they_o â—d_a the_o great_a sin_n every_o thought_n â—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 â—_o they_o possible_o be_v but_o little_a sin_n yet_o â—_o multitude_n of_o they_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o â—nk_v you_o down_o into_o the_o low_a hell_n â—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 blasâ—emy_n or_o any_o of_o those_o more_o horrid_a sin_n â—at_a be_v the_o prodigy_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n â—ese_n sin_v you_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o comâ—it_v once_o and_o yet_o thousand_o of_o thouâ—nds_n of_o lesser_a sin_n such_o as_o sinful_a thought_n â—le_v word_n petty_a oath_n commodious_a lie_n â—ese_n proceed_v from_o you_o without_o either_o â—riving_n against_o they_o or_o mourn_v for_o â—em_v why_o now_o sir_n do_v you_o more_o fear_v â—tolerable_a and_o everlasting_a wrath_n for_o â—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 â—_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 aâ—_n take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a often_o whetheâ—_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 theiâ—_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 anâ—_n yet_o it_o fare_v with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o thâ—_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 thâ—_n philistine_n one_o gross_a scandalous_a siâ—_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 leâ—_n terror_n in_o their_o name_n though_o unite_a iâ—_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 oâ—_n by_o one_o fire_n brand_n whether_o you_o die_v bâ—_n many_o small_a wound_n or_o by_o one_o greaâ—_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 â—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 â—ave_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o account_n will_v be_v â—s_n dreadful_a and_o the_o wrath_n that_o will_v â—ollow_v as_o insupportable_a as_o if_o murder_n blasphemy_n or_o the_o great_a outrage_n that_o â—ver_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n be_v â—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 â—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 â—herefore_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o bring_v they_o â—o_o repentance_n for_o they_o indeed_o this_o be_v â—he_v great_a and_o desperate_a evil_n that_o there_o â—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 anâ—_n cordial_a approbation_n but_o of_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v â—_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 sâ—_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 sâ—_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 leasâ—_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 tâ—_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 oâ—_n all_o this_o shall_v depend_v upon_o so_o small_a â—_o thing_n as_o the_o tip_n of_o a_o man_n tongue_n if_o thaâ—_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 youâ—_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 enâ—_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
so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n let_v scribe_n and_o pharisee_n corrupt_v it_o by_o their_o erroneous_a gloss_n and_o false_a interpretation_n â—utting_v what_o form_n and_o shape_v they_o â—ease_v upon_o it_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o corâ—ption_n of_o earthly_a body_n not_o the_o least_o â—iece_n of_o matter_n can_v perish_v or_o be_v annihiâ—ted_v so_o neither_o in_o their_o corrupt_v of_o â—he_n law_n shall_v one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o it_o fail_v â—ot_n but_o that_o the_o law_n do_v fail_v of_o its_o observation_n never_o yet_o be_v it_o exact_o and_o punctual_o fulfil_v by_o any_o except_o by_o â—ur_n lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o yet_o the_o obâ—gation_n and_o bind_a power_n of_o it_o be_v everâ—sting_a and_o shall_v continue_v while_o there_o â—_o a_o earth_n and_o man_n upon_o it_o yea_o while_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n &_o glorify_a saint_n â—â—_o it_o for_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v of_o a_o eternal_a â—alidity_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n â—et_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v â—_o perfect_a nature_n implant_v in_o the_o blessed_a from_o which_o all_o their_o action_n shall_v low_o and_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guide_v to_o eternity_n this_o assertion_n be_v lay_v down_o our_o saviour_n proceed_v to_o draw_v a_o inference_n â—rom_fw-mi it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v in_o the_o word_n â—f_v the_o text_n if_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o â—he_n law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o permanent_a and_o everlasting_a