men naturally are god's enemies

8/12/2019 Men Naturally Are God's Enemies

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MEN NATURALLY ARE GOD'S ENEMIES

August 1736

byJonathan Edwards

Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.


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Contents

Contents...........................................................................................................................................2Introduction......................................................................................................................................3SECTIO I......................................................................................................................................5

SECTIO II.....................................................................................................................................!SECTIO III..................................................................................................................................11SECTIO I".................................................................................................................................1#SECTIO "...................................................................................................................................1$SECTIO "I.................................................................................................................................22SECTIO "II................................................................................................................................26SECTIO "III...............................................................................................................................30SECTIO I%.................................................................................................................................32


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IntroductionT&e a'ost(e) *rom t&e +eginning o* t&e e'ist(e) to t&e +eginning o* t&is c&a'ter) &ad insisted ont&e doctrine o* ,usti*ication +- *ait& a(one. In t&is c&a'ter &e goes on to consider t&e +ene*its t&atare conse uent on ,usti*ication) /i . eace it& od) 'resent &a''iness) and &o'e o* g(or-. eace

it& od is mentioned in t&e *irst /erse) T&ere*ore +eing ,usti*ied +- *ait&) e &a/e 'eace it&od) t&roug& our 4ord esus C&rist. In t&e *o((o ing /erses &e s'ea s o* 'resent +(essedness)

and &o'e o* g(or-) - &om a(so e &a/e access +- *ait& into t&is grace) &erein e stand) andre,oice in &o'e o* t&e g(or- o* od. And concerning t&is +ene*it) t&e &o'e o* g(or-) t&e a'ost(e

'articu(ar(- ta es notice o* t o t&ings) /i . t&e +(essed nature o* t&is &o'e) and t&e sure ground o*it.

I. 8e insists on t&e +(essed nature o* t&is &o'e) in t&at in ena+(es us to g(or- in tri+u(ations. T&ise9ce((ent nature o* true C&ristian &o'e is descri+ed in t&e *o((o ing ords /erses 3;5s +(ood. ?or &i(e e ere it&out strengt&) in due time C&rist died*or us= e/en &i(e e ere ungod(- and sinners) enemies to od and C&rist See /erses 6;10


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T&e gi/ing o* C&rist to die *or us is &ere s'o en o* as a muc& greater t&ing) t&an t&e actua( +esto ment o* (i*e= +ecause t&is is a(( t&at &as an- di**icu(t- in it. @&en od did t&is *or us) &edid it *or us as sinners and enemies. ut in actua((- +esto ing sa(/ation on us a*ter e are

,usti*ied) e are not (oo ed u'on as sinners) +ut as 'er*ect(- rig&teous 'ersons. 8e +e&o(ds noini uit- in us. @e are no more enemies) +ut reconci(ed. @&en od ga/e C&rist to die *or t&e

e(ect) &e (oo ed on t&em as t&e- are in t&emse(/es= +ut in actua((- +esto ing eterna( (i*e) &e(oo s on t&em as t&e- are in C&rist.

T&ere are t&ree e'it&ets used in t&e te9t and conte9t) as a''ertaining to sinners as t&e- are int&emse(/es) /erse 6;!.

T&e- are it&out strengt&) t&e- cannot &e(' t&emse(/es. T&e- are ungod(- or sinners) and t&e-are enemies. As in t&e te9t. AT RA4 BE ARE O >S E EBIES.

od) t&oug& t&e Creator o* a(( t&ings) -et &as some enemies in t&e or(d. Ben in genera( i((o n t&at t&e- are sinners. T&ere are *e ) i* an-) &ose consciences are so +(inded as not to +esensi+(e Dt&at t&e- &a/e +een gui(t- o* sin. And most sinners i(( o n t&at t&e- &a/e +ad &earts.T&e- i(( o n t&at t&e- do not (o/e od so muc& as t&e- s&ou(d do= t&at t&e- are not so t&an *u(as t&e- oug&t to +e *or mercies= and t&at in man- t&ings t&e- *ai(. And -et *e o* t&em aresensi+(e t&at t&e- are od>s enemies. T&e- do not see &o t&e- can +e tru(- so ca((ed= *or t&e-are not sensi+(e t&at t&e- is& od an- &urt) or endea/or to do &im an-.

ut e see t&at t&e Scri'ture s'ea s o* t&em as enemies to od. So in our te9t) and e(se &ere)And -ou t&at ere sometime a(ienated) and enemies in -our minds +- ic ed or s) Co(. 1:21.T&e carna( mind is enmit- against od) Rom. !:7. And t&at a(( natura( or unregenerate men areindeed suc&) is &at I s&a(( endea/or no 'articu(ar(- to s&o . @&ic& I 'ro'ose to do in t&e*o((o ing met&od. articu(ar(- In &at res'ects t&e- are enemies to od To &o great a degreet&e- are enemies And &- t&e- are enemies. T&en I s&a(( ans er some o+,ections.


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SECTION I In what respects natural men are Gods enemies.

1. T&eir enmit- a''ears in t&eir ,udgments) t&eir natura( re(is&) t&eir i((s) a**ections) and 'ractice. T&e- &a/e a /er- mean esteem o* od. Ben are read- to entertain a good esteem o*t&ose it& &om t&e- are *riends. T&e- are a't to t&in &ig&(- o* t&eir ua(ities) to gi/e t&emt&eir due 'raises= and i* t&ere +e de*ects) to co/er t&em. ut o* t&ose to &om t&e- are enemies)t&e- are dis'osed to &a/e mean t&oug&ts. T&e- are a't to entertain a dis&onora+(e o'inion o*t&em. T&e- i(( +e read- to (oo contem'ti+(- u'on an-t&ing t&at is 'raise ort&- in t&em.

So it is it& natura( men to ards od. T&e- entertain /er- (o and contem'ti+(e t&oug&ts o*od. @&ate/er &onor and res'ect t&e- ma- 'retend) and ma e a s&o o* to ards od) i* t&eir

'ractice +e e9amined) it i(( s&o ) t&at t&e- certain(- (oo u'on &im as a eing t&at is +ut (itt(eto +e regarded. T&e (anguage o* t&eir &earts is) @&o is t&e 4ord) t&at I s&ou(d o+e- &is /oiceFE9o. 5:2. @&at is t&e A(mig&t-) t&at e s&ou(d ser/e &imF and &at 'ro*it s&ou(d e &a/e i* e

'ra- unto &imF o+ 21:15. T&e- count &im ort&- neit&er to +e (o/ed nor *eared. T&e- dare not

+e&a/e it& t&at s(ig&t and disregard to ards one o* t&eir *e((o ;creatures) &en a (itt(e raiseda+o/e t&em in 'o er and aut&orit-) as t&e- dare) and do) to ards od. T&e- /a(ue one o* t&eire ua(s muc& more t&an od) and are ten times more a*raid o* o**ending suc&) t&an o* dis'(easingt&e od t&at made t&em. T&e- cast suc& e9ceeding contem't on od) as to 're*er e/er- /i(e (ust

+e*ore &im. And e/er- or(d(- en,o-ment is set &ig&er in t&eir esteem t&an od. A morse( o*meat) or a *e 'ence o* or(d(- gain) is 're*erred +e*ore &im. od is set (ast and (o est in t&eesteem o* natura( men.

2. T&e- are enemies in t&e natura( re(is& o* t&eir sou(s. T&e- &a/e an in+red distaste and disre(is&o* od>s 'er*ections. od is not suc& a +eing as t&e- ou(d &a/e. T&oug& t&e- are ignorant o*

od= -et *rom &at t&e- &ear t&e- o* &im) and *rom &at is mani*est +- t&e (ig&t o* nature) t&e-

do not (i e &im. - &is +eing endo ed it& suc& attri+utes as &e is) t&e- &a/e an a/ersion to&im. T&e- &ear od is an in*inite(- &o(-) 'ure) and rig&teous eing) and t&e- do not (i e &imu'on t&is account= t&e- &a/e no re(is& o* suc& ua(i*ications. T&e- ta e no de(ig&t incontem'(ating t&em. It ou(d +e a mere tas ) a +ondage to a natura( man) to +e o+(iged to set&imse(* to contem'(ate t&ose attri+utes o* od. T&e- see no manner o* +eaut- or (o/e(iness) nortaste an- s eetness) in t&em. And on account o* t&eir distaste o* t&ese 'er*ections) t&e- dis(i ea(( &is ot&er attri+utes. T&e- &a/e greater a/ersion to &im +ecause &e is omniscient and no s a((t&ings= and +ecause &is omniscience is a &o(- omniscience. T&e- are not '(eased t&at &e isomni'otent) and can do &ate/er &e '(eases= +ecause it is a &o(- omni'otence. T&e- are enemiese/en to &is merc-) +ecause it is a &o(- merc-. T&e- do not (i e &is immuta+i(it-) +ecause +- t&is&e ne/er i(( +e ot&er ise t&an &e is) an in*inite(- &o(- od.

It is *rom t&is disre(is& t&at natura( men &a/e o* t&e attri+utes o* od) t&at t&e- do not (o/e to&a/e muc& to do it& od. T&e natura( tendenc- o* t&e &eart o* man is to *(- *rom od) and ee'at a distance *rom &im) as *ar o** as 'ossi+(e. A natura( man is a/erse to communion it& od)and is natura((- disinc(ined to t&ose e9ercises o* re(igion) &erein &e &as immediate(- to do it&&im. It is said o* ic ed men) sa. 10:#) od is not in a(( t&eir t&oug&ts. It is e/ident) t&at t&emind o* man is natura((- a/erse to t&in ing a+out od. And &ence i* an- t&oug&ts o* &im +esuggested to t&e mind) t&e- soon go a a-. Suc& t&oug&ts are not a't to rest in t&e minds o*


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natura( men. I* an-t&ing is said to t&em o* od) t&e- are a't to *orget it. It is (i e seed t&at *a((su'on t&e &ard 'at&) t&e *o (s o* t&e air soon ta e it a a-: or (i e seed t&at *a((s u'on a roc .Ot&er t&ings i(( stic = +ut di/ine t&ings re+ound. And i* t&e- ere cast into t&e mind) t&e- meet

it& t&at t&ere &ic& soon t&rusts t&em out again. T&e- meet it& no suita+(e entertainment) +utare soon c&ased a a-.

8ence a(so it is) t&at natura( men are it& di**icu(t- 'ersuaded to +e constant in t&e dut- o* secret 'ra-er. T&e- ou(d not +e so a/erse to s'ending a uarter o* an &our) nig&t and morning) insome +odi(- (a+or= +ut it is +ecause t&e- are a/erse to a or ) &erein t&e- &a/e so immediate(-to do it& od= and t&e- natura((- (o/e to ee' at a distance *rom &im.

3. T&eir i((s are contrar- to &is i((. od>s i(( and t&eirs are e9ceeding cross t&e one to t&eot&er. od i((s t&ose t&ings t&at t&e- &ate) and are most a/erse to= and t&e- i(( t&ose t&ingst&at od &ates. 8ence t&e- o''ose od in t&eir i((s. T&ere is a dread*u() /io(ent) and o+stinateo''osition) o* t&e i(( o* natura( men to t&e i(( o* od.

T&e- are /er- o''osite to t&e commands o* od. It is *rom t&e enmit- o* t&e i(( Rom. !:7s go/ernment. T&e- are not (o-a( su+,ects) +ut enemies to od) considered as4ord o* t&e or(d. T&e- are entire enemies to od>s aut&orit-.

