384 THE GRACE AND DUTY OF
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, Luke xiv. 12 — 14. and yet approve themselves therein.
But what if any of us should be mistaken in our rule and application of it unto our conditions ? Men at sea may have a fair gale of wind wherewith they may sail freely and smoothly for a season, and yet, instead of being brought into a port, be cast by it at last on destructive shelves or rocks.
And what if that which we esteem allowable love, care, and industry, should prove to be the fruit of earthly affec- tions, inordinate and predominant in us ; what if we miss in our measures, and that which we approve of in ourselves, should be disapproved of God : we are cast for ever ; we belong unto the world, and with the world we shall perish.
It may be said, that if it be so difficult to distinguish between these things, namely, the lawful use of things here below, and their abuse, the allowable industry about them, and the inordinate love of them, on the knowledge whereof our eternal conditions depends ; it is impossible but men must spend their time in solicitous anxiety of mind, as not know- ing when they have aright discharged their duty.
Ans. 1. I press these things at present no farther, but only to shew how dangerous a thing it is for any to incline in his affections unto the things of this world, wherein an excess is ruinous, and hardly discoverable. Surely no wise man will venture freely and frequently unto the edge of such a precipice. He will be jealous of his measures, lest they will not hold by the rule of the word. And a due sense hereof is the best preservative of the soul from cleaving in- ordinately unto these things below. And when God, in any instance, by afflictions or otherwise, shews unto believers their transgression herein, and how they have exceeded. Job xxxviii. 8, 9. it makes them careful for the future. They will now or never be diligent, that they fall not under that peremptory rule, 1 John ii. 14.
2. Where the soul is upright and sincere, there is no need in this case of any more solicitousness or anxiety of mind, than there is unto or about other duties. But when
BEING SPIRITUALLY MINDED. 385
it is biassed and acted by self-love, and its more strong incli- nations unto things present, it is impossible men should enjoy solid peace, or be freed from severe reflections on them by their own consciences, in such seasons wherein they are awakened unto their duty, and the consideration of their state ; nor have I any thing to tender for their relief. With others it is not so ; and therefore I shall so far digress in this place, as to give some directions unto those who in sin- cerity would be satisfied in this lawful use and enjoyment of earthly things ; so as not to adhere unto them with inordi- nate affections.
1. Remember always that you are not proprietors, nor absolute possessors of these things, but only stewards of them. With respect unto men, you are or may be just pro- prietors of what you enjoy; with respect unto him who is the great Possessor of heaven and earth, you are but ste- wards. This stewardship we are to give an account of, as we are taught in the parable, Luke xvi. 1, 2. This rule al- ways attended unto, will be a blessed guide in all instances and occasions of duty.
But if a man be left in trust with houses and large pos- sessions, as a steward for the right lord, owner, and proprie- tor of them ; if he fall into a pleasing dream, that they are all his own, and use them accordingly ; it will be a woful sur- prisal unto him, when he shall be called to account for all he hath received and laid out, whether he will or no. And when indeed he hath nothing to pay. It will scarce be other- wise with them at the great day, who forget the trust which is committed to them, and suppose they may do what they will with what they call their own.
2. There is nothing in the ways of getting, enjoy- ing, or using of these things, but giveth its own evidence unto spiritual wisdom, whether it be within the bounds of duty or no. Men are not lightly deceived herein, but when they are evidently under the power of corrupt affections, or will not at all attend unto themselves and the lang-uao-e of their own consciences. It is a man's own fault alone, if he know not wherein he doth exceed.
A due examination of ourselves in the sight of God, with respect unto these things, the frame and actings of our minds in them, will greatly give check unto our cor-
VOL. XIII. 2 c
386 THE GRACE AND DUTY OF
rupt inclinations, and discover the folly of those reason- ings, whereby we deceive ourselves into the love of earthly things, or justify ourselves therein, and bring to light the secret principle of self-love, which is the root of all this evil.