obligation_n then_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v that_o be_v he_o shall_v be_v or_o he_o deserve_v to_o bâ—_n the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n word_n open_v of_o the_o word_n and_o here_o before_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o thâ—_n full_a and_o practical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o least_o commandment_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commandment_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o least_o commandment_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o christ_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o least_o commandment_n it_o must_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o if_o one_o commandment_n be_v less_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v than_o another_o god_n command_n be_v all_o alike_o necessary_a and_o that_o with_o a_o twofold_a necessity_n necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la &_o necessitate_v medii_fw-la the_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n the_o other_o from_o the_o requisiteness_n of_o obedience_n to_o eternal_a life_n one_o command_n therefore_o be_v not_o less_o than_o another_o first_o authority_n no_o command_n little_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o authority_n enâ—yning_v they_o the_o same_o holy_a and_o just_a â—od_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o love_v â—nd_v fear_v he_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o â—l_a our_o may_v have_v also_o command_v we_o â—_o abstain_v from_o every_o vain_a thought_n â—nd_v from_o every_o idle_a and_o superfluous_a â—ord_n the_o least_o command_n have_v power_n â—_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obedience_n as_o â—ell_o as_o the_o great_a because_o the_o leastâ—_n â—_z enact_v by_o that_o sovereign_a god_n to_o â—hom_n all_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v subact_a as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a it_o be_v not_o â—he_v greatness_n or_o smallness_n of_o the_o coin_n â—ut_v the_o image_n of_o the_o king_n stamp_v upon_o â—_o that_o authorize_v it_o and_o make_v it_o â—arrant_v so_o true_o the_o holiness_n and_o puâ—ty_n of_o god_n nature_n once_o imprint_v upâ—n_o the_o least_o command_n make_v it_o full_o as_o authoritative_a and_o obligatory_a as_o if_o it_o â—ere_z the_o high_a and_o the_o chief_a nor_o second_o obey_v no_o command_n less_o necessary_a to_o be_v obey_v be_v one_o command_n less_o â—han_o another_o as_o if_o it_o be_v less_o necessary_a â—o_o be_v perform_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n the_o breach_n of_o the_o least_o commandmentâ—oth_v â—oth_z as_o certain_o shut_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o shut_v it_o up_o under_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n as_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o great_a in_o neither_o of_o these_o sense_n therefore_o must_v the_o word_n be_v understand_v aâ—_n if_o our_o obedience_n be_v require_v more_o remiss_o or_o leave_v more_o arbitrary_a to_o the_o one_o than_o to_o the_o other_o or_o as_o if_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o conducible_a unto_o happiness_n or_o the_o transgression_n of_o they_o equal_o liable_a unto_o punishment_n when_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v oâ—_n the_o least_o commandment_n the_o expression_n may_v admit_v of_o a_o twofold_a signification_n first_o that_o herein_o he_o allude_v to_o thâ—_n common_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n distinguish_v god_n command_n into_o great_a and_o small_a the_o great_a commandment_n they_o hold_v to_o be_v those_o only_o which_o concern_v the_o external_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n such_o as_o fast_n and_o wash_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o scrupulous_a tithing_n with_o various_a gift_n and_o offering_n these_o be_v their_o great_a commandment_n but_o for_o inward_a concupiscence_n for_o unmortified_a lust_n for_o vain_a thought_n and_o sinful_a desire_n these_o they_o as_o a_o generation_n corrupt_v in_o themselves_o and_o corrupter_n of_o other_o teach_v as_o the_o papist_n now_o do_v either_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o or_o at_o most_o but_o venial_a so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o act_n and_o true_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v spend_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o evil_a of_o â—hose_v sin_n that_o the_o jew_n account_v to_o be_v â—â—ght_n and_o small_a 29._o matth._n 5.22_o 28_o 29._o as_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o our_o â—rother_n to_o call_v he_o racha_n or_o thou_o fool_n â—erse_v 22._o to_o harbour_v inward_a motion_n â—f_a concupiscence_n ver_fw-la 