#. T&e- are enemies to od in t&eir a**ections. T&ere is in e/er- natura( man a seed o* ma(iceagainst od. And it o*ten dread*u((- +rea s *ort&. T&oug& it ma- in great measure (ie &id insecure times) &en od (ets men a(one) and t&e- meet it& no great distur+ance o* +od- ormind= -et) i* od does +ut touc& men in t&eir consciences) +- mani*esting to t&em a (itt(e o* &is

rat& *or t&eir sins) t&is o*tentimes +rings out t&e 'rinci'(e o* ma(ice against &im. T&is ise9ercised in dread*u( &eart;risings) in ard rang(ings and uarre(ings) and +(as'&emoust&oug&ts= &erein t&e &eart is (i e a /i'er) &issing and s'itting 'oison at od. And &o e/er *ree

*rom it t&e &eart ma- seem to +e) &en (et a(one and secure) -et a /er- (itt(e t&ing i(( set it in arage. Tem'tations i(( s&o &at is in t&e &eart. T&e a(teration o* a man>s circumstances i((o*ten disco/er t&e &eart. &arao& &ad no more natura( enmit- against od t&an ot&er men= and i*ot&er natura( men &ad +een in &arao&>s circumstances) t&e same corru'tions ou(d &a/e 'ut*ort& t&emse(/es in as dread*u( a manner. T&e scri+es and &arisees &ad natura((- no morema(ice in t&eir &earts against C&rist t&an ot&er men) and ot&er natura( men ou(d) in t&eir case)and &a/ing as (itt(e restraint) e9ercise as muc& ma(ice against C&rist as t&e- did. @&en ic edmen come to +e cast into &e(() t&en t&eir ma(ice against od i(( a''ear. T&en t&eir &earts i((a''ear as *u(( o* ma(ice) as &e(( is *u(( o* *ire. ut &en ic ed men come to +e in &e(() t&ere i((

+e no ne corru'tions 'ut into t&eir &eart= +ut on(- o(d ones i(( t&en +rea *ort& it&outrestraint. T&at is a(( t&e di**erence +et een a ic ed man on eart&) and a ic ed man in &e(() t&at

in &e(( t&ere i(( +e more to stir u' t&e e9ercise o* corru'tion) and (ess to restrain it) t&an oneart&. ut t&ere i(( +e no ne corru'tion 'ut in. A ic ed man i(( &a/e no 'rinci'(e o*corru'tion in &e(() +ut &at &e carried to &e(( it& &im. T&ere are no t&e seeds o* a(( t&e ma(icet&at i(( +e e9ercised t&en. T&e ma(ice o* damned s'irits is +ut a +ranc& o* t&e root t&at is in t&e&earts o* natura( men no . A natura( man &as a &eart (i e t&e &eart o* a de/i(= on(- corru'tion ismore under restraint in man t&an in de/i(s.


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5. T&e- are enemies in t&eir 'ractice. T&e- a( contrar- to &im. In t&eir enmit- against od)t&e- are e9ceeding acti/e. T&e- are engaged in ar against od. Indeed t&e- cannot in,ure odD*or &e is so muc& a+o/e t&em= +ut -et t&e- do &at t&e- can. T&e- o''ose t&emse(/es to &is&onor and g(or-. T&e- o''ose t&emse(/es to t&e interest o* &is ingdom in t&e or(d. T&e-o''ose t&emse(/es to t&e i(( and command o* od. And Dt&e- o''ose &im in &is go/ernment.

T&e- o''ose od in &is or s) and in &is dec(ared designs= &i(e &e is doing one or ) t&e- aredoing t&e contrar-. od see s one t&ing) and t&e- see direct(- t&e contrar-. T&e- (ist underSatan>s +anner) and are &is i((ing so(diers in o''osing t&e ingdom o* od.


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SECTION IIThe degree of mens natural enmity to God.

I no 'roceed to sa- somet&ing it& res'ect to t&e degree o* t&is enmit-: tending in somemeasure to s&o ) &o great enemies to od are natura( men.

1. T&e- &a/e no (o/e to od= t&eir enmit- is mere enmit- it&out an- mi9ture o* (o/e. A natura(man is &o((- destitute o* an- 'rinci'(e o* (o/e to od) and t&ere*ore ne/er &ad t&e (east e9erciseo* t&is (o/e. Some natura( men &a/e +etter tem'ers t&an ot&ers= and some are +etter educatedt&an ot&ers= and some (i/e a great dea( more so+er(- t&an ot&ers. ut one &as no more (o/e to

od t&an anot&er= *or none &a/e t&e (east s'ar o* t&at. T&e &eart o* a natura( man is as destituteo* (o/e to od) as a dead) sti**) co(d cor'se is o* /ita( &eat. o&n 5:#2) I no -ou) t&at -e &a/enot t&e (o/e o* od in -ou.

2. E/er- *acu(t- and 'rinci'(e o* action is &o((- under t&e dominion o* enmit- against od. T&enature o* man is &o((- in*ected it& t&is enmit- against od. 8e is tainted it& it t&roug&out)

in a(( &is *acu(ties and 'rinci'(es. And not on(- so) +ut e/er- *acu(t- is entire(- and 'er*ect(-su+dued under it) and ens(a/ed to it. T&is enmit- against od) &as t&e a+so(ute 'ossession o* t&eman. T&e a'ost(e au() s'ea ing o* &at &e as natura((-) sa-s) Rom. 7:1#) I am carna() so(dunder sin.

T&e understanding is under t&e reigning 'o er o* t&is enmit- against od) so t&at it is entire(-dar ened and +(inded it& regard to t&e g(or- and e9ce((enc- o* od. T&e i(( is &o((- undert&e reigning 'o er o* it. A(( t&e a**ections are go/erned +- enmit- against od. T&ere is not onea**ection) nor one desire) t&at a natura( man &as) or t&at &e is e/er stirred u' to act *rom) +ut &atcontains in it enmit- against od. A natura( man is as *u(( o* enmit- against od) as an- /i'er) oran- /enomous +east) is *u(( o* 'oison.

3. T&e 'o er o* t&e enmit- o* natura( men against od) is so great) t&at it is insu'era+(e +- an-*inite 'o er. It &as too great and strong a 'ossession o* t&e &eart) to +e o/ercome +- an- created

'o er. Indeed) a natura( man ne/er sincere(- stri/es to root out &is enmit- against od. 8isendea/ors are &-'ocritica(. 8e de(ig&ts in &is enmit-) and c&ooses it. eit&er can ot&ers do it)t&oug& t&e- sincere(-) and to t&eir utmost) endea/or to o/ercome t&is enmit-. I* god(- *riendsand neig&+ors (a+or to 'ersuade t&em to cast a a- t&eir enmit-) and +ecome *riends to od) t&e-cannot 'ersuade t&em to it. T&oug& ministers use ne/er so man- arguments and entreaties) andset *ort& t&e (o/e(iness o* od= te(( t&em o* t&e goodness o* od to t&em) &o(d *ort& odGs o ngracious in/itations) and entreat t&em ne/er so earnest(- to cast o** t&eir o''osition) and +ereconci(ed= -et t&e- cannot o/ercome it. Sti(( t&e- i(( +e as +ad enemies to od) as e/er t&e-

ere. T&e tongue o* men or o* ange(s cannot 'ersuade t&em to re(in uis& t&eir o''osition tood. Birac(es i(( not do it. 8o man- mirac(es did t&e c&i(dren o* Israe( see in t&e i(dernessHet t&eir enmit- against od remained= as a''eared +- t&eir o*ten murmuring. And &o o*ten

did C&rist use mirac(es to t&is end it&out e**ect) +ut t&e e s o+stinate(- stood out. Bat. 23:37)O erusa(em) erusa(em) t&ou t&at i((est t&e 'ro'&ets) and stonest t&em &ic& are sent unto t&ee)&o o*ten ou(d I &a/e gat&ered t&- c&i(dren toget&er) e/en as a &en gat&eret& &er c&ic ensunder &er ings) and -e ou(d not. And &o great did t&e enmit- o* t&ese 'eo'(e a''ear to +ea*ter a((= &o s'ite*u( and /enomous ere t&eir &earts to ards C&rist) as a''ears +- t&eir crue(treatment o* &im) in &is (ast su**eringsH


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#.. T&e- are morta( enemies to od= i.e. t&e- &a/e t&at enmit- in t&eir &earts) t&at stri es at t&e(i*e o* od. A man ma-+e no *riend to anot&er) and ma- &a/e an i(( s'irit to ards &im= and -etnot +e &is morta( enem-. 8is enmit- i(( +e satis*ied it& somet&ing s&ort o* t&e deat& o* t&e

'erson. ut it is not so it& natura( men) it& res'ect to od. T&e- are morta( enemies. T&eirim+eci(it- is no argument t&at t&is is not t&e tendenc- o* t&e 'rinci'(e.

atura( men are enemies to t&e dominion o* od= and t&eir nature s&o s t&eir good; i(( todet&rone &im i* t&e- cou(dH ea) t&e- are enemies to t&e +eing o* od) and ou(d +e g(ad i*t&ere as no od. And t&ere*ore it necessari(- *o((o s) t&at t&e- ou(d cause t&at t&ere s&ou(d

+e none) i* t&e- cou(d. sa. 1#:1) T&e *oo( &at& said in &is &eart) T&ere is no od. T&is im'(ies)not on(- an a'tness to uestion t&e +eing o* od= +ut) t&at &e inc(ines it s&ou(d +e so. 8is &eartsa-s) i.e. &is inc(ination sa-s. T&e ords in t&e origina( are) T&e *oo( &at& said in &is &eart) o

od. T&at is) I ou(d &a/e none) I do not desire an-) I is& t&ere as none= t&at ou(d suit m-inc(ination +est. 4et t&e or(d +e em'tied o* a od) &e stands in m- a-. And &ence &e is anat&eist in &is &eart.

T&e /i'erGs 'oison is dead(- 'oison= and &en &e +ites &e see s t&e 'recious (i*e. And men are int&is res'ect a generation o* /i'ers. T&eir 'oison) &ic& is enmit- against od) see s t&e (i*e o*

od. Bat. 3:7) O generation o* /i'ers. sa. 5!:3;#) T&e ic ed are estranged *rom t&e om+T&eir 'oison is (i e t&e 'oison o* a ser'ent. eu. 32:32;33) ?or t&eir /ine is t&e /ine o* Sodom)and o* t&e *ie(ds o* omorra&: t&eir gra'es are t&e gra'es o* ga(() t&eir c(usters are +itter. T&eir/ine is t&e 'oison o* dragons) and t&e crue( /enom o* as's. T&e di/ine nature +eing immorta()and in*inite(- out o* our reac&) t&ere is no ot&er tria( 'ossi+(e) &et&er t&e enmit- t&at isnatura((- in t&e &eart against od) +e morta( or no) +ut on(- *or od to ta e on &im t&e &umannature) and +ecome man= so as to come it&in man>s reac&. T&ere can +e no ot&er e9'eriment.And &at &as +een t&e e/entF @&-) &en once od +ecame man) and came do n to d e(( &ere)among suc& /i'ers as *a((en men) t&e- &ated and 'ersecuted &im= and ne/er desisted ti(( t&e- &adim+rued t&eir &ands in &is +(ood. T&ere as a mu(titude o* t&em t&at a''eared com+ined in t&isdesign. ot&ing ou(d do) +ut &e must +e 'ut to deat&. A(( cr- out) Cruci*- &im) cruci*- &im.A a- it& &im. T&e- &ad rat&er ara++as &o great(- deser/ed deat&) s&ou(d (i/e) t&an &es&ou(d not die. ot&ing ou(d restrain t&em *rom it= e/en a(( &is 'reac&ing) and a(( &is mirac(es.

ut t&e- ou(d i(( &im. And it as not t&e ordinar- ind o* e9ecution t&at ou(d satis*- t&em= +ut it must +e t&e most crue( and most ignominious t&e- 'ossi+(- cou(d in/ent. And t&e-aggra/ated it as muc& as t&e- cou(d) +- moc ing &im) and s'itting on &im) and scourging &im.T&is s&o s &at t&e nature and tendenc- o* man>s enmit- against od is= &ere it a' 'eared in itstrue co(ors.

