The Beginning of the Doctrine of Christ

CHAP. II.

HItherto in General. The first thing then to be done by that Christian that would settle himself in a sound course, to lay as it were, the foundation of his salvation, is to practice those rules that may deliver him from the horrible danger and distress he is in, in respect of all the power of all the sins he hath hitherto committed.

If he consider of the dreadful curses which he is liable unto in respect of all his sins, he ought not to think it much to undergo the hardest task can be enjoined, to make himself capable of the grace of God, and pardon for so many offenses. And therefore with so much the more willingness, and vnchangeablenes of religion should he with much desire set upon these rules now to be given, seeing they are but few in number, and such as he may perform by the grace of God, with much ease and comfort, and the more may he encourage his own heart, because when he hath done, he may clearly see he hath done distinctly that which God required of him, and that, with which he is satisfied through Christ. But before he set upon the practice of these rules, he must in judgment be thoroughly resolved of three things.

1. That Jesus Christ hath made a full & sufficient satisfaction for the sins of all men: As he became a sacrifice for him, he paid a price in his blood, sufficient to redeem us, Ephes. 1. 6. He is the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world, John. 1. 1. Pet. 18. 19. Ephes. 1. 10.

2. That God is well pleased with this satisfactiō made by Christ for our sins, which he declared by that voice from heaven, Mat. 3. & 17, &c. Yea, he hath set Christ forth in the view of all men, as the propitiation for their sins, Rom. 3. 25. and hath sent us the Word of reconciliation, and beseecheth us by the Word to be reconciled, 2. Cor. 5. 19.

3. That thou mayest attain unto this redemption by Christ, if thou wilt practice those things which are required of thee: and this thou mayest be assured of, both because Christ is said to take away the sins of the world, and because God offers this reconciliation in the Gospel, to every creature, and exempts none; and because the Apostle saith,

When thou hast thus prepared thyself by these three resolutions, then if thou do these 4. things following, thou mayest be sure to be clearly rid of all danger that can any way befall thee for thy sins past, though they were never so many, or great.

1. The first rule concerns the examination of thyself, & it is this: Thou▪ must make thee a Catalogue of all the sins thou canst discern by thyself, and be sure thou do this seriously, and effectually; and for this purpose retire thyself into some secret place, and set thyself in God's presence; and then call to mind all the sins thou canst remember by thyself particularly, write them down as they come to thy mind; ask thyself this question: What have I done all the days of my life, which if I were now to die, would fear me, if they were not forgiven? Take the answer to this question, as thy sins come to thy mind, till thou canst remember no more, so as thou couldst in the sincerity of thy heart say, that thou dealest plainly before the Lord, & doest not hide any fault, and out of the liking thou hast to any sin, dost not forbear to set it down.

Trouble not thy head with the thought of any other thing, till this be done: and thou needest not care for order or phrase in setting it down, but do it in such words as thou hast to utter it in, and be sure to spare none of thy special known sins, but let the Lord see, that thou art as willing to indite thyself for them in his presence, as thou art willing he should forgive them. When thou hast in this manner taken a particular notice of thy sins, then look upon the Catalogue following, and examine thyself distinctly by it. For this Catalogue will be like a Lookingglasse from all parts of God's Law, to show thee thy offenses, and so thou mayest observe, what faults thou couldst not find, or remember by thy private examination, and withal see in what phrase or order to digest thy sins. Let not thy thoughts trouble thee, but cheerfully endure this trial of thyself, and take heed thou do it not cursorily, but take time enough, and so thou mayest, if thou wilt only take one of the Chapters, or two of them, as they lie in the Catalogue, and no more in a day, till thou come to the ende of the Catalogue, neither needest thou to trouble thyself about such sins, as thou doest not clearly see that thou art guilty of, but take only such, as thou art most sure thou hast offended in: It is enough in the practice of Repentance, to take particular notice of known and apparent evils. A general acknowledgement will serve for the rest: If thou think thy sins be innumerable, and so cannot be gathered into a Catalogue, understand, that the acts of sin are innumerable, but not the kinds of sin. There is no sin, but it is condemned in the Scripture: and if there were as many sins, as there be lines in the Scripture, yet they might be numbered; and therefore that speech of David, that his sins were innumerable, must be understood of the acts of sin; for he might in one sin be guilty of innumerable acts: as if it were a sin in thought, it might be committed oftener, then can be by us numbered; But in repentance, it is enough to humble our selves for the several kinds of sins we have been guilty of, which will not be so many, but they may easily be numbered. The several acts of the same sin serve but as a general aggravation of the offense: Only in this examination look to two things. The one, that thou beseech God by prayer, to show thee the sins are most displeasing unto him. The other is, that thou take heed thou leave not out any special known sins, because else, those sins so spared, may buffet thee a long time after thou hast finished this course; and besides, they may get head and prevail against thee in practice, if by this course they be not brought under.

Now that thou oughtest thus seriously to examine and call to mind thy sins, and that this is one of the things God requireth of thee to be distinctly done, these places of Scripture do evidently prove, and withal show, that GOD doth take even this beginning of thy Repentance well, Lamen. 3. 40. Psal. 4. 4. Ezech. 16. 43. 61. & 20. 43. & 36. 31. Ierem. 8. 6. 1. Cor. 11. Galat. 6. • . Job 11. 13. While thou art doing this thou shalt do well to do no other exercise of Religion at that time, but only attend to this.

The second thing that God requireth of thee distinctly to be done, is the expression of those sins thus gathered into the Catalogue, and for the performance of this duty, set some time apart, and present thyself before the Lord: and if thy memory will not carry all the particulars of thy offenses, take with thee the written indictment, and as Hezekiah did with his letter, spread thy Catalogue before the Lord, and then take unto thee words in the best manner thou canst, to judge thyself for those offenses. Let the Lord know, that it is thy hearts desire to plead guilty to each of those sins, and in special, urge against thyself those sins, wherein thou hast more especially offended. Be not over careful for words; the Lord requireth thee but to do it in the best words thou canst; only let thy words be the true voice of thy heart, and thou mayst be sure the Lord understandeth the meaning of thy heart. Let no objection drive thee off from the practice hereof, but do it so, as thy own Conscience may witness with thee, that thou hast done it in the best manner thou canst. Now that this is a duty necessarily required, these Scriptures plainly show, Hosh. 14. 3. 4. Prov. 28. 13. Levite. 16. 21. & 26. 40. 41. Job 33. 27. 28. Psalm. 32. 5. Ier. 3. 12. 13. Math. 3. 6. Acts 19. 18. Dan. 9. Nehem. 9. 2. Rom. 10. 10. 1. Cor. 11. 1. John. 1. 7. 9. This is the second duty.

The third thing thou must labor for distinctly, is, to conceive true mourning and sorrow for these sins thus confessed. This is that sacrifice is so well pleasing to God, and this is everywhere in Scripture expressly required, & the promises fastened (diverse of them) upon this condition, as these places manifestly show, Math. 5. 5. I am. 4. 9. Joel 2. 12. 13. Zach. 12. 12. Isaiah 1. 16. Psalm. 31. 17. Isaiah 61. 1. 2. 3. Ierem. 50. 4. Ierem. 31. 18, 19. Now that thou mayst attain unto softness of heart, I advise thee to take this course: Resolue with thyself to set some time apart, at least once every day for this business; and when thou dost stand before the Lord with thy former mournful inditement, and while thou striuest to judge thyself, and to keep an assise upon thy own soul, beg of God to give thee that soft heart he promised, Ezech. 36. 26. beg it (I say) of God, but let thy prayers be without limitation for the time. If the Lord hear thee not the first time, yet pray for it the next time again, and so the third day, and so still, till the Lord do hear thee, and make thee feel thy heart to melt, and (if it may be) tears to trickle down thy cheeks before the Lord; yea, put on this resolution, that thou wilt never stand before the Lord for any request while this course lasts, but thou wilt remember this petition, to beseech him to give thee secret sorrow and sensible for thy sins. It may be, the Lord will hear thee at the first, or in the beginning, while thou art preparing thyself to speak unto him, or while thou callest upon him at the first or second time, but yet if he do not, persist thou: thy suit is just; & importunity will overcome the Lord: and this very desire to sorrow being resolute, is a degree of true godly sorrow. But yet, that thou mayest be sure of it, give not over, till the Lord hear the letter of thy desire, if it may be, and withal strive against the perplexities of an unquiet heart; fear not, but at time of the day which thou setst apart for religious duties, be as earnest as thou canst, and when that is done, go cheerfully about the works of thy calling. Hang not down thy head like a bulrush, as if thou must do nothing else but sigh and bemoan thyself, & show a troubled mind in all things: Even the freer and readier thy mind is, the more fit thy heart will be for this or other holy employments.

