Use 1
USE I.
For information in two particulars.
1. See here the atheism of all such as are bold to sin, because they think that God regards them not. For the Heathen, that know not God, thus to do, is not so much to be wondered at; and yet even some of them will rise up in judgment against us, if we do thus: but for those that are taken so near to God, as all they are that are in his Church to be guilty of this, is an astonishing thing. Whether there be any among us that dare to say it in words, may be questioned; but there are too many whose practices declare them to be directed by these false principles, this is too evident. And indeed, that is the root of all wickedness that is committed among professors: God himself acquaints us, that hence sprang all the impiety and wickedness of the men of Judah (Ezekiel 8:12). They say God sees not; it may be they did not say it any otherwise but in their hearts? And truly this is little if any thing better than what the fool says, namely, There is no God (Psalm 14:1). Would those that are of the holy seed perpetrate such abominations as they do? Would they that have the name of God called upon them, and that are under the obligations of the Gospel-Covenant, live like Heathen that know not God? Would they drive a trade of sin and vanity, were they indeed persuaded that they are under the watchful eye of the great God, which is making daily remarks upon what they do, and taking a most distinct account of all their actions? Surely it could not be. If they thought that the flaming eye of his jealousy were looking intently upon them, it would make them afraid of doing such things as they do.
3. Learn hence also the unspeakable folly of hypocrisy. Such as make a high profession, and pretend to be flourishing trees in the Vineyard; but mean while think to put God off with leaves instead of fruit; or fruits which though they seem fair to the eyes of men, are yet rotten at the core: do such men think to impose upon him? No, they deceive their own souls, but God is not to be mocked, he looks too curiously to be made to take a tree that is only full of leaves, for one that is full of fruit. It is fruit that he is seeking for, and he will discern whether there be any there or no: and he knows how to distinguish good fruit from bad. His Vineyard brought forth grapes, but what then? Possibly they were fair to look upon, but they were indeed sour and wild, and he discovered it, and thereupon condemned it, as if it had born nothing at all. Men may do a great many things that are like obedience for the matter of them. But if they have not the right principle: are not the product of saving grace in the soul, God's curious eye will discover the difference, and what profit will they yield when he shall reject them, and profess that he takes no pleasure in them?