5. atura( men are greater enemies to od t&an t&e- are to anot&er +eing &atsoe/er. atura(men ma- +e /er- great enemies to t&eir *e((o ;creatures= +ut not so great as t&e- are to od.T&ere is no ot&er +eing t&at so muc& stands in sinners a-) in t&ose t&ings t&at t&e- c&ie*(- sett&eir &earts u'on) as od. Ben are ont to &ate t&eir enemies in 'ro'ortion to t o t&ings) /i .t&eir o''osition to &at t&e- (oo u'on to +e t&eir interest) and t&eir 'o er and a+i(it-. A greatand 'o er*u( enem- i(( +e more &ated) t&an one &o is ea and im'otent. ut none is so

'o er*u( as od.

BanGs enmit- to ot&ers ma- +e got o/er. Time ma- ear it out) and t&e- ma- +e reconci(ed. utnatura( men) it&out a mig&t- or o* od to c&ange t&eir &earts) i(( ne/er get o/er t&eir


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enmit- against od. T&e- are greater enemies to od t&an t&e- are to t&e de/i(. ea) t&e- treatt&e de/i( as t&eir *riend and master) and ,oin it& &im against od. o&n !:##) e are o* -our*at&er t&e de/i() and t&e (usts o* -our *at&er -e i(( do: &e as a murderer *rom t&e +eginning.


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t&e or(d. And t&e a'ost(e ames o+ser/es t&at a man must necessari(- +e t&e enem- o* t&e trueod) i* &e +e a *riend o* t&e or(d. @&osoe/er t&ere*ore i(( +e a *riend o* t&e or(d) is t&e

enem- o* od) am. #:#.

A(( t&e sin t&at men commit) is &at t&e- do in t&e ser/ice o* t&eir ido(s. T&ere is no one act o*

sin) +ut &at is an act o* ser/ice to some *a(se god. And t&ere*ore &erein soe/er od o''osessin in t&em) &e is o''osite to t&eir ors&i' o* t&eir ido(s. On &ic& account t&e- are &is enemies.od o''oses t&em in t&eir ser/ice o* t&eir ido(s) in t&e *o((o ing res'ects:

1. 8e mani*ests &is utter a+&orrence o* t&eir attac&ment to t&eir ido(s. T&eir ido(s are &at t&e-(o/e a+o/e a(( t&ings: t&e- ou(d +- no means 'art it& t&em. T&is ic edness is s eet untot&em. o+ 20:12. I* -ou ta e t&em a a-) &at &a/e t&e- moreF I* t&e- (ose t&eir ido(s) t&e- (oset&eir a((. To rend a a- t&eir ido(s *rom t&em) ou(d +e more grie/ous to t&em) t&an to rend +od-and sou( asunder. It is (i e rending t&eir &eart in t ain. T&e- (o/e t&eir ido(atr-. ut od doesnot a''ro/e o* it) +ut e9ceeding(- &ates it. 8e i(( +- no means +e reconci(ed to it= and t&ere*oret&e- &ate &im. od dec(ares an in*inite &atred o* e/er- act t&e- do) in t&e ser/ice o* t&eir *a(segods. 8e dec(ares &imse(* to +e a &o(- and a ,ea(ous od= a od &o is /er- ,ea(ous o* &is o n&onor= and t&at great(- a+&ors gi/ing t&at &onor to anot&er.

2. 8e utter(- *or+ids t&eir c(ea/ing to t&ose ido(s) and a(( t&e ser/ice t&at t&e- do to t&em. 8e noton(- s&o s t&at &e dis(i es it) +ut &e utter(- *or+ids it= and demands t&at t&e- s&ou(d ors&i'&im= ser/e &im on(-) and gi/e t&eir &earts &o((- to &im: it&out to(erating an- com'etitor. 8ea((o s t&em to ser/e t&eir ido(s in no degree= +ut re uires t&em to cast t&em a a- utter(- and 'a-no more ors&i' to t&em) at an- time. 8e re uires a *ina( 'arting it& t&eir ido(s. ot on(- t&att&e- s&ou(d re*rain *rom t&em *or a &i(e) +ut cast t&em a a- *ore/er= and ne/er grati*- t&eirido(atrous res'ect to t&em an- more. T&is is so e9ceeding contrar- to t&em) and &at t&e- are soa/erse to) t&at t&e- are enemies to od *or it. T&e- cannot endure od>s commands) +ecauset&e- *or+id a(( t&at in &ic& t&eir &earts are so engaged. And as t&e- &ate od>s commands) sot&e- &ate 8im &ose commands t&e- are.

3. 8e t&reatens t&em it& e/er(asting damnation *or t&eir ser/ice o* t&eir ido(s. 8e t&reatenst&em *or t&eir 'ast ido(atr-. 8e t&reatens t&em it& &is eterna( rat&) *or t&eir &a/ing de'arted*rom &im) and t&eir &a/ing c&osen to t&emse(/es ot&er gods. 8e t&reatens t&em *or t&atdis'osition t&e- &a/e in t&eir &earts to c(ea/e to ot&er gods. 8e t&reatens t&e (east degrees o* t&atres'ect &ic& t&e- &a/e in t&eir &earts to t&eir ido(s. 8e mani*ests t&at &e i(( not to(erate an-regard to t&em) +ut &as *i9ed eterna( deat&) as t&e ages o* e/er- degree o* it. And &e i(( notre(ease t&em *rom t&eir gui(t= &e &o(ds t&em to t&eir o+(igations= and &e i(( acce't o* noatonement t&at t&e- can ma e. 8e i(( not *orgi/e t&em *or &ate/er t&e- do in re(igion=

&ate/er 'ains t&e- ta e= &ate/er tears t&e- s&ed. 8e i(( acce't o* no mone- or 'rice t&at t&e-

&a/e to o**er.

And &e t&reatens e/er- *uture act o* t&eir ido(atr-. 8e not on(- *or+ids t&em e/er to +e gui(t- o*t&e (east act) +ut *or+ids t&em on 'ain o* eterna( damnation. So strict(- does od 'ro&i+it t&em*rom t&e ser/ice o* t&eir +e(o/ed ido(sH 8e t&reatens t&em it& e/er(asting rat& *or a(( e9erciseso* inordinate (o/e o* or(d(- 'ro*it= *or a(( mani*estations o* inordinate regard to or(d(-

'(easures) or or(d(- &onors. 8e t&reatens t&em it& e/er(asting torments *or t&eir se(*;


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e9a(tations. 8e re uires t&em to den- and renounce t&emse(/es) and to a+ase t&emse(/es at &is*eet) on 'ain o* +earing &is rat& to a(( eternit-.

T&e strictness o* od>s (a is a 'rinci'a( cause o* man>s enmit- against od. I* od ere onet&at did not so muc& &ate sin= i* &e ou(d a((o t&em in t&e grati*ication o* t&eir (usts in some

degree) and &is t&reatenings ere not so a *u( against a(( crimina( indu(gence= i* &is t&reateningsere not so a+so(ute= i* &is dis'(easure cou(d +e a''eased +- a *e tears) a (itt(e re*ormation) ort&e (i e= t&e- ou(d not +e so great enemies) nor &ate &im so muc& as t&e- do. ut od s&o s&imse(* to +e an im'(aca+(e enem- to t&eir ido(s) and &as t&reatened e/er(asting rat&) in*initeca(amit-) *or a(( t&at t&e- do in t&e ser/ice o* t&eir (usts. And t&is ma es t&em irreconci(a+(eenemies to &im.

?or t&is reason) t&e scri+es and &arisees ere suc& +itter enemies to C&rist= +ecause &e s&o ed&imse(* to +e suc& an enem- to t&eir 'ride) conceit o* t&eir o n isdom) se(*;rig&teousness) andinordinate a**ectation o* t&eir o n &onor) &ic& as t&eir god. atura( men are enemies to od)

+ecause &e is so o''osite to t&em) in t&at in &ic& t&e- '(ace t&eir a((. I* -ou go to ta e a a- t&at&ic& is /er- dear to a man) not&ing i(( 'ro/o e &im more. od is in*inite(- o''osite to t&at in&ic& natura( men '(ace a(( t&eir de(ig&t) and a(( t&eir &a''iness. 8e is an enem- to t&at &ic&

natura( men /a(ue as t&eir greatest &onor and &ig&est dignit-= and to &ic& t&e- &o((- trust= /i .t&eir o n rig&teousness.

8ence natura( men are greater enemies to od t&an t&e- are to anot&er +eing. Some o* t&eir*e((o ;creatures ma- stand /er- muc& in t&eir a-) it& regard to some t&ings on &ic& t&e- sett&eir &earts= +ut od o''oses t&em it& res'ect to A44 t&eir ido(s) and &is o''osition to t&em isin*inite(- great. one o* our *e((o ;creatures e/er o''ose us in an- o* our interests so muc& as

od o''oses ic ed men in t&eir ido(atr-. 8is in*inite o''osition is mani*ested +- &ist&reatening an in*inite 'unis&ment) /i . &is dread*u( rat& to a(( eternit-) miser- it&out end.8ence e need not onder t&at natura( men are enemies to od.


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SECTION IVThe objection that men are not conscious of this enmity, answered.

AT RA4 men do not genera((- concei/e t&emse(/es to +e so +ad= t&e- &a/e not t&is notion o*t&emse(/es) t&at t&e- are enemies to od. And t&ere*ore &en t&e- &ear suc& doctrine as t&istaug&t t&em) t&e- stand read- to ma e o+,ections. Some ma- +e read- to sa-) I do not no ) Iam not sensi+(e) t&at I &ate od) and &a/e a morta( enmit- against &im. I *ee( no suc& t&ing inm- se(*) and i* I &a/e suc& enmit-) &- do not I *ee( itF I* I am a morta( enem-) &- s&ou(d not I

no it +etter t&an an-+od- e(seF 8o can ot&ers see &at is in m- &eart +etter t&an I m-se(*F I*I &ate one o* m- *e((o ;creatures) I can *ee( it in ard(- or ing. To suc& an o+,ection I ou(dans er)

1. I* -ou do +ut o+ser/e -ourse(*) and searc& -our o n &eart) un(ess -ou are strange(- +(inded)-ou ma- +e sensi+(e o* t&ose t&ings) &erein enmit- does *undamenta((- consist. articu(ar(-)-ou ma- +e sensi+(e t&at -ou &a/e at (east &ad a (o and contem'ti+(e estimation o* od. Andt&at) in -our esteem) -ou set t&e tri*(es and /anities o* t&is or(d *ar a+o/e &im= so as to regard

t&e en,o-ment o* t&ese t&ings *ar +e*ore t&e en,o-ment o* od) and to /a(ue t&ese t&ings +ettert&an &is (o/e. And -ou ma- +e sensi+(e t&at -ou des'ise t&e aut&orit- o* od) and /a(ue &iscommands and &is &onor +ut /er- (itt(e. Or i* +- some means -ou &a/e +(inded -ourse(*) so as tot&in -ou do regard t&em no ) dou+t(ess -ou can (oo +ac and see t&at -ou &a/e not regardedt&em. ou ma- +e sensi+(e t&at -ou &a/e &ad a disre(is& and a/ersion to ards od= ano''osition to t&in ing o* &im= so t&at it ou(d &a/e +een a /er- uncom*orta+(e tas to &a/e +eencon*ined to t&at e9ercise *or an- time. T&e /anities o* t&e or(d) at t&e same time) &a/e +een/er- '(easing to -ou= and -ou &a/e +een a(( s a((o ed u' +- t&em) &i(e -ou &a/e +een a/erseto t&e t&ings o* re(igion. I* -ou (oo into -our &eart) it is t&ere '(ain to +e seen) t&at t&ere is anenmit- in -our i(() t&at it is contrar- to od>s i(() *or -ou &a/e +een o''osing t&e i(( o* oda(( -our (i*e (ong. T&ese t&ings are '(ain= it is not&ing +ut some great de(usion t&at can &ide t&em

*rom -ou. T&ese are t&e *oundation o* a(( enmit-. And i* t&ese t&ings +e in -ou) a(( t&e rest t&ate &a/e s'o en o* i(( *o((o o* course.

