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

VII. Let us all take heed of Sinning with Presumption ; for Sin is mostly and justly the punishment of all presumptuous Wickedness. 'Tis not usually for Sins of Infirmity, that God sends this Horrendous Damnation upon a Sinner, To give him up unto Sin: 'Tis for Sins of presumption, that is to say, when men Sin, and Know that they Sin: 'Tis as we are here told, for Holding the Truth in Unrighteousness; that is to say, when men Know the Truth, and yet will Do Unrighteousness. Hence was that Supplication and Expectation, in Psal. 19.13. Keep back the Servant from presumptuous Sins; then shall I be Innocent from much Transgression. The Advice from Heaven, then to us all, is This; Do not Rebel against the Light: God will give us over to the Dark Influences of more Sin for the punishment of such Rebellion.

I Address this Advice, very particularly to you, that are Members of our Churches, in the Full Communion thereof, and Communicants at the Table of the Lord. Oh! Let all such be afraid of Living in any Open or Secret Course, of doing those Things, for which you Know, that the Wrath of God comes upon the Children of Disobedience. Be mindful of it, Sirs; You Stand in an Holy Place: For You to allow ⟨p. 47⟩your selves in any Wickedness, Known to your selves, though perhaps to no body else, 'Tis an High-handed presumption in you. If you don't Pray, both in your Families, and in your Retirements; if you are Gamesters, or Cheaters, or Fornicators, or Adulterers, or unaccountable Mispenders of your precious Time at the Tavern; You Sin with an High Hand and God will give you up to Sin with an Hard Heart; That, That shall be the punishment of your presumptuous Impiety! It may be, some will go Reeking Hot, upon the Gratifications of their Filthy Lusts, Either To or From, the Dreadful Sacrament of their Confusion at the Table of the Lord. An Horrible Thing! Ye Atheistical Wretches, I am verily persuaded, a Terrible God will Avenge Himself upon many of you, by Leaving you to some Further Sin, that shall bring you forth to be Censured, before all the Congregation; And after this, you shall be but Brands of Hell fire, though spared a while, it may be to keep Stinking and Smoking, in your Neighbourhood, for the Admonition of your Neighbours. Then, the Churches will see the Flaming Sanctity, and the Sharp-Edged Omniscience, of the Lord Jesus Christ, when you are thus Led forth among the Workers of Iniquity. Hear, Hear the Chage of God! Oh, be afraid of being Sinners in Zion; Let Fearfulness of being Hypocrites there, now fall upon your Souls.