Remember what I say: if you would cleave to earthly pleasures--these are things which murder souls. There is no surer way to get a seared conscience and a hard impenitent heart than to give way to the desires of the flesh and mind. It seems nothing at first, but it tells in the long run.
Consider what Peter says: "Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." (1 Peter 2:11) They destroy the soul's peace, break down its strength, lead it into hard captivity, make it a slave.
Consider what Paul says: "Mortify your members which are upon the earth." (Colossians 3:5). "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with its affections and lusts." (Galatians 5:24) "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection." (1 Corinthians 9:27) Once the body was a perfect mansion of the soul--now it is all corrupt and disordered, and needs constant watching. It is a burden to the soul--not a helpmeet; a hindrance--not an assistance. It may become a useful servant, but it is always a bad master.
J.C. Ryle in Thoughts for Young Men
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