A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

In the second place, there are other objects which the Scripture doth allow us to let our affections run out about, and these are not evil in themselves, no more then to have affections is a sin: love in it self is not a sin, neither is love of husband, health, and such comforts, but when we go beyond our bounds, when these are loved more then God, or the love to them doth hinder and dead the heart to holy things, then doth love become sinful and damnable: Now such is the original depravation of all the affections, That they cannot in a moderate and well-regulated way, with subordination to God move to any lawful object, but they do exceedingly transgress, and that many ways. For

In the second place, there are other objects which the Scripture doth allow us to let our affections runne out about, and these are not evil in themselves, no more then to have affections is a sinne: love in it self is not a sinne, neither is love of husband, health, and such comforts, but when we go beyond our bounds, when these are loved more then God, or the love to them doth hinder and dead the heart to holy things, then doth love become sinfull and damnable: Now such is the original depravation of all the affections, That they cannot in a moderate and well-regulated way, with subordination to God move to any lawful object, but they do exceedingly transgress, and that many wayes. For

1. Whereas they should be carried out to these lawful things only with reference to God, as the chiefest end, to love them, to desire them, no otherwise then thereby to be brought nearer to the end; we are apt to make them the end, to stay there, to make a full stop at a Colon or Comma; Even as the children of Reuben, who desired to take up their rest in a country on this side Canaan, because it was a fruitful place, and fit for cattle: Thus we who should let our affections stir to these things only as a way to heaven, or means to bring us nearer to God; we centre in them, desiring them for their own sakes; It is a rule, That the desire of the end, is a rule to the desire of means; we desire drink to satisfy thirst, we desire garments to clothe us, and we desire no more then is commensurate to such an end; and indeed thus it ought to be with us in our affections to all things upon the earth, not to be affected with wealth, health, learning, or any advantage any otherwise, then to be more enabled to do God service, and thereby to enjoy him; but as the dark night cannot be dispelled till the Sun doth arise, so neither can the regulating and ordering of the affections (with subordination to God in lawful things) ever be accomplished till sanctifying grace doth interpose.