And further know, that the use of this Catalogue is not forever, nor do I require this special mourning all the days of thy life, but in this case of first repentance, by which the body of sin may be removed. Therefore thou oughtest so long to use the Catalogue of thy confessions of sins, till thou feel in some measure this sorrow and melting of heart, which when thou hast attained, either sooner or later, then address thyself to the fourth rule.

The fourth rule concerns the application of the Promises, especially the promises of two sorts. First, such as show that God hath given Jesus Christ to make satisfaction for the sins of men: and then in special, such promises as show, that through the merits of Christ, he that hath thus confessed and felt sorrow for his sin, shall be received to favor. Now for this purpose, thou must get thee a distinct Catalogue of promises made to such as confess their sins with sorrow and mourning, and in them thou shalt see most plainly unto how much riches and treasure this entrance unto godliness hath brought thee. For the condition of the Promises being already formed in thee by this grace of God, thou mayest safely assure thy soul of so much favor from God in particular, as is expressly contained in those Promises. Mark it thou; as yet darest not claim all the perogatives or good things contained in any Promises in Scripture, yet thou mayest safely lay up as treasure, so much as the Promises that concern confession and godly sorrow do assure and estate upon thee; and so thou shalt find that thou hast right in Christ already for great and rich favors, and mayest show God's express Word to warrant thy claim, as for example, God hath assured thee;

1. That thou shalt not be damned, thou mayest rest upon it, these be plain Scriptures, 1. Cor. 11. 31. 32. Job 33. 27. 28.

2. That GOD will have mercy upon thee, and love thee freely, and take away his anger from thee, Prov. 28. 13. Joel 2. 12. 13. Hos. 14. 3. 4. Ierem. 31. 18. 19. 20.

3. That all thy sins are forgiven thee, 1. John 1. 7. 9. Zach. 12. 10. and so forward to the 2. verse of the 13. chapter.

4. That GOD is at peace, and reconciled, and that thou hast a free right unto his Word, & shalt find his presence in his Word, Isaiah 57. 15 16. 17. 18.

5. That GOD will now henceforth heal thy nature of thy sinfulness, Hosh. 14. 3. 4.

I do but instance in these few particulars; but I could wish thee to make thee a full Catalogue, and write out the words verbatim, & learn them without book, or at least study thē soundly to understand them, and for thy case I have set down the chief places of Scripture as they lie in order.

• Levite. 26. 41. 42. 44.
• 2. Kings 22. 19. 20.
• Job 33. 27. 28.
• Psal. 32. 5. & 51. 17.
• Prov. 28. 13.
• Isaiah. 57. 15. 16. 17. 18. & 61. 1. 2. 3.
• Ierem. 31. 18. 19. 20.
• Zach. 12. 10. and so forward to the second verse of Chap. 13.
• Hosh. 14. 3. 4. 5. 6.
• Math. 5. 6.
• 1. Cor. 11. 31. 32.
• I am. 4. 9.

Now when thou hast written out these Promises and dost understand the meaning of them, then carry them into God's presence, as thou diddest the Catalogue of sins, and now beseech God for Jesus Christ's sake, to incline thy heart to believe these promises of Grace; and to this end pray unto God from time to time, till the Lord be pleased to let thee feel life in the Promises, or a clear persuasion; & withal beseech God by the Spirit of Promise from Heaven, to seal up thy interest herein; and if thou feel the joys of the holy Ghost fall upon thee in any of these Promises, O happy man that ever thou wast born to such a rich estate; I say the same of this sensible life in the promises, that I did before of godly sorrow. It may be, the Lord will hear thee at the first; if not, persist thou to beg this grace till thou obtainest it. Thou seest, forgiveness of all thy sins which thou hast confessed, is promised thee, urge the Lord with most humble deprecation to hear thee for the pardon and forgiveness of them, for the mediation sake of Jesus Christ and his merits, that sits at his right hand, to make request for poor sinners that seek mercy. Now when thou hast felt the Promises to be any of them spirit & life to thee, then hast thou done this most glorious exercise, and thou hast cause to praise GOD all the days of thy life, & what thou shouldest afterward do, the Treatises following will show thee; but for thy more clear satisfaction, I will answer a question.

Qu. Thou wilt say, I could take comfort in this course, having done these things, but that I doubt whether my confession or sorrow be right, or no. For I find, that wicked men in Scripture have confessed their sins, and mourned too.

An. Thou mayest evidently try thy confession and sorrow, by these signs of difference.

1. Wicked men have confessed their sins, and sorrowed, but both were compelled, whereas thine is voluntarily, and so a free-will offering.

2. Cain and Judas confessed sin, but it was not all sorts of sins, but only the capital crimes known by them, by which they had shamed and undone themselves.

3. The sorrows of wicked men were more for the punishment, then for the sin; No wicked man can be sorry for sin, as it is sin; nor did they sorrow for all sorts of sins, but for the sins before described.

4. Their confession and sorrows were not joined with an unfeigned desire to forsake sin; whereas this is an infallible sign of true repentance, when a man can as heartily desire that he might never commit sin, as heartily (I say) desire it, as he would that God should never impute it. When a man can say before the Lord, that there is no sin, but he doth as unfeignedly desire God to give him strength to leave it and forsake it, as he doth desire that God should forgive him, and not plague him for it: I say this is such a sign, as was never found in a wicked man in any age of the world.

5. The confession & sorrows of the wicked were not joined with any persuasion of God's goodness, or any constant desire to find mercy with GOD in Jesus Christ.

Thus have I shown thee the directions, which concern this first and most weighty business that can concern thee.

There are three sorts of men whom this direction concerns. 1. Such as never repented. 2. Such as though they have repented, yet have not the comfort and assurance of their repentance, who by following these directions, may make all out of doubt. 3. Such as after calling fall into gross sins: These have need to recover themselves by the help of these directions. The Catalogue following may serve for other uses, besides this of a man's practice in his repentance at his first conversion, or after Apostasy: For

1. As in a small Map, a man may here see the sorts of sin, and so may get knowledge quickly, what evils to avoid, which hitherto he hath not taken notice of.

2. It may serve before the Communion, for such as would make a general survey of their sins, in discharge of that examination which the Apostle mentioneth 1. Cor. 11. For howsoever this large Catalogue be not of necessity requisite to that examination, yet unto such as have leisure and fitness, it is profitable for their more abundant satisfaction.

To conclude, if any man that reads these presents, and is guilty to himself, that he hath hitherto taken no sound course about his sins, and yet will not be persuaded to practice these directions: Let him consider, that so long as his sins be unrepented on his part, and vnremitted on God's part, the pollution of all the sins he ever committed, still cleaves unto him; so as he may justly with the Leper cry, Unclean, unclean: yea all his sins are written, as it were with a pen of iron in God's Book of remembrance, & that he is a mere stranger from all God's promises; and lives without God, and without Christ in the world, and that all he doth, even his best works are abhominable to God, and that seas of wrath hang over his head, and unspeakable woe will be to him in the appearing of Jesus Christ, if he prevent it not by sound and speedy repentance.

