§. 53. Of the hainousnesse of Covetousnesse.
THere are many circumstances concerning covetousnesse, which do much ag∣gravate* 1.1 the hainousnesse thereof. For,
- 1. It is a deceiving sinne: It blinds the understanding and corrupts the judge∣ment* 1.2 in a main point of happinesse. For the covetous man maketh gold his hope, and fine gold his confidence, Job 31. 24. This is further manifest by the titles that are usually given to it; as substance and goods. They who get much wealth, are said to be made for ever: and they who lose much to be undone for ever. The rich man when his corn exceedingly encreased, thus saith to his soul, Soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry, Luk. 12. 19. Upon this conceit of happinesse, wealth so stealeth away a mans heart, and so in∣flames his affections, as he maketh it his god. Justly therefore is a covetous per∣son called an Idolater, Eph. 5. 5. And covetousnesse Idolatry, Col. 3. 5.
- 2. It is an unsatiable sinne. He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver;* 1.3 nor he that loveth abundance with increase, Eccl. 5. 10. In this respect covetousnesse is like a dropsie which increaseth thirst by much drinking: and like a fire, which by addition of fuel is the more fierce. The desire of a covetous man ariseth from abundance; and in that respect is unnaturall: For nature is satisfied with suffici∣ency. Hunger and thirst cease when a man hath eaten and drunk that which is sufficient.
- 3. It is a gawling sinne. It works a continuall vexation, and takes away all the* 1.4 comforts of this life. The Apostle saith that they which covet after money pierce themselves thorow with many sorrows, 1 Tim. 6. 10. There is a threefold wo that accompanieth covetousnesse. 1. A wo of labour and toyl in getting wealth. 2. A wo of care and trouble in keeping it. 3. A wo of grief and anguish in part∣ing with it. Nothing makes death more unwelcome then a covetous desire of the things of this world.
- 4. It is an ensnaring sinne. They that will be rich fall into temptation and a* 1.5 snare, 1 Tim. 6. 9. Wealth as it is a bait to allure men to snap thereat; so it is a snare fast to hold them, and a hook to pull them down to perdition. How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God, Mark 10. 23. This snare kept the farmers from the wedding feast, Luk. 14 18, 19. It keeps many from the word: yea it steals away the heart of those that come to the Word: For their heart 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after their covetousnesse, Ezek. 33. 31.
- 5. It is a mother sinne. The love of mony is the root of all evil, 1 Tim. 6. 10. Fitly* 1.6 therefore doth the Prophet thus style it evil covetousnesse, Hab. 2. 9. There is no evil which a covetous man will forbear. His covetousnesse puts him on to all evil. It is a root of impiety. It draws the heart from God: so as there can be no true love, nor fear of God in a covetous heart: It makes a man be of that Religion which is professed in the place where he liveth, though it be palpable idolatry. A covetous man can swallow all manner of Oaths, yea and perjury it self. For gain he will profane the Sabbath. It makes inferiours purloyn from their superiours; and superiours to neglect their inferiours. It is a cause of much rebellion, of many •…•…reasons, murders, thefts, roberies, deceit, lying, false witnesse, breach of pro∣mise; and what not?
- 6. It is a growing sinne. The longer men live in the world the more covetous* 1.7 they use to be after the world. Old men are commonly the most covetous. Herein it differeth from other violent sinnes, which by age abate in their vio∣lence.
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