Pillars of salt. An history of some criminals executed in this land, for capital…

IV. When the Punishment of Sin with Sin, is to be brought about, the Sinless and Spotless Providence of God, often presents unto the Sinner, those Objects, which are the Occasions and Incentives of his Falling into Sin. It was by the Spotless Providence of God, that the Golden Wedge came in the way of Achan, and that the Charming Lady came in the sight of David: And now, what needed any more to Captivate the Forsaken of the Lord? We say, 'Tis Opportunity that makes a Thief: God, in His most Spotless Providence, gives to many a Sinner, an Opportunity, to Exert the Lusts that are Nested in him; and there needs no more than such an Opportunity, for an Heart abandoned by Heaven, to conceive Sin, and bring forth Death. A man once, who did not know his own Heart, wondered when it was told him, That he should Burn Cities, and Kill People, and Brain Children; and Rip up Women with Child: Thought he▪ I am sure, I han't an Heart for to do such Barbarous, Things! Now the Prophet, that he might assure this man, of his Living to Do all these Things, only says to him, 2 King. 8 13. Thou shalt be King: q d Thou shalt have an Opportunity to do all of this; There needs no more! The Mistress of a Family, Lets what Plate is necessary, be commonly used about the House, though a Thievish Servant will Steal that Plate, ⟨p. 20⟩and Smart for doing so, God, in His most Unblemishable Providence, gives a Chenter, an Opportunity to Defraud his Neighbours: & gives a Drunkard, an Opportunity to see the Wine give its colour in the Cup: and gives a Wanton, an Opportunity to Court his Mistresses. There needs no more, to Take such a prepared Heart, as the poor Sinners is: The Sparks are no sooner struck, but the Tinder takes immediately.

IV. When the Punishment of Sin with Sin, is to be brought about, the Sinless and Spotless Providence of God, often presents unto the Sinner, those Objects, which are the Occasions and Incentives of his Falling into Sin. It was by the Spotless Providence of God, that the Golden Wedge came in the way of Achan, and that the Charming Lady came in the sight of David: And now, what needed any more to Captivate the Forsaken of the Lord? We say, 'Tis Opportunity that makes a Thief: God, in His most Spotless Providence, gives to many a Sinner, an Opportunity, to Exert the Lusts that are Nested in him; and there needs no more than such an Opportunity, for an Heart abandoned by Heaven, to conceive Sin, and bring forth Death. A man once, who did not know his own Heart, wondred when it was told him, That he should Burn Cities, and Kill People, and Brain Children; and Rip up Women with Child: Thought he I am sure, I han't an Heart for to do such Barbarous, Things! Now the Prophet, that he might assure this man, of his Living to Do all these Things, only says to him,