CHAP. III.

ALl the sins mentioned and condemned in the Bible, may be cast into 4. ranks. For they are,

1. Either sins against the whole Law, that is, such, as may be committed against any of the Commandments.

2. Or sins against the first table of the Law.

3. Or sins against the second table of the Law.

4. Or sins against the Gospel.

1. The first sort of sins are sins against the whole Law, and thus he sinneth, That is conceived in sin, Psal. 51. 5.

That allows not the good he doth, Rom. 7. 15.

That doth the evil he hates, verse. 15.

That hath not goodness dwelling in him, ver. 18.

That doth not the good he would, ver. 19.

That hath evil present, when he would do good▪ verse. 21.

That hath a Law in his members, rebelling against the law of his mind, ver. 23.

That hath not knowledge to do good, Ier. 4. 22. Hos. 4▪ 6. Isaiah 1. 3.

This is aggravated.

1. If thou refuse knowledge, and wilt not understand, Job 21. 14. Ps. 36. 4.

2. If thou walk not in the light, whilst thou hast the light, John 12.

3. If thou hate him that instructeth thee, Amos 3. 10.

4. If thou detain the truth for the love thou bearest to wickedness, Rom. 1. 18.

5. That will not understand, though the foundations of the earth be moved, Psal. 82. 5.

That hath present occasion to do good, and yet puts it off, though but till the morrow, Prov. 3. 28.

That seeketh his own glory, Prov. 25. 27.

That boasteth of a false gift, Prov. 25. 14.

That praiseth himself, Proverbs. 27. 2.

That is pure in his own eyes, being not washed from his filthiness, Prov. 30. 12.

That causeth others to go astray, especially the righteous, Prov. 28. 10.

That calls evil good, or good evil, or puts light for darkness, or darkness for light, or that puts bitter for sweet, or sweet for bitter, Isaiah •• 20.

That changeth the ordinances, or addeth to God's Word, or diminisheth ought from it, Isai. 24. 5. Deut. 4. 2. Prov. 30. 6.

That protects or defends others in sin, Ier. 44. 15.

That sits still, and is at rest in sin, Zach. 1. 11. and considers not that God remembers his wickedness, Hosea. 7. 2. and is without fear of God's judgments, Proverbs 28. 14. 1. Thessal. 5. 6. 7.

That receiveth not correction, but proudly hardeneth his heart, and is willful in evil, Ierem. 5. 23. Ezech. 7. 10. Hebr. 3. 15. 16.

That fears reproach for well-doing, Isaiah 51. 7. or fears the displeasure of God, for breaking man's traditions, Matthew 15. 2. 9. or in things indifferent, makes conscience of sin, where there is no sin, Rom. 14.

That doth his work to be seen of men: Math. 6. and 23.

That hath the form of godliness, but donyeth the power of it, 2. Timoth. 3. 5.

That is a lover of himself, 2. Tim. 3. 3.

That is neither hot nor cold, Reu. 3. 15.

That doth not good with a joyful heart, Deut. 28. 47.

That esteems the way of the multitude, Exod. 22. 2.

That is not circumspect, but foolish and rash, and rusheth upon things without knowledge or counsel, or consideration of opportunities, circumstances, means, or end, Ephes. 5. 15. Prov. 15. 22. Ierem. 8. 6.

That is childish or unconstant, Ephes. 4. 14.

That is carried about with every wind of doctrine.

That hath a divided heart, Hos. 10. 2.

That is mutable in his affection to godliness, Galat. 4.

That falleth away from the truth, or goeth back, Ier. 15. 6. Hosh. 6. 4. Isa. 1. 4.

Hitherto of the sins against the whole Law.

CHAP. IIII.

THe sins against God forbidden in the first table of the Law, are of 4. sorts.

1. Some against his nature.

2. Some against the means of his worship.

3. Some against the manner of his worship.

4. Some against the time of his worship.

For the first, the sins against the nature of God, are of two sorts.

1. Some more unusual and personal.

2. Some more usual and natural.

The more unusual sins are such, as are not found amongst Christians, except it be in such persons only, as are most monstrously visible, such as are,

1. Blasphemy; to reproach God.

2. Idolatry; to worship the creature.

3. Witchcraft, or the service of the Devil.

4. Atheism, to defend there is no God, or to desire constantly there were no God.

5. That matchless Pride, for a man to say, he is God, or to exalt himself above all, that is called God.

6. Heresy, to hold, after conviction, errors against the foundation of Religion.

7. The inward hatred and loathing of GOD: It shall suffice to have thus touched these sins.

The more usual sins, and such as are found in the most men by nature, are such as these.

That natural Atheism of which he is guilty.

1. That customarily spends his time without God in the world, Ephes. 2. 12.

2. That conceives Atheistical thoughts, and of such thoughts he is guilty.

That hath inward reasonings, whether there be a God, to which his heart inclineth, Psal. 14. 1.

That saith, or thinketh, God will neither do good, nor evil, or that he neither seeth, or regardeth, Isai. 29. 15. 16. Zeph. 1. 12. Ezech. 9. 9. Job 22. 13.

That saith or thinketh, there is no profit in serving the Almighty, Job 21. 14. & 22. 17.

That in affliction saith or thinketh, it is impossible to be delivered, 2. King. 7. 2.

That hath inward boilings about such things as God showeth not the reason of, Job 33. 13.

That conceives rebellious thoughts about the decrees or providence of God, Rom. 9.

Thus of natural Atheism.

2. The second sin is Epicureanism, which is shown,

By fullness of bread and idleness, Ezech. 16. 49. Phil. 3. 18.

By living in pleasure▪ Ecclus. 11. 9. James 5, 5.

By vanity and strangeness of apparel, Isaiah 3. Zeph. 1.

3. The third sin, is the defect of those graces, by which we should cleave unto God, and that also when we want that life of them should be in us; such are the defects of the warmth of the knowledge, love, and fear of God, & of our joying and trusting in God, Psal. 36. 1. Zep. 3. 2 Prov. 30. 1. 2. Rom. 7. These defects are the worse, by reason of our impotency, and extreme indisposition to seek to mend those things. And therefore it is an aggravation of any of these defects, that men do not stir up themselves to take hold of GOD, Isaiah 64. 7:

4. The misplacing of our affections in setting them upon earthly things, employing our confidence, fear, joy, or love upon the world, & the things thereof, whereby our hearts are any way alienated from God, Jeremiah 17, 5. Isai. 51. 7. 1. John. 2. 15. Math. 6.

5. Pride: And there is a four-fold pride,

1. Arrogancie, shown

By high looks, or indignation of spirit, Isai. 10. 12. & 16. 6.

By fearelesnesse of a fall in prosperity, and that boasting hopefulnesse in a broken estate, Psalm. 30. 6. Isaiah 9. 10. Obad. 3.

2. The pride of life, which hath in it the secret lifting up of the heart, and glorying in friends, money, means, houses, riches, beauty, or the like, 1. John 2. 17. 2. Kings 20. 3. with 2. Chron. 32. 25.

3. The pride of gifts, expressed,

By great thoughts of our selves, being wise in our selves, Rom. 12. 16.

By fretting with envy at the gifts and respects of others, Numb. 12. 2, 8, 9.

By being over-confident of our own innocence, Job 34. 5, 6.

By desire to pry into the secret things of God, being not content with things revealed, Deut. 29. vlt. Rom. 12. 3.

4. Pride in sinning, and so he is guilty,

That dares commit great evils against his knowledge.

That seems wise in maintaining sin, Prov. 3. 7. Psa. 52. 7.