2. One reason &- -ou &a/e not more sensi+(- *e(t t&e e9ercises o* ma(ice against od) is t&at-our enmit- is no e9ercised 'art(- in -our un+e(ie* o* od>s +eing= and t&is 're/ents itsa''earing in ot&er a-s. Ban &as natura((- a 'rinci'(e o* at&eism in &im= an indis'osition torea(i e od>s +eing) and a dis'osition to dou+t o* it. T&e +eing o* od does not ordinari(- seemrea( to natura( men. A(( t&e disco/eries t&at t&ere are o* od>s +eing in &is or s) i(( noto/ercome t&e 'rinci'(e o* at&eism in t&e &eart. And t&oug& t&e- seem in some measure to +erationa((- con/inced) -et it does not a''ear rea(= t&e con/iction is *aint. T&ere is no strongcon/iction im'ressed on t&e mind t&at t&ere is a od. And o*tentimes t&e- are read- to t&in t&at

t&ere is none. o t&is i(( 're/ent t&e e9ercise o* t&is enmit-) &ic& ot&er ise ou(d +e *e(t= 'articu(ar(-) it ma- +e an occasion o* t&ere not +eing sensi+(e e9ercises o* &atred.

It ma- in some measure +e t&us i((ustrated. I* -ou &ad a rooted ma(ice against anot&er man) a 'rinci'(e t&at &ad +een (ong esta+(is&ed t&ere) and i* -ou s&ou(d &ear t&at &e as dead) t&esensi+(e or ings o* -our ma(ice ou(d not +e *e(t) as &en -ou rea(i ed it t&at &e as a(i/e. uti* -ou s&ou(d a*ter ard &ear t&e ne s contradicted) and 'ercei/e t&at -our enem- as sti(( a(i/e=-ou ou(d *ee( t&e same or ings o* &atred t&at -ou did +e*ore. And t&us -our not rea(i ing t&e


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*act t&at od &as a +eing) ma- 're/ent t&ose sensi+(e or ings o* &atred t&at ot&er ise -ouou(d &a/e. I* ic ed men in t&is or(d ere sensi+(e o* t&e rea(it- o* od>s +eing) as t&eic ed are in anot&er) t&e- ou(d *ee( more o* t&at &atred &ic& men in anot&er or(d do. T&e

e9ercise o* corru'tion in one a-) ma-) and o*ten does) 're/ent it or ing in ot&er a-s. Asco/etousness ma- 're/ent t&e e9ercise o* 'ride) so at&eism ma- 're/ent ma(ice= and -et it ma-

+e no argument o* t&ere +eing an- (ess enmit- in t&e &eart= *or it is t&e same enmit-) or ing inanot&er a-. T&e same enmit- t&at in t&is or(d or s +- at&eism) i(( in anot&er or(d) &eret&ere i(( +e no room *or at&eism) or +- ma(ice and +(as'&em-. T&e same morta( enmit-

&ic&) i* -ou sa t&ere as a od) mig&t ma e -ou to is& t&ere ere none) ma- no dis'oseand inc(ine -ou to t&in t&ere is none. Ben are /er- o*ten a't to t&in t&ings are as t&e- ou(d&a/e t&em to +e. T&e same 'rinci'(e dis'oses -ou to t&in od &as no e9istence) &ic&) i* -ou

ne &e &ad) ou(d dis'ose -ou) i* it ere 'ossi+(e) to dis'ossess &im o* it.

3. I* -ou t&in t&at &ere is a od) -et -ou do not rea(i e it) t&at &e is suc& a od as &e rea((- is.ou do not rea(i e it) t&at &e is so &o(- as &e is= t&at &e &as suc& a &atred o* sin as indeed &e &as=

t&at &e is so ,ust a od as &e is) &o i(( +- no means c(ear t&e gui(t-. ut t&at in t&e sa(ms isa''(ica+(e to -ou: t&ese t&ings &ast t&ou done) and I e't si(ence: t&ou t&oug&test t&at I asa(toget&er suc& an one as t&-se(*) sa. 50:21. So t&at -our at&eism a''ears in t&is) as e(( as int&in ing t&ere is no od. So t&at -our o+,ection arises *rom t&is) t&at -ou do not *ind suc& asensi+(e &atred against t&at god &ic& -ou &a/e *ormed) to suit -ourse(*= a god t&at -ou (i e

+etter t&an t&e true od. ut t&is is no argument t&at -ou &a/e not +itter enmit- against t&e trueod= *or it as -our enmit- against t&e true od) and -our not (i ing &im) t&at &as 'ut -ou u'on

*orming u' anot&er in -our imagination) t&at -ou (i e +etter. It is -our enmit- against t&oseattri+utes o* od>s &o(iness and ,ustice) and t&e (i e) t&at &as 'ut -ou u'on conceiting anot&er)

&o is not so &o(- as &e is) and does not &ate sin so muc&) and i(( not +e so strict(- ,ust in 'unis&ing it= and &ose rat& against sin is not so terri+(e.

ut i* -ou ere sensi+(e o* t&e /anit- o* -our o n conceits) and t&at od as not suc& an one as-ou &a/e imagined= +ut t&at &e is) as &e is indeed) an in*inite(- &o(-) ,ust) sin &ating and sinre/enging od) &o i(( not to(erate nor endure t&e ors&i' o* ido(s) -ou ou(d +e muc& more(ia+(e to *ee( t&e sensi+(e e9ercises o* enmit- against &im t&an -ou are no . And t&is e9'eriencecon*irms. ?or e see t&at &en men come to +e under con/ictions) and to +e made sensi+(e t&at

od is not as t&e- &a/e &ereto*ore imagined= +ut t&at &e is suc& a ,ea(ous) sin &ating od) and&ose rat& against sin is so dread*u() t&e- are muc& more a't to &a/e sensi+(e e9ercises o*

enmit- against &im t&an +e*ore.

#. our &a/ing a( a-s +een taug&t t&at od is in*inite(- a+o/e -ou) and out o* -our reac&) &as 're/ented -our enmit- +eing e9ercised in t&ose a-s) t&at ot&er ise it ou(d &a/e +een. And&ence -our enmit- &as not +een e9ercised in re/enge*u( t&oug&ts= +ecause re/enge &as ne/er*ound an- room &ere= it &as ne/er *ound an- &and(e to ta e &o(d o*: t&ere &as +een no conce'tiono* an- suc& t&ing) and &ence it &as (ain sti((. A ser'ent i(( not +ite) or s'it 'oison) at t&at &ic&it sees at a great distance= &ic& i* it sa near) ou(d do it immediate(-. O''ortunit- o*tens&o s &at men are) &et&er *riends or enemies. O''ortunit- to do 'uts men in mind o* doing=

a ens u' suc& 'rinci'(es as (a- dormant +e*ore. O''ortunit- stirs u' desire to do) &ere t&ereas +e*ore a dis'osition) t&at it&out o''ortunit- ou(d &a/e (ain sti((. I* a man &as &ad an o(d

grudge against anot&er) and &as a *air o''ortunit- to +e re/enged) t&is i(( re/i/e &is ma(ice) anda en u' a desire o* re/enge.


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I* a great and so/ereign 'rince in,ures a 'oor man) and &at &e does is (oo ed u'on as /er-crue() t&at i(( not ordinari(- stir u' 'assionate re/enge) +ecause &e is so muc& a+o/e &im) andout o* &is reac&. Ban- a man &as a''eared ca(m and mee ) &en &e &as &ad no 'o er in &is&ands) and &as not a''eared) eit&er to &imse(* or ot&ers) to &a/e an- dis'osition to crue( acts= -eta*ter ards) &en &e came to &a/e o''ortunit- +- une9'ected ad/ancement) or ot&er ise) &as

a''eared (i e a ra/enous o(*) or de/ouring (ion. So it as it& 8a ae(. And 8a ae( said) @&-ee'et& m- (ordF And &e ans ered) ecause I no t&e e/i( t&at t&ou i(t do unto t&e c&i(dreno* Israe(: t&eir strong &o(ds i(t t&ou set on *ire) and t&eir -oung men i(t t&ou s(a- it& t&es ord) and i(t das& t&eir c&i(dren) and ri' u' t&eir omen it& c&i(d. And 8a ae( said) ut

&at is t&- ser/ant a dog) t&at &e s&ou(d do t&is great t&ingH And E(is&a ans ered) t&e 4ord &at&s&o ed me t&at t&ou s&a(t +e ing o/er S-ria) 2 Jings !:12) 13. 8a ae( as t&en a ser/ant= &e&ad no 'o er in &is &ands to do as &e '(eased= and so &is crue( dis'osition &ad (ain &id) and &edid not &imse(* imagine t&at it as t&ere. ut a*ter ards) &en &e +ecame ing o* S-ria) and asa+so(ute) &a/ing none to contro( &im= t&en it +ro e out and a''eared) and &e did as t&e 'ro'&et&ad *oreto(d. 8e committed t&ose /er- acts o* crue(t- t&at &e t&oug&t it as not in &is &eart to do.It as ant o* o''ortunit- t&at made t&e di**erence. It as a(( in &is &eart +e*ore. 8e as suc& a

dog t&en as to do t&is t&ing) +ut on(- &ad not o''ortunit-. And t&ere*ore &en &e seemssur'rised t&at t&e 'ro'&et s&ou(d sa- so o* &im) a(( t&e reason t&e 'ro'&et gi/es is) T&e 4ord &at&s&o ed me t&at t&ou s&a(t +e ing o/er S-ria.

Some natura( men are suc& dogs as to do t&ings) i* t&e- &ad o''ortunit-) &ic& t&e- do notimagine it is in t&eir &earts to do. ou o+,ect against -our &a/ing a mora( &atred against od=t&at -ou ne/er *e(t an- desire to det&rone &im. ut one reason &as +een) t&at it &as a( a-s +eenconcei/ed so im'ossi+(e +- -ou. ut i* t&e t&rone o* od ere it&in -our reac&) and -ou neit) it ou(d not +e sa*e one &our. @&o no s &at t&oug&ts ou(d 'resent(- arise in -our &eart

+- suc& an o''ortunit-) and &at dis'osition ou(d +e raised u' in -our &eart. @&o ou(d trust-our &eart) t&at t&ere ou(d not 'resent(- +e suc& t&oug&ts as t&ese) t&oug& t&e- are enoug& toma e one trem+(e to mention t&emF o I &a/e o''ortunit- to set m-se(* at (i+ert- t&at I neednot +e e't in continua( s(a/er- +- t&e strict (a o* od. T&en I ma- ta e m- (i+ert- to a( int&at a- I (i e +est) and need not +e continua((- in suc& s(a/is& *ear o* odGs dis'(easure. And

od &as not done e(( +- me in man- instances. 8e &as done most un,ust(- +- me) in &o(dingme +ound to destruction *or un+e(ie*) and ot&er t&ings &ic& I cannot &e('. 8e &as s&o n merc-to ot&ers) and not to me. I &a/e no an o''ortunit- to de(i/er m-se(*) and t&ere can +e no dangero* m- +eing &urt *or it. T&ere i(( +e not&ing *or us to +e terri*ied a+out) and so ee' us ins(a/er-.

