Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

2. The most that refuse the Offer of Grace in the Gospel, are not absolute Infidels; therefore the Tempter tries other ways to ruin them. He observes the Dispositions and Circumstances of Men, and presents such Temptations whereby they are most likely to be taken and held in his Snares. Although Human Nature be wholly depraved, yet all Men are not cast into the same Mould: they are distinguished by their various Aspects, Constitutions, Desires, and Conditions of Life, and are not wrought on by the same Motives. The Tempter by his natural Sagacity and Experience (he is styled the old Serpent) has exact Knowledge in the Art of discerning Men. Sometimes sudden Passions are painted in the Countenance, and he takes particular Advantage to strike in with them. But his universal Method ⟨p. 257⟩is to present the fittest Baits to the natural Inclinations, and habitual Dispositions of Men: he knows the Faction within will readily open to his Call. The Sanguine are soft and dissolute, and are easily drawn to exorbitant Pleasures: The Melancholy are inclined to Discontent, Sorrow, Impatience, Despair: Those who have active restless Spirits, are taken with the Advantages of the World. The muddy Mind is easily stirred by the Offer of Gain: the voluptuous Mind is strongly allured by sensual Delights: the aspiring Mind is incensed by the prospect of Honour. Now tho the Tempter be a Spirit, and not capable of those Sins which are acted by the sensible Faculties, yet not only spiritual Sins, Pride, Envy, Malignity, and the like, but Fleshly Lusts, even the foullest Actions are from his Incitations. He was not only a ⟨p. 258⟩proud Spirit, but an unclean Spirit in David. He was a covetous Spirit ¹in Judas: an hypocritical Spirit in Ananias: Satan put it into his Heart to detain part of the Price, and lie to the Holy Ghost. He presents the Temptation, and suggests Motives to embrace it. He brings the Fuel, enticing Objects, and inspires the Flame, ardent Desires to them. If burning Lusts begin to cool, and raging Corruptions are controlled by the threatening of the Word, and the Terrors of Conscience, he will blow them up again. Now any reigning Lust is a Viceroy of Satan's, and keeps Possession for him, and consequently excludes the Son of God from Admission into the Heart.