The application of redemption

Learn we therefore not to judge the condition of a sinner, ¹or the content of a sinful course, according to the present delights which they seem to take or the pleasing sweetness they pretend they find, in the ways of wickedness. With which they are so far deceived and their carnal and deluded hearts are so far taken aside and ravished as it were, that they think it, nay conclude it, there is neither heaven nor happiness to be compared thereunto and such a sudden glitter dazzles the eyes many times ⟨p. 328⟩times of the Lords dear ones, when they look upon the painted appearance of things, as at the present push they come presented and beautified with the trappings of pleasure and profit & ease, and honourable hearts contents Psal. 73. 2. This made Asaph's foot almost slip and turn aside from the righteous and good ways of Gods grace, while he was deceived with the present pomp of the proceedings of the wicked men. Yea he professed that not only he stumbled but many were wholly taken aside with this delusion, Psal. 73. 10. Many come hither i. e. side with the society of the wicked because full cups of water are administered to them and a confluence of outward and present comforts are cast in upon them. The cure he himself found when he went into the Sanctuary and also prescribes it unto others; namely when he beheld the end of those men, vers. 17. and those their ways what will be the end of cozening and reproaching, lying and dissembling, that is the way to judg aright of sinful proceedings, and the certain way not to be deceived by them. Look not upon the rich man as he fares deliciously every day, but look at him as he is frying and scorching in flames and herein crying Oh Father Abraham, let Lazarus dip ²but the tip of his finger to cool my scorching tongue, when he obtains not a drop of water, whereas poor Lazarus is at a feast in Abraham's bosom. Look not at Judas as plotting with the scribes and pharisees and prospering in his purpose, as pleasing himself in his project and pocketing his thirty pieces. This is but for a season but stay a while, and turn aside a little, and see how he is forced to vomit out his morsel, and in hellish horror to roar out his wretchedness, I have sinned in betraying