Temptation to be Avoided

We must not wilfully thrust ourselves, into the mouth of danger, or draw temptations upon us. Such forwardness is not resolution, but rashness; nor is it the fruit of a well-ordered faith, but an overdaring presumption. There is no ship so tall or strongly ribbed which can be confident she shall not founder in the next storm; nor is there any man of such a confidence who, if a tempest or temptation rise up against him, can be assured that at the instant; he can call up so much reason and religion as to withstand it. Would you not judge him mad who, being come to an anchor in a safe road, should, like the dolphin, hunt the storm, and choose to ride it out at the main sea? It is no discreet religion which seeks out dangers and glories in temptations; nor is he "wise to salvation" who presents himself to that hazard which Christ hath taught us to pray against.—King