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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n evil_a sin_n sprinkle_v 1,192 5 10.9545 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44439 A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures by Ezekiel Hopkins ... Hopkins, Ezekiel, 1634-1690. 1693 (1693) Wing H2735; ESTC R37910 158,868 429

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alienation_n and_o estrangement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n but_o now_o pardon_v of_o sin_n remove_v these_o obstruction_n and_o cause_v the_o intercourse_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o pass_v free_a because_o it_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o holy_a and_o yet_o awful_a boldness_n in_o converse_v with_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a majesty_n of_o god_n so_o much_o sense_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o we_o have_v so_o much_o boldness_n shall_v we_o have_v ordinary_o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o conscience_n of_o wicked_a man_n drag_v they_o before_o god_n and_o they_o come_v with_o so_o much_o diffidence_n dejectedness_n and_o jealousy_n why_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o guilt_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o make_v they_o look_v on_o god_n rather_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o judge_n than_o of_o a_o friend_n or_o father_n and_o this_o make_v they_o perform_v their_o duty_n so_o distrustful_o as_o if_o they_o will_v not_o have_v god_n take_v any_o notice_n that_o they_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n but_o when_o a_o pardon_v sinner_n make_v his_o address_n to_o god_n he_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o holy_a freedom_n the_o face_n of_o his_o soul_n look_v cheerful_o and_o he_o treat_v with_o god_n with_o a_o open_a heart_n what_o ground_n be_v there_o now_o for_o such_o a_o confidence_n as_o this_o be_v for_o poor_a vile_a dust_n and_o ash_n to_o appear_v thus_o before_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n yes_o there_o be_v for_o gild_n be_v remove_v his_o peace_n be_v make_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n all_o enmity_n be_v abolish_v all_o quarrel_n be_v decide_v and_o it_o become_v not_o he_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o such_o suspiciousness_n as_o guilty_a sinner_n do_v hence_o we_o have_v that_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 10.22_o let_v we_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n that_o be_v from_o a_o guilty_a and_o a_o accuse_v conscience_n now_o when_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n whereby_o this_o gild_n be_v take_v off_o then_o have_v a_o man_n good_a ground_n to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n four_o pardon_v of_o sin_n lay_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o peace_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v always_o a_o inseparable_a attendant_n upon_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o doubtless_o there_o be_v many_o so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o have_v a_o wrangle_a conscience_n in_o their_o own_o bosom_n when_o god_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o pardon_v of_o sin_n lay_v a_o solid_a ground_n and_o foundation_n for_o peace_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n and_o be_v christian_n but_o as_o industrious_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o clear_v up_o their_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n they_o may_v obtain_v peace_n whenever_o they_o be_v pardon_v what_o be_v there_o that_o disquiet_v conscience_n but_o only_a gild_n nothing_o but_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n do_v it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o rage_v and_o storm_v in_o wicked_a man_n and_o be_v as_o a_o tempest_n within_o their_o breast_n this_o be_v that_o unseen_a scourge_n that_o draw_v blood_n and_o groan_n at_o every_o lash_n this_o be_v that_o worm_n that_o lie_v perpetual_o gnaw_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o be_v that_o rack_n that_o break_v the_o bone_n and_o disjoynt_v the_o soul_n itself_o in_o a_o word_n gild_n be_v the_o fuel_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o incendiary_n of_o conscience_n be_v it_o not_o for_o gild_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o pleasant_a and_o peaceable_a thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n than_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n now_o pardon_v of_o sin_n remove_v this_o gild_n and_o thereby_o make_v reconciliation_n between_o we_o and_o our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 9.2_o to_o the_o paralytic_a man_n son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o why_o may_v not_o some_o say_v this_o be_v a_o impertinent_a speech_n to_o say_v to_o one_o that_o be_v bring_v to_o be_v cure_v of_o a_o sad_a infirmity_n of_o body_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v he_o whilst_o yet_o his_o disease_n be_v not_o cure_v not_o but_o our_o lord_n christ_n know_v that_o there_o be_v infinite_o more_o cause_n of_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n to_o have_v sin_n pardon_v than_o to_o have_v disease_n cure_v to_o have_v all_o calm_a and_o serene_a within_o not_o to_o have_v a_o frown_n or_o wrinkle_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v all_o smooth_a thought_n and_o peaceful_a affection_n this_o be_v some_o faint_a resemblance_n of_o heaven_n itself_o and_o be_v never_o vouchsafe_v unto_o any_o but_o where_o pardon_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n affliction_n pardon_v of_o sin_n take_v away_o the_o curse_n of_o every_o affliction_n five_o he_o who_o sin_n be_v pardon_v may_v rest_v assure_v that_o whatever_o calamity_n or_o affliction_n he_o may_v lie_v under_o yet_o ther●_n be_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o a_o curse_n or_o punishment_n it_o be_v gild_n alone_o that_o diffuset●_n poison_n through_o the_o vein_n as_o of_o all_o ou●_n enjoyment_n so_o of_o all_o affliction_n also_o and_o turn_v they_o all_o into_o curse_n bu●_n pardon_v of_o sin_n take_v away_o this_o venom_n and_o make_v they_o all_o to_o be_v medicinal_a correction_n good_a profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o the_o soul_n see_v how_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n express_v this_o isa_n 33.24_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v not_o say_v they_o be_v sick_a why_o so_o for_o the_o people_n that_o dwell_v therein_o shall_v be_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n when_o sin_n be_v pardon_v outward_a affliction_n be_v not_o worth_a complain_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v not_o say_v we_o be_v sick_a a_o disease_n than_o become_v a_o medicine_n when_o pardon_n have_v take_v away_o the_o curse_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o god_n have_v two_o end_n with_o respect_n of_o himself_o for_o which_o he_o bring_v punishment_n upon_o we_o the_o one_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o other_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o according_o as_o any_o affliction_n tend_v to_o either_o of_o these_o end_n so_o be_v it_o proper_o a_o punishment_n or_o bare_o a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n if_o god_n intend_v by_o the_o affliction_n he_o lay_v upon_o thou_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o justice_n than_o thy_o affliction_n be_v proper_o punishment_n and_o they_o flow_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n but_o if_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v all_o he_o intend_v by_o they_o then_o be_v they_o only_o fatherly_a correction_n proceed_v from_o love_n and_o mercy_n first_o those_o who_o sin_n god_n have_v pardon_v he_o may_v afflict_v for_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o holiness_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o know_v what_o a_o holy_a god_n they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o who_o so_o perfect_o hate_v sin_n that_o he_o will_v follow_v it_o with_o chastisement_n even_o upon_o those_o who_o his_o free_a grace_n have_v pardon_v second_o god_n inflict_v no_o chastisement_n upon_o those_o who_o he_o have_v pardon_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o curse_n nor_o proper_o punishment_n but_o only_a correction_n and_o fatherly_a chastisement_n christ_n have_v satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o justice_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o god_n be_v more_o just_a than_o to_o exact_v double_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o same_o offence_n one_o in_o christ_n punishment_n and_o another_o in_o they_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gal._n 3.13_o christ_n have_v redeem_a we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o it_o be_v not_o the_o 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these_o least_o commandment_n shall_v be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o take_v the_o word_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o least_o commandment_n the_o second_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o heaven_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v mean_v either_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v so_o frequent_o make_v use_n of_o in_o scripture_n i_o need_v not_o turn_v you_o to_o any_o place_n or_o else_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n may_v be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n establish_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n if_o we_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o in_o the_o text_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v for_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n than_o the_o sense_n run_v thus_o he_o that_o break_v the_o least_o commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n then_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o that_o break_v the_o least_o commandment_n shall_v be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o heaven_n at_o all_o minimus_fw-la vocabitur_fw-la in_o regno_fw-la coelorum_fw-la &_o fortasse_fw-la ideo_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la in_o regno_fw-la coelorum_fw-la ubi_fw-la nisi_fw-la magni_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la as_o st._n augustine_n speak_v he_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o in_o heaven_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o