Indeed, even while the first conflict is still raging, many others begin unexpectedly. And yet, it is loved, and many seek their delight in it. Many persons often blame the world for being false and vain, yet do not readily give it up because 124 the desires of the flesh have such great power. Some things draw them to love the world, others make them despise it. The lust of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life lead to love, while the pains and miseries, which are the just consequences of those things, beget hatred and weariness of the world.
Vicious pleasure overcomes the soul that is given to the world.
She thinks that there are delights beneath these thorns, because she has never seen or tasted the sweetness of God or the internal delight of virtue. They, on the other hand, who entirely despise the world and seek to live for God under the rule of holy discipline, are not ignorant of the divine sweetness promised to those who truly renounce the world. They see clearly how gravely the world errs, and in how many ways it deceives. This document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at Calvin College. Last updated on July 16, 2001.