146 The Living Temple. Part II. Man's Alienation of himfelf, from God, was as entirely voluntary, no- thing couldforce him to it He could have no Inducement, which it was not eafy to refift ; Heaven and Earth could not afford the Matter of a regardable Temptation, to withdraw him from what did fo infinitely excel. But bow mean things have become the tempting, and prevailing Objects! The momentary Relishes of a rneerly fenfiral Delight, that might have been had innocent, and pure, without break- ing the Inclofure. Ravenous Appetite, Lufls after forbidden Pleafiire, is impa- tient ofRestraint. Reafon, that fhouid have ref}rain'd it, refigns its Office, falls into a treacherous Combination with ufrrping Seì /è,chufes rather to obey than rule,to rebel thanobey,for not to rule, being thereto enjoyned by the Supream ruler,wasito rebel.TheEmpire of Rebel - lions Appetite, was reckon'd more to- lerable, than Cod's. Thus are his Authority affronted, and his Goodnefs defpifed, both at once. He is rejected both as Ruler and Benefaelor, with e- gUal difrefpeC to his Majefly, and Grace,
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