Inference IX.

Inference IX.

How much are the spirits of men sunk by sin, below the dignity and excellency of their Nature?

HOw much are the spirits of men sunk by sin, below the dignity and excellency of their Nature?

Our Souls are Spirits by nature, yet have they naturally no delight in things spiritual: They decline that which is homogeneal and suitable to Spirits, and relish nothing but what is carnal and unsuitable to them. How are its affections inverted and misplaced by sin? That noble spiritual Heaven-born creature the Soul, whose Element and Centre God alone should be, is now fallen into a deep Oblivion both of God, and it self; and wholly spends its strength in the pursuit of sensual and earthly enjoyments, and becomes a mere drudge and slave to the body. Carnal things now measure out and govern its delights and hopes, its fears and sorrows. O how unseemly is it, to b•••ld such an high-born spirit lackeying up and down the Wo••d in the service of the perishing flesh? Their heart (saith the Prophet) goeth after their Covetousness, Ezek. 33.31. as a Servant at the beck or nod of his Master.

Our Souls are Spirits by nature, yet have they naturally no delight in things spiritual: They decline that which is homogeneal and suitable to Spirits, and rellish nothing but what is carnal and unsuitable to them. How are its affections inverted and misplaced by sin? That noble spiritual Heaven-born creature the Soul, whose Element and Centre God alone should be, is now fallen into a deep Oblivion both of God, and it self; and wholly spends its strength in the pursuit of sensual and earthly enjoyments, and becomes a meer drudge and slave to the body. Carnal things now measure out and govern its delights and hopes, its fears and sorrows. O how unseemly is it, to bld such an high-born spirit lackying up and down the Wod in the service of the perishing flesh? Their heart (saith the Prophet) goeth after their Covetousness,