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…

I will begin with the consideration of the different Temperaments of Mens Bodies, which are the secret Springs of their Inclinations and Aversions. 'Tis requisite to premise, that Original Sin, the ⟨p. 9⟩Poison distilled through all the Faculties of Man by propagation, is an universal supreme Evil: 'Tis a Seminary of all¹ corrupt Desires, from whence the Issues of actual Sins are derived: and that some are less inclined to notorious Sins than others, is not from naked Nature, but from the singular distinguishing Mercy of God.

I will begin with the consideration of the different Temperaments of Mens Bodies, which are the secret Springs of their Inclinations and Aversions. 'Tis requisite to premise, that Original Sin, the ⟨p. 9⟩Poison distilled through all the Faculties of Man by propagation, is an universal supreme Evil: 'Tis a Seminary of all¹ corrupt Desires, from whence the Issues of actual Sins are derived: and that some are less inclin'd to notorious Sins than others, is not from naked Nature, but from the singular distinguishing Mercy of God.

1. 1[Greek or Hebrew]. Pl••.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Pl••.

This Depravation so general and deplorable was observed by the wiser Heathens, who were ignorant of the Cause of it, the rebellious Sin of Adam, the common Father and Representative of Mankind. This Corruption of Nature doth not extenuate, but aggravate our Guilt: As the Psalmist with deep sorrow acknowledges his native inherent Pollution; In Sin was I conceived, and in Iniquity brought forth. I know many bold inquiring Wits have presumed to examine the Decrees of God concerning the lapsed State of Mankind: but 'tis much safer