at_o all_o because_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v none_o but_o great_a and_o glorious_a one_o you_o see_v then_o what_o a_o heavy_a and_o most_o dreadful_a doom_n christ_n have_v pass_v upon_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n call_v little_a and_o trivial_a sin_n they_o exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o will_v without_o repentance_n and_o a_o pardon_n interpose_v sink_v the_o soul_n down_o to_o the_o low_a hell_n irrecoverable_o now_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o of_o professor_n also_o do_v too_o common_o allow_v and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o little_a sin_n i_o have_v therefore_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o subject_a on_o purpose_n to_o convince_v you_o if_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o lurk_v under_o they_o and_o that_o great_a wrath_n that_o will_v follow_v upon_o they_o that_o as_o you_o will_v out_o of_o your_o great_a care_n for_o your_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n be_v eternal_a welfare_n abstain_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o notorious_a and_o self-condemning_a sin_n so_o you_o will_v labour_v to_o keep_v yourselves_o free_a from_o these_o little_a sin_n which_o though_o less_o scandalous_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o less_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o one_o proposition_n that_o little_a sin_n carry_v in_o they_o great_a guilt_n doctrine_n and_o will_v bring_v after_o they_o a_o sore_a and_o heavy_a condemnation_n he_o that_o break_v the_o least_o commandment_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o in_o treat_v upon_o this_o subject_a because_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o insist_v long_o upon_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o some_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o then_o make_v some_o use_n and_o application_n of_o it_o god_n the_o least_o sin_n a_o great_a affront_n of_o the_o great_a god_n first_o therefore_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o danger_n that_o there_o be_v in_o little_a sin_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v a_o most_o high_a affront_n and_o provocation_n of_o the_o great_a god_n a_o infinite_a holiness_n be_v oppose_v and_o a_o infinite_a justice_n be_v incense_v by_o they_o though_o i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o stoic_a philosopher_n that_o all_o vice_n be_v equal_o heinous_a yet_o this_o i_o account_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o least_o sin_n as_o flat_a a_o repugnancy_n and_o contradiction_n to_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o great_a have_v not_o god_n forbid_v vain_a thought_n and_o idle_a word_n as_o strict_o as_o he_o have_v forbid_v murder_n adultery_n blasphemy_n and_o hatred_n of_o himself_o with_o all_o those_o abominable_a sin_n that_o defile_v the_o mouth_n of_o those_o that_o name_n they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o much_o his_o will_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v obey_v in_o those_o command_n as_o in_o these_o have_v you_o any_o more_o dispensation_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o speak_v a_o idle_a word_n than_o you_o have_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v you_o any_o more_o liberty_n allow_v you_o to_o swear_v little_a oath_n than_o you_o have_v to_o swear_v and_o ban_v by_o whatsoever_o be_v sacred_a and_o holy_a in_o heaven_n or_o dreadful_a in_o hell_n or_o to_o take_v the_o reverend_a name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a more_o than_o to_o curse_v he_o to_o his_o very_a face_n be_v you_o more_o permit_v to_o think_v evil_a against_o your_o neighbour_n than_o you_o be_v to_o murder_v he_o no_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o dispensation_n can_v ever_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o i_o assure_v you_o god_n will_v never_o dispense_v with_o any_o sin_n far_o than_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o why_o then_o will_v you_o dare_v to_o dispense_v with_o yourselves_o more_o in_o little_a sin_n than_o in_o great_a sin_n oh_o our_o conscience_n will_v never_o bear_v with_o any_o patience_n those_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n will_v they_o not_o and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o god_n holiness_n will_v bear_v with_o your_o little_a sin_n believe_v 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take_v this_o too_o which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o most_o sad_a truth_n that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n make_v you_o guilty_a of_o the_o great_a sin_n yea_o guilty_a of_o all_o sin_n imaginable_a hear_v this_o therefore_o and_o tremble_v all_o you_o that_o allow_v yourselves_o in_o vain_a thought_n or_o idle_a word_n and_o think_v with_o yourselves_o pish_o this_o be_v but_o a_o thought_n this_o be_v but_o a_o word_n no_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o vain_a thought_n or_o a_o idle_a word_n it_o be_v blasphemy_n it_o be_v hatred_n of_o god_n it_o be_v murder_n it_o be_v adultery_n it_o be_v idolatry_n you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v strange_a doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n 2.10_o jam._n 2.10_o jam._n 2.10_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o as_o therefore_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v find_v guilty_a in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o that_o ever_o hell_n itself_o be_v ever_o impeach_v for_o see_v that_o you_o abhor_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n for_o the_o least_o sin_n will_v involve_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o great_a guilt_n and_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o evident_a reason_n of_o this_o ver_fw-la 11._o for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v now_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n yet_o if_o thou_o kill_v thou_o be_v become_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n the_o worst_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v be_v the_o contempt_n of_o god_n authority_n now_o there_o be_v as_o much_o wretched_a contempt_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o great_a
they_o ●d_a the_o great_a sin_n every_o thought_n ●ou_o think_v and_o every_o word_n thou_o weak_a in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o conation_n there_o be_v sin_n in_o it_o and_o though_o most_o ●_o they_o possible_o be_v but_o little_a sin_n yet_o ●_o multitude_n of_o they_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o ●nk_v you_o down_o into_o the_o low_a hell_n ●our_n conscience_n start_v back_o and_o be_v affright_v as_o indeed_o they_o ought_v at_o a_o temptation_n to_o murder_n incest_n blas●emy_n or_o any_o of_o those_o more_o horrid_a sin_n ●at_a be_v the_o prodigy_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n ●ese_n sin_v you_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o com●it_v once_o and_o yet_o thousand_o of_o thou●nds_n of_o lesser_a sin_n such_o as_o sinful_a thought_n ●le_v word_n petty_a oath_n commodious_a lie_n ●ese_n proceed_v from_o you_o without_o either_o ●riving_n against_o they_o or_o mourn_v for_o ●em_v why_o now_o sir_n do_v you_o more_o fear_v ●tolerable_a and_o everlasting_a wrath_n for_o ●e_v single_a commission_n of_o a_o great_a sin_n than_o you_o do_v for_o the_o frequent_a and_o repeat_v commission_n of_o less_o sin_n true_o ●_o can_v precise_o tell_v you_o whether_o you_o have_v not_o as_o good_a blaspheme_n god_n once_o a●_n take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a often_o whethe●_n it_o be_v not_o as_o good_a to_o murder_v once_o as_o to_o hate_v always_o the_o frequency_n of_o little_a sin_n make_v their_o guilt_n so_o great_a and_o thei●_n punishment_n so_o intolerable_a that_o the_o vile_a sin_n you_o can_v imagine_v shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o exceed_v they_o in_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o name_n of_o that_o sin_n an●_n yet_o it_o fare_v with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o th●_n israelites_n we_o tremble_v more_o at_o one_o goliath_n than_o we_o do_v at_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o th●_n philistine_n one_o gross_a scandalous_a si●_n make_v conscience_n recoil_v and_o go_v back_o when_o yet_o we_o venture_v upon_o the_o number_n less_o guilt_n of_o small_a sin_n that_o have_v le●_n terror_n in_o their_o name_n though_o unite_a i●_n their_o guilt_n they_o bring_v far_o sore_a condemnation_n on_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o single_a commission_n of_o a_o great_a sin_n what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o whether_o your_o eternal_a burn_a be_v kindle_v by_o many_o spark_n o●_n by_o one_o fire_n brand_n whether_o you_o die_v b●_n many_o small_a wound_n or_o by_o one_o grea●_n one_o many_o little_a item_n may_v make_v debt_n desperate_a and_o the_o payment_n impossible_a and_o true_o when_o god_n shall_v ●eckon_v up_o against_o we_o at_o the_o great_a day_n many_o thousand_o vain_a thought_n and_o as_o many_o superfluous_a idle_a word_n with_o as_o many_o petty_a oath_n and_o lie_n that_o we_o ●ave_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o account_n will_v be_v ●s_n dreadful_a and_o the_o wrath_n that_o will_v ●ollow_v as_o insupportable_a as_o if_o murder_n blasphemy_n or_o the_o great_a outrage_n that_o ●ver_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n be_v ●ingly_o charge_v upon_o we_o three_o sin_n it_o be_v difficult_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o little_a sin_n consider_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a ●o_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o great_a evil_a and_o danger_n that_o there_o be_v in_o little_a sin_n and_o ●herefore_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o bring_v they_o ●o_o repentance_n for_o they_o indeed_o this_o be_v ●he_v great_a and_o desperate_a evil_n that_o there_o ●s_a in_o small_a sin_n that_o man_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v evil._n flagitious_a wickedness_n be_v usual_o self_n condemn_v they_o carry_v that_o brand_n upon_o they_o that_o make_v they_o evident_a to_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o come_v from_o hell_n and_o will_v certain_o lead_v to_o hell_n 1.33_o rom._n 1.33_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1.33_o after_o he_o have_v reckon_v up_o a_o black_a catalogue_n of_o