shall lie upon him," regards willful sinners, flattering themselves
with expectation of divine favor. *

* Deuteronomy xxix. 20.

When St. Paul would magnify the riches of divine grace in the
salvation of the chief of sinners, he exemplifies it in himself--"Who
before was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious--Howbeit for
this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew
forth all long suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter
believe on him to life everlasting." But he subjoins an alarming hint
that those who sin wilfully, have no reason to express like mercy from
God. "But I obtained mercy _because_ I did it ignorantly in unbelief."
That no mercy would have been shewn him had he done those things
presumptuously, is here intimated with sufficient plainness. This
deserves the attention of those who sin presuming on divine mercy.
Surely they cannot reasonably expect mercy from him "who is no
respecter of persons," if Paul "obtained it _because he did those
things ignorantly in unbelief_." If this is duly considered, Will not
presumptuous sinners believe and tremble? Will they not perceive their
hopes to be vain?

2. Another abuse of the revelation of divine mercy is the universal
scheme which is built upon it. The text and similar passages of
scripture are alleged as evidence that none can be lost.

To help the argument, it is said--"To be influenced to obedience by
fear is low and mercenary; and God would not urge men to duty by so
unworthy a principle."