given him: but if by simple, you mean, him that is a Fool as to
the true Knowledge of, and Faith in Christ, then he was a simple
one indeed: for he chose death, rather than life, and to live in
continual opposition to God, rather than to be Reconciled unto him;
according to that saying of the wise man; The fooles hated
knowledge, and did not choose the Fear of the Lord: {47c} and what
Judgement more dreadfull can a fool be given up to, than to be
delivered into the hands of such men, that have skill to do
nothing, but to ripen sin, and hasten its finishing unto damnation?
And therefore men should be afraid of offending God, because he can
in this manner punish them for their sins. I {47d} knew a man that
once was, as I thought, hopefully awakened about his Condition;
yea, I knew two that were so awakened; but in time they began to
draw back, and to incline again to their lusts; wherefore, God gave
them up to the company of three or four men, that in less than
three years time brought them roundly to the Gallows, where they
were hanged like Dogs, because they refused to live like honest
men. {47e}

Atten. But such men do not believe, that thus to be given up of
God, is in Judgement and anger; they rather take it to be their
liberty, and do count it their happiness; they are glad that their
Cord is loosed, and that the reins are in their neck; they are glad
that they may sin without controul, and that they may choose such
company as can make them more expert in an evil way.

Wise. Their Judgement is therefore so much the greater, because
thereto is added blindness of Mind, and hardness of Heart in a
wicked way. They are turned up to the way of Death, but must not
see to what place they are going: They must go as the Ox to the