That hardens his heart against repentance, 1. Sam. 15. 22, 23. Numb. 15. 30, 31. Ierem. 16. 12▪ Job 34. 37.

That sins with affectation, that glories in it, as he that takes a pride in drunkenness, Isaiah 28. 1. 3.

That frets, because he is crossed in sin, Prov. 19, 3. and thus of Pride.

6. The sixth sin is the neglect of God's mercy: & this is the more grievous offense, because mercy is the most eminent attribute of God. For the sins of this kind, worlds of men are damned in hell, John. 3. 19

And against God's mercy he offends,

That asks wherein God hath loved him, Mal. 1. 2.

That abuseth God's blessings, Hos. 10. 1. & 11. 3, 4.

That observes not the mercy of God in his providence, Hos. 2. 8.

That in adversity saith, God cares not for him, or hath passed over his judgments, or hath forsaken him, Isaiah 40. 28. & 49, 14.

That inquireth not after God, Zeph. 1. 6.

That believes not God's promises, through neglect or despair.

That blesseth his heart against God's threatenings, Deut. 29. 19.

That forsakes his own mercy, by trusting to lying vanities, Jonah 2. 8.

That scoffs at the signs of God's mercy, Isaiah 7. 12, 13.

That sacrificeth to his own net, ascribing the praise to himself, Hab. 1. 16.

That seeks not to God in his distress, 2. Chr. 16. 12.

That says, God cannot deliver, 2. Kin. 6. 33. & 7. 2.

That answers not when God calls, Isaiah 50. 2.

That limits God, Psal. 78.

That hath a spirit of bitterness through discontent, Hos. 12. 14.

That dishonors God by his evil life, Rom. 2. 24.

Thus of the sins against God's mercy.

7. The seventh sin is resorting to witches, Isaiah 8. 19, 20. Levite. 20. 6. Deut. 18. 4.

8. Eighthly, he offends, that disregards GOD'S works, Isaiah 5. 12.

9. That lies against God, having professed to have God to be his God, Isai. 19. 13. and so he doth,

That opposeth the truth, and objects against it.

That performs not what he promised in his sickness, or adversity, or at the Saraments.

That falls away from the Truth.

10. That fears not God, or not in a right manner, and so he sinneth,

That fears God only for reward, Job 1. 9▪

That feareth God only, because of punishment, Hosh. 3. 5.

That is not afraid of God's presence, or threatenings, Psal. 36. 1, 2. Isai. 66. 1. Ierem. 6. 10.

That comforts not men in misery, Job 6. 14.

That meddles with changers, or the seditious, Prov. 24. 21.

That in matter of sin is wise in his own eyes, and will not depart from iniquity, Prov. 3. 7.

That sins, because God doth forbear to punish, Eccles. 8. 13. Psal. 50. 19.

That fears the signs of heaven, Ierem. 10. 2.

That finds any hardness of heart against God's fear, Isaiah 63. 17.

Thus of the sins against the fear of God.

11. That trusts not in God, and so he offends,

That asketh not counsel of God, Isaiah 31. 1. & 30. 1, 2. but useth carnal helps.

That saith, There is no hope, Ierem. 2. 23.

That trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, Ier. 17. 5.

That puts his confidence in his wealth, Prov. 10. 15. Job 31. 24.

That leans to his own understanding, Prov. 3. 5.

That draws not near unto God in adversity▪ Zeph. 3. 2.

That impatiently desireth death, Job 7. 15.

Thus of the sins against trust in God.

12. That neglects communion with the godly: he hath not God for his God, that is not joined to God's people: and this is aggravated against him,

That in contempt of godliness, goeth in the company of the wicked, Job 34. 8, 9.

That reproacheth God's people, Psal. 74. 1018. Isai. 57. 3, 4.

That accounts the godly as signs and wonders, Isai 8. 18.

That rejoiceth in their disgraces, Ezech. 25. 6.

That forsakes their fellowship, either through carelessness and Apostasy, Hebr. 10. 25. or through schism, Isai. 65. 2, 5.

That for malice persecutes them, or casts them out of the Church, Isaiah 66. 5.

And thus of the sins against the nature of God.

CHAP. V.

THe sins against the means of God's worship follow, and these are of three sorts.

1. Not worshipping.

2. Will-worshipping.

3. Idol-worshipping.

For the first, he offends in general,

That worships not God, Zach. 14. 17.

That calls not upon the name of the Lord, Psal. 14. 4. Isai. 64. 7.

That comes not to the Church, 2. Chron. 29. 6, 7.

That prays not in his family, Ier. 10. 25.

That receiveth not the Preachers of the Gospel, Math. 10. 14.

The aggravations are, when a man is so far from worshipping aright,

That he offers the blind and the lame for the maintenance of God's service, Mal. 1▪ 8, 14.

That he devours things sanctified, that should be employed for the furtherance of God's service, Pro. 20. 25.

That forbids God's faithful Ministers to preach in the name of Christ, Acts 4. 1. Thes. 2. 16.

That dissuades men from God's worship, upon pretence, that it is either polluted, Malac. 1. 7, 12, 13. or vain, Mal. 3. 15.

That is wayward, or never pleased with all, or any part of God's worship, or the means thereof, Math. 11. 1.

Thus of sins of irreligiousnesse, or not▪ worshipping,

Will-worship follows, and so he offends,

1. That deviseth anything of himself, to the intent to serve God by it, Num. 15. 38, 39.

2. That serves God for custom, or after the old manner, making the example of Fathers, or forefathers the rule of his service, 2. Kin. 17. 34. Ierem. 9. 13, 14. Amos 2. 4. 1. Pet. 1. 18.

3. That fears God after the precepts of men, Isaiah 29. 13.

4. That being not a minister, doth the work of a Minister, upon pretence of necessity or devotion, 2. Chron. 26. 16.

5. That urgeth the lesser things of the Law, and neglects the greater, Math. 23. 23.

The aggravations are,

To urge men's traditions with opinion of necessity, and with neglect of God's Law, Math. 15. 2, 3, 9.

To desire to be taught vain things, Isaiah 30. 9, 10, 11.

To borrow rites and observations from the professed enemies of God, to add them as parts of God's worship, 2. Kings 17. 34. Deut. 12. 4. 13. Ezech. 11. 12.

Idol-worship follows, and so men offend either 1. inwardly, or 2. outwardly.

Inwardly he offends, that conceives of God in the likeness of anything created, and manifests his offense, if he direct his worship to that likeness, commanded, 2. Acts 17. 19. 1. John 2. 23.

Outwardly he offends,

That makes an image to resemble God by it, Deut. 4. 12, 15. Isaiah 40. 18.

That useth any gesture of love and reverence unto such images, by whomsoever made, Hos. 13. 2.

That mentions the names of Idols, either by way of swearing, or Apology, Exodus 23. 13.

That is present at the idolatrous feasts, & therefore he much more offends that is present at the service of the Idol; 1. Cor. 10 21, 22. Exod. 34. 15. Psalm 116. 8.

That worshippeth the Image, or GOD in the Image, Commandment 2. Exod. 32. Hosh. 2. 16.

Thus of the sins against the means of God's worship.

CHAP. VI.

THe sins against the manner of God's worship follow.

And because it were tedious to reckon up the several sins against each part of God's worship, because in diverse things the same offenses may be committed against any one of the parts of God's service: Therefore I will briefly touch the general ways of offending in the manner of any worship of God, & then more specially reckon the sins against those parts of God's worship, that are most usual, and ordinary:

It is an offense in any service due to God, to serve him

Hypocritically; in show and not in deed, Isa. 29. 13.

Without Repentance: to bring the love of any sin to any part of his service, Isaiah 1.

Without delight & willingness, Josh. 24. 15.

Without constancy to serve him, but by fits, Hos. 6

Without consideration, or reverence, Eccl. 5.

Thus in general.