sin_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o though_o they_o be_v heathen_n yet_o they_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o that_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n but_o now_o the_o guilt_n of_o little_a sin_n be_v not_o so_o apparent_a the_o eye_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a conscience_n look_v usual_o outward_a to_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o if_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o smooth_a it_o see_v not_o or_o dispense_v with_o the_o lesser_a sin_n of_o the_o heart_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o so_o seldom_o confess_v or_o mourn_v for_o those_o that_o we_o call_v lesser_a sin_n when_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o the_o omission_n of_o duty_n or_o for_o the_o slight_a and_o perfunctory_a performance_n of_o they_o these_o we_o look_v not_o upon_o as_o deserve_a damnation_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n nay_o be_v we_o not_o so_o far_o from_o judge_v and_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o they_o that_o we_o seek_v out_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v and_o lessen_v they_o call_v they_o slip_v fail_n and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n 19.20_o gen._n 19.20_o and_o as_o let_v say_v of_o zoar_n be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o and_o our_o soul_n shall_v live_v what_o can_v i_o think_v there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n in_o a_o foolish_a thought_n in_o a_o vain_a and_o inconsiderate_a word_n can_v i_o think_v that_o the_o great_a god_n will_v torment_v his_o poor_a creature_n for_o ever_o for_o a_o thought_n for_o a_o word_n for_o a_o glance_n yes_o believe_v it_o unless_o these_o sin_n be_v do_v away_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o of_o they_o but_o have_v a_o infinite_a evil_n in_o it_o and_o a_o infinite_a wrath_n follow_v of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v not_o now_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o you_o shall_v be_v then_o when_o with_o dread_n and_o astonishment_n you_o shall_v hear_v god_n call_v your_o little_a sin_n by_o other_o name_n than_o you_o now_o do_v you_o call_v they_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n but_o god_n will_v call_v they_o presumption_n and_o rebellion_n what_o you_o say_v be_v but_o a_o vain_a thought_n shall_v be_v arraign_v as_o treason_n against_o god_n as_o atheism_n and_o soul_n murder_n then_o every_o formal_a heartless_a duty_n that_o here_o you_o perform_v shall_v be_v accuse_v of_o mock_v and_o scoff_v of_o god_n they_o be_v so_o interpretative_o and_o in_o god_n esteem_n and_o unless_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o be_v do_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v you_o will_v find_v they_o no_o less_o at_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n indeed_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v get_v a_o dangerous_a method_n of_o do_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n great_a sin_n they_o make_v to_o be_v little_a and_o little_a sin_n they_o make_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o thus_o they_o do_v away_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o they_o live_v in_o they_o customary_o and_o die_v in_o they_o impenitent_o and_o perish_v under_o they_o irrecoverable_o heart_n the_o least_o sin_n allow_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o hypocritical_a heart_n four_o consider_v that_o the_o allowance_n an●_n cordial_a approbation_n but_o of_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v ●_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o most_o rot_a and_o hypocritical_a heart_n be_v thy_o conversation_n never_o s●_n blameless_a be_v thy_o profession_n never_o so_o glorious_a be_v thy_o duty_n and_o service_n never_o s●_n pompous_a yet_o if_o there_o be_v the_o secret_a reservation_n and_o allowance_n but_o of_o the_o leas●_n sin_n all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o much_o vain_a show_n and_o pageantry_n 1.26_o jam._n 1.26_o what_o say_v the_o apostle_n jam._n 1.26_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v t●_n be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n that_o man_n deceive_v himself_o his_o religion_n be_v vain_a why_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o after_o so_o many_o prayer_n daily_o put_v up_o to_o god_n after_o a_o eminent_a profession_n and_o a_o considerable_a progress_n make_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o both_o the_o sincerity_n and_o success_n o●_n all_o this_o shall_v depend_v upon_o so_o small_a ●_o thing_n as_o the_o tip_n of_o a_o man_n tongue_n if_o tha●_n be_v allow_v to_o run_v at_o random_n into_o impertinency_n not_o to_o say_v into_o debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n all_o your_o duty_n all_o you●_n prayer_n all_o your_o profession_n be_v blow_v away_o by_o the_o same_o tongue_n that_o utter_v they_o and_o all_o your_o religion_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o seem_a religion_n will_v en●_n only_o in_o shame_n and_o confusion_n at_o the_o last_o when_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n shall_v be_v rip_v open_a at_o the_o great_a day_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o little_a sin_n that_o keep_v god_n and_o christ_n
adultery_n atheism_n or_o any_o of_o the_o vile_a abomination_n but_o it_o be_v thy_o free_a grace_n only_o that_o have_v restrain_v we_o five_o and_o last_o if_o there_o be_v so_o use_v 5_o great_a evil_a and_o danger_n in_o little_a sin_n this_o than_o shall_v teach_v we_o sin_n we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o make_v light_n of_o any_o sin_n not_o to_o make_v light_n of_o any_o sin_n load_v every_o sin_n with_o its_o due_a weight_n give_v every_o sin_n its_o proper_a aggravation_n and_o then_o certain_o you_o will_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o account_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v small_a or_o little_a to_o help_v you_o in_o this_o take_v brief_o these_o direction_n first_o pray_v earnest_o for_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o understand_a heart_n and_o for_o a_o soft_a and_o tender_a conscience_n some_o sin_n so_o counterfeit_v a_o harmless_a appearance_n and_o look_v so_o innocent_o that_o a_o man_n have_v need_n of_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o those_o thing_n that_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o heaven_n and_o hell_n do_v now_o this_o arise_v from_o that_o great_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n whereby_o they_o can_v discern_v that_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n that_o lurk_v under_o small_a sin_n but_o be_v apt_a to_o account_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o scandalous_a and_o gross_o wicked_a to_o be_v but_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o as_o their_o mind_n be_v thus_o blind_v so_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v that_o what_o they_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v sinful_a yet_o they_o will_v dare_v to_o venture_v upon_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o else_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n live_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o that_o they_o call_v little_a sin_n but_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v and_o their_o conscience_n sear_v that_o those_o sin_n that_o be_v great_a enough_o to_o damn_v they_o yet_o be_v not_o great_a enough_o to_o trouble_v they_o a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v like_o the_o apple_n of_o a_o man_n eye_n the_o least_o dust_n that_o get_v into_o it_o afflict_v it_o no_o sure_a and_o better_a way_n to_o know_v whether_o our_o conscience_n begin_v to_o grow_v dead_a and_o stupid_a then_o to_o observe_v what_o impression_n small_a sin_n make_v upon_o they_o if_o we_o be_v not_o very_o careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o to_o shun_v whatsoever_o look_v like_o sin_n if_o we_o be_v not_o as_o much_o trouble_v at_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o word_n at_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o sinful_a motion_n and_o desire_n in_o we_o as_o we_o have_v be_v former_o we_o may_v then_o conclude_v our_o heart_n be_v harden_v and_o our_o conscience_n be_v stupify_a for_o a_o tender_a conscience_n will_v no_o more_o allow_v of_o small_a than_o of_o great_a sin_n second_o labour_v always_o to_o keep_v alive_a upon_o your_o heart_n awful_a and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o god_n his_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o small_a but_o he_o know_v it_o though_o but_o a_o sin_n in_o our_o thought_n yet_o every_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v altogether_o know_v unto_o he_o call_v to_o remembrance_n his_o infinite_a purity_n and_o holiness_n whereby_o he_o hate_v every_o little_a sin_n even_o with_o a_o infinite_a hatred_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a think_v of_o his_o power_n whereby_o he_o can_v and_o of_o his_o truth_n justice_n and_o severity_n whereby_o he_o will_v punish_v every_o little_a sin_n with_o no_o less_o than_o eternal_a destruction_n and_o while_o you_o thus_o think_v of_o god_n indulge_v yourselves_o in_o little_a sin_n if_o you_o can_v the_o psalmist_n give_v this_o very_a direction_n ps_n 4.4_o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o that_o be_v of_o the_o infinite_a glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n have_v awful_a thought_n and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o your_o heart_n and_o that_o will_v keep_v you_o from_o sin_v stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o to_o look_v upon_o sin_n through_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o through_o a_o magnify_v glass_n and_o thus_o you_o may_v best_o see_v its_o ugly_a deform_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o represent_v the_o infinite_a guilt_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o contrariety_n that_o it_o bear_v to_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o while_o you_o thus_o see_v sin_n compare_v it_o with_o god_n even_o the_o least_o sin_n must_v appear_v heinous_a and_o when_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o any_o sin_n while_o you_o thus_o think_v you_o may_v repel_v a_o temptation_n as_o joseph_n do_v his_o mistress_n 39.9_o gen._n 39.9_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n the_o world_n indeed_o count_v it_o but_o a_o little_a sin_n