A Body of Practical Divinity

(1.) It is a Subtle Sin, a Sin that many do not so well discern in themselves: As some have the Scurvy, yet do not know it. This Sin can dress it self in the Attire of Virtue. It is called the Cloak of Covetousness, 1 Thess. 2.5. Covetousness is a Sin that wears a Cloak, it cloaks it self under the Name of Frugality ⟨p. 384⟩and good Husbandry. It hath many Pleas and Excuses for it self, more than any other Sin, as, the providing for ones Family. The more subtle the Sin is, the less discernible.

(1.) It is a Subtile Sin, a Sin that many do not so well discern in themselves: As some have the Scurvy, yet do not know it. This Sin can dress it self in the Attire of Vertue. It is called the Cloak of Covetousness, 1 Thess. 2.5. Covetousness is a Sin that wears a Cloak, it cloaks it self under the Name of Frugality ⟨p. 384⟩and good Husbandry. It hath many Pleas and Excuses for it self, more than any other Sin, as, the providing for ones Family. The more subtile the Sin is, the less discernable.

(2) Covetousness is a dangerous Sin, it checks all that is good. It is an Enemy to Grace, it damps good Affections, as the Earth puts out the Fire. The Hedgehog in the Fable came to the Cony-burrows in stormy Weather, and desired Harbour; but when once he had gotten Entertainment, he set up his Prickles, and did never leave till he had thrust the poor Conies out of their Burroughs. So Covetousness by fair Pretences wins it self into the Heart, but as soon as you have let it in, it will never leave till it hath choked all good Beginnings, and thrust all Religion out of your Hearts. Covetousness hinders the Efficacy of the Word Preached. In the Parable the Thorns (which Christ expounded to be the Cares of this Life) choked the Good Seed,