28._o to_o use_v divorce_n ver_fw-la 29._o common_n swear_v ver_fw-la 34._o private_a revenge_n ver_fw-la 39_o now_o say_v our_o â—aviour_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n either_o by_o my_o doctrine_n or_o by_o my_o practice_n as_o these_o man_n false_o accuse_v and_o calumniate_v i_o â—hat_n contrariwise_o i_o teach_v that_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o command_n which_o your_o â—_z the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n account_v â—mall_a and_o little_a will_v bring_v with_o they_o â—n_o heavy_a guilt_n and_o sore_a condemnation_n or_o whosoever_o break_v those_o commandment_n that_o be_v common_o vilify_v and_o call_v least_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o those_o commandment_n which_o â—re_n great_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n may_v yet_o be_v the_o least_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o command_n of_o the_o same_o law_n which_o â—re_n indeed_o think_v great_a now_o this_o comparative_a inequality_n in_o the_o commandment_n be_v take_v from_o the_o inequality_n of_o the_o object_n about_o which_o they_o be_v conversant_a some_o of_o they_o concern_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n other_o concern_v our_o duty_n to_o man_n now_o because_o man_n be_v infinite_o less_o than_o god_n therefore_o those_o command_n that_o relate_v to_o our_o duty_n towards_o man_n may_v be_v call_v less_o than_o those_o command_n that_o relate_v to_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n hence_o when_o the_o lawyer_n put_v a_o case_n to_o our_o saviour_n 22.36_o matth._n 22.36_o mat._n 22.36_o master_n which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n in_o the_o law_n our_o lord_n answer_v he_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n sometime_o this_o inequality_n rise_v from_o the_o latitude_n that_o every_o command_n have_v in_o it_o now_o this_o latitude_n relate_v to_o our_o thought_n to_o our_o word_n and_o to_o our_o action_n now_o because_o a_o thought_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v less_o than_o a_o word_n and_o a_o word_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v less_o than_o a_o action_n therefore_o that_o part_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o require_v holiness_n in_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v less_o than_o that_o which_o require_v holiness_n in_o our_o speech_n and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o commandment_n which_o require_v holiness_n in_o our_o speech_n than_o that_o which_o require_v holiness_n in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n now_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o sin_n against_o man_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o sin_n against_o gâ—d_n he_o that_o sin_n in_o a_o thought_n in_o a_o word_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o sin_n in_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n he_o that_o break_v
and_o eternal_a salvation_n out_o shall_v open_o be_v show_v â—o_o all_o the_o world_n and_o laugh_v at_o by_o all_o â—he_v world_n that_o such_o a_o sin_n shall_v keep_v â—_o man_n from_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o say_v david_n 119.6_o psal_n 119.6_o psal_n 119.6_o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o â—ave_n respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o some_o of_o god_n commandment_n and_o not_o to_o all_o be_v now_o hypocrisy_n and_o will_n at_o last_o be_v shame_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n â—hat_n though_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n yet_o so_o be_v not_o the_o approbation_n of_o â—he_n lest_o sin_n oh_o what_o a_o severe_a and_o critical_a thing_n be_v true_a holiness_n that_o will_v no_o more_o allow_v the_o least_o transgression_n than_o â—he_v great_a nor_o more_o tolerate_v the_o defilement_n of_o dust_n in_o our_o heart_n than_o a_o dunghill_n we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o need_v therefore_o to_o pray_v with_o david_n psal_n 139.23_o 139.23_o psal_n 139.23_o search_v i_o o_o lord_n and_o try_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o â—here_o be_v any_o evil_a way_n in_o i_o because_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v so_o little_a as_o to_o escape_v our_o own_o â—earch_n and_o because_o the_o least_o sin_n if_o let_v alone_o in_o the_o heart_n will_v like_o a_o small_a speck_n in_o fruit_n spread_v to_o a_o total_a rottenness_n therefore_o o_o lord_n do_v thou_o search_v and_o try_v we_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n in_o we_o cast_v thou_o out_o our_o corruption_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v not_o cast_v we_o out_o as_o corrupt_v and_o rot_a at_o the_o last_o sin_n little_a sin_n make_v way_n