The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 /

A lawful Employment, is a double security against Temptations: Partly Divine, as it entitles us to God's Providence over us; for whilst we are obeying his Command, we are encouraged by his Promise, that he will keep us in all our ways; either prevent Temptations, or afford us assistance to vanquish them: And partly Natural; for whilst we are diligently exercised in a lawful Calling, the Mind is not at leisure to attend the Temptation, and the Senses do not so easily admit those Objects that betray the Soul. And 'tis observable, that God, who is merciful in his Chastisements, orders that fallen Man should obtain the Fruits of the Earth to support his Life by the ⟨p. 50⟩sweat of his Brows, that his unceasing Labour might preserve him from Idleness; which to corrupt Nature is the seminary of so many vile Lusts.

A lawful Employment, is a double security against Temptations: Partly Divine, as it entitles us to God's Providence over us; for whilst we are obeying his Command, we are encouraged by his Promise, that he will keep us in all our ways; either prevent Temptations, or afford us assistance to vanquish them: And partly Natural; for whilst we are diligently exercis'd in a lawful Calling, the Mind is not at leisure to attend the Temptation, and the Senses do not so easily admit those Objects that betray the Soul. And 'tis observable, that God, who is merciful in his Chastisements, orders that fallen Man should obtain the Fruits of the Earth to support his Life by the ⟨p. 50⟩sweat of his Brows, that his uncessant Labour might preserve him from Idleness; which to corrupt Nature is the seminary of so many vile Lusts.

4. As the Temptations of Prosperity make Men an easy Prey to Satan, so they keep them in the most perfect and miserable bondage under his Power. When he has taken hold of their Affections, he leads them captive at his Will. They are freely drawn by the pleasing force of his Temptations: they are voluntary Slaves, and in love with their Captivity. 'Twas the cruel and crafty advice offered to the Athenians, to keep the subdued Inhabitants of Egina from rebelling, to cut off their Thumbs, that they might be