A Complete Body of Divinity, Sermons · 215 (Question 83 cont.)
SERMON CCXV.
WE are upon the Enquiry into the Circumſtances by which Sin may be Aggravated, and the Guilt thereof encreaſed And it would be endleſs to go about to enumerate all the ſeveral particulars wherein this might be inſtanced from the Word of God. Nevertheleſs, becauſe it is needful, that we be acquainted with this Matter, that we may be helped the more to loath our ſelves for our Sins, by the Conſideration of the Heinouſneſs of them, we may take an Account of the more Conſiderable and Comprehenſive of them. And there are ſeveral Heads that Divines reduce theſe unto, which I ſhall endeavour to gather up in theſe that follow, viz.
1. SINS are to be counted greater or leſſer from the Degree or Progreſs, that Men have made in the Commiſſion of them. A Sin may grow worſe and worſe by Degrees; and every ſtep that is taken in it Augments it.
HERE theſe things may be conſidered,
1. THERE are the firſt Motions or Startings of Sin in the Mind, Antecedaneous to the Conſent, or Deliberation. Theſe are by ſome denied to be Sins: but without reaſon; for tho' the bare Ka…e… of Sa…. is not Sin; yet the M…s of it in the Heart, tho reſiſted by Grace, at … …cont… Prin…e which is nothing elſe but Original Concuſ…ſcence; and was … derives from that, is Sin: And the truth is, the Temptation of Sin begins here, and it defiles the Soul, and calls us to be humble: It belongs to the In…ing of the ſ…, Gal. 5.17.
2. THERE ar the Inward Deaberations upon the Motion th… is made. Theſe alſo may be ſuppoſed to preoccupy the Reſolution; and the Man is as yet in ſuſpenſo, and undetermined; but yet he ponders whether he ſhall or no, and ſo is off and on, this alſo is Sin; for it is our duty, to reject the firſt Movings with abhorrence, as, Job 2.10. A…ts 8.20.
THERE is the Conſent that is gained to the M…on, with a purpoſe to O…mply with it. And when this is arrived at, now Sin hath conc…: there is a perfect H…br… of it in the heart, and … suits but for a ſit Opportunity for the production of it: And this is in God's Account as if the Man had aleady committed the Sin, for it hath gotten a rooting in his Superiour Faca…ties: this is the thoug…: of f…cliſneſs which is ſaid to be Sin, Prov 24.9. Hence we have our Savious's rom…rk upon this very thing, Matth. 5.28. But I ſay unto you, That whoſoever looketh on a woman to luſt after her, be committed adultery with her already in his be…
4 THERE follow the Conſultations or Contrivances how to Commit the Sin thus conſented to and propoſed. The Man waits for a fit ſeaſon, makes all things ready for the Execution of his purpoſes, and is in travail till he can being it forth. Hence that in Job 15 36. They conceive miſchief, and bring forth vanity, and their bely prepareth deceit Pſal 7.11. And how reſtleſs they are in it, …ve are told, Prov. 4.16. For they ſleep not except they have done miſchief: and their ſleep is taken away, unleſs they u…ſe ſome to fall. They make every thing ready, an endeavour to put every thing out of the way, which might offer to prevent them; and if diſappointed, it puts them to a great deal of pain and ſorrow; and like Amnon, they are lean from day to day.
5 THERE is the Actual Commiſſion of the Sin. This is the bringing forth of it, and the Sin is accompliſhed; before this, it was but in compleat as to the finiſhing of it, altho' in every of theſe ſteps, there was ſin really committed: and a…l theſe ſteps may be taken notice of in the Tranſgreſſion of our firſt Parents, as appears from the Hiſtory; and are implyed in every Actual Sin, tho' in ſome they proceed with more Precipitancy than in others.
6. THIS often proceeds from the Act, to the Cuſtom, in practice of it. Sometimes the Conſcience is ſmitten upon the Act, and the Man Repents; but ſometimes he is ſo well pleaſed. with it, that he falls into a Courſe of it, and it grows to a …o…ted Habit and he drives a Trade of it, and it becomes his way. Hence we read of the w…y of Sinners, Prov. 12.26.13.15. The way of tranſgreſſors is hard. Now tho' there be ſa in every of theſe, the more is the progreſs, the worſe it is: and the Man is then arrived to a great height of Iniquity, when he proceeds from … therat…n to Ex…e, from the Act to the …, and …as is the way wherein Sinners do gradual…y arrive to the way of Wickedneſs, and do thereby ripen apace for Kuin.
