The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being…

3. When we use them only for encouragement, and not for direction We take that part of the instance such an one so sinned against God, and provoked him, and yet God was merciful, and forgave him, and by this fortify our Presumption, that there is ⟨p. 285⟩no danger, we need not be afraid, but we never enquire what they did, or in what way they found the mercy of God; and thus they are so far from being an Example, that they become a Snare to us, and instead of using them for Gods Glory, and advantage, we gratify Satan, and expose our selves to the greater hazard. Take heed then lest we be deceived; though Penitent David got a pardon, yet impenitent Sinners, have no reason to conclude from thence that they shall fare as he did.

3. When we use them only for encouragement, and not for direction We take that part of the instance such an one so sinned against God, and provoked him, and yet God was merciful, and forgave him, and by this forthy our Presumption, that there is ⟨p. 285⟩no danger, we need not be afraid, but we never enquire what they did, or in what way they found the mercy of God; and thus they are so far from being an Example, that they become a Snare to us, and instead of using them for Gods Glory, and advantage, we gratily Satan, and expose our selves to the greater hazard. Take heed then lest we be deceived; though Paenitent David got a pardon, yet impenitent Sinners, have no reason to conclude from thence that they shall fare as he did.

USE II. Let it then be to direct and help us in the right improvement of such Examples, for our benefit. Let us rightly apply them, and that both for encouragement, and direction.