TRH POWER$ AIM CQWF .STS Qlr -FLESH AND SfiiRIT. holy.scr-ipture, so it may be made yet more evident still; by these following considerations, drawn from reason, observation, and experience. L Consider how different are the sins of men., ac- cording to their peculiar constitutions of flesh and blood. These maybe called the sins that easily beset us ; Heb. xii. 1. because our temper and constitution is always pre- sent with us. Those that are of a brisk and sanguine make, whose blood flows high and vigorous, how often are they tempted by the gay scenes of life, to pursue vanity, and to indulge forbidden pleasures ? Luxury and intempe- ranee are their peculiar vices : they follow after carnal mirth with eager gust, as well as with long forgetfulness of God, and of things spiritual. By this means they indulge a fatal security, and groundless presumption of long life: here, or happiness hereafter, beingever anima- ted by lively sensual fancies, appetites, and passions. On the other hand, those that have Melancholy bu, moors mingled with their natural constitution, are in- clined to sullen,vices, to an unsociable and uncharitable behaviour among men; as well as they are often tempted under the influence of these prevailing humours of the body, to despair of the mercies of God, and, upon this account to abandon all religion, Some have a greediness of desire wrought into the very frame of their natures ; and these are inclined to selfish and covetous iniquities, and often are found hard- hearted and uncompassionate to the necessities and cries of the poor. Others are sour and peevish in their native temper, having an excess of sharp juices mingled with their flesh and blood; and these are easily awakened to sudden wrath and resentment, and kindled into a flame Of sinful anger upon the first and slightest provocation. I might instance in several other qualities of the con- stitution, whereby multitudes of iniquities arise amongst men, and sufficiently discover that the flesh is a most fruitful spring of temptations, and a constant occasion of sin. 2. Consider how many particular sins we may, be inclined to, by reason, of some sudden distemper of x4
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