Several discourses tending to promote peace & holiness among Christians to which are added,…

3. It doth draw off the Heart from the Delights of the Flesh: Not only Contraria contrariis curantur, but similia similibus. Carnal Pleasures put the Soul out of relish with better things, and draw off the Heart from God. A fleshly Mind is easily blinded, and enchanted with worldly Vanities. Therefore it concerneth us to check our Inclination to sense-pleasing and flesh-pleasing, which is so natural to us. How shall it be cured, but by seeking our Delight elsewhere? Every Man ⟨p. 117⟩must have some Oblation, for Love cannot lie idle in the Soul; either his Love is taken up with the Joys of Sense, or the Joys of Faith; with vain Pleasures, or with chaste and spiritual Delights: The one spoileth the taste of the other. A Spiritual Mind, that is feasted with higher Delights, cannot relish the Garlic, and Onions, and Flesh-pots of Egypt. Cant. 1. 4. We will remember thy Loves more than Wine. And a brutish Heart, that is wholly lost and sunk in these dreggy Contentments which gratify Sense, valueth not the Favour of God, thinketh it Canting to talk of Communion with him, and the Joys of Hope to be fantastical Expressions: They love Pleasures more than God, 2 Tim. 3. 4. Now if we would restrain and check this Inclination, we should rejoice in Christ, delight our Minds and Hearts in the remembrance of his Love and Benefits. What-ever Pleasure a Man doth find, or imagine to find in sensual fleshly courses, that and much more is to be had in Christ; where we rejoice at a surer and more sincere rate; Ephes. 5. 4. Not Jesting, but rather giving of Thanks. Carnal Mirth doth not so cheer Worldlings, as the remembrance of the Favours ⟨p. 118⟩and Blessings we have by Christ. Keep the Heart thankful and sensible of God's Goodness, and Christ's Love, and you will not need vain Delights. So, Ephes. 5. 18. Be not drunk with Wine wherein is Excess, but be filled with the Spirit. These are Motives and Marks also, for by these three things you may know whether you have this Joy, yea or no.