The Serpent's Insidiousness

Paradise was made for man, yet there I see tho serpent. What marvel is it if my corruption find the serpent in my closet, on my table, in my bed, when our holy parents found him in the midst of Paradise? No sooner he is entered, but he temptcth: he can no more be idle than harmless. I do not see him at any other tree; he knew there was no danger in the rest; I see him at the tree forbidden. How true a serpent is he in every point—in his insinuation to the place, in his choice of the tree, in his assault of the woman, in his plausibleness of speech to avoid terror, in his question to move doubt, in his reply to work distrust, in his protestation of safety, in his suggestion to envy and discontent, in his promise of gain!—Bishop Hall.