II. SINS are aggravated by the Scardal that ariſeth from them. The more ſcandal is given by them, the more miſchievous are they; and there is a Twoſ…t ſcandal here to be conſidered t…o. The Reproach which is caſt upon Religion by it, and, The hurt that is done to the Souls of Men thereby. It was a brand put upon the fell of David, that he had given occaſion for Gods Name to ſuffer, 2 Sam. 12.14. And it is a reflection make upon Peter's Diſſimulation, Gal. 2.13. Now that which I peculiarly aim at here, is the Conſideration of the Perſon by whom the Sin is committed; when he is one, from whom, for ſpecial reaſon, Better was juſtly expected; and for that reaſon his Sin is more influential, and others are thereupon more apt to reflect upon God, or take Example from, to indulge themſelves in their wickedneſs, and juſtify themſelves in it; and this refers to,
1. PERSONS of Eminent Place & Authority: Such as are in a Publick Poſt, who ſtand as Lights upon an hill, whoſe duty it is to be Leaders, in that which is holy, juſt & good. Thus a Sin is aggravated when done by a Magiſtrate, who ought to bear witneſs againſt, and puniſh Sin in others; if he commit the ſame, he pulls down with one hard, what he pretends to build with the other. Hence we have that remark, 2 Sam 11 u…t. Thus a Sin in a Miniſter, is more Scandalous than in Ordinary Chriſtians, becauſe it is his Duty to preach in his Life as well as in his Doctrine. Hence that, Matth. 5.16. Let your light ſo ſhine before men, that they may ſee your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. And that reprimand, Rom. 2.21. Thou therefore which teacheſt another, teac…eſt thou not thy ſelf? thou that preacheſt a man ſhould not ſteal, doſt thou ſteal? And it was John's commendation, Job. 5.35. He was a burning and a ſhining light. And this may be applied to Parents. and Family-Governours, &.
2. PERSONS of great Influence & Reputation for Godlineſs. Such as make an Eminent Profeſſion, and the Eyes of many are upon them, they are eſteemed Men of Wiſdom, Diſcretion, and Men are apt to put Confidence in them; their Saying are Oracles, and their Examples are taken for a Commentary on the Rule: for theſe to indulge themſelves in any Sin, and ſo draw others to imitate them; God's Name greatly ſuffers hereby, and Apoſtaſy grows apace upon a People. When the famous Men in the Congregation roſe againſt Moſes & Aaron, what a Miſchief follow upon it? Numb 16, leg.
3. PERSONS that have been very Zealous and Forward in bearing Witneſs againſt ſuch Sins in others. They condemn their Neighbours, and declaim againſt theſe & theſe things as vile, and brand ſuch as do them, with Notes of Infamy: if theſe fall into the like Sins at opens 1. Mens Mouths. and ungodly Men are ap… to …ay Surely Religion is but a Cheat, and Zeal … it is nothing has Hepocriſy. Hence Pa…l… ſpeaks heavily to ſuch Rom. 2.1. Therefore thou art in…cuſable, O man, whoſoever them art that judgeſt … for wherein thou judgeſt another. thou condemne… thy ſelf, for thou that judgeſt, doth the ſame things. Thoſe things would but little be taken notice of in others, but … theſe they make great noiſe.
III. SINS are aggravated from the Ingratit… … they diſcover in the Commiſſion of them. The greater Obligations of Kindneſs that God hath laid upon Men to ſerve Him faithfully and avoid provoking Him by their Iniquities, the more unworthily do they carry themſelves hereby: The more God hath done for Men, the ſtronger Bonds hath He laid upon them to glorify Him; for this is the Deſign, and He expects it, Pſal. 105. ult. That they might obſerve his ſtatutes, and keep his law. And therefore this was one Article that He brought againſt them, Hoſ 11.4. I drew them with the …rds of a man, with bands of …ve, and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. And it is all that we can do, to teſtify our acknowledgement of His Beneficence, to do the things that Pleaſe Him and avoid thoſe that do Offend Him; and the more of this Kindneſs He hath ſhewn to us, the more unreaſonable is our Sinning againſt Him: Could David make that complaint againſt Achitephel in Pſal. 55 22, &c much more may God againſt Sinners that have lived upon His Bounty. Hence we have ſuch an Expoſtulation, Deut 22.6. Do ye thus requite the Lord, O fool…ſh people & unwiſe? Is not be thy father that hath bought thee? hath be not made thee, & eſtabliſhed thee? And this may be conſidered,
1. WITH reſpect to the common Goodneſs of God, in which He makes Men to partake. The Apo…tle hath that, Rom. 2.4. Or deſpiſeſt thou the l…ng-ſuffi…ing, not knowing that the goodneſs of God …ea…eth thee to repentance? Not to Improve Temporary Mercies to Repentance, but harden our ſelves in Sin by them, is to Doſt ſeit and God Himſelf, who is the Author of it. They therefore that have the greatſet; he in this Renevolence, run deepeſt into Arrea… with God, if they indulge themſelves in Sin thereby, inſtead of rouſing themſelves up to Holineſs: We therefore find that this is urged by the Prophet upon David, to ſet forth the foulneſs of his Sin, 2 Sam. 12.7. That ſa…th the … God of Iſrael, I anointed thee king over Iſrael, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Soul And thus God complains of His Vineyard. Iſa 5 4. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore when I looked that it ſhould bring forth gr…pes, brought it forth wild grapes? And Chap. 1. 2 3 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O …rth, for the Lord hath ſpoken, I have nouriſhed and brought up children, and they have rebeled againſt me. The ex knoweth his owner, and the of aſs his maſte…s crib: but Iſrael d…rk and know, my people d…th not conſider. And the very light of Nature condemns this as a thing moſt unreaſonable.
