be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o great_a evil_a and_o danger_n that_o there_o be_v in_o little_a sin_n now_o because_o the_o word_n at_o present_a read_v unto_o you_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o near_a cognation_n to_o the_o truth_n then_o deliver_v it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a gradation_n that_o he_o that_o will_v avoid_v great_a sin_n must_v avoid_v little_a sin_n and_o he_o that_o will_v avoid_v both_o great_a and_o little_a must_v consequent_o shun_v also_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o sin_n i_o have_v therefore_o pitch_v upon_o thiâ—_n brief_a exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n thaâ—_n thereby_o we_o may_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a be_v lead_v up_o unto_o that_o exact_a purity_n and_o holiness_n the_o endeavour_n after_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o all_o those_o whosâ—_n desire_n and_o care_v it_o be_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n now_o in_o sundry_a verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o several_a sedatiouâ—_n command_v let_v none_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n rejoice_v evermore_o pray_v without_o cease_v in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n prove_v all_o thing_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n be_v now_o towards_o the_o end_n and_o close_v of_o his_o epistle_n and_o not_o willing_a to_o omit_v the_o mention_v of_o duty_n so_o necessary_a for_o their_o practice_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v pour_v they_o out_o in_o weighty_a though_o short_a exhortation_n the_o connexion_n betwixt_o most_o of_o they_o be_v very_o dark_a or_o else_o none_o at_o all_o only_o betwixt_o the_o text_n and_o the_o two_o immediate_o forego_v verse_n it_o may_v seem_v more_o plain_a and_o natural_a in_o v._o 20._o he_o exhort_v they_o not_o to_o despise_v prophesy_v despise_v not_o prophesy_v that_o be_v the_o preach_v even_o of_o the_o common_a and_o â—dinary_a preacher_n and_o teacher_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o expound_v the_o scripturesâ—_n â—_z they_o and_o to_o declare_v the_o mind_n and_o â—ill_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n do_v â—e_n apostle_n mean_v only_o that_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a prophesy_v that_o he_o â—oke_v of_o 1_o cor._n 14._o when_o by_o a_o imitate_v impulse_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a â—host_n either_o they_o foretell_v thing_n future_a â—_o else_o speak_v in_o divers_a language_n he_o â—eeded_v not_o then_o to_o have_v so_o sollicitous_o â—re_n warn_v they_o not_o to_o despise_v he_o â—nce_o so_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o this_o prophesyâ—g_n of_o will_v sufficient_o have_v vindicaâ—d_v itself_o from_o all_o contempt_n the_o lean_v therefore_o be_v this_o whatever_o â—ifts_n or_o grace_n you_o may_v have_v attain_v â—nto_o though_o you_o may_v know_v your_o duâ—es_n as_o well_o and_o though_o you_o may_v practice_v your_o duty_n better_a than_o they_o yet_o despise_v not_o their_o teach_v but_o what_o they_o propound_v to_o you_o as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o attend_v unto_o with_o all_o reverence_n and_o submission_n but_o yet_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o will_v â—ot_n have_v you_o therefore_o pull_v out_o your_o own_o yes_n because_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o your_o teacher_n and_n leader_n no_o do_v not_o mancipate_v â—nd_n captivate_v yourselves_o to_o whatever_o â—hey_n shall_v dictate_v unto_o you_o but_o prove_v all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ver_fw-la 21._o search_v thâ—_n scripture_n examine_v whether_o the_o thing_n deliver_v to_o you_o be_v true_a or_o not_o if_o upon_o trial_n you_o find_v they_o so_o then_o hold_v foâ—_n the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o v._o 21._o holâ—_n fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o if_o upon_o in_o partial_a search_n you_o understand_v and_o sin_n that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o you_o bâ—_n unsound_a then_o abstain_v from_o it_o though_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o you_o be_v truâ—_n yet_o if_o their_o expression_n be_v deceitful_a â—_o such_o as_o may_v lead_v into_o error_n if_o the_o notion_n be_v dangerous_a if_o their_o expreâ—sions_n be_v bold_a and_o adventurous_a though_o you_o must_v not_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n yeâ—_n abstain_v from_o that_o appearance_n of_o evil_a thaâ—_n be_v in_o they_o hence_o from_o the_o connexion_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o deliver_n and_o receive_v of_o doctrine_n we_o shall_v careful_o abstain_v not_o only_o from_o what_o be_v unsound_a and_o dangerous_a but_o also_o from_o what_o be_v unsafe_a and_o venturous_a and_o true_o have_v this_o caution_n of_o our_o apostle_n be_v due_o regard_v have_v not_o teacher_n luxuriant_a tongue_n and_o hearer_n itch_a ear_n loathe_v old_a truth_n unless_o they_o appear_v set_v off_o in_o new_a dress_n our_o time_n â—d_a not_o be_v so_o fruitful_a in_o those_o monâ—rs_n of_o opinion_n that_o make_v it_o disputaâ—e_v whether_o our_o knowledge_n or_o our_o error_n be_v more_o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_v â—ong_o the_o ancient_n that_o heresy_n â—ead_a from_o word_n if_o not_o false_o yet_o â—duly_o and_o improper_o speak_v the_o â—olish_a rash_a and_o dare_a expression_n