In particular,

1. He offends in hearing the Word.

That is unteachable, Isaiah 28. 9, 10, 11.

That hath Idols in his heart through Lust, or Malice, or Covetousness, Ezech. 14. 7. I am. 1. 18.

That hears without attention, and comes for customs sake, Eccl. 5. 1. •• c. 33. 31, 32.

That is not a doer of the Word, Math. 7. 26.

2. He offends in Prayer,

That prays not at all times, or with perseverance in prayer, Job 27. 10. Luke 18. 1.

That prays without understanding, or power of the Spirit, 1. Cor. 14. 15.

That delights not in the Almighty, Job 32. 26.

That regards wickedness in his heart, Psalm. 66. 18. Prov. 21. 27. Isaiah 1. 15, 16.

That doubts and wauers, or is discontented upon false surmises, that God heareth him not, I am. 1. 5, 6 Mal. 2. 13.

3. He offends in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper,

That discerns not the Lord's Body, 1. Cor. 11.

That examines not himself before he eats of that bread, and drinks of that cup, refusing to judge himself for known offenses, 1. Cor. 11.

That believes not the operation of God, Col. 3. 12.

That reconciles not himself to such as he hath offended by trespassing against them, Mat. 5.

That despiseth the Church and people of God, 1. Cor. 11.

4. He offends in swearing,

That swears by that which is no God, Ierem. 5.

That swears in common talk, and fears not an oath, Ierem. 23. 10. Mat. 5. 34. Eccl. 9. 2.

That swears falsely, Zach. 5. 2.

That loves false oaths, Zach. 8. 17.

CHAP. VII.

HItherto of the sins against the means & manner of God's worship; the time of God's worship follows, which is principally the Sabbath.

Now sins against the Sabbath are either more secretly, or more openly.

More secretly he offends,

That remembers not the Sabbath day before it come, to vnload his heart of worldly cares and business.

That longs to have the Sabbath over-past, Amos 8. 5.

That spends the day in idleness.

That flourisheth not according to the blessings of GOD, in respect of the means on the Sabbath day, Psal. 92. The title, with verse. 13. 14.

That honors not the Sabbath with delight to do God's work on that day, Isaiah 58. 13.

That is unwilling to be informed concerning the authority & service of the Sabbath. This is to hide his eyes from the Sabbath as the phrase is, Ezech. 22. 26.

More openly he offends,

That omits public or private duties, or comes in too late, or goes out too soon, Ezech. 46. 10. Ps. 92. the title with verse. 2. Levite. 13. 3.

That doth any manner of work on that day, Exodus 20. 10, 11. & 31. 15.

And thus he offends,

That sels wares, Nehem. 10. 31. & 13. 15, 20.

That carries burdens, Nehem. 13. 15, 19. Ierem. 17. 20.

That travels abroad, Ex. 16. 24.

Yea, he offends,

That works in harvest on that day, Exodus 34. 22. Nehem. 13. 15.

That works, upon pretence it is a light work, Exod. 16. 27, 28. & 35. 2, 3. Numb. 15. 32. Math. 12. 1. &c.

That employs his Cattle or Servants, though he work not himself, Exod. 23. 12.

That finds his pleasures, that is, that useth recreations, Isaiah 58. 13.

That speaks his own words, Isaiah 58. 13.

That having power, reforms not the abuses of others against the Sabbath, Nehem. 13. Ierem. 17.

The aggravation is, to do any of these things presumptuously.

CHAP. VIII.

HItherto of sins against God.

The sins against man are to be considered, 1. either more specially, 2. or more generally:

More specially we offend against others in respect of that relation, wherein we stand as superiors, or inferiors to them, and so men offend,

1. In the Family.

2. In the Commonwealth.

3. In the Church.

In the Family,

1. The wife offends,

That is not subject to her husband, or not in everything, Ephesians 5. 22, 24. Hosh. 1. 12.

That is wasteful, Prov. 14. 1.

That is froward, Prov. 21. 9. 19.

That is idle, Prov. 31.

2. The husband offends,

That loves not his wife, Ephes. 5. 25.

That dwells not with her as a man of knowledge, 1. Pet. 3. 7.

3. The child offends,

That disobeyes his parents, Rom. 1. 30. Tit. 1. 6. Ephes. 6. 1.

That useth any irreverent behavior, or any way sets light by them, Commandment 5. Eze. 22. 7.

That receiveth not rebuke or correction with submission and reverence, Prov. 13. 1. Hebr. 12. 9.

That relieves not his Parents in their wants, Math. 15. 5.

The aggravations are,

To despise their instructions, Prov. 15. 5.

To discover their infirmities, Gen. 9. 22.

To despise their persons, either for deformity, or infirmity, Proverbs 23. 22.

To shame them, or grieve them, Prov. 28. 7. & 27. 11. & 10. 1.

To mock them, Prov. 30. 17.

To curse them, Pro. 20. 20. & 31. 11. Exod. 21. 17.

To smite them, Exod. 21. 15.

To waste their estates, or chase them away from him, Prov. 19. 26.

4. The parents offend,

In general, that bring not up their children in nurture, and instruction of the Lord, Ephes. 6. 4.

In particular,

That restrain not sin in them, 1. Sam. 3. 13.

That correct them not, but leave them to themselves, Prov. 22. 15. & 23. 13. & 29. 15.

That provoke them to wrath by immoderate correction, or rebuke, or intemperate speeches, Ephes. 6. 4.

That provide not for them in their callings, or outward estates, or marriage, 1. Tim. 5. 8.

5. Servants offend,

That are idle and slothful.

• That obey disorderly, as
• Without reverence and fear,
• Without singleness of heart, not as unto Christ,
• With eye-service, as men-pleasers,
• Grudgingly, and not from the heart, Ephes. 6. 5, 6, 7, 8.

That are unfaithful, and show it, either by purloining, Titus. 2. 10. Or by carelessness, when they are such as cannot be trusted in any business, Prov. 13. 17.

The aggravations are,

To answer again, Tit. 2. 9 out of contempt, or sullenness, not to answer, Prov. 29. 19. Job 19. 16.

To run away, Philemon.

Through pride and folly, to seek to rule, Pro. 19. 20. & 30. 22.

6. Masters offend,

That entertain wicked servants, Psal. 101.

That govern their family negligently, 1. Tim. 1. 4.

That with-hold what is just and equal, in diet, wages, encouragement, &c. Colos. 4. 1. I am. 5. 4.

That use indiscrete and immoderate threatening, Ephes. 6. 9. Thus of the offenses in the family.

In the Common-wealth.

1. Subjects offend,

That speak evil of their rulers, Exod. 21. 28. Eccles. 10 vlt.

That are disobedient to them, Rom. 13.

That pay not tribute or custom, Rom. 13.

That rebel, or are seditious, 1. Tim. 3.

2. Magistrates offend,

That oppress the people by exactions, or otherwise, Prov. 28. 15. Ezech. 45. 9.

That make unjust laws, or execute not just laws, Isaiah 10. 1. Ier. 5. 1. Mich. 3. 9.

That are unrighteous in judgment, either by bribery, or lenity, or rigor, or covetousness, or wresting the Law, Levite. 19. 15.

In the Church,

1. The people offend,

That pay not their tithes, or contributions, Malac. 1. 1. Cor. 9. Gal. 6.

That subject not themselves, but disobey them that have the over-sight of them, Heb. 13. 17.

2. The Ministers offend,

That preach not, or not constantly: but more of their sins afterwards amongst the sins against the souls of men.

CHAP. IX.

THus of the sins against man, considered more specially.

More generally man sins against man,

• Either with consent of his will,
• Or without consent.

The sins with consent are,

• Either against the person of man,
• Or the purity of man,
• Or the possessions and state of man.

Or the name and praise of man.

The sins against the persons▪ of men are

• Either against the whole persons,
• Or against their souls,

Or against their bodies.