@&o ou(d trust -our &eart t&at suc& t&oug&ts ou(d not ariseF Or ot&ers muc& more &orrid andtoo dread*u( to +e mentionedF And t&ere*ore I *or+ear. T&ose natura( men are *oo(is&(-insensi+(e o* &at is in t&eir o n &earts) &o t&in t&ere ou(d +e no danger o* an- suc&

or ings o* &eart) i* t&e- ne t&e- &ad o''ortunit-.

5. ou (itt(e consider &o muc& -our &a/ing no more o* t&e sensi+(e e9ercises o* &atred to odis o ing to a +eing restrained +- *ear. ou &a/e a( a-s +een taug&t &at a dread*u( t&ing it is to&ate od) and &o terri+(e &is dis'(easure= t&at od sees t&e &eart and no s a(( t&e t&oug&ts=and t&at -ou are in &is &ands) and &e can ma e -ou as misera+(e as &e '(eases) and as soon as &e

'(eases. And t&ese t&ings &a/e restrained -ou. And t&e *ear t&at &as risen *rom t&em) &as e't-ou *rom a''earing &at -ou are= it &as e't do n -our enmit-) and made t&at ser'ent a*raid to


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s&o its &ead) as ot&er ise it ou(d do. I* a rat&*u( man ere &o((- under t&e 'o er o* anenem-) &e ou(d +e a*raid to e9ercise &is &atred in out ard acts) un(ess it ere it& greatdisguise. And i* it +e su''osed t&at suc& an enem-) in &ose 'o er &e as) cou(d see &is &eart)and no a(( &is t&oug&ts= and a''re&ended t&at &e ou(d 'ut &im to a terri+(e deat&) i* &e sat&e or ings o* ma(ice t&ere) &o great(- ou(d t&is restrainH 8e ou(d +e a*raid so muc& as to

+e(ie/e &imse(*) t&at &e &ated &is enem-. ut t&ere ou(d +e a(( manner o* disguise and&-'ocris-) and *eigning e/en o* t&oug&ts and a**ections.

T&us -our enmit- &as +een e't under restraint= and t&us it &as +een *rom -our in*anc-. ou&a/e gro n u' in it) so t&at it is +ecome an &a+itua( restraint. ou dare not so muc& as t&in -ou&ate od. I* -ou do e9ercise &atred) -ou &a/e a disguise *or it) &ere+- -ou endea/or e/en to&ide it *rom -our o n conscience= and so &a/e a(( a(ong decei/ed -ourse(*. our deceit is /er-o(d and &a+itua(. T&ere &as +een on(- restraint= not morti*ication. T&ere &as +een an enmit-against od in its *u(( strengt&. It &as +een on(- restrained) (i e an enem- t&at durst not rise u'and s&o &imse(*.

6.. One reason &- -ou &a/e not *e(t more sensi+(e &atred to od ma- +e +ecause -ou&a/e not &ad muc& tria( o* &at is in -our &eart. It ma- +e od &as &it&erto) in a great measure)(et -ou a(one. T&e enmit- t&at is in men>s &earts against od) is (i e a ser'ent) &ic&) i* it +e (eta(one (ies sti((. ut i* an-+od- distur+s it) i(( soon &iss) and +e enraged) and s&o its ser'entines'ite*u( nature.

ot it&standing t&e good o'inion -ou &a/e o* -ourse(*) -et a (itt(e tria( ou(d s&o -ou to +e a/i'er) and -our &eart ou(d +e set a(( on rage against od. One t&ing t&at restrains -ou no is-our &o'e. ou &o'e to recei/e man- t&ings *rom od. our o n interest is concerned. So t&at

+ot& &o'e and *ear o'erate toget&er) to restrain -our enmit- *rom sensi+(e e9ercises. ut i* once&o'e ere gone) -ou ou(d soon s&o &at -ou ere= -ou ou(d *ee( -our enmit- against odin a rage.

7. I* -ou 'retend t&at -ou do not *ee( enmit- against od) and -et act as an enem-) -ou ma-certain(- conc(ude t&at it is not +ecause -ou are no enem-) +ut +ecause -ou do not no -ouro n &eart. Actions are t&e +est inter'reters o* t&e dis'osition. T&e- s&o ) +etter t&an an-t&inge(se) &at t&e &eart is. It must +e +ecause -ou do not o+ser/e -our o n +e&a/ior t&at -ou

uestion &et&er -ou are an enem- to od.

@&at ot&er account can -ou gi/e o* -our o n carriage) +ut on(- -our +eing od>s enem-F @&atot&er account can +e gi/en o* -our o''osing od in -our a-s= a( ing so e9ceeding contrar- to&im) contrar- to &is counse(s) contrar- to &is commands) and contrar- to &is g(or-F @&at ot&eraccount can +e gi/en o* -our casting so muc& contem't u'on od= -our setting &im so (o = -our

acting so muc& against &is aut&orit-) and against &is ingdom and interest in t&e or(dF @&atot&er account can +e gi/en o* -our so setting -our i(( in o''osition to od>s i(() and t&at soo+stinate(-) *or so (ong a time) against so man- arnings as -ou &a/e &adF @&at ot&er accountcan +e gi/en o* -our ,oining so muc& it& Satan) in t&e o''osition &e is ma ing to t&e ingdomo* od in t&e or(dF And t&at -ou i(( ,oin it& &im against od) t&oug& it +e so muc& against-our o n interest) and t&oug& -ou e9'ose -ourse(* +- it to e/er(asting miser-F


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Suc& (i e +e&a/ior in one man to ards anot&er) ou(d +e su**icient e/idence o* enmit-. I* &es&ou(d +e seen to +e&a/e t&us) and t&at it as &is constant manner) none ou(d ant +ettere/idence t&at &e as an enem- to &is neig&+or. I* -ou -ourse(* &ad a ser/ant t&at carried itto ards -ou) as -ou do to ards od) -ou ou(d not t&in t&ere as need o* an- greatere/idence o* &is +eing -our enem-. Su''ose -our ser/ant s&ou(d mani*est muc& contem't o* -ou=

and disregard -our commands as muc& as -ou do t&e commands o* od= s&ou(d go direct(-contrar-) and in man- a-s act t&e /er- re/erse o* -our commands= s&ou(d seem to set &imse(*in a-s t&at ere contrar- to -our i(( o+stinate(- and incorrigi+(-) it&out an- amendment*rom -our re'eated ca((s) arnings) and t&reatenings= and s&ou(d act so cross to -ou da- andnig&t) as -ou do to od= ou(d &e not +e ,ust(- deemed -our enem-F Su''ose) *urt&er) &en -ousoug&t one t&ing) &e ou(d see t&e contrar-= &en -ou did an- or ) &e ou(d) as muc& as in&im (a-) undo and destro- t&at or = and su''ose &e s&ou(d continua((- dri/e at suc& ends) astended to o/ert&ro t&e ends -ou aimed at. @&en -ou soug&t to +ring to 'ass an- design) &e

ou(d endea/or to o/ert&ro -our design= and set &imse(* as muc& against -our interest) as -oudo -ourse(* against od>s &onor. And su''ose -ou s&ou(d moreo/er see &im) *rom time to time)

it& t&ose &o ere -our dec(ared morta( enemies= ma ing t&em &is counse(ors) and &ear ening

to t&eir counse(s) as muc& as -ou do to Satan>s tem'tations= s&ou(d -ou not t&in -ou &adsu**icient e/idence t&at &e as -our enem-F T&ere*ore consider serious(- -our o n a-s) andeig& -our o n +e&a/ior. 8o canst t&ou sa-) I am not 'o((utedF see t&- a- in t&e /a((e-)no &at t&ou &ast done) er. 2:23.


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SECTION VThe objections, that they show respect to God, and e perience some religious affections,answered.

AT RA4 men ma- +e read- to o+,ect) t&e res'ect t&e- s&o to od) *rom time to time. T&isma es man- to t&in t&at t&e- are *ar *rom +eing suc& enemies to od. T&e- 'ra- to &im insecret) and attend on 'u+(ic ors&i') and ta e a great dea( o* 'ains to do it in a decent manner. Itseems to t&em t&at t&e- s&o od a great dea( o* res'ect. T&e- use man- /er- res'ect*u( termsin t&eir 'ra-er. T&e- are res'ect*u( in t&eir manner o* s'ea ing) t&eir /oice) gestures) and t&e(i e. ut to t&is I ans er) t&at a(( t&is is done in mere &-'ocris-. A(( t&is seeming res'ect is*eigned) t&ere is no sincerit- in it. T&ere is e9terna( res'ect) +ut none in t&e &eart. T&ere is as&o ) and not&ing e(se. ou on(- co/er -our enmit- it& a 'ainted /ei(. ou 'ut on t&e disguiseo* a *riend) +ut in -our &eart -ou are a morta( enem-. T&ere is e9terna( &onor) +ut in ardcontem't= t&ere is a s&o o* *riends&i' and regard) +ut in ard &atred. ou do +ut decei/e-ourse(* it& -our s&o o* res'ect= and endea/or to decei/e od= not considering t&at od (oo snot on t&e out ard a''earance) +ut on t&e &eart. 8ere consider 'articu(ar(-)

1. T&at muc& o* t&at seeming res'ect &ic& natura( men s&o to od) is o ing to t&eireducation. T&e- &a/e +een taug&t *rom t&eir in*anc- t&at t&e- oug&t to s&o great res'ect to

od. T&e- &a/e +een taug&t to use res'ect*u( (anguage &en s'ea ing a+out od) and to +e&a/eit& so(emnit-) &en attending on t&ose e9ercises o* re(igion) &erein t&e- &a/e to do it& &im.

?rom t&eir c&i(d&ood) t&e- &a/e seen t&at t&is is t&e manner o* ot&ers) &en t&e- 'ra- to od) touse re/erentia( e9'ressions. and a re/erentia( +e&a/ior +e*ore &im.

T&ose &o are +roug&t u' in '(aces &ere t&e- &a/e) common(- *rom t&eir in*anc-) &eard menta e t&e name o* od in /ain) and s ear and curse) and +(as'&eme= t&e- (earn to do t&e same=and it +ecomes &a+itua( to t&em. And it is t&e same a-) and no ot&er) t&at -ou &a/e (earned to

+e&a/e res'ect*u((- to ards od. DIt is not t&at -ou &a/e an- more res'ect to od t&an t&e-= +utt&e- &a/e +een +roug&t u' one a-) and -ou anot&er. In some 'arts o* t&e or(d) men are +roug&t u' in t&e ors&i' o* ido(s o* si(/er) and go(d) and ood) and stone) made in t&e s&a'e o*men and +east. T&e- sa- o* t&em) 4et t&e men t&at sacri*ice) iss t&e ca(*) 8os. 13:2. In some

'arts o* t&e or(d) t&e- are +roug&t u' to ors&i' ser'ents) and are taug&t *rom t&eir in*anc- tos&o great res'ect to t&em. And in some '(aces) t&e- are +roug&t u' in ors&i''ing t&e de/i()

&o a''ears to t&em in a +odi(- s&a'e= and to +e&a/e it& a s&o o* great re/erence and &onorto ards &im. And &at res'ect -ou s&o to od &as no +etter *oundation= it comes t&e same

a-) and is ort& no more.

