(1.) The affections are entangled when they stir up frequent
CHAPTER 11.
The work of sin by deceit to entangle the affections - How it is done - Means of prevention.
THE second thing in the words of the apostle ascribed to the deceitful working of sin is its enticing. A man is "drawn away and enticed." And this seems particularly to relate to the affections. The mind is drawn away from duty, and the affections are enticed to sin. So a man is said to be "enticed," or entangled as with a bait; for it alludes to the bait with which a fish is taken on the hook which holds him to his destruction. Concerning this, we shall briefly show two things:
1. What it is to be enticed, or entangled with the bait of sin, to have the affections tainted with an inclination to it; and when they are so.
2. What course sin takes, and how it proceeds to entice the soul: -
(1.) The affections are entangled when they stir up frequent imaginations about the object which this deceit of sin leads and entices towards. When sin prevails, and the affections are gone fully after it, it continually fills the imagination with it, with images and likenesses of it. Such persons "devise iniquity, and work evil on their beds;" which they also "practise" when "it is in the power of their hand," Micah 2:1. As, in particular, Peter tells us that "they have eyes full of an adulteries, and cannot cease from sin," 2 Peter 2:14, - that is, their imaginations are continually filled with thoughts of the object of their lusts. And it is so in part where the affections are in part entangled with sin, and begin to turn aside to it. John tells us that the things that are "in the world" are "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life," 1 John 2:16. The lust of the eyes is what they convey to the soul. Now, it is not physical seeing, but the fixing of the imagination on such things, that is meant. And this is called the "eyes," because thereby things are represented to the mind and soul, as outward objects are by the eyes. And often the outward sight of the eyes causes these imaginations. So Achan declares how sin prevailed
with him, Joshua 7:21. First, he saw the wedge of gold and Babylonish garment, and then he coveted them. He rolled them in his imagination, and then fixed his heart on obtaining them. Now, the heart may have a settled detestation of sin; but yet, if a man find that the imagination of the mind is frequently tempted by it, he may know that his affections are secretly enticed.
(2.) This is heightened when the imagination prevails with the mind to think about it, with secret delight. This is termed by casuists, an abiding thought with delight; which towards forbidden objects is sinful. And yet this may be when the consent of the will to sin is not obtained, - when the soul would not for the world do the thing, which thoughts begin to lodge in the mind about. This "lodging of vain thoughts" in the heart the prophet complains of as a great sin, to be abhorred, Jeremiah 4:14. All these thoughts are messengers that carry sin to and fro between the imagination and the affections, and increase it, inflaming the imagination, and more and more entangling the affections. Achan thinks on the golden wedge, this makes him like it and love it; by loving it his thoughts are infected, and return to the imagination of its worth; and so little by little the soul is inflamed to sin. And here if the will parts with its sovereignty, sin is conceived.
(3.) Excuses for sin, or thinking of the mercies of God towards sin, show that the affections are entangled with it. It is a great part of the deceit of sin, to put lessening thoughts of sin to the mind. "Is it not a little one?" or, "There is mercy provided;" or, "I will stop after a little while," is its language in a deceived heart. Now, when the heart is ready to receive such thoughts in reference to sin, it is evidence that the affections are enticed. When the soul is willing to be tempted, to listen to its dalliances, it has lost its conjugal affections to Christ, and is entangled. This is "looking on the wine when it is red, when it gives its colour in the cup, when it moves itself aright," Proverbs 23:31; - contemplating the invitations of sin, whose end the wise man gives us, verse 32. When the deceit of sin has prevailed thus far on any person, then he is entangled. The will has not yet consented to sin, but the soul is near it.