendeth to recreate, revive, or cheer the spirits for the service of our Master. But no other Delight is lawful. To esteem our fleshly Delight for it self; and the creature for that Delight, and so to use it, is mere sensuality, and the great sin which sanctification cureth in the soul. If Delight it self be desired truly but as a Means to God, then the creature, the more remote Means, may be used for that Delight, as its next End; but not else.

Answ. The word [Necessity] is taken either strictly for that which we cannot be without; and so there's no doubt of it. Or largely, for that which is useful to the End: And for Delights, some of them are Necessary, that is, Useful Means to our ultimate End; and these must not be opposed to things Necessary; but may be used because Necessary. As any thing which truly tendeth to recreate, revive, or chear the spirits for the service of our Master. But no other Delight is lawful. To esteem our fleshly Delight for it self; and the creature for that Delight, and so to use it, is meer sensuality, and the great sin which sanctification cureth in the soul. If Delight it self be desired truly but as a Means to God, then the creature, the more remote Means, may be used for that Delight, as its next End; but not else.

Obj. But what man living is such as you here describe? Is there any that are thus Crucified to the world, as to have no separated esteem of it, or thoughts or care of it; or Love, or Desire, or the rest of these Affections?

Answ. It is one thing to enquire what we are, and another what we ought to be, and should be if we were perfect: We ought to be such as I have mentioned, but we are not such in perfection yet; but only in sincerity. And how that sincerity may be known, I have elsewhere explained. In a word, In a perfect soul there is no Interest but Gods: In a sincere soul Gods Interest is the highest and greatest: In a perfect man God hath the whole heart: and in an upright man he is nearer to the heart then any thing else. In a perfect man there is a perfect subjection to God: and in an upright man there is none hath Dominion but God: he is highest, and his Rule prevaileth in the main, though some things that rebel are not perfectly subdued.