2. T&at s&o o* res'ect &ic& -ou ma e is *orced. ou come to od) and ma e a great s&o o*res'ect to &im) and use /er- res'ect*u( terms) it& a re/erentia( tone and manner o* s'ea ing=and -our countenance is gra/e and so(emn. ou 'ut on an &um+(e as'ect= and use &um+(e)res'ect*u( 'ostures) out o* *ear. ou are a*raid t&at od i(( e9ecute &is rat& u'on -ou) and so-ou *eign a great dea( o* res'ect) t&at &e ma- not +e angr- it& -ou. T&roug& t&e greatness o*t&- 'o er s&a(( t&ine enemies su+mit t&emse(/es unto t&ee) sa. 66:3. In t&e origina( it is) s&a((t&ine enemies (ie to t&ee. It is rendered t&ere*ore in t&e margin) s&a(( -ie(d *eigned o+edience tot&ee. A(( t&at -ou do in re(igion is *orced and *eigned. T&roug& t&e greatness o* od>s 'o er)-ou -ie(d *eigned o+edience. ou are in od>s 'o er) and &e is a+(e to destro- -ou. And so -ou


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*eign a great dea( o* res'ect to &im) t&at &e mig&t not destro- -ou. As one mig&t do to ards anenem- t&at &ad ta en &im ca'ti/e) t&oug& &e at t&e same time ou(d g(ad(- ma e &is esca'e) i*&e cou(d) +- ta ing a a- t&e (i*e o* &im &o &ad ta en &im ca'ti/e.

3. It is not rea( res'ect t&at mo/es -ou to +e&a/e so to ards od. ou do it +ecause -ou &o'e

-ou s&a(( get +- it. It is res'ect to -ourse(*) and not res'ect to od t&at mo/es -ou. ou &o'e tomo/e od +- it to +esto t&e re ards o* &is c&i(dren. ou are (i e t&e e s &o *o((o edC&rist) and ca((ed &im Ra++i) and ou(d ma e &im a ing. ot t&at t&e- &onored &im so muc& int&eir &earts) as to t&in &im ort&- o* t&e &onor o* a ing= or t&at t&e- &ad t&e res'ect o* sinceresu+,ects= +ut t&e- did it *or t&e sa e o* t&e (oa/es. esus 'ercei/ed t&at t&e- ou(d come andma e &im a ing. And &en t&e- &ad *ound &im on t&e ot&er side o* t&e sea) t&e- said unto &im)Ra++i) &o camest t&ou &it&erF esus ans ered and said unto t&em) "eri(-) /eri(- I sa- unto -ou)

e see me) not +ecause -ou sa t&e mirac(es) +ut +ecause -e did eat o* t&e (oa/es) and ere*i((ed) o&n 6:15) 25) 26.

T&ese t&ings do not argue +ut t&at -ou are im'(aca+(e enemies to od. I* -ou e9amine -our 'ra-ers and ot&er duties) -our o n consciences i(( te(( -ou) t&at t&e seeming res'ect &ic& -ou&a/e s&o n to od in t&em) &as +een on(- in &-'ocris-. O*tentimes -ou &a/e set *ort& in -our

'ra-ers) t&at od as a great) a g(orious) and an in*inite(- &o(- od) as i* -ou great(- &onored&im on t&e account o* t&ese attri+utes= and) at t&e same time) -ou &ad no sense in -our &eart o*t&e greatness and g(or- o* od) or o* an- e9ce((enc- in &is &o(iness. our o n consciences i((te(( -ou) t&at -ou &a/e o*ten 'retended to +e t&an *u(= -ou &a/e to(d od) t&at -ou t&an ed &im-ou as a(i/e) and t&an ed &im *or /arious mercies) &en -ou &a/e not *ound t&e (east ,ot o*t&an *u(ness in -our &eart. And so -ou &a/e to(d od o* -our o n un ort&iness) and set *ort&

&at a /i(e creature -ou D ere = &en -ou &a/e &ad no &um+(e sense o* -our o n un ort&iness.

I* t&ese *orementioned restraints ere t&ro n o**) -ou ou(d soon t&ro o** a(( -our s&o o*res'ect. Ta e a a- *ear) and a regard to -our o n interest) and t&ere ou(d soon +e an end to a((t&ose a''earances o* (o/e) &onor) and re/erence) &ic& no -ou ma e. A(( t&ese t&ings are notat a(( inconsistent it& t&e most im'(aca+(e enmit-. T&e de/i( &imse(* made a s&o o* res'ect toC&rist) &en &e as a*raid t&at &e as going to torment &im= and &en &e &o'ed to 'ersuadeC&rist to s'are &im (onger. @&en &e sa esus) &e cried out) and *e(( do n +e*ore &im) and it&a (oud /oice said) @&at &a/e I to do it& t&ee) esus) t&ou Son o* od most &ig&F I +eseec& t&ee)torment me not) 4u e !:2!.

Some ma- 'er&a's o+,ect against t&is doctrine o* t&eir +eing od>s enemies) t&e re(igiousa**ections t&e- &a/e sometimes e9'erienced. T&e- ma- +e read- to sa- t&at &en t&e- &a/ecome +e*ore od in 'ra-er) t&e- &a/e not on(- used res'ect*u( terms and gestures) +ut t&e- &a/e

'ra-ed it& a**ection= t&eir 'ra-ers &a/e +een attended it& tears) &ic& t&e- are read- to t&in

s&o ed somet&ing in t&e &eart. ut to t&is it is ans ered) t&at t&ese a**ections &a/e risen *romot&er causes) and not *rom an- true res'ect to od.

1.< T&e- &a/e risen *rom se(*;(o/e) and not (o/e to od. I* -ou &a/e e't +e*ore od) *rom t&econsideration o* -our o n 'iti*u( case= t&at &as +een +ecause -ou (o/ed -ourse(*) and not +ecause-ou &ad an- res'ect to od. I* -our tears &a/e +een *rom sorro *or -our sins= -ou &a/emourned *or -our sins) +ecause -ou &a/e sinned against -ourse(*) and not +ecause -ou &a/e


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sinned against od. @&en -e *asted and mourned) did -e at a(( *ast unto me) e/en unto meF Kec.7:5.

2.< ride) and a good t&oug&t o* t&emse(/es) /er- common(- &as a great &and in t&e a**ectionso* natura( men. T&e- &a/e a good o'inion o* &at t&e- are doing &en t&e- are 'ra-ing= and t&e

re*(ection on t&at a**ects t&em. T&e- are a**ected it& t&eir o n goodness. Ben>s se(*;rig&teousness o*ten occasions tears. A &ig& o'inion o* t&emse(/es +e*ore od) and animagination o* t&eir +eing 'ersons o* great account it& &im) &as a**ected t&em in t&eirtransactions it& od. T&ere is common(- a+undance o* 'ride in t&e midst o* tears= and o*ten

'ride is in a great measure t&e source o* t&em. And t&en t&e- are so *ar *rom +eing an argumentt&at -ou are not an enem- to od) t&at on t&e contrar-) t&e- are an argument) t&at -ou are. In-our /er- tears) -ou are) in a /ain conceit o* -ourse(*) e9a(ting -ourse(* against od.

3.< T&e a**ections o* natura( men o*ten arise *rom rong notions t&e- &a/e o* od. T&e-concei/ed o* od a*ter t&e manner t&e- do o* men) as t&oug& &e ere a +eing (ia+(e to +e

roug&t u'on in &is a**ections. T&e- concei/e o* &im as one &ose &eart cou(d +e dra n) &osea**ections can +e o/ercome) +- &at &e sees in t&em. T&e- concei/e o* &im as +eing ta en it&t&em) and t&eir 'er*ormances= and t&is or s on t&eir a**ections= and t&us one tear dra sanot&er) and t&eir a**ections increase +- re*(ection. And o*tentimes t&e- concei/ed o* od as onet&at (o/es t&em) and is a *riend to t&em. And suc& a mista e ma- or muc& on t&eir a**ections.

ut suc& a**ections t&at arise to ards od) as t&e- conceit &im to +e) is no argument t&at t&e-&a/e not t&e same im'(aca+(e &atred to ards od) considered as &e rea((- is. T&ere is noconc(uding t&at men are not enemies) +ecause t&e- are a**ected and s&ed tears in t&eir 'ra-ers)and t&e (i e. Sau( as /er- muc& a**ected &en a/id e9'ostu(ated it& &im a+out 'ursuinga*ter &im) and see ing to i(( &im. a/id>s ords roug&t e9ceeding(- u'on Sau(>s a**ections.And it came to 'ass &en a/id &ad made an end o* s'ea ing t&ese ords unto Sau() t&at Sau(said) Is t&is t&- /oice) m- son a/idF and Sau( (i*t u' &is /oice and e't) 1 Sam. 2#:16) c&a'26:1) 10. 8e as so a**ected t&at &e e't a(oud) and ca((ed a/id &is son) t&oug& &e as +ut ,ust

+e*ore see ing &is (i*e. ut t&is a**ection o* Sau( as no argument t&at &e did not sti(( continue in&is enmit- against a/id. 8e as a/id>s morta( enem- +e*ore) and soug&t &is (i*e= and so &edid a*ter ards. It as +ut a 'ang. 8is enmit- as not morti*ied or done a a-. T&e ne9t ne s e&ear o* Sau( is t&at &e as 'ursuing a/id) and see ing &is (i*e again.


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SECTION VI !estraining grace a great pri"ilege.

I* natura( men are odGs enemies) t&en &ence e ma- (earn) &o muc& e are inde+ted to od*or &is restraining grace. I* a(( natura( men are odGs enemies) &at ou(d t&e- not do) i* t&e-

ere not restrainedH ?or &at &as one t&at is an enem- in &is dis'osition) to restrain &im *romacting against &im to &om &e is an enem-F 8atred i(( not restrain a man *rom acting an-t&ingagainst &im t&at is &ated. ot&ing is too +ad *or &atred) i* it +e mere &atred and no (o/e. 8atreds&o s no indness eit&er in doing) or *or+earing. It i(( ne/er ma e a man *or+ear to act against

od= *or t&e /er- nature o* &atred is to see e/i(. ut ic ed men) as &as +een s&o n) are mereenemies to od. T&e- &a/e &atred) it&out an- (o/e at a((. And &ence natura( men &a/e not&ing

it&in t&em) in t&eir o n nature) to restrain t&em *rom an-t&ing t&at is +ad. And t&ere*ore t&eirrestraint must not +e o ing to nature) +ut to restraining grace. And t&ere*ore &ate/er

ic edness e &a/e +een e't *rom) it is not +ecause e &a/e not +een +ad enoug& to commit it= +ut it is od &as restrained us) and e't us +ac *rom sin. T&ere can +e no orse 'rinci'(e) t&an a 'rinci'(e o* &atred to od. And t&ere can +e no 'rinci'(e t&at i(( go *urt&er in ic edness t&an

t&is) i* it +e neit&er morti*ied nor restrained. ut it is not morti*ied in natura( men= and t&ere*orea(( t&at ee's t&em *rom an- degree o* ic edness) is restrained. I* e &a/e seen ot&ers dot&ings t&at e ne/er did= and i* t&e- &a/e done orse t&an e) t&is is o ing to restraining grace.I* e &a/e not done as +ad as &arao&) it is o ing to di/ine restraints. I* e &a/e not done as +adas udas) or as t&e scri+es and &arisees) or as +ad as 8erod) or Simon Bagus) it is +ecause od&as restrained our corru'tion. I* e &a/e e/er &eard or read o* an- t&at &a/e done orse t&an e=i* e &a/e not gone t&e (engt& in sinning) t&at t&e most ic ed 'irates or carna( 'ersecutors &a/egone) t&is is o ing to restraining grace. ?or e are a(( natura((- t&e enemies o* od as muc& ast&e-. I* e &a/e not committed t&e un'ardona+(e sin) it is o ing to restraining grace. T&ere is no

orse 'rinci'(e in e9ercise in t&at sin) t&an enmit- against od. T&ere is t&e entire *ountain) anda(( t&e *oundation o* t&e sin against t&e 8o(- &ost) in t&at enmit- against od t&at natura((-

reigns in us.