that_o â—ve_v drop_v from_o man_n sound_v in_o the_o â—ruth_n be_v receive_v by_o those_o that_o have_v â—t_a be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o â—hat_n be_v proper_a and_o what_o be_v figurative_a â—hat_n be_v doctrinal_a and_o what_o be_v rhetoriâ—l_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o lead_v â—any_n aside_o into_o most_o dangerous_a and_o deâ—ructive_a tenet_n certain_o christian_n religion_n be_v a_o thing_n more_o severe_a and_o punctual_a than_o to_o be_v rhetoricate_v upon_o and_o â—ourished_v with_o oratory_n that_o may_v through_o â—earers_n mistake_v as_o much_o pervert_v the_o judgement_n as_o it_o may_v please_v and_o tickle_v â—he_n fancy_n there_o be_v great_a weight_n in_o word_n for_o by_o they_o the_o understanding_n â—_o steer_v either_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n or_o else_o into_o the_o embrace_v of_o error_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v â—ch_a expression_n as_o be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o misapprehension_n or_o misinterpretations_a it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o speak_v that_o which_o may_v possible_o be_v fetch_v off_o wiâ—_n truth_n by_o a_o distinction_n but_o if_o we_o dâ—_n but_o consult_v the_o ignorance_n of_o some_o anâ—_n the_o malice_n of_o other_o we_o shall_v see_v reâ—son_n enough_o to_o speak_v if_o possible_o so_o â—_o that_o the_o ignorant_a may_v not_o be_v able_a â—_o mistake_v we_o nor_o the_o malicious_a be_v able_a â—_o misconstrue_v we_o as_o for_o instance_n â—_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v mystical_o unite_v uâ—to_o christ_n and_o thereby_o become_v one_o wiâ—_n he_o this_o be_v a_o most_o high_a and_o most_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o to_o say_v that_o we_o aâ—_n goded_a and_o chri_v as_o some_o have_v goâ—_n about_o to_o express_v this_o ineffable_a mystery_n in_o sweet_a and_o sugar-word_n this_o have_v beeâ—_n the_o occasion_n of_o that_o familistical_a blasphemy_n and_o nonsense_n that_o have_v invade_v â—_o many_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n we_o must_v observe_v and_o consider_v also_o that_o the_o sense_n anâ—_n meaning_n of_o many_o expression_n vary_v anâ—_n alter_v from_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o werâ—_n use_v those_o very_a word_n that_o be_v welâ—_n use_v some_o age_n since_o in_o matter_n of_o divinity_n and_o religion_n can_v now_o be_v use_n without_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o they_o because_o now_o their_o signification_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v then_o i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o one_o and_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o merit_v of_o good_a work_n it_o be_v truâ—_n the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n do_v hold_v there_o be_v merit_n in_o good_a work_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v clear_a also_o by_o their_o write_n that_o the_o word_n merit_n do_v not_o then_o signify_v as_o now_o it_o do_v than_o it_o signify_v only_a rewardableness_n and_o when_o any_o maintain_v that_o work_v merit_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o they_o all_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o their_o work_n shall_v be_v reward_v by_o god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o they_o do_v affirm_v but_o now_o the_o word_n merit_n signify_v desert_n in_o work_n arise_v from_o the_o eqruality_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o the_o reward_n propound_v and_o promise_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o now_o to_o assert_v that_o work_n have_v merit_n in_o they_o be_v very_o unsafe_a and_o erroneous_a which_o whilst_o the_o papist_n do_v they_o do_v indeed_o still_o retain_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v go_v that_o be_v they_o still_o hold_v fast_o the_o feather_n when_o the_o bird_n be_v fly_v away_o we_o shall_v therefore_o beware_v in_o our_o discourse_n of_o the_o doubtful_a thing_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o venture_v not_o upon_o those_o phrase_n and_o expression_n that_o either_o border_n upon_o error_n or_o that_o may_v likely_o lead_v into_o error_n and_o true_o the_o generality_n of_o
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
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
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 it_o these_o little_a sin_n do_v arm_n god_n terrible_a power_n and_o vengeance_n against_o you_o and_o as_o a_o page_n may_v carry_v the_o sword_n of_o a_o great_a warrior_n after_o he_o so_o your_o little_a sin_n do_v as_o it_o be_v bear_v the_o sword_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o put_v it_o into_o his_o hand_n against_o you_o and_o woe_n unto_o we_o if_o the_o holy_a and_o jealous_a god_n deal_v in_o fury_n with_o we_o for_o our_o small_a provocation_n second_o god_n little_a sin_n a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n every_o little_a sin_n be_v a_o heinous_a violation_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o strict_a law_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n the_o least_o sin_n take_v the_o two_o table_n and_o in_o a_o worse_a sense_n than_o moses_n do_v dash_v and_o break_v they_o in_o piece_n nay_o great_a commit_v little_a sin_n make_v man_n guilty_a of_o the_o great_a three_o that_o you_o may_v see_v what_o a_o complicate_v evil_a every_o sin_n be_v 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