Sermons preached

3. It implies, there are many things would writhe and crook and turn our Hearts another way; the Devil, the World, and the Flesh. The Devil seeks to draw us off from God, to abate the Fervour of our Love towards him; therefore we are bidden to flee youthful Lusts, (2 Tim. 2. 22.) that ⟨p. 115⟩we may not be taken captive by him at his will and pleasure. Some tamely yield to his Temptations, and he doth unto them as he listeth: but there is more tugging and drawing to get a serious Christian into his Snare. Therefore we are bidden to be sober and watchful, for your Adversary the Devil, like a roaring Lion, goes about, seeking whom he may devour. Sobriety is a sparing Use of worldly Delights; and Vigilance is a serious Diligence in the use of all those holy Means whereby Temptations may be vanquished. And as the Devil, so the Flesh; Jam. 1. 14. A Man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his Lusts, being enticed, that is, by seeking to please his fleshly Mind and Appetite. And then the World would pervert us, and offers many Baits to that End and Purpose. 1 Joh. 2. 15, 16. Love not the World, nor the things of the World; for if any Man love the World, the Love of the Father is not in him. For whatsoever is in the World, is either the Lust of the Eyes, the Lust of the Flesh, or the Pride of Life; that is, Pleasures, Riches, and Honours. These seem sweet Baits, but there is a dangerous Hook in them, and your Love to God may soon be lessened. Well then, this Directing is opposed to Wavering by reason of any of these Temptations, on the one or the other side; that the Holiest may keep in us that ardent Love of God, which of duty we owe to him.

3. It implies, there are many things would writhe and crook and turn our Hearts another way; the Devil, the World, and the Flesh. The Devil seeks to draw us off from God, to abate the Fervor of our Love towards him; therefore we are bidden to flee youthful Lusts, (2 Tim. 2. 22.) that ⟨p. 115⟩