The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

It is granted that there is a lawful use of these things, a lawful Care and Industry about them. So it is also acknowledged, it cannot be denied, that there is an abuse of them springing from an inordinate Love, and cleaving unto them. But here men deceive themselves, taking their Measures by the most crooked uncertain Rules. Some make their own Inclinations the Rule and measure of what is so lawful and allowable, some the Examples of others; some the Course of the World, some their own real or pretended necessities. ⟨p. 192⟩They confess that there is an inordinate love of those things and an abuse of them, in excesses of various sorts, which the Scripture plainly affirms, and which Experience gives open Testimony unto. But as unto their State and Circumstances, their Care, Love and Industry are all allowable. That which influenceth all these Persons, is Self-Love, which inveterate corrupt Affections, and false Reasonings do make an Application of unto these Occasions.

Hence we have men approving of themselves as just Stewards of their Enjoyments, whilst others judge them hard, covetous, earthly-minded; no way laying out what they are entrusted withal unto the Glory of God, in any due Proportion. Others also think not amiss of themselves in this kind, who live in palpable excesses, either of Pride of Life, or Sensual Pleasures, vain Apparel and the like. So in particular, most men in their Feastings and Entertainments, walk in direct Contempt of the Rules which our Saviour gives in that case; Luk. 14.12.13.14. and yet approve themselves therein.

Hence we have men approving of themselves as just Stewards of their Enjoyments, whil'st others judge them hard, covetous, earthly-minded; no way laying out what they are intrusted withal unto the Glory of God, in any due Proportion. Others also think not amiss of themselves in this kind, who live in palpable excesses, either of Pride of Life, or Sensual Pleasures, vain Apparel and the like. So in particular, most men in their Feastings and Entertainments, walk in direct Contempt of the Rules which our Saviour gives in that case;