but_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n we_o must_v cry_v out_o how_o shall_v we_o commit_v this_o sin_n though_o account_v little_a by_o other_o and_o so_o provoke_v a_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n three_o get_v a_o more_o thorough_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi do_v so_o slight_a the_o commission_n of_o small_a sin_n because_o he_o keep_v himself_o to_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o because_o there_o he_o be_v command_v not_o to_o kill_v not_o to_o commit_v adultery_n and_o the_o like_a thought_n if_o he_o do_v abstain_v from_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o those_o sin_n he_o observe_v the_o law_n yea_o and_o observe_v it_o sufficient_o but_o now_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n that_o forbid_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a act_n but_o it_o forbid_v whatever_o tend_v ●_o the_o outward_a act_n inward_a though_o ●_o motion_n desire_n complacency_n in_o ●_o that_o be_v present_v to_o the_o fancy_n ●_o whatever_o tend_v to_o or_o belong_v unto_o s●_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n forbid_v all_o these_o why_o now_o grow_v more_o in_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o then_o you_o will_v thin●_n small_a sin_n such_o as_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o desire_n and_o of_o the_o fancy_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v no_o less_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n than_o murder_n or_o adultery_n and_o other_o heinous_a sin_n the_o law_n have_v as_o strict_o forbid_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o four_o and_o last_o beware_v you_o compare_v not_o sin_n among_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o 2_o cor._n 10.12_o who_o measure_v themselves_o by_o themselves_o and_o compare_v themselves_o among_o themselves_o be_v not_o wise_a true_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o folly_n for_o we_o to_o measure_v sin_n by_o sin_n or_o to_o compare_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o for_o as_o when_o we_o measure_v ourselves_o with_o other_o our_o pride_n be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o such_o and_o such_o be_v inconsiderable_a person_n in_o comparison_n of_o we_o so_o when_o we_o measure_v one_o sin_n by_o another_o corruption_n be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v to_o we_o such_o a_o sin_n be_v a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a sin_n in_o comparison_n of_o another_o sin_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v venture_v upon_o it_o certain_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sad_a event_n usual_o follow_v upon_o our_o compare_v sin_n among_o themselves_o either_o first_o we_o make_v little_a sin_n less_o than_o they_o be_v or_o if_o we_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o such_o false_a opinion_n by_o be_v show_v how_o great_a a_o evil_a there_o be_v in_o they_o then_o second_o we_o make_v it_o as_o good_a to_o commit_v the_o great_a sin_n as_o the_o least_o these_o two_o sad_a event_n always_o happen_v if_o we_o compare_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o compare_v not_o therefore_o sin_n with_o itself_o but_o compare_v sin_n with_o thy_o duty_n compare_v the_o least_o sin_n with_o the_o holiness_n of_o that_o god_n against_o who_o thou_o commit_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o account_v no_o sin_n to_o be_v small_a or_o little_a of_o abstain_v from_z the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o two_o sermon_n on_o 1_o thessaly_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n by_o ezekiel_n hopkins_n late_a lord_n bishop_n of_o london-derry_n london_n print_v by_o e._n h._n for_o nathanael_n ranew_v at_o the_o king_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1693._o of_o abstain_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil._n from_z 1_o thess_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n my_o last_o subject_n as_o you_o may_v remember_v
we_o be_v he_o be_v ensnare_v and_o entrap_v in_o those_o sin_n to_o the_o occasion_n of_o which_o we_o lead_v he_o by_o our_o example_n second_o it_o prove_v also_o a_o scandal_n of_o sorrow_n to_o the_o strong_a christian_n they_o see_v such_o probable_a sign_n and_o presumption_n of_o sin_n by_o we_o that_o they_o just_o conclude_v that_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n and_o thereby_o their_o heart_n also_o be_v sadn_v and_o grieve_v and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o we_o must_v forbear_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o strong_a presumption_n that_o we_o have_v indeed_o commit_v the_o evil._n second_o another_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o such_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o appearance_n of_o sin_n have_v guilt_n in_o they_o also_o as_o be_v against_o the_o same_o commandment_n that_o that_o sin_n violate_v and_o tend_v unto_o for_o the_o same_o commandment_n that_o forbid_v the_o sin_n itself_o forbid_v all_o occasion_n and_o all_o appearance_n of_o that_o sin_n that_o commandment_n that_o forbid_v theft_n forbid_v also_o whatever_o may_v induce_v though_o but_o remote_o thereunto_o and_o that_o commandment_n that_o forbid_v adultery_n forbid_v also_o all_o remote_a occasion_n thereof_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n give_v the_o young_a man_n that_o scrupulous_a caution_n against_o a_o strange_a woman_n in_o prov._n 5.8_o come_v not_o near_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n why_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o door_n of_o her_o house_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o yet_o when_o this_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v to_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n or_o when_o by_o go_v near_o a_o house_n it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v by_o other_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n than_o it_o must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v and_o abstain_v from_o so_o again_o when_o the_o wine_n look_v red_a in_o the_o cup_n solomon_n bid_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o look_v upon_o it_o why_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o wine_n in_o the_o cup_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a but_o because_o this_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o intemperance_n and_o drunkenness_n or_o the_o like_a therefore_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o this_o very_a appearance_n and_o occasion_n of_o evil._n so_o then_o in_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o evil_n of_o scandal_n give_v to_o other_o but_o there_o be_v also_o the_o evil_a of_o guilt_n in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o all_o examine_v ourselves_o what_o at_o any_o time_n have_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o and_o what_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_v have_v you_o not_o often_o say_v it_o and_o resolve_v it_o that_o you_o will_v venture_v but_o so_o far_o and_o no_o far_o and_o though_o you_o do_v approach_v near_o to_o sin_n yet_o you_o will_v keep_v yourselves_o within_o your_o duty_n and_o have_v you_o not_o find_v it_o that_o when_o you_o have_v venture_v thus_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n you_o have_v stop_v no_o where_o short_a of_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n this_o be_v to_o put_v yourselves_o out_o of_o god_n way_n and_o to_o put_v yourselves_o from_o under_o his_o protection_n for_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n who_o do_v not_o keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o occasion_n and_o appearance_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o position_n but_o if_o in_o case_n a_o action_n appear_v evil_a to_o a_o man_n self_n though_o this_o apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o groundless_a than_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o second_o position_n and_o that_o be_v though_o a_o action_n be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a yet_o if_o it_o appear_v evil_a and_o sinful_a to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o in_o any_o case_n while_o that_o misperswasion_n continue_v to_o venture_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o it_o no_o though_o by_o do_v of_o it_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n yea_o we_o be_v rather_o if_o providence_n bring_v we_o to_o that_o sad_a choice_n to_o lose_v our_o very_a life_n than_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o evil_a or_o sinful_a the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v clear_a because_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o choose_v the_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffer_v than_o to_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n but_o now_o to_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v and_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n that_o be_v whatever_o a_o man_n do_v if_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o he_o that_o venture_v upon_o it_o while_o he_o be_v unsatisfied_a though_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o he_o that_o doubt_v say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v that_o be_v though_o there_o be_v no_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o one_o kind_n of_o meat_n and_o another_o but_o all_o be_v alike_o lawful_a yet_o if_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o it_o account_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v of_o some_o sort_n of_o meat_n if_o after_o this_o a_o man_n venture_v to_o eat_v they_o hereby_o he_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o incur_v damnation_n by_o do_v that_o against_o his_o conscience_n that_o yet_o be_v his_o conscience_n otherwise_o inform_v be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o so_o in_o rom._n 14.20_o for_o meat_n destroy_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o it_o be_v evil_a for_o he_o who_o eat_v with_o offence_n these_o and_o many_o other_o place_n clear_o prove_v that_o what_o be_v do_v against_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n that_o be_v sinful_a to_o that_o man._n conscience_n have_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o negative_a vote_n in_o the_o soul_n nothing_o can_v lawful_o be_v do_v by_o we_o but_o what_o have_v the_o full_a consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o though_o every_o