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

To pursue this, because it's the case of many men,¹ who live under the means of grace: Let us consider, What are the causes that move men thus violently to damn themselves, as if they could not do it soon enough? And

1. 1The causes that move men to damn themselves.

First, There are many, though glorying in the title of Christians, that are profanely Atheistical. They do not believe there is a God, or Heaven, or Hell;¹ they do not firmly assent to Gods Word as true. Now what good can all the preaching in the world do, though the Ministers were as so many Angels, and their voice as terrible as the sound of the trumpet at the last day; if men be Atheistical, they will not believe what any Minister preacheth. They bless themselves in their wicked ways, and will not hearken to any thing. Ahithophel did not more resolutely go hang himself, then those to damn themselves; For as faith is the great instrument, whereby the Word preached becomes effectual to salvation; so unbelief is the great stop and obex in the way. This is the door and bar to keep all off, which made the Prophet complain, Isa. 53.1. and the Apostle afterwards allegeth it, as the cause of mens destruction, Who hath believed our report? Hence Heb. 4.2. The Word did not profit the Israelites, because not mixed with faith, A Metaphor from the Physicians potion, which doth no good, because not mixed with such ingredients; This is to be worse then the devils, who believe and tremble, but thou dost neither; As long therefore as men abide in unbelief, no Ministry, no preaching will do them any good, faith is the foundation, without this there cannot be any building. But though the promises are not made good, unless we believe; yet know to thy terror that all the curses and threatenings in Gods Word will be fulfilled upon thee, whether thou believe or not.