Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

yet carnal Men think it a cheap purchase to obtain the good things of this World, by sinful means, with the loss of his favour. This their actions declare. Prodigious folly! as if a few sparks struck out of a Flint, that can neither afford light or warmth, were more desirable than the Sun in its brightness. And how contumelious and provoking it is to God, he declares in the most moving expressions; Be astonished, O ye Heavens, ¹at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out broken cisterns that can hold no water. This immediately was charged upon the Jews, who set up Idols of jealousy, and adored them, rather than the glorious Jehovah: and in proportion, 'tis true of all sinners; for every vicious affection prefers some vain object, before his Love, and the enjoyment of his glorious presence, that is the reward of obedience.

yet carnal Men think it a cheap purchase to obtain the good things of this World, by sinful means, with the loss of his favour. This their actions declare. Prodigious folly! as if a few sparks struck out of a Flint, that can neither afford light or warmth, were more desirable than the Sun in its brightness. And how contumelious and provoking it is to God, he declares in the most moving expressions; Be astonished, O ye Heavens, ¹at this, and be horribly affraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out broken cisterns that can hold no water. This immediately was charg'd upon the Jews, who set up Idols of jealousie, and ador'd them, rather than the glorious Jehovah: and in proportion, 'tis true of all sinners; for every vicious affection prefers some vain object, before his Love, and the enjoyment of his glorious presence, that is the reward of obedience.

1. 1Jer. 2.12, 13.