for_o great_a sin_n five_o consider_v little_a sin_n do_v usual_o make_v way_n and_o open_v a_o passage_n into_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o great_a and_o vile_a sin_n thus_o a_o little_a thief_n that_o creep_v in_o at_o the_o window_n may_v unlock_v the_o door_n for_o other_o that_o stand_v without_o and_o thus_o in_o fare_v with_o david_n while_o sensual_a delight_n creep_v in_o by_o the_o eye_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o bathsheba_n it_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o the_o temptation_n and_o in_o rush_v those_o two_o outrageous_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n believe_v it_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o small_a but_o tend_v to_o the_o utmost_a wickedness_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v commit_v a_o irreverent_a thought_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n and_o atheism_n a_o slight_a grudge_n at_o another_o tend_v to_o no_o less_o than_o murder_n a_o lascivious_a thought_n tend_v to_o no_o less_o than_o impudent_a and_o common_a prostitution_n and_o though_o at_o first_o they_o seem_v to_o play_v only_o single_o about_o the_o heart_n yet_o within_o a_o while_n they_o will_v mortal_o wound_v it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n give_v little_a sin_n their_o growth_n and_o increase_n first_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o temptation_n be_v continual_o nurse_v up_o youngling_n sin_n till_o they_o arrive_v to_o a_o full_a strength_n and_o stature_n of_o wickedness_n he_o be_v continual_o suit_v occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o propension_n of_o our_o lust_n have_v he_o wrought_v any_o sinful_a desire_n or_o any_o evil_a purpose_n in_o you_o he_o will_v take_v care_n you_o shall_v not_o long_o want_v a_o occasion_n to_o fulfil_v it_o be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o vigilancy_n many_o a_o sin_n must_v needs_o die_v in_o the_o womb_n that_o conceive_v it_o but_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o his_o temptation_n so_o be_v it_o bring_v forth_o by_o his_o industry_n and_o diligence_n second_o natural_a corruption_n itself_o be_v of_o a_o thrive_a grow_a nature_n if_o any_o lust_n have_v seize_v strong_o on_o the_o thought_n and_o boil_v there_o it_o will_v vent_v itself_o in_o discourse_n a_o bad_a heart_n as_o well_o as_o a_o bad_a liver_n will_v break_v out_o at_o the_o lip_n and_o if_o the_o discourse_n be_v poisonous_a the_o venom_n will_v spread_v itself_o into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o evil_a word_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n sinful_a thought_n form_v themselves_o into_o word_n and_o word_n will_v consolidate_v themselves_o into_o action_n and_o then_o sin_n be_v perfect_v and_o have_v attain_v its_o full_a growth_n and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v what_o the_o next_o degree_n or_o step_n be_v that_o sin_n take_v the_o apostle_n st._n james_n tell_v you_o jam._n 1.15_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v perfect_v bring_v forth_o death_n you_o can_v no_o more_o set_v bound_n to_o your_o corruption_n than_o to_o the_o rage_a sea_n nor_o say_v to_o it_o hitherto_o shall_v thy_o proud_a wave_n go_v and_o no_o further_o it_o be_v folly_n when_o you_o have_v set_v fire_n to_o a_o train_n of_o powder_n to_o expect_v it_o shall_v stop_v any_o where_o short_a of_o the_o utmost_a of_o it_o so_o true_o when_o the_o thought_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n this_o will_v inflame_v the_o tongue_n and_o that_o will_v inflame_v the_o life_n and_o unless_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n prevent_v this_o burn_a will_v stop_v no_o where_o short_a of_o everlasting_a burn_n ask_v but_o your_o own_o experience_n this_o have_v you_o not_o often_o find_v it_o so_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n drill_v you_o on_o from_o little_a sin_n to_o great_a sin_n and_o from_o these_o to_o far_o great_a abomination_n believe_v it_o there_o be_v a_o bottomless_a deceit_n in_o every_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v the_o desperate_a issue_n of_o it_o that_o if_o once_o you_o come_v to_o account_v any_o sin_n small_a you_o will_v soon_o reckon_v the_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v no_o more_o we_o common_o reckon_v the_o greatness_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o abruptness_n of_o our_o advance_n to_o it_o possible_o it_o will_v seem_v a_o horrid_a thing_n at_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o a_o temptation_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o shall_v present_o perpetrate_v the_o utmost_a of_o it_o into_o act_n therefore_o the_o method_n of_o sin_n be_v more_o smooth_a and_o deceitful_a it_o count_v