This flattering enemy!

(Thomas Watson, "The Christian's Charter")

"Don't you know that friendship with the world is
 hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a
 friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
    James 4:4

The world is a deadly enemy.

This enemy courts us.

It smiles—that it may deceive.

It kills—by embracing!

The world's music enchants us.

It has a golden apple in one hand
—and a dagger in the other hand!

Riches are but golden dust, which will sooner choke
us, than satisfy us. Riches are called thick clay, which
will sooner break our back, than lighten our heart.

Marcia gave poison in sweet wine, to the emperor
Commodus. Such an aromatic cup does the world
present us with—that we may drink and die.

The ivy, while it clasps about the oak, sucks away
the heart of it; such are the world's embraces.

Judas-like, whom the world kisses—it betrays.

The world is a silken halter.

The world is a golden fetter.

Some have been drowned in the sweet waters of
pleasure! Others have been choked in silver mines!

Oh arm, arm against this flattering enemy!