Thirdly, It is an impediment alliciendo and inescando, It doth ensnare and allure the heart, so that while the soul should pursue the race, that throweth in the way some alluring objects or others, and thereby it is stopped in its course; As the Heathens speak of golden Apples cast in the way to hinder one that was swiftly running in the race: He that runneth in a race, must not step out of the way to gather every flower that groweth by the way-side; nor is he to stand still and refresh his eyes with pleasant objects: Thus neither ought we in our way to Heaven; but this original corruption bewitches and enticeth the heart with many deceitful and alluring lusts: So that by this means we are for the most part in golden, sweet, dreams, promising this and that comfort to our selves, till at last with Dives we awaken in hell, and see our selves bereaved of all happiness. The Apostle James doth fully confirm this secret bewitching way of original sin within us, which he calleth lust, Jam. 1. 14. So that, marvel not to see thy self drowned in all the pleasures of sin, to be sucking down the comforts of earthly things with all delight, for this lust within thee, this bewitching Delilah in thy breast, puts thee into a sweet sleep, and so heavenly things have no relish, no taste to thy appetite, ⟨p. 100⟩but the things of the world are sweeter than the honey-comb: Oh why is it that sin which is indeed full of stings and bitterness should be so sweet! Why should it be such a pleasing thing to go in the ways that lead to hell and damnation? that when thou art sinning, it is as thou wouldst have it? Is not all this, because sin hath ensnared and enticed thee?
Thirdly, It is an impediment alliciendo and inescando, It doth ensnare and allure the heart, so that while the soul should pursue the race, that throweth in the way some alluring objects or others, and thereby it is stopt in its course; As the Heathens speak of golden Apples cast in the way to hinder one that was swiftly running in the race: He that runneth in a race, must not step out of the way to gather every flower that groweth by the way-side; nor is he to stand still and refresh his eyes with pleasant objects: Thus neither ought we in our way to Heaven; but this original corruption bewitches and enticeth the heart with many deceitfull and alluring lusts: So that by this means we are for the most part in golden, sweet, dreams, promising this and that comfort to our selves, till at last with Dives we awaken in hell, and see our selves bereaved of all happiness. The Apostle James doth fully confirm this secret bewitching way of original sinne within us, which he calleth lust, Jam. 1. 14. So that, marvel not to see thy self drowned in all the pleasures of sinne, to be sucking down the comforts of earthly things with all delight, for this lust within thee, this bewitching Dalilah in thy breast, puts thee into a sweet sleep, and so heavenly things have no relish, no taste to thy appetite, ⟨p. 100⟩but the things of the world are sweeter than the honey-comb: Oh why is it that sinne which is indeed full of stings and bitterness should be so sweet! Why should it be such a pleasing thing to go in the wayes that lead to hell and damnation? that when thou art sinning, it is as thou wouldst have it? Is not all this, because sin hath insnared and inticed thee?