2 WITH reſpect to the more peculiur diſplays of His Grace & Favour to them. To ſome He only affords his common Goodneſs, but to others He mak…s the diſcovery of his ſpecial Kindneſs: It was that which rendred the Gentiles inexcuſable, that they had the former, Acts 14.17. Nevertheleſs, be left act himſelf without witneſs in that be did good, and game us rain from heaven, and fruitful ſeaſons, filling our hearts with ſ…d & goodneſs How much more then are they guilty to whom He affords his Goſpel, and the diſplays of his Grace to them herein? David puts that remark upon it, Pſal. 147. 19.20. He ſhewed his word unto Jacob, his ſtatutes & his judgment; unto Iſrael. He hath not dealt ſo with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praiſe ye the Lord. And God Himſelf makes that improvement of it Amos 3.2. You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will puniſh you for all your iniquities. And it ſtill riſeth higher, when He hath beſtowed his Saving Grece upon Men, and hath thereby put the greateſt difference between them and others, in that he hath thereby freed them from the Wra…h to come, and e…tituled them to Eternal Glory. Sins therefore that are committed by ſuch, muſt needs carry a pecular aggravation upon them, and call for the moſt ſoaking Repentance: There is therefore an Emſhaſis in that Expreſſion, Deut. 32.29. O that they were wiſe, that they underſtood this, that they would conſider their latter end! 1 King 11.9. And the Lord was angry with Soever, becauſe his heart was turned from the Lord God of Iſrael, which had appeared unto him twice.
IV. SIN is aggravated by the conſideration of the Seaſon wherein it is Committed. It is not only to be obſerved that the Sin is, but alſo when it was done: and that, whether in regard of the Time it ſelf. or ſomething in Providence, which makes the Time more remarkable: And therefore we ſhall find that the Word of God takes a particular Notice of the Time when ſuch a thing was done, and puts an Aſteriſm up it. And here,
1. IT is more heinous to commit the ſame Sin on the Sabbath, than upon another day. There is an holy Sabbath which God hath Sanctified, and required us to keep it holy; and us He hath made it a Sin on that day to do the things, which are lawful in Common Time, ſo it puts a Note of Impudence upon the Sins which are then perpetrated. Hence that, Ezek. 22.8. Thou haſt deſpiſed nine b…ly things, and haſt profaned my ſabbaths. And 22.28. Moreover, this they have done unto me, they have defiled my ſanctuary in the ſome day, and have profaned my ſabbaths. And it muſt needs be ſo, becauſe to the Sin it ſelf, which carries guilt with it, there is added a deſpiſing and profaning the Sabbath it ſelf which accumulates the guilt.
2. IT magnifies the Trau…gre…o…, when it is done after ſome Signal M…rc…s, that we have received at the hands of God. We before obſerved, that to Sin againſt Goodneſs is moſt unreaſonable; but ſometimes there are peculiar and eminent Favours which God beſtows upon Men; and for Men p…ſo…ly upon the Receipt of them to fall into Sin, puts a Note of reproach upon it and argues forgetfullneſs & co…e …p…. Sometimes there are wonderful deliver…ces out of trouble; which God affords Men, beyond their expectation; and for them p…eſe…tly, practically to ſay as they, Jer. 7.10. … are delivered to do all theſe; …? is an horrible thing. For this reaſon we have that good Man making ſuch a reflection, E…a 9.13, 14. After all that is come upon …s — ſhould … again break thy Commandments? &c. What it this but to imitate wicked Ph…r…, upon whom that brand is ſet, to d…e h…s moſt e…regious lupiety, Exod. 8.15. But when Pharaoh fo… that there was reſpit, be b…e…ed his heart, and …kened not unto them; as the Lord … ſ…id. And how frequent remarks are made upon Iſreal in this regard, in the …ook of the Judges?