a_o sinful_a thought_n a_o little_a transgression_n and_o sinful_a discourse_n to_o have_v but_o a_o little_a more_o guilt_n in_o it_o than_o a_o sinful_a thought_n and_o sinful_a action_n to_o have_v but_o a_o little_a more_o guilt_n in_o they_o than_o sinful_a word_n a_o great_a sin_n but_o in_o a_o little_a degree_n exceed_v a_o less_o and_o so_o compare_v sin_n with_o sin_n and_o not_o with_o the_o law_n we_o at_o length_n come_v by_o invisible_a advances_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a impiety_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v but_o little_a sin_n and_o so_o to_o commit_v they_o if_o satan_n prevail_v with_o we_o to_o go_v with_o he_o one_o step_v out_o of_o our_o way_n we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o stop_v no_o where_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o height_n of_o all_o profaneness_n he_o will_v make_v we_o take_v a_o second_o and_o a_o three_o and_o so_o to_o travel_v on_o to_o destruction_n for_o each_o of_o these_o be_v but_o one_o step_n the_o last_o step_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o one_o step_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o and_o if_o the_o devil_n prevail_v with_o we_o to_o take_v one_o step_n why_o shall_v he_o not_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o take_v the_o last_o step_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o step_n see_v it_o be_v but_o one_o your_o second_o sin_n no_o more_o exceed_v your_o first_o than_o your_o first_o do_v your_o duty_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o account_v any_o sin_n small_a but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o spawn_n of_o all_o the_o vile_a abomination_n and_o as_o you_o will_v abhor_v death_n and_o hell_n so_o abhor_v the_o least_o sin_n because_o it_o have_v a_o plot_n upon_o we_o in_o subserviency_n to_o great_a sin_n that_o without_o infinite_a mercy_n will_v certain_o bring_v to_o and_o terminate_v in_o death_n and_o hell_n great_a little_a sin_n so_o call_v be_v indeed_o the_o great_a six_o consider_v that_o those_o sin_n that_o we_o common_o call_v the_o least_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a and_o vile_a provocation_n some_o sin_n be_v sin_n of_o great_a infamy_n and_o scandal_n other_o sin_n be_v sin_n of_o great_a gild_n and_o sinfulness_n rude_a and_o bluster_a sin_n those_o sin_n that_o be_v of_o great_a infamy_n be_v such_o as_o make_v he_o that_o commit_v they_o a_o scandalous_a person_n and_o these_o be_v common_o repute_v great_a and_o cry_a sin_n by_o the_o world_n if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o swearer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n a_o
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
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 we_o to_o a_o stand_n and_o to_o make_v we_o to_o examine_v whether_o that_o which_o we_o account_v a_o duty_n be_v indeed_o a_o duty_n or_o not_o as_o for_o instance_n some_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o and_o what_o appear_v a_o duty_n to_o one_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o it_o to_o another_o why_o now_o follow_v neither_o of_o these_o because_o it_o be_v their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n but_o yet_o if_o thy_o persuasion_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o most_o sober_a christian_n this_o aught_o so_o far_o to_o prevail_v as_o to_o make_v man_n suspect_v lest_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o a_o impartial_a search_n into_o their_o ground_n and_o argument_n but_o after_o all_o still_o follow_v that_o which_o you_o be_v convince_v in_o your_o own_o conscience_n be_v your_o duty_n how_o evil_a soever_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o other_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o particular_a if_o those_o thing_n appear_v evil_a to_o other_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n or_o necessary_a or_o that_o appear_v so_o to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o regard_v the_o censure_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v it_o second_o if_o so_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o appear_v to_o we_o so_o to_o be_v have_v yet_o a_o evil_a appearance_n unto_o other_o if_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v at_o they_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a charity_n oblige_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o they_o i_o call_v those_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o be_v neither_o in_o themselves_o forbid_v nor_o yet_o command_v but_o only_o permit_v and_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a government_n of_o every_o private_a christian_n prudence_n and_o discretion_n as_o for_o instance_n under_o the_o levitical_a law_n some_o kind_n of_o 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