thing_n we_o think_v be_v lawful_a do_v not_o thereupon_o present_o become_v lawful_a to_o we_o yet_o what_o we_o think_v be_v unlawful_a do_v thereupon_o become_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o we_o ought_v whatever_o the_o case_n be_v whole_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o do_n of_o it_o three_o if_o the_o action_n that_o we_o judge_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a to_o we_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o so_o become_v necessary_a to_o we_o then_o be_v we_o under_o a_o most_o sad_a entanglement_n we_o sin_v if_o we_o do_v it_o and_o we_o sin_v also_o unless_o we_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o many_o that_o through_o a_o misinform_v conscience_n they_o very_o believe_v they_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o do_v that_o wherein_o they_o sin_v indeed_o if_o they_o do_v it_o and_o so_o christ_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o think_v very_o they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o persecute_v and_o murder_v his_o saint_n in_o john_n 16.2_o if_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o think_v be_v good_a service_n to_o god_n they_o sin_v on_o that_o hand_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o kill_v the_o saint_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v good_a service_n they_o sin_v on_o that_o hand_n also_o so_o that_o they_o be_v entangle_v on_o both_o hand_n so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o day_n also_o we_o have_v see_v and_o know_v many_o that_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o ordinance_n yea_o who_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o perform_v no_o duty_n at_o all_o to_o god_n now_o if_o these_o man_n abstain_v from_o they_o they_o sin_n in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o god_n command_v if_o they_o use_v they_o they_o sin_v too_o because_o they_o do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o conscience_n command_v so_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o god_n to_o give_v man_n up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o a_o erroneous_a and_o misguide_v conscience_n now_o it_o appear_v that_o whatever_o a_o man_n do_v against_o his_o conscience_n be_v the_o action_n indifferent_a or_o be_v the_o action_n his_o duty_n and_o so_o be_v necessary_a yet_o he_o sin_n which_o be_v evident_a in_o two_o thing_n first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o think_v his_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v no_o man_n think_v his_o conscience_n erroneous_a every_o one_o judge_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v now_o if_o he_o thus_o judge_v and_o act_n contrary_o he_o sin_n because_o
altogether_o indifferent_a in_o ver_fw-la 25._o whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n whether_o offer_v to_o idol_n or_o not_o that_o eat_v but_o yet_o if_o any_o weak_a christian_a even_o so_o scruple_n to_o eat_v that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n after_o it_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o if_o he_o be_v offend_v at_o other_o for_o eat_v of_o it_o the_o apostle_n than_o give_v this_o rule_n that_o the_o strong_a ought_v not_o to_o eat_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o weak_a though_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v do_v yet_o the_o strong_a ought_v not_o to_o eat_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o v._o 28._o if_o any_o say_v this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n though_o sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n yet_o eat_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v you_o it_o now_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o meat_n offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n hold_v true_a proportionable_o in_o apparel_n in_o recreation_n and_o the_o like_a indifferent_a lawful_a thing_n all_o which_o become_v sin_n to_o you_o if_o they_o become_v offence_n and_o scandal_n unto_o other_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o when_o man_n rash_o do_v what_o they_o think_v be_v lawful_a without_o regard_v the_o scruple_n of_o other_o hereby_o they_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o rom._n 14.13_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o fall_v in_o their_o brother_n way_n that_o be_v they_o bring_v he_o into_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o v._o 14._o if_o thy_o brother_n be_v grieve_v at_o thy_o meat_n thou_o walk_v not_o charitable_o now_o in_o do_v that_o which_o appear_v evil_a to_o other_o though_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o they_o two_o way_n first_o it_o may_v alienate_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n when_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o profession_n thou_o make_v of_o holiness_n and_o of_o strictness_n of_o life_n ●nd_v conversation_n yet_o they_o see_v that_o which_o they_o account_v loose_a and_o sinful_a be_v general_o practise_v and_o maintain_v whether_o it_o be_v sinful_a or_o not_o yet_o see_v you_o general_o practise_v that_o which_o be_v account_v evil_a this_o alienates_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n second_o it_o bring_v sin_n also_o because_o it_o may_v encourage_v they_o to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o you_o do_v also_o now_o that_o may_v be_v sin_n to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o you_o lawful_a because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o whatever_o be_v do_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n that_o be_v sin_n to_o he_o but_o now_o many_o weak_a christian_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o conscience_n only_o act_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o strong_a christian_n that_o be_v better_o inform_v &_o that_o have_v more_o light_a to_o direct_v they_o and_o so_o by_o their_o unlimited_a do_v what_o they_o think_v be_v lawful_a they_o bring_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o guilt_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o that_o scruple_n the_o thing_n they_o see_v other_o do_v and_o yet_o because_o they_o see_v other_o do_v they_o will_v themselves_o venture_v to_o do_v they_o also_o though_o they_o scruple_n it_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o therefore_o that_o you_o yourselves_o be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o own_o conscience_n that_o what_o you_o do_v be_v lawful_a but_o you_o must_v weigh_v and_o consider_v how_o it_o will_v suit_n with_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o man_n also_o else_o what_o you_o think_v be_v lawful_a may_v be_v a_o sin_n both_o unto_o you_o and_o unto_o they_o to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o sin_n by_o your_o example_n and_o to_o you_o because_o you_o bring_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v to_o you_o lawful_a object_n but_o here_o some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o under_o a_o most_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o servitude_n if_o we_o must_v be_v bind_v to_o observe_v every_o ignorant_a humorous_a man_n conscience_n that_o will_v scruple_n every_o thing_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v lawful_a and_o allow_v to_o we_o if_o yet_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o to_o give_v offence_n in_o that_o which_o appear_v evil_a to_o other_o for_o what_o one_o thing_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o appear_v evil_a to_o some_o or_o other_o this_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o intolerable_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v several_a case_n wherein_o though_o there_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a unto_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n yet_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v they_o as_o first_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o 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habitual_a grace_n that_o denominate_v the_o soul_n alive_a unto_o god_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o alive_a than_o a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_n be_v it_o be_v exciting_a grace_n that_o alone_o can_v enable_v it_o to_o perform_v the_o function_n and_o office_n of_o life_n in_o the_o deep_a winter_n there_o be_v life_n in_o the_o seed_n that_o lie_v bury_v under_o ground_n but_o yet_o it_o act_v not_o till_o the_o sun_n influence_n draw_v it_o forth_o and_o then_o it_o heave_v and_o shove_v away_o the_o earth_n that_o cover_v it_o and_o spread_v itself_o into_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o flower_n so_o be_v it_o here_o inherent_a habitual_a grace_n be_v a_o immortal_a seed_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o seed_n till_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o approach_a and_o exciting_a grace_n of_o god_n awaken_v it_o and_o chafe_v its_o benumb_a virtue_n and_o then_o it_o stir_v and_o thrust_v away_o all_o that_o dung_n and_o filth_n of_o corruption_n under_o which_o it_o lay_v bury_v and_o 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against_o the_o pursuit_n of_o avenge_a justice_n this_o be_v its_o formal_a and_o most_o immediate_a effect_n justice_n follow_v guilty_a sinner_n close_o at_o the_o heel_n and_o shake_v its_o flame_a sword_n over_o their_o head_n every_o threaten_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n of_o god_n stand_v ready_o charge_v against_o they_o and_o their_o sin_n make_v they_o so_o fair_a a_o mark_n that_o they_o can_v be_v miss_v hence_o be_v that_o sad_a complaint_n of_o job_n why_o have_v thou_o set_v i_o up_o as_o a_o mark_n into_o which_o he_o empty_v his_o arrow_n as_o into_o his_o reins_o job_n 7.20_o now_o while_o justice_n be_v drive_v the_o sinner_n before_o he_o from_o plague_n to_o plague_n resolve_v never_o to_o stop_v till_o he_o have_v drive_v he_o into_o hell_n the_o great_a assembly_n and_o meeting_n of_o all_o plague_n mercy_n interpose_v and_o lay_v its_o arrest_n upon_o it_o and_o this_o gracious_a act_n of_o pardon_n rescue_v we_o though_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o 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no_o more_o and_o indeed_o well_o may_v divine_a justice_n cease_v its_o pursuit_n of_o the_o guilty_a sinner_n for_o always_o when_o god_n pardon_v a_o sinner_n he_o turn_v his_o pursuit_n after_o christ_n and_o satisfy_v all_o his_o just_a demand_n upon_o he_o for_o though_o we_o be_v the_o principal_n in_o the_o debt_n