'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — July 24

You need to be very suspicious about that which your flesh finds its greatest pleasure in. Not that you should deny your body all delights in the mercies of God. Pleasing the senses is neither good or evil in itself, but a holy improvement of lawful pleasures is a daily duty since inordinate pleasure is a sin. Pleasure is inordinate when it tends to corrupt the soul by enticing it to sin and turning it from God and his service. Though all your bodily pleasures are not sin, yet, the pleasures of the flesh and the carnal mind are the chief desires of sinners, and the devil's greatest bait to lead men to perdition. Thus, there is great reason to be extremely afraid of that which is most pleasing to your flesh. Escape fleshly pleasure, and escape damnation. There is far more cause to be afraid of prosperity than adversity; of riches, than poverty; of honour, than obscurity and contempt; of men's praises and applause, than their slanders and reproaches; of preferment and greatness, than a low and plain attire. Those that have yielded their reason to serve their fleshly lusts think otherwise. No wonder they sell their birthright for a mess of pottage, a prostitute, a high place, or a bellyfull of pleasant meats or liquors. Heaven is the portion of serious believers and mortified saints alone (Luke 14:26-27). Millions part with God for pleasure. Hell will be filled with those who have preferred wealth, honour, sports, gluttony, drink, and filthy lusts before the holiness and happiness of believers. Temptation comes from something that men see as good, to entice them from the chief good. Apparent evil is no fit bait for the devil's hook. Many, for the pleasures of sin for a season, will despise endless pleasures and everlasting joys. None will be damned who prefer poverty, disgrace, abstinence, hunger, thirst, and chastity before sin.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory, I:78
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