to_o the_o very_a death_n and_o therefore_o though_o his_o sin_n be_v foul_a sin_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v call_v presumptuous_a sin_n but_o rather_o sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o so_o there_o be_v divers_a christian_n that_o be_v overtake_v with_o fault_n against_o their_o resolution_n and_o prayer_n yea_o and_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o expectation_n now_o the_o sin_n of_o such_o person_n be_v not_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o then_o a_o sin_n become_v presumptuous_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v after_o long_a deliberation_n premeditation_n and_o forecast_a there_o be_v a_o twofold_a deliberation_n that_o make_v a_o sin_n presumptuous_a first_o when_o a_o man_n sin_n after_o he_o have_v deliberate_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o shall_v sin_v or_o not_o when_o upon_o debate_v the_o case_n at_o length_n after_o much_o ponder_a and_o consideration_n he_o consent_v to_o sin_n and_o thus_o though_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o master_n upon_o a_o surprisal_n yet_o judas_n betray_v he_o upon_o deliberation_n now_o this_o be_v most_o desperate_a high_a presumption_n to_o sin_n when_o a_o man_n ponder_v and_o consider_v with_o himself_o and_o weigh_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n whether_o he_o shall_v sin_v or_o not_o and_o yet_o true_o of_o such_o presumptuous_a sin_n as_o these_o be_v we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o be_v find_v guilty_a why_o ask_v but_o yourselves_o do_v you_o never_o commit_v a_o sin_n after_o you_o have_v weigh_v in_o your_o deliberate_a thought_n all_o circumstance_n put_v in_o the_o beneficial_a consequence_n the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o credit_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o one_o balance_n and_o the_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a consequence_n that_o wrath_n and_o hell_n that_o be_v due_a to_o sin_n in_o the_o other_o balance_n who_o of_o we_o all_o can_v acquit_v himself_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_v after_o such_o comparison_n as_o these_o be_v have_v be_v make_v after_o the_o due_a weigh_v both_o of_o sin_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o choose_v the_o sin_n before_o our_o duty_n true_o to_o sin_n after_o such_o deliberate_a comparison_n as_o these_o be_v â—s_v a_o provoke_a and_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n second_o when_o man_n do_v deliberate_a and_o contrive_v how_o they_o may_v sin_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n how_o they_o may_v make_v the_o most_o of_o their_o iniquity_n when_o they_o plot_n and_o contrive_v with_o themselves_o how_o they_o may_v squeeze_v and_o draw_v out_o the_o very_a utmost_a of_o all_o that_o pleasure_n and_o sweet_a that_o they_o imagine_v sin_n carry_v with_o it_o this_o make_v that_o sin_n a_o presumptuous_a sin_n thus_o those_o drunkard_n contrive_v to_o prolong_v their_o sin_n isaiah_n 56._o v._o 12._o come_v say_v they_o we_o will_v fetch_v wine_n and_o fill_v ourselves_o with_o strong_a drink_n and_o to_o morrow_n shall_v be_v as_o this_o day_n and_o much_o more_o abundant_a here_o they_o forecast_v to_o make_v as_o great_a advantage_n as_o they_o can_v of_o their_o drunkenness_n and_o to_o get_v as_o much_o pleasure_n out_o of_o it_o as_o they_o can_v this_o now_o be_v most_o presumptuous_a sin_v thus_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n also_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a to_o do_v evil_a jer._n 4.22_o that_o can_v improve_v sin_n to_o the_o very_a utmost_a that_o can_v get_v more_o out_o of_o a_o sin_n by_o their_o husband_n of_o it_o than_o another_o can_v that_o have_v not_o that_o skill_n and_o mystery_n these_o be_v wise_a to_o do_v evil_a and_o such_o be_v presumptuous_a sin_n when_o man_n stretch_v and_o strain_v their_o wit_n brimful_a of_o sinful_a device_n either_o so_o as_o they_o may_v reap_v mosâ—_n from_o they_o or_o so_o as_o they_o may_v keep_v their_o wickedness_n secret_a from_o the_o observation_n and_o notice_n of_o man_n than_o they_o sin_v presumptuous_o do_v not_o therefore_o flatteâ—_n yourselves_o that_o though_o indeed_o you_o be_v sinner_n as_o who_o indeed_o be_v not_o yet_o you_o sin_v only_o through_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n why_o ask_v your_o own_o conscience_n do_v you_o never_o sin_n or_o do_v you_o not_o use_v to_o sin_n upon_o premeditation_n and_o forecast_n when_o you_o have_v conceive_v sin_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o nurse_v it_o and_o nourish_v it_o there_o till_o you_o find_v some_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o