The crucifying of the world

And whether it be not a sin that we are all too guilty of, to take up with selfish carnal uses, of almost all the works of God, when we should still use them all to higher ends? I fear this great unholiness in our using of the world and all therein, is little bewailed in comparison of what it ought to be. Some Christians are apt enough to hearken to their privileges and titles of honour given them by the Lord; but they consider not that all these are for God, and therefore oblige us to answerable duty. Study well those highest titles, that are given you in 1 Pet. 2. 5, 9. You are built up a Spiritual house, an holy Priesthood, to offer up Spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.] And what's a Spiritual house for, but the habitation of the Lord, and the performance of his service? And surely these holy Priests must fetch their sacrifice from all the creatures that are fit for sacrifice. And Vers. 9. Ye are a chosen Generation, a Royal Priesthood, an holy Nation, a peculiar people, that you should show forth the Praises of him that hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.] And must not a people so holy, and peculiar, adore and hallow the Lord in his works? Though you be not called to Minister at his Altar, you are called to see him, and sanctify him in his creatures, and in all that you have to do with. Gods works are part of his name, and therefore see that you take not his name in vain. You are brought nearer him then the rest of the world: and therefore remember that he will be sanctified of all that draw near him. You have learned in point of Receiving to rise with Peter, kill and eat; and not to call that common which God hath cleansed: See that you learn it also in point of duty, and in regard of the use of the creatures which you receive; and take them not as common things, for common fleshly uses only, as common men do; but remember that they are cleansed, and that you profanely devour them, further then God is intended in them.

And whether it be not a sin that we are all too guilty of, to take up with selfish carnal uses, of almost all the works of God, when we should still use them all to higher ends? I fear this great unholiness in our using of the world and all therein, is little bewailed in comparison of what it ought to be. Some Christians are apt enough to hearken to their priviledges and titles of honour given them by the Lord; but they consider not that all these are for God, and therefore oblige us to answerable duty. Study well those highest titles, that are given you in