The sins against the persons of men generally considered, are

Either by Omission,

Or by Commission.

1. By Omission he offends,

That pities not the afflicted, Job 6. 14.

That relieves not the afflicted, 1. John 3. 17. Math. 25. Job 31. 19.

That is implacable, and will not forgive, Rom. 1. 29. I am. 2. 13.

The aggravations are,

To profess to take no charge of his brother, Gen. 4. 9.

To stop his ears at the cry of the poor, Pro. 21. 23.

To estrange our selves from the very servants of God in their misery, Psal. 38. 11.

2. By Commission men sin, 1. either outwardly, 2. or inwardly.

Inwardly he offends,

1. That envies his neighbor, Gal. 1. 20. either

For his wealth▪ Gen. 26. 14.

For his respect with others, Gen. 37. 11.

For his gifts, Num. 11. 27, 28. 1. Cor. 3. 3.

The aggravations are,

So to envy others, as to desire their restraint, Num. 11.

To envy the very wicked, especially so, as to desire to partake of their delights, Prov. 24. 1.

2. That is angry unadvisedly, Math. 5.

The aggravations.

To be hasty to anger, Ecclus. 7. 9. Prov. 14. 17, 29.

To continue long in anger, Amos 1. 11.

To rage & be confident without fear or care, Prov. 14. 16.

To be incensed against the servants of God, and strive with them, Isaiah 41. 11

To make friendship with the angry man, Pro. 22. 24, 25.

3. That hates & is malicious, which sin is not avoided, though the person thou hatest

Be poor, I am. 2. 6.

Be infirm, and have many weaknesses, Mat. 18. 10.

Yea, though they sin, Levite. 19. 17, 18.

The aggravations are,

To increase in anger and hatred upon every occasion, 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Gen. 37. 8. Eze. 25. 15.

To wish a curse to others Job 31. 30.

To rejoice at their destruction, Prov. 24. 17. Job 31. 29.

To recompense evil, Pro. 24. 29.

Not to be satisfied with the trouble of those, whom he pursueth, Job 19. 22.

That hates righteous men, and shows it,

By wishing their evil, Psal. 40. 14.

By rejoicing at their hurt, Psal. 35. 26.

By gathering sinful surmises into his heart, when he comes amongst them, and then telling them, when he comes abroad, Psal. 41. 6.

By judging uncharitably of their afflictions, Ps. 41. 8.

Especially, that hates them for this reason, because their works are better then his, 1. John 3. 12. & 2. 11.

4. That vexeth himself with worldly sorrow, and causes distractions, Prov. 17. 22. 2. Cor. 7. 10. and useth crying, Ephes. 4. 31.

The aggravations are,

To refuse comfort, Ps. 17. 7.

To wish his own death, Num. 14. 2. Job 3. Jonah.

Thus of the sins internal. The external sins are,

• Either in gesture,
• or in words,
• or in works.

1. In gesture men offend by shaking of the head, sharpening of the eyes, casting down of the countenance, putting out of the finger, gnashing of the teeth, Job 16. 4, 9. Isaiah. 58. Psal. 35. 19. & 37. 11. & 12. 5 Gen. 4.

2 In words he offends, that speaks evil of any man, Tit. 3. 2. Mat. 5. whether it be

By censuring, Rom. 14. 10. I am. 4. 11. Galat. 5. 15.

Or by reviling or reproaching, Math. 5.

Or by any kind of piercing bitter words, Pr. 12. 8.

Yea it is an offense, to Render reviling for reviling, 1. Pet. 3. 9.

To whisper evil of others, though never so secretly, Psal. 41. 7.

To wrest the words of others for evil, Psal. 56. 1.

The aggravations are,

1. To speak evil of dignity, Jude 8.

2. To reproach God's servants, this is blasphemy, Colos. 3. 8. and it is worse when men tear their names, Psal. 35. 15. and it is increased▪ when men revile God's Ministers, 1. Cor. 4. 3. 2. Kings 2. 23.

3. To curse the deaf, or put a stumbling block before the blind, Levite. 19. 14.

4. To deride men in misery, Job 3. 1.

5. To take a pleasure in brawling and contention, James 4. 1. Psalm 52. 4.

6. To have a mouth full of cursing and bitterness, Rom. 3. 14. James 3. 9. and an habit of frowardness & perverseness of lips, Pro. 4. 24. and an unruly tongue that cannot be tamed, I am. 3. 8.

7. To boast of his mischief herein, Psal. 52. 1.

8. To complain of his neighbor in all places, and to be given to it, I am. 5. 9.

Thus he offends in words▪

3. In works he offends.

1. In general, that practiseth any way the hurt of the persons of others, either by fraud or violence. The aggravations of hurtful practices are,

1. To add affliction to the afflicted, Psal. 96. 26.

2. To deal unfaithfully with our friend, and to betray him, Psal. 41. 9.

3. To practice against the righteous, or any way to trouble them, Psalm. 37. 12. 14. 2. Thessal. 1. 6. and this receiveth increase of aggravation.

If thou practice against them because they follow goodness, Psal. 38. 19.

If thou wrong them, when thou hast received good from them: Psalm 38. 20. and the worse, if thou do it daily, Psalm 56. 1.

If thou mark their steps, waiting for occasion to bring evil upon them, Psal. 38. 12. & 56. 6.

If thou set on others to hurt them, out of delight, and with joy, Ezech. 36. 5.

If through dissimulation thou cause one privily to betray them, Galatians 2. 4.

If thou abuse them when they are dead▪ Psal. 72. 9.

2 In particular.

That is contentious, Rom. 13. 13.

The aggravations are,

Through contention to be scandalous, Gen. 13. 7. 1. Cor. 6. 1, 4.

To sow discord, Prov. 6. 14.

To fall at strife without consideration, especially to bring others in trouble too, Prov. 17. 14. & 20. 3. & 26. 17. & 19. 19.

To oppress the fatherless in suites, Job 31. 21.

Thus of sins against the whole person.

Sins against the body follow, and so men offend,

1. By fighting, and so he offends that any way woundeth or blemisheth another, Exod. 21. 24. Leu. 24. 19. Exo. 2. 13, 14. Whether he smite in scorn or in fury, 1. King. 22. 24. Especially, that hurts a woman with child, Exod. 21. 22.

2. By murder, and so he offends that takes away the life of another willingly.

The aggravations of murder are,

To kill Father or Mother, 1. Tim. 1. 9.

To kill ones children, 2. Kings 3. 27. though it were done for sacrifice.

To kill God's servants, Heb. 11. 37. Revel. 16. 6.

To kill himself.

Thus of offenses against the body.

The sins against the soul follow.

Against the soul offend,

1. Ministers, and so he That is ignorant & cannot teach and warn the people of their sins, Isaiah 56. 10. Ezech. 31.

That is profane in his disposition and life, Ierem. 23. 14, 11.

That runs before he be sent, Ier. 23. 21.

That is negligent in his calling, and useth not his gifts, 1. Tim. 4. 14.

That teacheth false doctrine, and prophecieth in Baal, Ierem. 23. 13.

That preacheth peace to wicked men, and strengtheneth them in their evil courses, Ezech. 13. 18, 22. Ierem. 23. 14, 15, 17.

That teacheth unprofitably, doting about vain questions, and strife of words, using railing or old wives fables, & profane conceits, &c. or the like unprofitable matter, 1. Tim. 1. 3, 4, 7. & 4. 7. &▪ 6. 4.

That in his teaching disgraceth and reuileth the godly, Ezech. 13. 22. Phil. 3. 2.

2. The people, who may be guilty of murthering either others or themselves.

Others, and so he offends,

That suffereth his brother to sin, and doth not reprove him, Levite. 9. 17.

