The sure trial of uprightness opened in several sermons upon Psal. xviii, v. 23…The sure trial of uprightness open'd in several sermons upon Psal. xviii, v. 23…

Now our chief care must be directed to avoid our special Sins. 'Tis a Fundamental Rule in the Christian Life, that our weakest part is to be guarded with most Jealousy, and fortified with the strongest defence: for the most frequent and dangerous Assaults are on the side that is most open to surprise. The subtle¹ Tempter addresses his Insinuations in compliance to our Affections: he knew the softness of Adam towards his Wife, and chose her to be the Instrument of persuading him to eat the forbidden Fruit. Every one has a carnal part, that like Eve the Mother of our Miseries, is prevalent to corrupt us, and accordingly² he suits his Temptations. 'Twas the crafty Counsel of Balaam to Balac, not to encounter the Israelites with armed Soldiers, but with the Allurements of Women, by whom they were corrupted and seduced to Impurity and Idolatry; and thereby provoked God's Wrath, and were devested of his Protection. When Ulysses was employed to discover Achilles, ⟨p. 119⟩who was concealed in the Habit of a Virgin amongst the Maids of Honour, he carried a * pack of Toys, and a Lance:³ and whilst the Women were looking upon the Ribbons, and Lace, and Glasses, Achilles takes up the Lance, that was suitable to his Martial Spirit, and so was discovered, and drawn to the Trojan War, that proved fatal to him. Thus the Tempter is observant of our Inclinations: he will interpret a Blush, a Glance, a Smile, a discontented Gesture, any signs of our Affections, and by proper Motives excites the desiring and angry Appetites, and is usually successful. His Advantage is chiefly from our Security. 'Tis easy to surprise a suspectless Enemy. St. Peter straitly warns us, Be sober, be ⁴vigilant; because your Adversary the Devil, as a roaring Lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. His Diligence is equal to his Malice. If we are not wise and watchful, we shall fall into his Snares. There is a fearful Instance of it in Adam, who lost the Image and Favour of God in an Hour, that his Posterity cannot recover to all Ages; yet there was no Corruption in his Nature, he was furnished with sufficient Grace: he might easily have repelled the Motion