yet_o our_o surety_n who_o stand_v bind_v for_o we_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n be_v far_o the_o more_o able_a and_o absolve_a person_n now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n that_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n the_o heavy_a stroke_n of_o which_o many_o thousand_o wretch_n lie_v under_o and_o which_o thy_o sin_n have_v provoke_v and_o arm_v against_o thy_o own_o soul_n that_o may_v every_o sin_n thou_o commit_v that_o be_v every_o moment_n of_o thy_o life_n strike_v thou_o dead_a in_o the_o place_n in_o the_o dread_n of_o which_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n leave_v in_o thou_o thou_o must_v needs_o live_v in_o 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since_o the_o first_o great_a rebellion_n man_n have_v stand_v in_o defiance_n with_o and_o exercise_v great_a hostility_n against_o his_o creator_n and_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v thunder_v out_o whole_a peal_n of_o curse_n against_o these_o rebel_n and_o have_v slay_v whole_a generation_n of_o they_o eternal_o dead_a upon_o the_o place_n god_n have_v still_o maintain_v his_o cause_n with_o victory_n and_o man_n his_o with_o obstinacy_n and_o this_o war_n will_v never_o cease_v do_v not_o god_n proclaim_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o all_o that_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o arm_n and_o submit_v now_o hereupon_o peace_n be_v conclude_v full_o for_o first_o god_n pardon_v sinner_n manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v full_o reconcile_v to_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 5.1_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n god_n be_v a_o swear_a enemy_n to_o all_o guilty_a sinner_n himself_o have_v affix_v this_o title_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o name_n that_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a gild_n have_v a_o malign_a influence_n not_o only_o on_o our_o conscience_n to_o discompose_v they_o with_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n but_o on_o god_n countenance_n also_o to_o ruffle_v it_o into_o frown_n and_o displeasure_n now_o when_o god_n pardon_v sin_n he_o wipe_v away_o this_o over-casting_a cloud_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n be_v remove_v his_o face_n and_o favour_n clear_v up_o to_o we_o and_o then_o second_o pardon_v of_o sin_n be_v a_o strong_a inducement_n to_o we_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n what_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o prevail_a where_o there_o be_v any_o principle_n of_o ingenuity_n when_o god_n thus_o proclaim_v peace_n shall_v i_o continue_v war_n he_o pardon_n and_o shall_v i_o rebel_v he_o be_v reconcile_v and_o shall_v i_o be_v implacable_a shall_v i_o persist_v in_o those_o sin_n which_o he_o forgive_v no_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o i_o submit_v to_o that_o god_n who_o rich_a grace_n conquer_v by_o condescend_v as_o well_o as_o his_o power_n by_o crush_a and_o thus_o the_o soul_n lay_v down_o its_o weapon_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n and_o humble_o embrace_v the_o term_n of_o agreement_n propound_v by_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n god_n pardon_v of_o sin_n lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o acquaintance_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n three_o pardon_v of_o sin_n lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o soul_n near_o acquaintance_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n gild_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o breed_v alienation_n your_o iniquity_n say_v the_o prophet_n have_v separate_v betwixt_o you_o and_o your_o god_n isa_n 59.2_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o guilty_a sinner_n shall_v any_o more_o delight_n in_o converse_v with_o god_n than_o a_o guilty_a malefactor_n delight_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o judge_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v when_o adam_n have_v contract_v guilt_n upon_o himself_o by_o eat_v the_o forbid_v fruit_n how_o childish_o and_o foolish_o do_v he_o behave_v himself_o god_n call_v he_o and_o he_o run_v behind_o a_o tree_n to_o hide_v himself_o what_o a_o sudden_a change_n be_v here_o adam_n who_o but_o a_o little_a before_o be_v his_o creator_n familiar_a now_o dread_v and_o shun_v he_o his_o guilt_n make_v he_o apprehend_v god_n call_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o summons_n to_o the_o bar._n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o guilt_n shall_v produce_v alienation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n for_o look_v how_o distance_n grow_v between_o two_o familiar_a friend_n so_o do_v it_o here_o if_o a_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o friend_n a_o injury_n what_o influence_n have_v this_o upon_o he_o why_o present_o it_o make_v he_o more_o shy_a and_o reserve_v to_o he_o than_o before_o so_o be_v it_o here_o consciousness_n of_o guilt_n fill_v we_o with_o a_o troublesome_a ill-natured_a shame_n we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n who_o we_o have_v so_o much_o wrong_v by_o our_o sin_n and_o second_o this_o shame_n be_v always_o join_v with_o a_o slavish_a and_o base_a fear_n of_o god_n lest_o he_o shall_v revenge_v himself_o upon_o we_o for_o the_o injury_n that_o we_o have_v do_v to_o he_o and_o both_o this_o shame_n and_o fear_v take_v off_o from_o that_o holy_a freedom_n and_o boldness_n which_o reverent_o to_o use_v towards_o god_n be_v the_o gust_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o all_o these_o lessen_v that_o sweet_a delight_n in_o god_n that_o former_o we_o relish_v in_o the_o intimacy_n of_o this_o heavenly_a fellowship_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o final_a product_n of_o all_o this_o but_o a_o most_o sad_a
christian_n have_v need_n of_o much_o spiritual_a prudence_n and_o sobriety_n that_o while_o they_o desire_v and_o be_v take_v with_o luscious_a and_o sweet_a word_n and_o expression_n they_o do_v not_o withal_o suck_v in_o poisonous_a and_o destructive_a error_n this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o word_n forego_v prove_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o have_v but_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o it_o though_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o that_o be_v deliver_v be_v in_o some_o sense_n sound_n and_o savoury_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o sense_n and_o expression_n that_o may_v be_v wrest_v aside_o to_o undue_a and_o erroneous_a interpretation_n abstain_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a from_o such_o expression_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o word_n under_o a_o more_o general_a latitude_n as_o they_o relate_v unto_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o so_o here_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o unerring_a rule_n that_o we_o must_v not_o embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o a_o appearance_n and_o no_o more_o whether_o that_o appearance_n be_v of_o good_a or_o of_o evil_n we_o must_v not_o hold_v fast_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o appearance_n of_o good_a only_a and_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o only_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o therefore_o when_o licentious_a person_n be_v reprove_v for_o the_o vanity_n looseness_n strangeness_n and_o immodesty_n of_o their_o garb_n and_o attire_n that_o possible_o more_o disguise_v than_o adorn_v they_o and_o other_o symptom_n of_o a_o vain_a and_o frothy_a mind_n they_o think_v present_o to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n with_o such_o figleaf_n as_o these_o what_o evil_a be_v there_o in_o these_o thing_n can_v you_o prove_v they_o sinful_a if_o you_o can_v we_o will_v forbear_v the_o use_n of_o they_o if_o you_o can_v forbear_v you_o to_o reprove_v they_o what_o if_o they_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o sinful_a yet_o have_v they_o not_o the_o show_n the_o face_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a so_o judge_v all_o serious_a and_o sober_a christian_n and_o yourselves_o also_o possible_o may_v so_o judge_v sometime_o therefore_o dispute_v not_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v but_o the_o show_n and_o the_o likeness_n of_o evil_a in_o they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v abstain_v absolute_o from_o and_o true_o consider_v that_o great_a carelessness_n and_o want_n of_o circumspection_n that_o be_v even_o among_o professor_n themselves_o who_o if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v themselves_o from_o that_o which_o be_v intrinsical_o in_o itself_o sinful_a make_v no_o scruple_n of_o venture_v upon_o the_o border_n and_o edge_n of_o sin_n i_o think_v it_o therefore_o very_o necessary_a to_o open_v this_o phrase_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o you_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o plain_a proposition_n doctrine_n that_o a_o true_o conscientious_a christian_n ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v not_o only_o the_o commission_n but_o also_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil._n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n this_o point_n be_v indeed_o full_a of_o niceness_n &_o difficulty_n and_o true_o when_o the_o most_o be_v say_v of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v we_o must_v stand_v very_o much_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_a prudence_n and_o christian_a charity_n for_o our_o chief_a resolution_n in_o it_o of_o christian_a prudence_n to_o know_v when_o a_o action_n have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o and_o when_o not_o and_o of_o christian_a charity_n to_o shun_v whatever_o may_v scandalize_v other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o defile_v ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o point_n hardly_o limit_v to_o such_o bound_n but_o in_o some_o place_n there_o will_v be_v a_o fail_v yet_o that_o i_o may_v afford_v you_o some_o light_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a as_o this_o be_v i_o shall_v first_o lay_v down_o some_o distinction_n concern_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o they_o second_o lay_v down_o some_o position_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v clear_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o avoid_v even_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil._n three_o some_o