It is not e t&at restrain ourse(/es *rom t&e commission o* t&e greatest imagina+(e ic edness=*or enmit- against od reigns in us and o/er us= e are under its 'o er and dominion) and areso(d under it. @e do not restrain t&at &ic& reigns o/er us. A s(a/e) as (ong as &e continues amere s(a/e) cannot contro( &is master. 8e t&at committet& sin) is t&e ser/ant o* sin) o&n !:3#. Sot&at t&e restraint o* t&is our crue( t-rant) is o ing to od) and not to us. @&at does a 'oor)im'otent su+,ect do to restrain t&e a+so(ute 4ord) t&at &as &im &o((- under &is 'o erF 8omuc& i(( it a''ear t&at t&e or(d is inde+ted to t&e restraining grace o* od) i* e consider t&att&e or(d is *u(( o* enemies to od. T&e or(d is *u(( o* in&a+itants= and a(most a(( are od>senemies) &is im'(aca+(e and morta( enemies. @&at t&ere*ore ou(d t&e- not do) &at or

ou(d t&e- not ma e) i* od did not restrain t&emFod>s or in t&e restraint t&at &e e9ercises o/er a ic ed or(d) is a g(orious or . odGs

&o(ding t&e reins u'on t&e corru'tions o* a ic ed or(d) and setting +ounds to t&eir ic edness)is a more g(orious or ) t&an &is ru(ing t&e raging o* t&e sea) and setting +ounds to its 'roud

a/es) and sa-ing) &it&erto s&a(t t&ou come) and no *urt&er. In &e(() od (ets t&e ic edness o*ic ed s'irits &a/e t&e reins) to rage it&out restraint= and it ou(d +e in a great measure u'on

eart& as it is in &e(() did not od restrain t&e ic edness o* t&e or(d. ut in order to t&e +etter


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understanding &o it is o ing to t&e restraining grace o* od) t&at e are e't and it&&e(d*rom t&e &ig&est acts o* sin) I ou(d &ere o+ser/e se/era( t&ings.

1. @&ene/er men are it&&e(d *rom sinning +- t&e common in*(uence o* odGs S'irit) t&e- areit&&e(d +- restraining grace. I* sinners are a a ened) and are made sensi+(e o* t&e great gui(t

t&at sin +rings) and t&at it e9'oses to a dread*u( 'unis&ment= under suc& circumstances t&e- darenot a((o t&emse(/es in i((*u( sin= od restrains t&em +- t&e con/ictions o* &is S'irit= andt&erein t&eir +eing e't *rom sin) is o ing to restraining grace. And una a ened sinners t&at (i/eunder t&e gos'e() &o are in a great measure secure) common(- &a/e some degrees o* t&ein*(uence o* odGs S'irit) it& &is ordinances in*(uencing natura( conscience. And t&oug& t&e- +enot su**icient t&oroug&(- to rouse t&em out o* securit-) or ma e t&em re*orm= -et t&e- ee' t&em*rom going suc& (engt&s in sin) as ot&er ise t&e- mig&t do. And t&is is restraining grace. T&e-are indeed /er- stu'id and sottis&. et t&e- ou(d +e a great dea( more so) i* od s&ou(d (ett&em &o((- a(one.

2. A(( t&e restraints t&at men are under *rom t&e ord and ordinances is *rom grace. T&e ordand ordinances o* od mig&t &a/e some degree o* in*(uence on menGs natura( 'rinci'(es o* se(*;(o/e) to restrain t&em *rom sin) it&out an- degree o* t&e in*(uence o* od>s S'irit. ut t&is

ou(d +e t&e restraining grace o* od= *or od>s goodness and merc- to a sin*u( or(d a''earsin &is gi/ing &is ord to +e a restraint on t&e ic edness o* t&e or(d. @&en men are restrained

+- *ear o* t&ose 'unis&ments t&at t&e @ord o* od t&reatens= or +- t&e arnings) t&e o**ers) and 'romises o* it= &en t&e @ord o* od or s u'on &o'e) or *ear) or natura( conscience) torestrain men *rom sin) t&is is t&e restraining grace o* od) and is o ing to &is merc-. It is aninstance o* od>s merc- t&at &e &as re/ea(ed &e(() to restrain men>s ic edness= and t&at &e &asre/ea(ed a a- o* sa(/ation) and a 'ossi+i(it- o* eterna( (i*e. T&is &ic& &as great in*(uence onmen to ee' t&em *rom sin) is t&e restraining grace o* od.

3. @&en men are restrained *rom sin) +- t&e (ig&t o* nature) t&is a(so is o* grace. I* men aredestitute o* t&e (ig&t o* od>s @ord) -et t&e (ig&t o* natura( conscience teac&es t&at sin +ringsgui(t) and e9'oses to 'unis&ment. T&e (ig&t o* nature teac&es t&at t&ere is a od &o go/erns t&e

or(d) and i(( re ard t&e good and 'unis& t&e e/i(. od is t&e aut&or o* t&e (ig&t o* nature) ase(( as t&e (ig&t o* re/e(ation. 8e in merc- to man ind ma es no n man- t&ings +- natura(

(ig&t to or u'on men>s *ear and se(*;(o/e) in order to restrain t&eir corru'tions.

#. @&en od restrains men>s corru'tions +- &is 'ro/idence) t&is is *rom grace. And t&at &et&erit +e &is genera( 'ro/idence in ordering t&e state o* man ind= or &is 'ro/identia( dis'osa(sto ards t&em in 'articu(ar.

1.< od great(- restrains t&e corru'tion o* t&e or(d) +- ordering t&e state o* man ind. 8e &at&

set t&em &ere in a morta( state) and in a state o* 'ro+ation *or eternit-= and t&at is a great restraintto corru'tion. od &at& so ordered t&e state o* man ind) t&at ordinari(- man- inds o* sin andic edness are disgrace*u() and &at tend to t&e &urt o* a man>s c&aracter and re'utation

amongst &is *e((o men= and t&at is a great restraint. 8e &at& so dis'osed t&e or(d) t&at man-inds o* ic edness are man- a-s /er- contrar- to men>s tem'ora( interest= and man ind Dis

(ed to 'ro&i+it man- inds o* ic edness +- &uman (a s= and t&at is a great restraint. od &at&set u' a c&urc& in t&e or(d) made u' o* t&ose &o) i* t&e- are ans era+(e to t&eir 'ro*ession)&a/e t&e *ear and (o/e o* od in t&eir &earts= and t&e- +- &o(ding *ort& re/ea(ed (ig&t) +- ee'ing


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u' t&e ordinances o* od) and +- arning ot&ers) are a great restraint to t&e ic edness o* t&eor(d.

In a(( t&ese t&ings) t&e restraining grace o* od a''ears. It is od>s merc- to man ind) t&at &e&as so ordered t&eir state) t&at t&e- s&ou(d &a/e so man- t&ings) +- *ear and a regard to t&eir o n

interest) to restrain t&eir corru'tions. It is od>s merc- to t&e or(d) t&at t&e state o* man ind&ere di**ers *rom t&e state o* t&e damned in &e((= &ere men i(( &a/e none o* t&ese t&ings torestrain t&em. T&e isdom o* od) as e(( as t&e attri+utes o* &is grace) great(- a''ear in t&usdis'osing t&ings *or t&e restraining o* t&e ic edness o* men.

2.< od great(- restrains t&e corru'tions o* men +- &is 'ro/idence to ards 'articu(ar 'ersons= +- '(acing men in suc& circumstances as to (a- t&em under restraints. And to t&is it is o*teno ing t&at some natura( men ne/er go suc& (engt&s in sinning) or are ne/er gui(t- o* suc&atrocious ic edness) as some ot&ers) t&at ro/idence &as '(aced t&em in di**erentcircumstances. I* it ere not *or t&is) man- t&ousands o* natura( men) &o no (i/e so+er andorder(- (i/es) ou(d do as &arao& did. T&e reason &- t&e- do not) is) t&at ro/idence &as

'(aced t&em in di**erent circumstances. I* t&e- ere in t&e same circumstances as &arao& asin) t&e- ou(d do as &e did. And so) i* in t&e same circumstances as Banassa&) as udas) or ero.

ut ro/idence restrains t&eir corru'tions) +- 'utting t&em in suc& circumstances) as not to o'ensuc& a door or out(et *or t&eir corru'tion) as &e did to t&em. So some do not 'er'etrate suc&&orrid t&ings) t&e- do not (i/e suc& &orri+(- /icious (i/es) as some ot&ers) +ecause ro/idence&as restrained t&em) +- ordering t&at t&e- s&ou(d &a/e a +etter education t&an ot&ers. ro/idence&as ordered t&at t&e- s&ou(d +e t&e c&i(dren o* 'ious 'arents) it ma- +e) or s&ou(d (i/e &ere t&e-s&ou(d en,o- man- means o* grace= and so ro/idence &as (aid t&em under restraints. o t&is isrestraining grace= or t&e attri+ute o* od>s grace e9ercised in t&us restraining 'ersons.

And o*tentimes od restrains men>s corru'tions +- 'articu(ar e/ents o* 'ro/idence. - 'articu(ara**(ictions t&e- are +roug&t under) or +- 'articu(ar occurrences) &ere+- od does) as it ere)

+(oc u' men>s a- in t&eir course o* sin) or in some ic edness t&at t&e- &as de/ised) and t&atot&er ise t&e- ou(d 'er'etrate. Or somet&ing &a''ens une9'ected to &o(d men +ac *rom t&at

&ic& t&e- ere a+out to commit. T&us od restrained a/id +- &is 'ro/idence *rom s&edding +(ood) as &e intended to do. o t&ere*ore) m- (ord) as t&e 4ord (i/et&) and as t&- sou( (i/et&)seeing t&e 4ord &at& it&&o(den t&ee *rom coming to s&ed +(ood) and *rom a/enging t&-se(* it&t&ine o n &and) 1 Sam 25:26. od it&&e(d &im *rom it no ot&er ise) t&an +- ordering it so in&is 'ro/idence t&at A+igai( s&ou(d come) and +- &er isdom s&ou(d coo() 'aci*-) and 'ersuade&im to a(ter &is 'ur'ose. See /erse 32) 33) 3#.

