The true doctrine of justification asserted and vindicated, from the errors of Papists, Arminians,…The true doctrine of justification asserted and vindicated, from the errours of Papists, Arminians,…

As we see among men, a Judge many times through fear or otherwise, when Justice is obstructed, doth not call such a malefactor to an account, but deferreth it, yet for all that, the man is not acquitted; so it is often to be seen in Gods providence, There are multitudes of sinners, who after their transgressions committed, are not only without punishment, but enjoy great prosperity, and much outward success, yet these men are not pardoned, they have no acquittance from God. This hath been such a temptation to David, Jeremiah, and others of Gods people, that they have many times staggered through unbelief. But men may have their punishments deferred, their damnation may sleep or linger, but it is not taken off.

As we see among men, a Judge many times through fear or otherwise, when Justice is obstructed, doth not call such a malefactour to an account, but deferreth it, yet for all that, the man is not acquitted; so it is often to be seen in Gods providence, There are multitudes of sinners, who after their transgressions committed, are not onely without punishment, but enjoy great prosperity, and much outward successe, yet these men are not pardoned, they have no acquittance from God. This hath been such a temptation to David, Jeremiah, and others of Gods people, that they have many times staggered through unbelief. But men may have their punishments deferred, their damnation may sleep or linger, but it is not taken off.

Let not men therefore delude themselves with vain hopes, as if their sins were forgiven, because not yet punished: No, there must be some positive gracious act of God to acquit thee, else thy sins are alive to condemn thee. Examine thy self therefore whether thy peace, comfort, plenty, be a fruit of Gods forbearance merely, or of his acquittance. This later is always an act of his gracious mercy: but the other may be a terrible fruit of his hatred against thee, insomuch that thou hadst better wander up and down like Cain, fearing every thing will kill thee, or damn thee, then be in such security.

Let not men therefore delude themselves with vain hopes, as if their sins were forgiven, because not yet punished: No, there must be some positive gracious act of God to acquit thee, else thy sins are alive to condemn thee. Examine thy self therefore whether thy peace, comfort, plenty, be a fruit of Gods forbearance meerly, or of his acquittance. This later is alwayes an act of his gracious mercy: but the other may be a terrible fruit of his hatred against thee, insomuch that thou hadst better wander up and down like Cain, fearing every thing will kill thee, or damn thee, then be in such security.