demonstration_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o necessary_a and_o requisite_a this_o duty_n of_o avoid_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n be_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o some_o distinction_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o first_o a_o appearance_n of_o evil_n may_v be_v either_o altogether_o groundless_a or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v build_v upon_o good_a ground_n and_o upon_o probable_a presumption_n second_o that_o which_o have_v only_o a_o groundless_a appearance_n of_o evil_a it_o may_v so_o appear_v either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o three_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v whether_o this_o action_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v evil_a be_v a_o necessary_a action_n and_o duty_n in_o itself_o or_o only_o free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o lest_o to_o our_o own_o free_a choice_n now_o from_o these_o distinction_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o several_a position_n concern_v the_o limitation_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n first_o we_o ought_v in_o no_o case_n whatsoever_o to_o do_v that_o which_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o if_o that_o appearance_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o probable_a presumption_n now_o to_o explain_v this_o a_o action_n than_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o probable_a presumption_n of_o be_v evil_a either_o first_o when_o ordinary_o it_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o evil_a such_o action_n there_o be_v that_o be_v in_o themselves_o possible_o lawful_a but_o yet_o they_o prove_v occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o most_o that_o venture_v upon_o they_o because_o hereby_o many_o time_n they_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o a_o temptation_n which_o temptation_n overcome_v they_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o achan_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o babylonish_n garment_n and_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n but_o yet_o hereby_o the_o devil_n get_v a_o advantage_n upon_o he_o and_o make_v that_o a_o occasion_n to_o stir_v up_o his_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v probable_o to_o be_v fear_v and_o presume_v that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o he_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v refrain_v even_o his_o very_a eye_n from_o look_v upon_o they_o second_o when_o a_o action_n be_v ordinary_o do_v to_o a_o evil_a end_n than_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a ground_v upon_o a_o probable_a presumption_n thus_o to_o enter_v silent_o into_o another_o man_n house_n in_o the_o dead_a of_o the_o night_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o presumption_n of_o theft_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n of_o idol_n at_o the_o time_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o presumption_n of_o idolatry_n and_o so_o our_o intimacy_n familiarity_n and_o friendship_n with_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a be_v a_o ground_a presumption_n that_o we_o be_v like_o they_o and_o that_o we_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o when_o we_o do_v those_o action_n that_o common_o tend_v to_o a_o bad_a and_o sinful_a end_n it_o be_v a_o ill_a sign_n that_o we_o intend_v the_o end_n itself_o to_o which_o those_o action_n lead_v now_o from_o every_o such_o appearance_n of_o evil_a we_o ought_v in_o all_o case_n to_o abstain_v and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o follow_a reason_n first_o because_o all_o such_o appearance_n of_o evil_a always_o prove_v scandal_n unto_o other_o a_o scandal_n be_v twofold_a either_o the_o scandal_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o scandal_n of_o sorrow_n now_o this_o venture_n upon_o the_o presume_a appearance_n of_o evil_a prove_v a_o scandal_n in_o both_o respect_n it_o prove_v a_o scandal_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o it_o prove_v a_o scandal_n of_o sorrow_n to_o the_o strong_a first_o it_o prove_v a_o scandal_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o weak_a then_o be_v we_o say_v to_o give_v a_o a_o scandal_n of_o sin_n when_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o tend_v natural_o to_o bring_v other_o into_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o may_v lead_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n when_o a_o weak_a christian_a see_v we_o run_v into_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v occasion_n of_o sin_n he_o also_o think_v he_o may_v lawful_o venture_v as_o far_o as_o we_o do_v and_o he_o venture_v because_o possible_o he_o be_v weak_a than_o
he_o intend_v to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o cross_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n though_o possible_o he_o do_v well_o in_o the_o action_n yet_o he_o sin_n in_o intention_n since_o he_o do_v that_o that_o he_o himself_o think_v do_v cross_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o shall_v walk_v second_o another_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o by_o act_v contrary_a to_o conscience_n though_o misinform_v and_o erroneous_a we_o do_v contemn_v the_o authority_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sin_n we_o be_v all_o to_o guide_v our_o conscience_n by_o the_o word_n that_o be_v god_n write_a will_n and_o we_o be_v all_o to_o guide_v our_o life_n by_o our_o conscience_n no_o man_n think_v his_o conscience_n to_o be_v erroneous_a but_o think_v it_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o if_o we_o do_v not_o act_v according_o we_o sin_v as_o much_o as_o if_o indeed_o it_o be_v inform_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o what_o conscience_n say_v we_o think_v it_o be_v god_n that_o command_v whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o and_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o to_o disobey_v god_n because_o we_o think_v what_o conscience_n speak_v god_n speak_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o fall_v under_o the_o entanglement_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n for_o than_o we_o be_v under_o a_o sad_a necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o both_o hand_n if_o we_o act_v according_a to_o it_o we_o sin_v and_o if_o we_o act_v not_o according_a to_o it_o we_o sin_n we_o shall_v therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n hearty_o beg_v and_o desire_v of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n that_o he_o will_v right_o inform_v our_o conscience_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o so_o by_o guide_v our_o life_n by_o our_o conscience_n we_o may_v guide_v they_o also_o according_a to_o his_o will._n these_o three_o position_n now_o respect_v those_o thing_n that_o appear_v evil_a to_o ourselves_o but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o good_a appearance_n unto_o we_o that_o yet_o may_v have_v a_o evil_a appearance_n to_o other_o they_o may_v scruple_n and_o be_v offend_v at_o what_o we_o do_v though_o for_o our_o own_o part_n we_o ourselves_o be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o our_o time_n what_o through_o different_a custom_n and_o interest_n have_v bring_v man_n conscience_n also_o to_o such_o different_a size_n that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a but_o some_o will_v condemn_v what_o other_o allow_v as_o lawful_a yea_o what_o other_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o stiff_o maintain_v to_o be_v necessary_a and_o our_o duty_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o case_n what_o rule_n must_v we_o walk_v by_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n not_o only_o to_o god_n but_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a towards_o man_n also_o in_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o christianity_n there_o lie_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n to_o state_n the_o case_n aright_o or_o aright_o to_o practice_v it_o and_o the_o difficulty_n be_v increase_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o as_o general_a premise_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o if_o we_o give_v no_o power_n to_o the_o scrupulous_a judgement_n of_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o what_o appear_v evil_a to_o they_o than_o we_o shall_v sin_v evident_o against_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o against_o many_o apostolical_a injunction_n and_o command_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v respect_n to_o their_o opinion_n and_o censure_n especial_o in_o rom._n 14._o and_o in_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 8_o &_o 10._o almost_o throughout_o indeed_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o thing_n belong_v to_o christianity_n that_o have_v more_o rule_n and_o prescript_n often_o prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o than_o this_o of_o abstain_v from_o offend_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o other_o second_o if_o we_o make_v other_o man_n conscience_n the_o rule_n of_o we_o and_o if_o we_o lie_v down_o this_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o that_o appear_v evil_a to_o another_o this_o first_o will_v be_v utter_o impossible_a since_o man_n be_v of_o such_o contrary_a persuasion_n that_o if_o the_o do_v of_o a_o action_n appear_v evil_a to_o one_o the_o omission_n thereof_o appear_v as_o evil_a to_o another_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o can_v at_o once_o both_o do_v it_o and_o not_o do_v it_o some_o will_v unavoidable_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o we_o second_o this_o will_v abridge_v yea_o utter_o destroy_v all_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a because_o if_o nothing_o shall_v be_v lawful_a that_o another_o scruple_n than_o almost_o every_o thing_n will_v become_v sinful_a since_o almost_o every_o thing_n be_v scruple_v by_o some_o or_o other_o in_o vain_a therefore_o be_v it_o to_o reckon_v it_o as_o our_o privilege_n that_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o old_a ceremonial_a law_n and_o that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ordinance_n that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v if_o yet_o christian_a religion_n bring_v our_o conscience_n under_o the_o most_o imperious_a law_n of_o man_n humour_n censure_n and_o opinion_n it_o be_v far_o easy_a to_o abserve_v all_o the_o levitical_a law_n from_o one_o