commit_v it_o plot_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o some_o fit_a occasion_n to_o act_v some_o wicked_a imagination_n that_o you_o have_v hatch_v in_o your_o own_o heart_n if_o so_o this_o be_v clear_a your_o sin_v be_v not_o out_o of_o weakness_n but_o from_o stubbornness_n and_o wilfulness_n sin_n the_o more_o calm_a and_o quiet_a the_o affection_n be_v the_o more_o presumptuous_a be_v that_o sin_n three_o the_o more_o quiet_a &_o calm_v your_o affection_n be_v when_o you_o sin_n the_o more_o free_a you_o be_v from_o the_o hurrying_n &_o perturbation_n of_o passion_n when_o you_o sin_n the_o more_o presumptuous_a be_v your_o sin_n indeed_o it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a excuse_n that_o you_o sin_n in_o a_o passion_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o murderer_n to_o say_v he_o be_v drink_v when_o he_o do_v it_o but_o yet_o this_o take_v off_o something_o from_o the_o presumption_n in_o sin_v then_o a_o man_n be_v a_o â—old_a and_o arrogant_a sinner_n when_o he_o can_v sin_v calm_o and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o god_n and_o heaven_n in_o cold_a blood_n now_o st._n peter_n denial_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v from_o the_o excessive_a passion_n of_o fear_n that_o then_o surprise_v he_o and_o scatter_v his_o grace_n but_o when_o that_o passion_n be_v over_o he_o recruit_v again_o but_o now_o judas_n have_v no_o passion_n but_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n wrought_v quiet_o and_o calm_o in_o he_o to_o the_o betray_n of_o his_o master_n when_o the_o wind_n rage_n violent_o no_o wonder_n if_o sometime_o the_o tall_a cedar_n be_v overthrow_v by_o they_o but_o those_o tree_n that_o fall_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n when_o the_o air_n be_v still_o and_o calm_a it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n they_o be_v rot_v so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o tempest_n of_o passion_n rage_v be_v it_o fear_v or_o any_o other_o passion_n and_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n no_o wonder_n if_o sometime_o the_o tall_a and_o the_o strong_a christian_n fall_v be_v cast_v down_o and_o overwhelm_v by_o it_o but_o if_o man_n fall_v into_o sin_n when_o their_o intellectual_n be_v clear_a and_o when_o their_o reason_n be_v calm_a and_o undisturbed_a true_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n these_o man_n be_v rot_v and_o these_o presumptuous_a sin_n have_v get_v dominion_n over_o they_o for_o they_o fall_v like_o rot_a tree_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o tempest_n of_o passion_n to_o stiâ—_n they_o how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o sin_v presumptuous_o by_o our_o temptation_n and_o how_o four_o when_o at_o any_o time_n you_o commit_v a_o sin_n consider_v what_o the_o temptation_n be_v that_o assault_n you_o and_o how_o you_o behave_v yourselves_o under_o those_o temptation_n for_o from_o thence_o you_o may_v conjecture_v whether_o your_o sin_n be_v presumptuous_a or_o not_o temptation_n as_o they_o be_v strong_a inducement_n unto_o sin_n so_o sometime_o they_o be_v great_a mitigation_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o violent_o the_o soul_n be_v bate_v and_o weary_v with_o temptation_n the_o less_o presumption_n be_v it_o guilty_a of_o if_o at_o length_n it_o yield_v this_o god_n do_v judge_v to_o be_v weakness_n not_o wilfulness_n he_o know_v our_o frame_n that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o we_o be_v no_o match_n for_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o those_o mighty_a enemy_n that_o we_o be_v to_o combat_v with_o we_o can_v no_o more_o stand_v before_o they_o than_o so_o much_o loose_a dust_n before_o a_o fierce_a and_o rapid_a whirlwind_n yea_o be_v there_o no_o devilâ—o_o â—o_z tempt_v yet_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o â—wn_a heart_n be_v much_o too_o hard_a for_o we_o â—ut_fw-la when_o both_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o the_o devil_n shall_v conspire_v together_o the_o one_o â—o_o betray_v we_o with_o all_o its_o deceitfulness_n â—nd_v the_o other_o to_o force_v we_o with_o all_o its_o power_n who_o then_o can_v stand_v if_o god_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n â—nd_v spirit_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v from_o the_o best_a of_o his_o servant_n where_o be_v the_o christian_n that_o ever_o cope_v with_o these_o temptation_n and_o be_v not_o vanquish_v and_o captivate_v by_o they_o it_o be_v true_a when_o god_n assist_v he_o the_o weak_a christian_a prove_n victorious_a over_o the_o strong_a temptation_n a_o dwarf_n may_v beat_v a_o giant_n when_o he_o be_v manacle_v that_o he_o can_v stir_v or_o resist_v god_n see_v that_o satanâ—is_n â—is_z a_o over-match_n for_o