Useful instructions for a professing people in times of great security and degeneracy

Doct. 5. 'Tis the great sin of a professing people, in the times of Apostasy, to cover their gross iniquity under the veil of privileges and performances. ver. 8, 9, 10. they thought if they did but come to Gods house, and perform a few Ceremonies there, offer sacrifices, &c. they might take the liberty to steal, murder, swear, and what not; thus we read of that bold and impudent woman, who had not her name for nothing. Prov. •. 14, 15.

Doct. 5. 'Tis the great sin of a professing people, in the times of Apostacy, to cover their gross iniquity under the veil of priviledges and performances. ver. 8, 9, 10. they thought if they did but come to Gods house, and perform a few Ceremonies there, offer sacrifices, &c. they might take the liberty to steal, murder, swear, and what not; thus we read of that bold and impudent woman, who had not her name for nothing. Prov. •. 14, 15.

Reas. 1. From their presumptuous trust in their privileges, as though God were bound to preserve his Temple, he hath no other habitation in the world, and therefore he will never depart from hence, his glory is involved in our preservation, and will he laugh in our ruin: if he should destroy us, his name would be routed out of the earth, and therefore there is no danger that ever we should be cut off, or cast out; this was their presumption. Mich. 3. 11. the Lord is among us, no evil can betide us, and therefore they steal, judge for reward, wrong the innocent; there is no danger.

Reas. 1. From their presumptuous trust in their priviledges, as though God were bound to preserve his Temple, he hath no other habitation in the world, and therefore he will never depart from hence, his glory is involved in our preservation, and will he laugh in our ruine: if he should destroy us, his name would be routed out of the earth, and therefore there is no danger that ever we should be cut off, or cast out; this was their presumption.