Jeremiah 7:8-15

From what is said in these verses of men talking as if delivered to do evil, it should seem, that there were in the Prophet's days, as well as in ours, persons who took occasion from the doctrine of free grace, to contend for the heresy of fatality: and by reducing men to the character of mere machines, would do away all the consequences of evil. But as this is levelled against the sovereignty of God, so is it refuted by the word of God. All men are by nature disposed since the fall, not delivered, but disposed to evil: and grace only it is that makes the whole difference between one man and another. To tell God therefore, in justification or apology for ourselves, that we are delivered to do evil, is to charge God foolishly, and to make him the Author of our sins. The Lord in a fine strain, most plainly and fully refutes it. Is my house, are my ordinances, or my word, are these things ministers to this purpose? Nay, do you not remember, how little respect was had to place, or person, that even Shiloh, I forsook, and retired from it, in consequence of the corruptions of the people, in times of worship. See 1 Samuel 4:4. Reader! think how truly deplorable that state must be, which is trusting to a name to live, while virtually dead before God?