That giveth offense, and is a stumbling block to the weak, Rom. 14. 13. 1. Cor. 8. 12. Math. 18. 6.

That instructs not others when he may and ought.

That maketh or partaketh in any Schism in the Church, 1. Cor. 10. 11, 12.

Our selves, and so he offends,

That neglects Vision, or the means of knowledge, and Grace, Hosh. 4. 6.

That is subject to no settled Ministry, but hath itching ears, and seeks a heap of Teachers, 2. Tim. 4. 3.

That is willful in impenitency, Ezech. 18.

That forsakes the fellowship of the Saints, Hebr. 10. 25.

That refuseth admonition, 2. Chron. 16. 10. Prov. 29. 1.

That resisteth the Truth, 2. Tim. 3. 8.

Thus of sins against the persons of men.

CHAP. X.

THe sins against the purity of men follow, and are either more gross and unusual, and against the light of nature, or else more usual.

The gross offenses are

1. Buggery, Exod. 22. 19

2. Sodomitry, Rom. 1. 27. 1. Tim. 1. 9.

3. Incest, Levite. 18.

4. Polygamy, Mal. 2. 15

5. The unnatural filthiness of women one with another, Rom. 1. 26.

6. Self-pollution, or the transgression of Onan, Gen. 38. 9.

7. The sins about divorce, so he offends,

That puts away his wife, and not for fornication, Math. 5. 32.

That marrieth her that is unjustly divorced.

That marrieth himself again, after he hath unjustly put away his wife, Math. 19. 9.

8. Fornication, Eph. 5. 3.

9. Whoredom or adultery, 1. Cor. 6. 9. Jude 15.

The aggravations of whoredom are

1. To force any to it, 2. Sam. 13. 14.

2. That a man and his Father should go in to a maid, Amos 2. 7.

3. To condemn it in others, & yet commit it himself, Rom. 2. 22.

4. To entice others, Gen. 39. 7. Prov. 2. 14.

10. To marry the daughter of a strange god, Mal. 2. 11. Nehem. 13. 27. 2. Cor. 6. 17.

The more usual sins sins follow:

And so men offend either internally, or externallie.

Internally he offends,

That hath impure thoughts, Math. 5. 19. Ephesians. 2. 3. 1. Thessal. 4. 5.

That hath inordinate affections, and burning lusts, Colos. 3. 5.

Externally men offend,

1. In their senses, as by impure looks, Job 31. 1. Math. 5. 27. 2. Pet. 2. 14.

2. In their gestures, and so they are guilty of chambering and wantonness, Rom. 13. 13.

3. In their words, by filthy speaking, Col. 3. 8.

4. By using the means, or occasion of uncleanness.

And in respect of the means of uncleanness he offends,

That makes light of the fornication of others, 1. Corinthians. 5. 2. 2. Peter 2. 7.

That keepeth company with fornicators, 1. Cor. 5. 9. Prov. 29. 3.

That gives himself to ease and pleasure, Amos 6. 4, 5, 6. Tit. 1. 12.

That useth lascivious dancing, Zeph. 1. 9. Mark 6. 22.

That useth lascivious books or pictures, 1. Thessal. 5. 23. 1. Corinthians 15. 35.

That having not the gift of Continency, doth not marry, 1. Cor. 7. 2.

That disposeth not his children in marriage, 1. Cor. 7. 37.

That sorteth with winebibbers, and the riotous, Prov. 23. 20.

That is desirous of dainties, or any way given to gluttony, Prov. 23. 3. Ierem. 5. 7, 8.

That is given to prattling or idle gadding from house to house, Prov. 7. 11. 1. Tim. 5. 13.

That useth whoorish attire, or perfumes, Prov. 7. 10, 16, 17. Zephaniah 1. 8.

That useth the attire of another sex, Deuteronomy 22. 9.

That beguiles another in marriage by error of person, state, or disease, or the like, Genesis 29. 25.

That marrieth without consent of parents, Genes. 26. 34, 35.

That is guilty of drunkenness, or useth excessive drinking, 1. Pet. 4. 4.

The aggravations of drunkenness, are,

To take a pride in it, Isaiah 28. 1.

To be mighty to drink wine, Isaiah 5. 22.

To continue long at it, Isaiah 15. 11. Proverbs 23. 30 33.

To make others drunk, Hab. 2. 15.

Thus of sins against Chastity.

CHAP. XI.

THe sins against the estates of men follow, and these are either internal, or external.

Internal, and so he offends,

That is discontented with his estate, Heb. 13. 5.

That is worldly, and distresseth himself with bootless cares about his estate, Prov. 15. 27. Math. 6. 25, 34 Luke 21. 34.

That delights not in his calling, Prov. 12. 17.

That is covetous, and in love with the things of this world, Eph. 5. 5. 1. Tim. 6. 10. 1. John. 2. 15.

The external sins follow, and so men offend both by Omission, and Commission.

By Omission he offends,

That implies not the good things he hath, I am. 5. 2, 3.

That relieves not the poor, and so with-holdeth the good from the owner thereof, Prov. 3. 28.

The aggravations are,

To forsake the poor, Job 20. 19.

To hide his eyes from the poor, Prov. 28. 9.

That brings not forth his corn to sell, Prov. 11. 26.

That detaines wages, Ier. 22. 23. Levite. 19. 23. James 5. 4.

That pays not what he hath borrowed, Psal. 37. 21.

That is idle, and neglects his calling, Eccl. 4. 5. and of this sin he is guilty also,

That with-draweth not his foot from his neighbors house, Prov. 25. 17. 1. Tim. 5. 13.

That is given to much sleep, Prov. 6. 9, 10.

That is stacke in business, Prov. 10. 4. & 14. 13.

That neglects the opportunities of his calling, Pro. 10. 5.

The aggravations are,

To be pertinacious in the defense of it, Prov. 26. 16.

To be a busy-body in other folks matters, 2. Thes. 3. 11.

That is slothful in the business of others, Prov. 26.

That provides not for his family, 1. Tim. 5. 8.

Thus of sins of Omission.

By Commission he offends,

That steals, robs or pilfers, which is the sin mentioned in the eighth commandment.

That steals by consequent; as he doth

That is an Usurer, Exod. 22. 25. Levite. 25. 36. Deut. 23. 19.

That is guilty of Oppression, Job 31. 38, 39. Amos 4. 1. Prov. 4. 17. Isaiah 5. 8. & 30. 12. especially he that loves oppression, Hos. 12. 7. Micah 2. 9.

That useth fraud in buying and selling, in meteyard, weight or measure, Deutero. 25. 13, 14, 15. and he is guilty of this sin also,

That selleth refuse, Mi • ha 6.

That makes advantage of the poverty of others, Leviticus 25. 39. &c. Prov. 22. 22.

That takes the mil-stone to pledge, &c. Deuteronomy 24. 6. 12.

That being a buyer, saith, It is naught, contrary to his own judgment: and so likewise on the other side, that being a seller, doth commend it for good, when he knows it is not so, Pro. 21. 14.

That useth any other fraud, though it be not in buying or selling, 1. Thes. 4. 6.

And this sin of stealing is to be extended further also, as

1. To lesser stealths, as robbing of Vineyards, or Orchards, or corn in the field, Deut. 23. 24, 25.

2. To rash suretyship, Prov. 6. 1, 2. & 22. 26.

3. To extremities used in recovering our own rights, Job. 24. 3, 4, 9, 10.

To not restoring of evil gotten goods, Ez •• h. 33. 15

5. To removing of landmarkes, Deut. 19. 14.

6. To living in unlawful callings, such as begging is, 2. Thes. 3. 11.

7. To unthriftiness in following vain persons, or spending prodigally on pleasures, or diet, Proverbs 12. 11. & 21. 27. & 22. 22. & 23. 26.

