The deceitful harlot has bewitched you with her enchantments!

(Joseph Alleine, "Alarm to the Unconverted!")

Before a man has true faith, he is overcome by the world. He either . . .
  bows down to mammon,
  idolizes his reputation, or
  is a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God.

Here is the root of man's misery by the fall: he is turned aside to the creature, and gives that esteem, confidence and affection to the creature - which is due to God alone.

Oh miserable man, what a deformed monster sin has made you! God made you "little lower than the angels" - sin has made you little better than the devils!

Sin has made you a monster who has his head and his heart where his feet should be - and his feet kicking against the God of Heaven - and everything out of place! The world which was formed to serve you - now rules you! The deceitful harlot has bewitched you with her enchantments - and made you bow down and serve her!