The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 /

or at least they will set back the expectation of Evil at a great distance, like those profane Scorners mentioned by the Prophet, They say, the Vision he sees is for many days to come, he pro phesies of the times afar off, and with a brutish stupidity, slight the Divine Threatenings. And from hence it follows, that none are so ⟨p. 38⟩rebelliously and boldly disobedient, as the prosperous Sinner; which is the fourth thing to be considered.

or at least they will set back the expectation of Evil at a great distance, like those prophane Scorners mentioned by the Prophet, They say, the Vision he sees is for many days to come, he pro phesies of the times afar off, and with a brutish stupidity, slight the Divine Threatnings. And from hence it follows, that none are so ⟨p. 38⟩rebelliously and boldly disobedient, as the prosperous Sinner; which is the fourth thing to be considered.

(4.) Entire Obedience is due to the Supreme Lawgiver, who is able to save and destroy for ever: yet he is mercifully inclined to pardon the Infirmities of Men, and greater Sins retracted by Repentance. There are Sins of Ignorance, when a Man dashes blindfold against the Law; and of sudden surreption, when there is no time to deliberate, and for recollection; and the best are not exempted here from Sins of this nature: there are Sins of deadly malignity, when Men are careless of God's Commands, and indulge their Lusts, tho not without some remorse. But the prosperous Sinner is usually most presumptuous, ⟨p. 39⟩he sins with a high hand, and incurs a greater guilt, and shall be exposed to greater punishment. When the Fear of God is extinguished, Luxury takes the Reins, and breaks through the Hedge of the Law, without feeling the wounding Thorns, the fearful Threatenings in it; and drives on through all the degrees of Sin. 'Tis the aggravation of the Israelites Ingratitude; Jesurun waxed