A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures

And thus, in these Three Particulars we see when a Sin is presumptuous in respect of Temptations, when it is committed without Temptations, when we run into Temptations and Occasions of Sin, and when we make no vigorous opposition against them.

¹In the Fifth Place, another Trial is this; When Men will dare to sin under eminent and remarkable Judgments and Afflictions that God brings upon them, then they sin presumptuously. What is this else, but when God stands visibly in your way, yet you will desperately run upon the thick Bosses of his Buckler? he hedges up your way with thorns, and yet you will break through, though it be to the tearing of your Flesh; he strikes at you by his Judgments, and oh the Madness and Presumption of vile Dust and Ashes, that they dare to strike at God again by their Sins! what is this ⟨p. 187⟩else but even to dare God to do his worst? When God treads upon us, should such vile Worms as we are, turn the Tail, and threaten to take revenge upon the Almighty? This is Presumption and Boldness, that God takes special notice of. In 2 Chron. 28, and 22. Ahaz was brought very low, says the Text; and yet, in the time of his distress he trespassed yet more against the Lord; This is that Ahaz: God sets a Mark and Brand upon him, that he may be known to all posterity for a most daring Sinner, that when God had brought him so low, when so many Enemies waged War against him, and distressed him; yet even then he provoked a greater Enemy than them all, and challengeth God against him. This is that King Ahaz. Truly may it not be said of many among us, This, and this is that person, who, when God afflicted them, instead of humbling themselves under the mighty hand of God, grew enraged at their Sufferings, and sinned yet more and more against him. Oh, it is dreadful, when those punishments that should break and melt us, prove only to harden our hearts, and to exasperate and embitter our Spirits against ⟨p. 188⟩