Vol. 2

CHAPTER XIV. 569generality of men, who are entirely taken up withthese things,but mere beasts, bearing a most heavyyoke, slaves to those whom they serve, always stoopingtoward the earth, seeing nothing but that, andwholly employed in moving and turning it up ? Howinnocent soever any employment may be in itself,it ceases to be so when it hinders us from thinkingon God, when it fills up our whole life, busiesour whole mind, and causes us to forget that we weremade for heaven, and that the means of attainingthereto is our only necessary affair. Too much leisureand too much business, are both equally dangerouswith respect to salvation." 20. And another said, I have married a wife,and therefore I cannot come."The third obstacle to salvation here mentioned,comprehends the lust of the flesh, too great a fondnesstowards our family, pleasures, disorders, excesses,&c. The sacred bond of marriage, which ought tobe a help towards salvation, is but too often the utterruin of it.If a woman, given to Adam in a state ofinnocence by the hand of God himself, was, notwithstanding,the cause of his fall,by means of a fondnessand compliance contrary to his duty; who hasnot reason to be afraid, lest he should meet with asnare in marriage through the bad disposition of hisown heart. These ties of flesh and blood are themost difficult to be broken. The persons mentionedbefore, excuse themselves civilly : this man bluntlydeclares, he cannot come. Some damn themselvesin a rude and brutal, others in a civil and well-bredmanner." 21. So that servant came, and showed his Lord