Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

2. Strip Sin of its Disguises, wash off its flattering Colours, that you may see its native Ugliness. Joseph's reply to the Tempter, How shall I do this great wickedness? Illusion and Concupiscence are the Inducements to Sin: When a Lust represents the Temptation as very alluring, and hinders the Reflection of the mind, upon the intrinsic and consequential Evil of Sin, 'tis like the putting Poison into the Glass: but when it has so far corrupted the mind, that ⟨image 122⟩Sin is esteemed a small Evil, Poison is thrown into the Fountain. If we consider the Majesty of the Law-giver, there is no Law small, nor Sin small, that is the Transgression of it. Yet the most are secure in an evil course, by conceits that their Sins are small. 'Tis true, there is a vast difference between Sins in their nature and Circumstances: there are insensible Omissions and accusing Acts, but the least is Damnable. Besides, the allowance and number of Sins reputed small, will involve under intolerable Guilt. What is lighter than a grain of Sand? you may blow away a hundred with a Breath, and what is heavier than a heap of Sand condenst together? 'Tis our Wisdom and Duty to consider the Evil of Sin in its essential Malignity, which implies no less, than that God was neither wise nor good in making his Law, and that he is not just and powerful to vindicate it: And when tempted to any pleasant Sin, to consider the due Aggravations of it, as Joseph did, which will control the Efficacy of the Temptation. I shall only add, that when a Man has mortified the lusts of the flesh, he has overcome the main part of the infernal Army that Wars against the Soul. Sensual objects do powerfully and pleasantly insinuate into carnal Men, and the affections are very unwillingly restrained from them. To undertake the cure of those, whose Disease is their pleasure, is almost a vain attempt: for they do not judge it an evil to be regarded, and will not accept distasteful remedies.

2. Strip Sin of its Disguises, wash off its flattering Colours, that you may see its native Ugliness. Joseph's reply to the Tempter, How shall I do this great wickedness? Illusion and Concupiscence are the Inducements to Sin: When a Lust represents the Temptation as very alluring, and hinders the Reflection of the mind, upon the intrinsick and consequential Evil of Sin, 'tis like the putting Poison into the Glass: but when it has so far corrupted the mind, that ⟨image 122⟩