CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

That there are some men so resolvedly and obstinately given to damn themselves, that let what will come in the way, they will go on. Even as Balaam in his purpose to curse the people of Israel, sets forward with great resolutions, driveth on his Ass, though that speak to him (which might have been a terrible astonishment) yet for all that he pursueth his wicked design, till God stop him whether he will or no: Or as Saul was wretchedly bent to murder himself, and therefore calls upon his Armour bearer to run him through, which when he refused, he desperately falls upon his own spear, and kills himself. Thus there are thousands of persons, that do with as much obstinacy, and desperate hardness of heart, throw themselves into hell; God commands a man, To do no murder, and self-murder is rare, because the care of life, and fear of death is implanted in men, but self-destruction and self-damnation is very common; for men neither have a love to their immortal souls, nor yet a fear of eternal damnation. No wonder, if some persons are thus, when we read of an whole body of people or Nation ready to do this, Matth. 23.37. Christ doth there in a melting manner weep over Jerusalem, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets? &c. How often would I have gathered thee, and thou wouldst not? This compassionate bewailing of them, was enough to turn stones into tears, but they would not. It is not said, they understood not, they desired, but other things hindered them: No, They would not; There was a pertinacious wilful obstinacy; There are more remedies and means sufficient to have humbled them in sackcloth and ashes, but they would not. This cursed disposition was of old in them, Jer. 18.12. when the Prophet had informed them of Gods purpose to bring evil upon them, and that therefore they should return from their evil way: See what an obstinate reply they make, There is no hope, or as some render it, it's a desperate case, We will go every one in his evil ways, and after the imagination of our own hearts: So truly did the Prophet say, Hos. 13.9. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thy self. That as it is from a mans own body diseases grow, which afterwards kill him; and moths are bred in that linen, which afterwards consume it. Thus from a mans one self come those sins, which tend to his everlasting damnation.