A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

2. We must take care that the soul be not more disposed to sin; diver; lusts and pleasures are fitly joined by the Apostle, Tit. 3. 3. if we do not watch over pleasures, the heart groweth more wanton and libidinous, the restraints of grace are weaker, and carnal motions more urgent and violent, the heart is nourished▪ &c, Jam. 5. 5. the enemy put in strength and heart, 1 Pet. 2. 11.

Well then, let us beware of sensuality, other things defile a part, as ceveto•sness the soul, but sensual lusts defile the soul and body to▪ they leave guilt upon the soul, and dishonour upon the body, while 'tis made a strainer for meats and drinks, and a channel for lusts to run in; other lusts seem to gratify the ambition of man, and to exalt him, but these debase him, and turn him out among the beasts: to renounce pleasures is the first thing you must do if you mean to do any thing in Religion, otherwise you lye open to every temptation, Pro 25. 18. The water of the Sanctuary could not heal the miry places, Ezek. 47. 11 which is usually applied to sensual hearts; pleasures bring a brawn, and a deadness upon the conscience, and a cloud upon the understanding: Daniel that had the high visions of God, lived by pulse: John Baptist that had the most eminent Gospel dispensation, Mat. 11. fed upon locusts and ⟨p. 501⟩wild honey; among the Heathens he was counted the most accomplished man ^*