236 OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. experience gives open testimony to. But as to their state and circumstancs, their care, love, and industry, are alI allowable. That which influenceth all these persons, is self love, which inveterate, corrupt affec- tions, and false reasonings, make an application of to these occasions. Hence we may have men approving of themselves as just stewards of their enjoyments, whilst others judge them hard, covetous, earthly minded; no way laying out what they are intrusted with, to the glory of God, in 'any due proportion. Others also think not amiss of themselves in this kind, who live in palpable excesses, either of pride of life or sensual pleasures, vain ap- parel, and the like. So, in particular, most men in their feastings and entertainments, walk in direct con- tempt 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 to our conditions l 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 shoals or rocks. And what if that which we esteem allowable, love, care, and industry, should prove to be the fruit of earth- ly affections, 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 forever, we belong to 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
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