end_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o than_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o those_o worldly_a rudiment_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o in_o col._n 2._o touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o wear_v not_o speak_v not_o if_o such_o a_o person_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o and_o count_v it_o unlawful_a now_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o four_o position_n concern_v abstinence_n from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o and_o that_o be_v if_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n be_v to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o ourselves_o then_o in_o some_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o and_o in_o other_o not_o whatever_o have_v the_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o it_o must_v either_o be_v command_v and_o so_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o else_o it_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o according_o we_o may_v take_v these_o follow_a rule_n first_o if_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o appear_v evil_a only_o to_o other_o either_o be_v in_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v command_v and_o so_o necessary_a we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o regard_v yea_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o despise_v and_o scorn_v the_o scruple_n of_o all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o we_o for_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v offend_v we_o may_v in_o this_o case_n use_v the_o same_o plea_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_v 4.19_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a before_o the_o lord_n to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n judge_v you_o to_o perform_v a_o duty_n can_v be_v but_o a_o scandal_n to_o man_n at_o the_o most_o and_o those_o also_o usual_o of_o the_o profane_a sort_n but_o to_o omit_v a_o duty_n for_o fear_n of_o scandalize_a man_n be_v a_o scandal_n and_o a_o offence_n even_o unto_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v most_o preposterous_a charity_n to_o run_v upon_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o only_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n in_o other_o though_o all_o the_o world_n censure_n holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n to_o be_v only_o a_o sour_a and_o rigid_a humour_n and_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o gratify_v their_o humour_n or_o win_v upon_o they_o remit_v the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o severity_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n require_v from_o we_o but_o what_o if_o suppose_v as_o too_o often_o it_o happen_v that_o this_o strictness_n and_o holy_a severity_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n unto_o other_o accidental_o what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o that_o case_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v so_o many_o hate_n religion_n and_o scoff_n at_o the_o professor_n thereof_o but_o only_o their_o life_n be_v too_o morose_n and_o reserve_v duty_n be_v too_o frequent_a and_o tedious_a so_o that_o some_o laugh_v and_o mock_v other_o storm_n and_o rage_n and_o all_o be_v fright_v from_o the_o embrace_v of_o that_o profession_n that_o require_v so_o much_o rigour_n and_o severity_n why_o be_v it_o so_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o abate_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o duty_n nor_o sin_n ourselves_o to_o keep_v other_o from_o sin_v be_v it_o your_o duty_n
to_o pray_v or_o be_v you_o call_v to_o any_o other_o duty_n though_o you_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o that_o hear_v you_o will_v scoff_n at_o you_o yet_o you_o ought_v not_o therefore_o for_o fear_n of_o it_o to_o forbear_v that_o duty_n or_o to_o lessen_v your_o fervency_n and_o affection_n in_o it_o here_o indeed_o be_v require_v much_o spiritual_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n to_o discern_v the_o season_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o several_a circumstance_n and_o among_o those_o offence_n that_o wicked_a man_n may_v take_v it_o may_v make_v that_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o at_o other_o time_n be_v our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o prov._n 26.4_o bid_v we_o not_o to_o answer_v a_o fool_n according_a to_o his_o folly_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o bid_v we_o answer_v a_o fool_n according_a to_o his_o folly_n two_o command_n quite_o contrary_a in_o two_o verse_n follow_v one_o another_o now_o this_o be_v to_o note_v to_o we_o that_o according_a to_o several_a circumstance_n and_o several_a opportunity_n it_o may_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o abstain_v at_o one_o time_n from_o that_o that_o at_o another_o time_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n sometime_o not_o to_o reprove_v a_o fool_n but_o to_o answer_v he_o according_a to_o his_o folly_n and_o according_a to_o divers_a circumstance_n at_o another_o time_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o reprove_v he_o and_o not_o to_o answer_v he_o according_a to_o his_o folly_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o its_o particular_a season_n and_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v so_o we_o ought_v to_o perform_v it_o though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o yea_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o it_o shall_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n unto_o all_o the_o world_n for_o as_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a out_o of_o hope_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o good_a so_o neither_o must_v we_o forbear_v the_o do_n of_o good_a that_o evil_a may_v occasional_o ensue_v thereupon_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o to_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n almost_o all_o be_v scandalize_v at_o he_o some_o at_o his_o doctrine_n as_o a_o despiser_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n other_o at_o his_o conversation_n as_o be_v a_o glutton_n a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o outcry_n he_o alter_v nothing_o either_o in_o his_o teach_v or_o his_o live_n but_o whilst_o they_o be_v clamour_v against_o he_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o he_o he_o still_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o true_o those_o that_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n and_o follower_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n be_v general_o decry_v and_o every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o carp_v at_o as_o needless_a peevishness_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v a_o know_a duty_n they_o must_v not_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o put_v other_o out_o of_o their_o groundless_a offence_n only_o let_v i_o add_v a_o necessary_a caution_n to_o this_o particular_a also_o for_o we_o can_v be_v too_o exact_a in_o state_v this_o case_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o and_o that_o be_v this_o if_o that_o appear_v a_o duty_n to_o we_o that_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o serious_a christian_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o why_o now_o though_o this_o shall_v not_o present_o sway_v our_o conscience_n yet_o it_o shall_v engage_v we_o to_o make_v a_o strict_a search_n and_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o holy_a and_o pious_a christian_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o authority_n with_o we_o to_o put_v 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meat_n be_v unlawful_a as_o in_o leu._n 11._o and_o some_o kind_n of_o garment_n be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v wear_v as_o in_o leu._n 19.19_o but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o abolish_n of_o those_o carnal_a ordinance_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o heb._n 9.4_o both_o all_o sort_n of_o meat_n become_v lawful_a whilst_o we_o use_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o temperance_n and_o moderation_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o garment_n may_v be_v lawful_o wear_v while_o we_o use_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o decency_n these_o thing_n be_v leave_v free_a for_o we_o to_o use_v they_o or_o not_o to_o use_v they_o without_o sin_n according_a to_o our_o own_o conveniency_n and_o discretion_n these_o thing_n i_o call_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o strictness_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o these_o indifferent_a lawful_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v at_o random_n neither_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o paradox_n that_o we_o never_o sin_v in_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o do_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a in_o these_o thing_n we_o usual_o offend_v either_o by_o use_v they_o immoderate_o or_o with_o a_o neglect_n yea_o with_o a_o contempt_n of_o those_o conscience_n that_o be_v weak_a the_o use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v not_o uncontrollable_a but_o god_n have_v subject_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a if_o it_o give_v offence_n unto_o other_o how_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v limit_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o by_o and_o by_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n see_v it_o clear_o prove_v out_o of_o 1_o cor._n 10._o from_o v._o 25._o to_o the_o end_n where_o the_o apostle_n decide_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o you_o must_v know_v it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o heathen_n to_o offer_v cattle_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol-god_n part_v whereof_o they_o do_v eat_v in_o their_o religious_a feast_n in_o the_o temple_n sell_v the_o remainder_n in_o the_o common_a market_n now_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o the_o heathen_n in_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o temple_n before_o their_o idol_n for_o this_o be_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o there_o be_v some_o more_o scrupulous_a christian_n among_o they_o that_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n when_o sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n or_o common_a market_n the_o apostle_n now_o there_o determine_v this_o matter_n to_o be_v