The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

Fifthly, God makes a Hedge against the Excess of the Affections of men, rational and any way enlightened, unto the things of this World, by suffering the Generality of men to carry the use of them, and to be carried by the abuse of them, into Actings so filthy, so abominable, so ridiculous as Reason it self cannot but abhor. Men by them transform themselves into Beasts and Monsters, as might be manifested by all sorts of Instances; hence the Wise-man prayed against Riches, lest he should not be able to manage the Temptations wherewith they are accompanied; Prov. 30.8.9.

Fifthly, God makes a Hedge against the Excess of the Affections of men, rational and any way enlightned, unto the things of this World, by suffering the Generality of men to carry the use of them, and to be carried by the abuse of them, into Actings so filthy, so abominable, so ridiculous as Reason it self cannot but abhor. Men by them transform themselves into Beasts and Monsters, as might be manifested by all sorts of Instances; hence the Wise-man prayed against Riches, lest he should not be able to manage the Temptations wherewith they are accompanied; Prov. 30.8.9.

Lastly, to close this matter, and to show us what we are to expect, in case we set our Affections on things here below, and they have thereby a predominant Interest in our Hearts, God hath positively determined and declared, that if it be so, he will have nothing to do with us, nor will accept of those Affections which we pretend we can, and do spare for him, and Spiritual things. If we abstain from open Sins, if we abhor the Lewdness and Uncleanness of men in the World, if we are constant in religious Duties, and give our selves, up to walk after the most strict sort in Religion, like Paul in his Pharisaism, may we not, will some say or think, find acceptance with God, though our Hearts cleave inordinately unto the things of this World? I say, God hath peremptorily determined the contrary; and if other Arguments will not prevail with us, he leaves us at last unto this, Go love the World and the things of it, but know assuredly? you do it unto the eternal Loss of your Souls.