The unsearchable riches of Christ, and of grace and glory in and through [sic]…The unsearchable riches of Christ, and of grace and glory in and thorow [sic]…

We shall first propose Six Observations from the words, and then apply them. First then Observe, that Sin against God i• an exceeding great folly: It's the foolish h st and maddest thing in the world: Therefore it is here called Folly, to wit, in an eminent way and degree: It's that which doth most, yea that which doth in effect, Only, mar and interrupt Saints peace: that which Vers. 2. Is called iniquity, which he so graciously pardoned, is here called Folly, because of the folly and madness that is in sin: and i• is on this ground and account, that the sinner is so often called a Fool, and Simple in the Book of Proverbs; and Ephes 5. The Apostle exhorts Christians, to walk not as Fools but as wise; and Luk. 15. The Prodigal is said, when converted, to come to himself, as if he had been in a distraction and beside himself, all the while he was going on in his sinful way. This may be further clear; if we ⟨p. 156⟩look, First, To the vanity of the matter wherein men sin; is it not folly for a man to sit tippling and debauching away his time, to be given to Harlotry and filthiness, to neglect Prayer, to Curse and Swear, to let his mind rove upon things that never were nor will be, and wherein there is no profit? There is a great vanity in the matter of sin. Secondly, If we look to the sad effects, and bitter fruits of sin; and to the great prejudice that comes by it; It will be found to be desperate Madness and dear bought pleasure, which is but fancied and Imaginary, and no real Pleasure: It mars the life of Grace & of peace with God, and treasures up Wrath against the day of Wrath; See this verified eminently in Ahithophel, that Prodigy of profound Policy (Whose counsel, in those days, with David and Absalom was, as, if one had enquired at the Oracle of God.) The upshot of whose deep wit was rank folly, when he went and hanged himself: See it also convincingly made good, in the rich Man in the Gospel, To whom it's sadly and surprisingly said, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be taken from thee, and whose then shall those things be? And what advantage or wisdom is it. I pray, for a man to gain the whole World, if he lose his own Soul? O Madly foolish bargain! Thirdly, If we look to sin with a Spiritual eye, we will see folly in the very appearance and manner of it;