'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — August 1

Can a child of God in any sense give thanks for sin? No, not properly, because (1.) Sin is detestable (Ezek. 5:11) and accursed (Gal. 3:10). (2.) Since we may not 'sin that grace may abound', nor ‘do evil that good may come' (Rom. 6:1; 3:8), so, sin cannot be the ground of thanksgiving since it is contrary to the honour, image, and will of God. (3.) Sin is not by God's making. It is a plague and the subject of sorrow and shame. Nevertheless, improperly, occasionally and consequentially, as men speak, sin is a ground for thanksgiving. How? Because, the Lord by his unlimited power, can so master sin, and by his infinitely wise providence permit, dispose of, and bind sin, and by his free grace, pardon sin, yea, he can make grace super-abound where sin did abound; calling light out of darkness, and making great sinners to become great saints. Out of sin God can lay a foundation for infinite glory to himself. Pilate, Judas and the Jews are not to be praised for their treachery against Christ, although they did fulfil and execute God's decrees in these events. No man must thank sin, or blame God for sin, even though he extracted the antidote out of this viper. Since the Lord demonstrates his glory in overruling and pardoning sin, to the salvation of poor sinners, there is good reason to magnify him to the highest. Since we have dishonoured God very much by our sin, it is important that we now adore him for his grace in fetching a pearl out of this dunghill, and set off his glory. Thankfulness is pleasing to God, not only in good days, but in bad. This is the best sacrifice and gift we can offer to God. Mr Bradford, a martyr, speaking of Queen Mary, at whose mercy he lay said; ‘If she releases, imprisons, or burns me, I will thank her. Let God do with me as he wills, I will be thankful.'

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
William Cooper, Puritan Sermons 1659-1689, I:421-423
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