19. But I must further observe, that there is yet more of _snare_ and _deception_, in what the Doctor has here said of this matter. For the reader may thereby be easily brought into a belief, that things in themselves indifferent, are not _proper subjects_ of religion, or means of advancing in piety; and that he need not bring himself under _any laws_ of religion, concerning such things. Whereas nothing can be more contrary to truth, or more hurtful to piety than such a belief. “Eating, drinking, sleeping, dressing, resting, labour, conversation, trade, diversion, and money, are in themselves indifferent.” But it is in the religious, or irreligious use of these that some people _live_ up to the spirit of the gospel, and others _wholly die_ to it. And it is from strict laws of religion, made concerning these indifferent things, that the spiritual life of every one is to be built up. And it is for want of religious laws in the use of these things, that the spirit of the gospel cannot get possession of our hearts. For our souls may receive an infinite hurt, and be rendered incapable of all true virtue, merely by the use of innocent and lawful things. * What is more innocent than rest and retirement? And yet what more dangerous than sloth and idleness? How lawful is the care of a family? And yet how are many people rendered incapable of all virtue, by a ♦worldly, sollicitous temper? How lawful is it for us, to eat and drink in such quantity and quality, as may render the body healthful, and useful to the soul? And yet what danger is there in eating and drinking if we are not under this strict law of religion, to seek _only_ health; and not the pleasure of various tastes in our food? What _sensuality_ of discourse shall we not every day fall into, unless it be a fixed law to us, to speak of no other joy in our food, but that which is expressed by our grace before, and after our meals? ♦ “wordly” replaced with “worldly” How indifferent a thing, and innocent in itself, is _dress_? And yet what more hurtful and abounding with sin? It reaches and affects the heart and soul both of the wearer and beholder. Its evils are innumerable; it has destroyed, and does destroy like a pestilence.