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USE I.

Learn hence the grievous folly of those that embolden themselves in sin, on presumption of God's mercy. The truth is, the foolishness of impenitency in nothing appears more, than in the arguings by which men strengthen themselves in it: and among these, I know none more amazing, than the delusion of a false hope in mercy; notwithstanding men persist in iniquity, and refuse to return, this is that which God complains of (Psalm 50:21): these things you have done, and I kept silence: you thought that I was altogether such an one as yourself. And the Prophet urgeth it on them (Jeremiah 7:9, 10): Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, &c and come and stand, &c. and say, we are delivered to do all these abominations? As if God had no other way to show himself merciful, but by saving sinners in their sins; whereas we are told that Christ's great design is to save them from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Hence we have God using that sarcasm (Isaiah 27:4): Fury is not in me: who would set the briars and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together: and drawing up that sentence, verse 11: It is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them, will show them no favor. But men forget that God has a revenging justice to glorify in the obstinate, as well as mercy on the penitent: and while men thus nourish a vain hope, to gratify their own lusts, they lose the opportunity of mercy, and lay up treasures of wrath; than which what madness can be more pernicious?