Chapter 7: Containing a Reprehension to the Impenitent

FIRST, then it serves sharply to reprove all unrepenting sinners, whose hearts seem to be hewn out of a Rock, and are like the stony ground in the Parnble which wanted moisture. This disease

I fear is epidemical, (Jeremiah 8:6). No man repented him of his wickedness. Mens hearts are marbled into hardness, (Zechariah 7:12). They made their heart as an Adamant. They are not at all dissolved into a penitential frame. It has been a received opinion, that Witches never weep. Sure I am, such as have no grief for sin, are spiritually bewitched by Satan. We read, that when Christ came to Jerusalem, he upbraided them because they repented not, (Matthew 11:20). And may he not upbraid many now for their impenitency? Though Gods heart be broken with their sins, yet their hearts are not broken: They say as Israel, (Jeremiah 2:25). I have loved strangers, and after them will I go. The justice of God, like the Angel, stands with a drawn sword in his hand ready to strike, but sinners have not so good eyes as Balaams Ass, to see the sword. God smites on mens backs, but they smite not with Ephraim upon their thigh . It was a sad complaint the Prophet took up, (Jeremiah 5:3). you have stricken them, but they have not grieved. That sure is reprobate silver which contracts hardness in the furnace, 2 (Chronicles 28:22). In the time of his distress, did he trespass yet more against the Lord; this is that King Ahaz. An hard heart is a receptacle for Satan. As God has two places he dwells in, Heaven and an humble heart: so the Devil has two places he dwells in, Hell and an hard heart. 'Tis not falling into the water drowns, but lying in it: 'Tis not falling into sin damns, but lying in it without Repentance. Hardness of heart brings at last to searedness of conscience, 1 (Timothy 4:2). Having their conscience seared with an hot Iron. Men have silenced their consciences, and God has seared them. And now he lets them sin, and does not punish, (Isaiah 1:5). Why should I smite you any more? As a Father gives over correcting a child whom he intends to dis-inherit.