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

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 ^*uncapable to manage a Spear, and by War obtain a victorious ⟨p. 51⟩rescue from their Tyranny, but be fit to pull the Oar in the Galleys. 'Tis an Emblem of Satan's dealing with his Slaves; for by the pleasures of Sin, their Hearts are weak, disabled from vigorous and holy Resolutions to resist his power; they cannot make use of the Armour of God for their Defence: and their Lusts are strong, they are patient of his Drudgery, constant at the Oar, and faithful to their Chains. And from hence 'tis evident that Men are never more dangerously under the destructive power of Satan than when they enjoy Prosperity.

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 offer'd to the Athenians, to keep the subdued Inhabitants of Egina from rebelling, to cut off their Thumbs, that they might be ^*uncapable to manage a Spear, and by War obtain a victorious ⟨p. 51⟩rescue from their Tyranny, but be fit to pull the Oar in the Gallies. 'Tis an Emblem of Satan's dealing with his Slaves; for by the pleasures of Sin, their Hearts are weak, disabled from vigorous and holy Resolutions to resist his power; they cannot make use of the Armor of God for their Defence: and their Lusts are strong, they are patient of his Drudgery, constant at the Oar, and faithful to their Chains. And from hence 'tis evident that Men are never more dangerously under the destructive power of Satan than when they enjoy Prosperity.