See here, 1. How miserably mistaken those are that not only do evil,
but devise it: Do they not err? Yes, certainly they do; every one knows
it. They think that by sinning with craft and contrivance, and carrying
on their intrigues with more plot and artifice than others, they shall
make a better hand of their sins than others do, and come off better.
But they are mistaken. God's justice cannot be out-witted. Those that
devise evil against their neighbours greatly err, for it will certainly
turn upon themselves and end in their own ruin, a fatal error! 2. How
wisely those consult their own interest that not only do good but
devise it: Mercy and truth shall be to them, not a reward of debt (they
will own that they merit nothing), but a reward of mercy, mere mercy,
mercy according to the promise, mercy and truth, to which God is
pleased to make himself a debtor. Those that are so liberal as to
devise liberal things, that seek opportunities of doing good, and
contrive how to make their charity most extensive and most acceptable
to those that need it, by liberal things they shall stand, Isa. xxxii.
8.