THE Experience of all Ages has verified, that none are exposed to more dangerous Trials than the Prosperous in this World. The great Tempter has found the Temptations of Prosperity so insinuative and prevailing with Men, that he attempted our blessed Saviour; expecting, by the pleasant prospect of the Kingdoms of this World, and their Glory, to have fastened an Impression upon his Spirit, and tainted his inviolable Purity. But he found nothing in our Saviour, not the least irregular inclination to his Allurements, and could work nothing upon him. 'Tis otherwise with Men born of the Flesh, in whom there is a carnal Heart (the Centre of Apostasy and Corruption) that is easily enticed and overcome by charming Complacencies. Prosperity is a disguised Poison, pleasant to the unwary sense, ⟨image 3⟩but deadly in the operation; and the more pernicious in the Effects, because less dangerous in the Opinions of Men. The Temptations of Prosperity are so frequent and favoured by us, that they give vigour to the inward Enemy, the sensual affections, and boldness to the malicious Tempter. They foment the carnal Appetites, that defile and debase the Soul; and are the more rebellious and exorbitant the more they are gratified.
THE Experience of all Ages has verified, that none are exposed to more dangerous Trials than the Prosperous in this World. The great Tempter has found the Temptations of Prosperity so insinuative and prevailing with Men, that he attempted our blessed Saviour; expecting, by the pleasant prospect of the Kingdoms of this World, and their Glory, to have fastned an Impression upon his Spirit, and tainted his inviolable Purity. But he found nothing in our Saviour, not the least irregular inclination to his Allurements, and could work nothing upon him. 'Tis otherwise with Men born of the Flesh, in whom there is a carnal Heart (the Centre of Apostacy and Corruption) that is easily enticed and overcome by charming Complacencies. Prosperity is a disguised Poison, pleasant to the unwary sense, ⟨image 3⟩but deadly in the operation; and the more pernicious in the Effects, because less dangerous in the Opinions of Men. The Temptations of Prosperity are so frequent and favour'd by us, that they give vigour to the inward Enemy, the sensual affections, and boldness to the malicious Tempter. They foment the carnal Appetites, that defile and debase the Soul; and are the more rebellious and exorbitant the more they are gratified.
