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

SECT. XIV.

Also they are more zealously carried out to any false and erroneous way, then to the Truths of God.

Fourthly, Herein also is manifested the great pollution of our affections, That they are more earnestly and zealously carried out to any false and erroneous way, then to the truths of God. Let a man be in an heretical way, in a superstitious way, in any deluded way of Religion, and you will find such to be more affectionate in their way, then the godly can be in a true way, and the reason is, because our affections have more suitableness with what is corrupt and false, then with what is true and of God: Observe all the false religions that are in the world, may you not admire at the zeal, at the pains they take for the propagation of their opinions, how restless they are? Which certainly may exceedingly shame the children of the truth, that men should be more active for the Devil, then they can be for God: Our Saviour observed it of the Pharisees, how they compassed sea and land to make proselytes; And Paul speaking of the Jews, Rom. 10▪ 2. He beareth them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. The more affection in a wrong way, the more dangerous it is. It is good to be zealously affected (saith the Apostle) in a good thing, Gal.4. 18. This he speaketh, because the false apostles did appear with a great deal of affection, none seemed to manifest such passionate bowels to people as they did, but (saith Paul) they zealously affect you, but not well; It is not from spiritual and heavenly motives that they are thus affectionate towards you; Well then, this is sadly to be bewailed, that our affections will vehemently run like a torrent down any false or erroneous way, whereas to that which is truth indeed we can hardly raise them up. Wonder not then, if you see the Papist in his superstitious way, the erroneous person in his false way to be so full of affections and devotion in his persuasions; for (alas) it is easy falling down the hill; error and superstition is agreeable with the corrupt nature of man: When we read what some Monks and Hermits have done in solitary places, afflicting themselves, macerating their bodies, we may admire, how their affections in that way could hold out so long, but mans heart like the earth will bring forth nettles and weeds of it self, but it cannot corn or flowers without diligent managing of it.