The danger of Worldly mindedness. [ 618]
IT is seen by experience, that a man swiming in a River, as long as he is able to hold up his head,* 1.1 and keep it above water, he is in no danger, but safely swim∣eth and cometh to the shore with good contentment; but if once his head, for want of strength begin to dive, then shaketh he the hearts of all that do behold him, and himself may know, that he is not far from death: So is it in this wretched world, and swimers of all sorts, if the Lord give us strength to keep up our heads, i. e. to love God and Religion above the world, and before it, and all the pleasures of it, there is then no danger, but after a time of swiming in it up and down, we shall arrive in a firm place with happiness and safety; but if once we dive, and the head go under water, if once the world get the victory, and our hearts are set upon it, and go under it, in a sinful love and liking of it, O then take heed of drowning.