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…

But although an upright Person keeps himself from the gross Acts of Sins that are clearly against natural Conscience, and supernatural Grace; yet whilst we are clothed with Flesh, the Body of Sin does not finally expire, and Temptations are as importunate as Flies about us, (from whom the Tempter has his Title) that 'tis morally impossible to be absolutely undefiled: therefore Uprightness requires that we should carefully consider our weak side, what Passions we are most inclinable to by our Temper, and so diligently fortify our selves against them, that they may not have dominion over us; and though we cannot arrive, yet we may advance towards the complete conquest of Sin. And in our endeavours against the Sins to which we are most inclinable, and that often foil us, Constancy is inseparable from Sincerity. If we neglect the humbling of our Souls for unavoidable Infirmities▪ the earnest seeking for the Divine Mercy and Grace, and a careful watching against them, we so far decline from Uprightness.

But although an upright Person keeps himself from the gross Acts of Sins that are clearly against natural Conscience, and supernatural Grace; yet whilst we are cloth'd with Flesh, the Body of Sin does not finally expire, and Temptations are as importunate as Flys about us, (from whom the Tempter has his Title) that 'tis morally impossible to be absolutely undefiled: therefore Uprightness requires that we should carefully consider our weak side, what Passions we are most inclinable to by our Temper, and so diligently fortify our selves against them, that they may not have dominion over us; and though we cannot arrive, yet we may advance towards the compleat conquest of Sin. And in our endeavours against the Sins to which we are most inclinable, and that often foil us, Constancy is inseparable from Sincerity. If we neglect the humbling of our Souls for unavoidable Infirmities▪ the earnest seeking for the Divine Mercy and Grace, and a careful watching against them, we so far decline from Uprightness.

2. It implies the mortifying the inward Affection to that Sin. The Rule of our Duty requires this: Cleanse your ⟨p. 65⟩