cams_benton_b028_f001_017_008

(8) [centered]

a far greater evil to save a present.
Is merciful by best methods. All he
does for man is in mercy – inasmuch
as it is designed to make him thought-
-ful, thankful, serious considerate – to
teach him sin – & consequent misery;
& lead to abandon all for C. [Christ].

~ [centered]

1 Learn mistake – that men are
punished for sin in this life, in the
true & proper sense of the term. All suff^d [suffered] here
tho. [though] conseq. [consequence] of sin & judg^t [judgment] in one respect – in others
is mercy & designed to lead to rep. [repentance], :. [therefore] not penalty.

~ [centered]

2 See how men despise the riches
of G^s [God's] goodness = by refusing to repent.
Not only the profligate & openly vile, & unbe-
-lievers, & profane, & contemners of law – but
all imper [imperfect] – all who do not repent & embrace
C [Christ] are so changeable ~