OP SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 235 deration, so as they are no snare to them. But to own they are used to what end soever, if the affections of men are set upon them, one way or other, there is nothing in the world, but is thus a snare and temptas tion. However, we should be verycareful howwe ad- here to or undervalue, that which is the cause and means of the ruin of multitudes of souls. By the warnings given us hereof, Both God design, as to the use of means, to teach us the vanity and danger of fix- ing our affections on things below. Lastly. Things are so ordered in the holy, wise dispensation of God's providence, that it requires much spiritual wisdom to distinguish between the use and the abuse of these things, between a lawful care about them, and an inordinate cleaving to them. Few dis- tinguish aright here ; and therefore in these things will many find their great mistake at the last day.. The disappointments that they will fall under, as to what concerns their earthlyenjoyments and the use of them, wherewith they were intrusted. See Mate xxv.' 34, to the end of the chapter. It is granted that there is a lawful use of these things, a lawful care and industry about them. So it is also acknowledged, it cannot be denied.,- that there` is an abuse of them, springing from an inordinate love and cleaving to them. But here men deceive them- selves, taking their measures by the most crooked,un- certain rules. Same make their own inclinations the rule and measure of what is lawful and allowable ; some the example of others ; some the course of the world; some their own real or pretended necessities." They confess that there is an inordinate love of those things, and an abuse of them, in excesses of various sorts, which the scripture plainly affirms, and which
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