Temptations to Evil, not from God. 7 tribute, fo far as we can underftand, princi- S E x pally exerteth itfelf in his utter averfion to I the fins of his creatures, and his approba- `^"--j tion of moral goodnefs in them. This the facred writers continually inculcate, teaching us that he is of purer eyes than that he can behold iniquity, that he beholdeth the righteous with a pleafant countenance, but evil cannot dwell with him, and wickednefs is an abomi- nation to him; if it be fo, it is impoífible he fhould be a tempter, for that importeth, at leaft, that the fin of the tempted would be agreeable, indeed that he defireth it, and is folicitous to have them brought into the fnare. But all religion refteth upon this principle, utterly inconfiftent with his tempt- ing any man or any creature, that God is only pleafed with rational agents doing that which is right, and difpleafed with their do- ing what is wrong in a moral fenfe: If that be denied, piety is intirely fubverted, and all pra &ice of virtue on the foundation of piety. By this argument, which is the molt plain and fatisfying, the apoftle fupporteth his affertion in my text, let no man fay, I am tempted of God ; fir God is not tempted with evil him[e1J and confequently neither doth he tempt any man. A being who is wholly uncapable of any moral turpitude, B 4 can-
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