The crucifying of the world

lest men should ponder the path of life, Prov. 5. 3, 4, 5, 6. And it is no wonder that God to save his people from this delusion, doth dress the world to them in a courser attire; and when he seeth them in danger to be enamoured on it as well as others, if he present it to them in the rags of poverty, and in the scabs of its corruption, confusion and deformity, that they may see the difference between it and their home.

Its strange to see how highly prosperity is regarded by the most! how earnestly they desire it, pray for it, or contrive it! and how much they are troubled when they fall into adversity; when yet they know, or say they know that the love of the world is the bane of the soul, and that it killeth men by deceiving them. Can you keep your affections as loose from the world, when you have houses and lands and all things at your will, as you could if it were otherwise? Remember I beseech you that the poison of the world is covered by its sweetness, and that it killeth none but those that love it: Be suspicious therefore that there is danger where you find delight: If your estate be such as is pleasing to your flesh, believe it is not likely to be safe to your souls. If therefore your health, your wealth, your honours, be such as your flesh would have them if your houses your accommodations, your friends be suited to your carnal desires, believe it your souls are in no small hazard; and therefore look about ⟨p. 165⟩you as you love your salvation; and fear the snare. The great enemy of your souls hath not baited his hook with so curious and costly a bait, for nothing. The cautelous fish that is afraid to swallow, yea or to taste, or to come near till he knows what is under it, doth save his life, when that which boldly ventures, and fearlessly devoureth the bait is destroyed. Its not for nothing that Solomon chargeth the man that is given to his appetite, to put his knife to his throat at a feast, and not to be desirous of the dainties which are deceitful, Prov. 23. 1, 2, 3