5. od(- 'ersons are great(- inde+ted to restraining grace) in ee'ing t&em *rom dread*u( acts o*sin. So it as in t&at instance o* a/id) ,ust mentioned. E/en god(- 'ersons) &en od &as (e*t)

and &as not restrained t&em) &a/e *a((en into dread*u( acts o* sin. So did a/id) in t&e case o*ria&= and 4ot) and eter. And &en ot&er god(- 'ersons are e't *rom *a((ing into suc& sins) or

muc& orse sins t&an t&ese) it is o ing to t&e restraining grace o* od. Bere(- &a/ing a 'rinci'(e o* grace in t&eir &earts) or mere(- t&eir +eing god(- 'ersons) it&out od>s 'resence torestrain t&em) i(( not ee' t&em *rom great acts o* sin. T&at t&e god(- do not *a(( into t&e most&orrid sins t&at can +e concei/ed o*) is o ing not so muc& to an- inconsistenc- +et een t&eir*a((ing into suc& sins) and t&e &a/ing a 'rinci'(e o* grace in t&e &eart) as it is o ing to t&eco/enant merc- o* od) &ere+- &e &as 'romised ne/er to (ea/e nor *orsa e &is 'eo'(e= and t&at


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&e i(( not su**er t&em to +e tem'ted a+o/e &at t&e- are a+(e= +ut it& t&e tem'tation i((ma e a a- *or t&em to esca'e. I* sa/ing grace restrains men *rom great acts o* sin) t&at is o ingto od &o gi/es suc& e9ercises o* grace at t&at time &en t&e tem'tation comes) t&at t&e- arerestrained.

4et not t&e god(- t&ere*ore +e insensi+(e o* t&eir o+(igations to t&e restraining grace o* od.T&oug& t&e- cannot +e said to +e enemies to od) +ecause a 'rinci'(e o* enmit- does not reign=-et t&e- &a/e t&e /er- same 'rinci'(e and seed o* enmit- in t&em) t&oug& it +e morti*ied. T&oug&it +e not in reigning 'o er) -et it &as great strengt&= and is too strong *or t&em) it&out od>sa(mig&t- 'o er to &e(' t&em against it. T&oug& t&e- +e not enemies to od) +ecause t&e- &a/e a

'rinci'(e o* (o/e= -et t&eir o(d man) t&e +od- o* sin and deat& t&at -et remains in t&em) is amorta( enem- to od. Corru'tion in t&e god(-) is not +etter t&an it is in t&e ic ed= +ut is o* as

+ad a nature e/er- &it) as t&at &ic& is in a morta( enem- to od. And t&oug& it +e not inreigning 'o er= -et it ou(d dread*u((- rage) ere it not *or od>s restraining grace.

od gi/e &is restraining grace to +ot& natura( and god(- men. ut t&ere is t&is di**erence= &egi/es &is restraining grace to &is c&i(dren in t&e a- o* co/enant merc-= it is 'art o* t&e merc-

'romised in &is co/enant. od is *ait&*u() and i(( not (ea/e t&em to sin in (i e manner as ic edmen do= ot&er ise t&e- ou(d do e/er- &it as +ad. 4et not t&ere*ore t&e god(- attri+ute it tot&emse(/es) or mere(- to t&eir o n goodness) t&at t&e- are not gui(t- o* suc& &orrid crimes ast&e- &ear o* in ot&ers= (et t&em consider it as not o ing to t&em) +ut to od>s restraints. T&us)a(() +ot& god(- and ungod(-) ma- (earn *rom t&is doctrine) t&eir great o+(igations to t&erestraining grace o* od.


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SECTION VII#hy natural men are not willing to come to $hrist, and their dreadful condition.

8ence e ma- (earn t&e reason &- natura( men i(( not come to C&rist. T&e- do not come +ecause t&e- i(( not come. e i(( not come to me) t&at -e mig&t &a/e (i*e) o&n 5:#0. @&en

e sa- t&at natura( men are not i((ing to come to C&rist) it is not meant t&at t&e- are not i((ingto +e de(i/ered *rom &e((= *or it&out dou+t) no natura( man is i((ing to go to &e((. or is itmeant) t&at t&e- are not i((ing t&at C&rist s&ou(d ee' t&em *rom going to &e((. @it&out dou+t)natura( men under a a enings o*ten great(- desire t&is. ut t&is does not argue t&at t&e- are

i((ing to come to C&rist. ?or) not it&standing t&eir desire to +e de(i/ered *rom &e(() t&eir &eartsdo not c(ose it& C&rist) +ut are a/erse to &im. T&e- see not&ing in C&rist &ere*ore t&e- s&ou(ddesire &im= no +eaut- nor come(iness to dra t&eir &earts to &im. And t&e- are not i((ing to ta eC&rist as &e is= t&e- ou(d *ain di/ide &im. T&ere are some t&ings in &im t&at t&e- (i e) andot&ers t&at t&e- great(- dis(i e. ut consider &im as &e is) and as &e is o**ered to t&em in t&egos'e() and t&e- are not i((ing to acce't o* C&rist= *or in doing so) t&e- must o* necessit- 'art

it& a(( t&eir sins= t&e- must se(( t&e or(d) and 'art it& t&eir o n rig&teousness. ut t&e- &ad

rat&er) *or t&e 'resent) run t&e /enture o* going to &e(() t&an do t&at.

@&en men are tru(- i((ing to come to C&rist) t&e- are *ree(- i((ing. It is not &at t&e- are*orced and dri/en to +- t&reatenings= +ut t&e- are i((ing to come) and c&oose to come it&out

+eing dri/en. ut natura( men &a/e no suc& *ree i((ingness. ut on t&e contrar- &a/e ana/ersion. And t&e ground o* it is t&at &ic& e &a/e &eard) /i . t&at t&e- are enemies to od.T&eir &a/ing suc& a reigning enmit- against od) ma es t&em o+stinate(- re*use to come toC&rist. I* a man is an enem- to od) &e i(( necessari(- +e an enem- to C&rist too= *or C&rist ist&e Son o* od= &e is in*inite(- near to od) -ea) &as t&e nature o* od) as e(( as t&e nature o*man. 8e is a Sa/ior a''ointed o* od. 8e anointed &im) and sent &im into t&e or(d. And in

'er*orming t&e or o* redem'tion) &e roug&t t&e or s o* od= a( a-s did t&ose t&ings t&at

'(eased &im= and a(( t&at &e does as a Sa/ior) is to &is g(or-. And one great t&ing &e aimed at inredem'tion) as to de(i/er t&em *rom t&eir ido(s) and +ring t&em to od. T&e case +eing so) andsinners +eing enemies to od) t&e- i(( necessari(- +e o''osite to coming to C&rist= *or C&rist iso* od) and as a Sa/ior see s t&em to +ring t&em to od on(-. ut natura( men are not o* od)

+ut are a/erse to &im.

8ence e see) &o dread*u( is t&e condition o* natura( men. T&eir state is a state o* enmit- it&od. I* e consider &at od is) and &at men are) it i(( +e eas- *or us to conc(ude t&at suc&

men as are od>s enemies) must +e misera+(e. Consider) -e t&at are enemies to od) &o great&e is. 8e is t&e eterna( od &o *i((s &ea/en and eart&) and &om t&e &ea/en o* &ea/ens cannotcontain. 8e is t&e od t&at made -ou= in &ose &and -our +reat& is) and &ose are a(( -our

a-s= t&e od in &om -ou (i/e) and mo/e) and &a/e -our +eing= &o &as -our sou( and +odin&is &ands e/er- moment.

ou ou(d (oo on -ourse(* as in /er- un&a''- circumstances) i* -our neig&+ors ere a(( -ourenemies) and none o* -our *e((o ;creatures ere -our *riends. I* e/er-+od- ere set against -ou)and a(( des'ised and &ated -ou) -ou ou(d +e read- to t&in ) -ou &ad +etter +e out o* t&e or(dt&an in it. ut i* it +e suc& a ca(amit- to &a/e enmit- maintained +et een -ou and -our *e((o ;creatures) &at is it) &en -ou and t&e a(mig&t- od are enemiesF @&at a/ai(s eit&er t&e


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*riends&i' or enmit- o* -our neig&+ors) 'oor orms o* t&e dust) in com'arison o* t&e *riends&i'or enmit- o* t&e great od o* &ea/en and eart&F Consider)

1. I* -ou continue in -our enmit- a (itt(e (onger) t&ere i(( +e a mutua( enmit- +et een od and-ou to a(( eternit-. od i(( a''ear to +e -our dread*u( and irreconci(a+(e enem-. I* -ou s&ou(d

die an enem- to od) t&ere i(( +e no suc& t&ing as an- reconci(iation a*ter deat&. od i(( t&ena''ear to -ou in &atred) it&out an- (o/e) an- 'it-) and an- merc- at a((. As -ou &ate od) &ei(( &ate -ou. And t&at i(( +e /eri*ied o* -ou. B- sou( (oat&ed t&em) and t&eir sou( a+&orred

me) Kec. 11:!. And t&en od i(( +e -our enem- *ore/er. I* -ou +e not reconci(ed so as to +ecome &is *riend in t&is (i*e) od ne/er i(( +ecome -our *riend a*ter deat&. I* -ou continue anenem- to od ti(( deat&) od i(( continue an enem- to -ou to a(( eternit-. ou i(( &a/e nomediator o**ered -ou) t&ere i(( +e no da- s;man +et i9t -ou. So t&at it +ecomes -ou to consider

&at it i(( +e to &a/e od -our enem- to a(( eternit-) it&out an- 'ossi+i(it- o* +eingreconci(ed.

Consider) &at i(( it +e to &a/e t&is enmit- to +e mutua() and maintained *ore/er on +ot& sidesF?or as od i(( *ore/er continue an enem- to -ou) so -ou i(( *ore/er continue an enem- to

od. I* -ou continue od>s enem- unti( deat&) -ou i(( a( a-s +e &is enem-. And a*ter deat&-our enmit- i(( &a/e no restraint) +ut it i(( +rea out and rage it&out contro(. @&en -oucome to +e a *ire;+rand &e(() -ou i(( +e so in t o res'ects) /i . as -ou i(( +e *u(( o* t&e *ire o*

od>s rat&= and as -ou i(( +e on a +(a e it& s'ite and ma(ice to ards od. ou i(( +e as*u(( o* t&e *ire o* ma(ice) as -ou i(( it& t&e *ire o* di/ine /engeance) and +ot& i(( ma e -ou*u(( o* torment. T&en -ou i(( a''ear as -ou are) a /i'er indeed. ou are no under greatdisguise= a o(* in s&ee'>s c(ot&ing. ut t&en -our mas i(( +e 'u((ed o**. ou s&a(( (oose -ourgarments) and a( na ed. Re/. 16:15. T&en i(( -ou /ent -our rage and ma(ice in *ear*u(

+(as'&emies. T&at same tongue) to coo( &ic& -ou i(( is& *or a dro' o* ater) i(( +e eterna((-em'(o-ed in cursing and +(as'&eming od and C&rist. And t&at not *rom an- ne corru'tion

+eing 'ut into -our &eart= +ut on(- *rom od>s it&dra ing &is &and *rom restraining -our o(dcorru'tion. And &at a misera+(e a- i(( t&is +e o* s'ending -our eternit-H

2. Consider) &at i(( +e t&e conse uence o* a mutua( enmit- +et een od and -ou) i* it +econtinuedF T&oug& &it&erto -ou &a/e met it& no /er- great c&anges) -et t&e- i(( come. A*ter a(itt(e &i(e) d-ing time i(( come= and t&en &at i(( +e t&e conse uence o* t&is enmit-F od)

&ose enem- -ou are) &as t&e *rame o* -our +odin &is &ands. our times are in &is &and= and&e it is t&at a''oints -our +ounds. And &en &e sends deat& to arrest -ou) to c&ange -ourcountenance) to disso(/e -our *rame) and to ta e -ou a a- *rom a(( -our eart&(- *riends) and*rom a(( t&at is dear and '(easant to -ou in t&e or(d= &at i(( +e t&a

men naturally are god's enemies

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