Mercy magnified on a penitent prodigal, or, A brief discourse

2. For the evidence of the Doctrine that it is so, the Scripture is plain; it is the very character of wicked men, as we heard, Psal. 73. 27 They that are far from thee, shall perish. And that their prosperity emboldens them to it, the Psalmist also ascertains us, Psal. 55. 19. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. And he that observes the boldness, security, confidence, fearlessness, irreclaimableness of wicked men, especially if the providence of God smiles upon them, will easily conclude these men are far from God.

2. For the evidence of the Doctrine that it is so, the Scripture is plain; it is the very character of wicked men, as we heard, Psal. 73. 27 They that are far from thee, shall perish. And that their prosperity emboldens them to it, the Psalmist also ascertains us, Psal. 55. 19. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. And he that observes the boldness, security, confidence, fearlesness, irreclaimableness of wicked men, especially if the providence of God smiles upon them, will easily conclude these men are far from God.

Reas. 1. From the natural rebellion and enmity of the heart of man against God: Men hate God, they abhor his holiness, his Laws disrelish their carnal aims and ends, cross and ⟨p. 57⟩contradict their natural desires and concupiscences; his promises savour not with them, his threatenings irritate and provoke them: the sum is, proud and sinful man would be at the greatest possible freedom to take his own course without any control; and knowing how contrary Gods Government is to his wicked will, how opposite Gods grace is to his impiety, hence he desires to be from under it: Men cannot so quietly and securely sin whiles God is near them: The Prodigal knew that if he dwelt near his Father, he must expect to be disturbed by wholesome counsels and admonitions, and that would mar a great deal of his mirth, he should not with so much liberty and content follow his mad courses.