8. To the concealing of Theft, Prov. 29. 24.

9. To the Lordly usage of the borrower, Proverbs 22. 7.

The aggravations of the sin of stealing are,

To take from the poor, Deuteronomy. 24. 14. Job 20. 19.

To reprove it in others, and yet commit it himself, Romans 2. 21.

To do it under pretence of Religion, 2. Corinth. 11. 20.

To oppress strangers or widows, or the fatherless, Exodus 22. 21, 22.

To bless the covetous, Psal. 10. 3.

To commit it in the place of judgment, by perverting of Justice, or by extortion, Ezekiel. 22. 12. or by bribery, Amos 5. 12. Exodus 23. 8. or by refusing to to do Justice, Proverbs. 21. 7.

To steal thy Masters goods, Tit. 2.

To steal consecrated things by sacrilege, or simony, Mal. 3. 8. Acts 8. 18, 20.

To steal a man or maid, Exod. 22. 16.

CHAP. XII.

THus of the sins against man's goods.

The sins against men's good name follow, and so men offend by Omission, or by Commission.

By Omission he offends,

That sets not forth righteousness, Prov. 12. 9.

That doth not clear or deliver the afflicted, when he may, Gen. 40. 23.

That disgraceth others, by forbearing their company without just cause, Job 19. 3, 19. Psal. 58. 3.

That is unthankfull, 1. Tim. 3. 2.

By Commission men offend, Internally, or Externally.

Internally he offends,

That despiseth his neighbor in his thoughts, Prov. 14. 21.

That disdains at the credit and praise of others, as the Pharisees did.

That thirsts after all occasions of the contempt of others, Job 34. 7.

That is suspicious, and thinketh evil, 1. Cor. 12. 5.

Externally men offend,

1. In witness-bearing, and so he offends,

That condemns a man without witness, Deut. 19. 15.

That bears false witness.

That is fearful to bear witness to the Truth, Reu. 21. 8.

That furthers the evil causes of wicked men, Exo. 23. 1.

2. In lying, Revelation. 22. 15. and the blame of this sin reacheth,

To such as use dissimulation, Gal. 2. 25.

To such as speak untruth for fear, Gen. 38. 2.

The aggravations of lying are,

To love lies, Reuclat. 22. 15. Psal. 52. 3.

To hate those thou hast wronged with thy lies, Pro. 26. vlt.

To break promise, 2. Tim. 3. 3.

To preach falsehoods, 1. Cor. 15. 15.

To say one hath no sin, 1. John 1. 8.

To say to men in distress, There is no help, Psal. 3. 2. Job 13. 14.

To color sin with pretence of Religion, Mark 12. 40.

3. In slandering and evil reports, Ex. 23. 1. which is to be extended also to

1. Biting jests, Ephes. 5. 4.

2. To revealing of secret infirmities, Prov. 11. 13. & 20. 19.

3. To the carrying about of tales, Levite. 19. 16. Prov. 16. 28.

4. To the receiving & furthering of slanders, Ier. 20. 10.

5. To the wresting of men's words, or telling the truth of malice, 1. Sam. 22. 9, 10. Psal. 52. 1, 2.

The aggravations of slander are,

1. To encourage themselves in an evil matter, and to commune together about it, Psal. 64. 5.

2. To boast of his wickedness therein, Psalm 52. 1.

3. To slander the righteous, and quiet of the land, Psalm. 31. 18. & 59. 2. & 102. 8. & 35. 20. & 83. 3, 5. & 4. 2.

4. To raise evil report of his parents, Genesis 9. 22

5. To fill the ears of Princes with clamour, Hos. 3. 8.

6. To be a make-bate, or a railer, 1. Cor. 6. 9. 2. Tim. 3. 3.

4. In censuring & judging, I am. 2. 4.

The aggravations are,

To search and pry for faults in others, that he might censure them, Psal. 64. 6. Prov. 16. 27.

To do it for things indifferent, Rom. 14.

To censure small faults in others, and to be guilty of great offenses himself, Math. 7.

5. In vain-glory and minding too much our own praises.

And so also he offends,

That boasteth of a false gift, Prov. 27. 1.

That justifieth himself over-much, Job 35. 2.

That boasts of tomorrow, Prov. 17. 1.

That measures himself by himself, 2. Cor. 10. 12.

6. In flattery, Psal. 12. 3. Prov. 27. 14. & 26. 26.

7. In justifying the wicked, Proverbs 15. 15. & 24. 24.

CHAP. XIII.

HItherto of the sins with consent of the will.

The sins before consent of the will, are:

1. To want desire of the good and welfare either of himself, or other men.

2. To conceive evil thoughts, Math. 15. 19. or covet evil.

3. To delight in the inward contemplation of evil, whether in dreams▪ or awake, though it be without purpose to act them outwardly, Jude 8. I am. 1. 14.

Hitherto of the sins against the Law.

CHAP. XIIII.

THe sins against the Gospel may be referred to four heads, as they are sins,

Against Christ.

Against Repentance.

Against Faith.

Against the graces of the Spirit.

1. He sins against Christ,

That saith he is Christ, Math. 24.

That denieth directly, or by consequent, that Christ is come in the flesh, 1. John. 4: 3. & 2. 23.

That hath base thoughts of Christ, Isaiah 53. 3.

That saith, he hath no sin, 1. John 1. 7, 8, 10.

That worships God without Christ, John. 17. 3. 1. John. 2. 23.

That useth not Christ as his own and only Advocate, 1. John 2. 1. 2. Tim. 2. 5.

That loves not the Lord Jesus Christ with inflamed affections, 1. Corin. 16. 12. Ephes. 6. 24. Phil. 3. 9.

2. The sins against repentance.

That confesseth not his sins without hiding, distinctly, Prov. 28. 13. Psalm. 32. 5.

That mourns not for his sins, Ierem. 5. 2.

That forsakes not his sins, Prov. 28. 13.

Yea he sins against repentance,

That repents faynedly, Ier. 3. 10.

That repents desperately, as Cain and Judas.

That repents too late, Job 27. 9.

That repents by halves, and in some things only, as Ahab and Herod.

That falls away from his repentance, 2. Pet. 2. 19, 20.

The aggravations are,

To be wise to do evil, Ierem. 4. 22.

To pursue evil, Proverbs 11. 9.

To rejoice in doing evil, and make a mock of sin, Prov. 2. 14. & 14.

To be without shame, and to declare his sin like the Sodomites, Isaiah 5. 9. Ierem. 3. 3.

To be incorrigible, Ier. 5. 2.

To frette, because he is croffed in sin, Prov. 19. 3.

To bless himself against the curses of the Law, Deut. 29. 19.

To freeze in security, Zeph. 1. 12.

To refuse to return.

3. He sins against Faith,

That believes not in Jesus Christ for his Justification and salvation, John 3. 17.

Yea he offends,

That is careless, & neglects the assurance of faith, Hebr. 6. 12. Rom. 1. 16.

That in affliction doubts of God's favor and goodness, Isaiah 41. & 49. 15.

The aggravations.

Not to seek after God at all, Zeph. 1. 6.

Not to stir up our selves to take hold on God, when mercy is offered, Isaiah 64. 7.

Not to answer when God calls, Isaiah 50. 2.

To forsake our own mercy, or scoff at the signs of it, Ion. 2. 8.

4. He sins against the graces of the Spirit,

1. That receives the grace of God in vain, 2. Cor. 6. 5.

2. That turns the grace of God into wantonness, Jude 3.

3. That falls away from the grace of God, either wholly by forsaking the acknowledgement of the Truth, 2. Pet. 2. 20. Or in the measure, by losing his first love, Revel. 2.

4. That tempts, grieves, or quencheth the Spirit: Ephes. 4. 30. 1. Thes. 1. 19.

5. That despights the Spirit of Grace, and of malice persecutes the known truth, which is the sin against the holy Ghost, Hebr. 10. 26.