The application of redemption

This shows the […] nature and the inconceivable¹ heinousness of the sin of despair, which rusheth the §3sinner upon irrecoverable ruin, and would seem to overcome the mercy of God, wherein he overcomes himself, lays a mans present comforts and future hopes wast at once, beyond the reach of any relief or recovery, puts the soul beyond the sight and expectation of any succour and supply that might support it in the least measure. That look as when the Ship runs a ground, or splits upon a Rock near shore, or within the sight of land, there is yet a possibility, that some help may come from the Coast to them, or they at least may be wafted to land, and so swim out; but when the Vessel is now carried into the main Ocean, that it should then founder in the waves, or be overwhelmed in the midst of the Sea, they are wholly without sight of land, or least hope of any relief, there is no eye to […] them in their misery, and therefore none to pity them, nor any hand to help them, or any means within the ken of Providence for them to conceive they might expect deliverance; So it is with this in Comparison of all other sins (the unpardonable one excepted) what ever other […] surprise the soul, what ever the nature, or number, or heinousness ⟨p. 30⟩be, heightened with all circumstances that may attend, as long as the soul can look out to the infiniteness of Gods Mercy and free Grace, the invaluable efficacy and virtue of the Merits of the Lord Christ, his death and obedience, a man is within sight of Land, when the Ship is split he may swim to shore. Look unto me all ye ends of the Earth, and be ye saved, says the Lord, Isa. 45. 22. there is yet hope in Israel touching this thing; for it is a true saying, and worthy of all acceptation, That Christ came to save sinners, whereof I am chief, says Paul, 1 Tim. 1. 16. And as the Heaven is high above the Earth, so are the thoughts of God above our thoughts, Isa. 55. But this sin of despair sinks a mans heart and comforts as a stone flung into the midst of the Sea, carries a man beyond the ken and compass of the boundless favour and compassions of the Lord. To go no further than the Doctrine delivered, the malignity of this evil herein discovers it self, as that which brings the greatest dishonour to God, and irrecoverable danger to the soul.