3. IT is alſo augmented, when it is …der the … Judgments of God. The deſign of Judgments is … call Men to Repentance, and make them afraid to ſin: when therefore in…l of that, they Se… i…tion to it, it diſcovers the great power that Corruption hath is them. To dare to ſin … the threatnings and tokens of Anger, is very grievous … b…t … p…ſ… & grow more reſ…dot… when the …l is upon us, and we feel the ſmart of it, is Superlative Wickedneſs. Hence we have that h…ed ſit upon him, 2 Ch…. 28.2…. and in the … …is diſtreſs did be traſp…iſ… yet more againſt the Lord: this is that king …. And this alſo is laid to the charge of that People, Iſai 42.2…. T…reſ…re be hath po…red upon him the fury … his …ger, and the ſtrength of battel: and is hath for … ſire round about, yet be know not; and is burned him, yet be laid it not to heart. God therefore looks upon it as a token that ſuch are beyond Ordinary hopes of Reformation, Iſai. 1. …. W…y …ld ye be ſ…ri…en any more? ye will repair ma…e and m…re. God expects that his Judgments upon others ſhould be Inſtructive; how much more then, when they themſelves feel the smart of them. Hence that, Iſai. 26.9 …eph. 3.7. I ſaid, Surely thou wilt fear me: thou will receive inſtruction.
4. IT is aggravated, when it is committed after … Ordinance which Men have been waiting upon. When Men go to the Houſe of God, … there pretend the Worſhip of God, and are …oun…elled from his Word, and told of Sin and Duty, to run away fro… thence to their lewd practices herein they coſt, co…ept upon the wa… of God, and put an …ffro…t upon the Counſels of God; this renders them like then impudent Woman, Prov. 7.14. I have peace ſſorings with me; this day have I payed any …ows. And when Men after … Faſt ſolemniz i…, … preſently to their former Courſes, as if they Faſted on purpoſe; Iſai. 5….4. Behold, ye …aſt for ſtriſe & debare, and to ſuite … ſit of wickedneſs. And doubtleſs, the diſorders & revels that are ſo frequent in the Nights ſol…ing the Sab…ath are grievous to an holy God, and a Scandal to the holy Religion that Men proſeſ….
V. IT adas to the Vileneſ… of Sin, when it is againſt the Obligations which … Man hath brought himſelf under to the contrary. Sometimes Men, under conviction, do voluntarily do ſomething by which of their own a…ord, they bind themſelves ſome way, to avoid ſuch things for the future: And by the violation of theſe, and returning to … again, they do much gr…ten it, and make themſelves more vile by it. And this is done, when at is …ftc…,
1. PENITENT Confeſſions made of it to God, and po…ſi…ily to Man. They have been aſhamed, of, and ſorry for, what they have done; and have with much ſom…ing affection, taken the Blame to …, land themſelves low, acknowledged their Guilt & Demerit, and ſought for forgiveneſs, and you they Sin, … They Sin & Courſeſs, and Sin again, and Confeſs; and they go in… round. … did …, as the Hiſt…ry acquaints ….
2. PROMISES … a… …for…ition. And theſe are frequently … of Confeſſ…, and …ſher in their Petiti… for fo…giveneſ…. They engage, and poſſibly make …, that they will do ſo… m… if God … ſpace them … this …, … …end about ways, and be in… be…dful to themſelves, for the time to …; and now God ſp… them, and puts them upon a further T…i…; but as ſoon as His Ha… is off them, they forget their Vows and Engagements, … it again: Thus alſo did Phor…y. And this … caſeth their Guilt by the additione…, the Breech of Promiſe, which muſt need … very provoking to God, becauſe herein they Lye to him.
3. FIRST Co…e…ts which they have entred into to forſake ſuch Courſes. And this is ſomething … than a have Promiſe. They bind themſelves after a moſt ſolemn manner, poſſibly W…ins & Suiſcrabe, and Seal a Covenant between God and them, and yet when they are eaſed of their trouble they break all ſuch Bonds, and return again to their Sins, with as much eagerneſs as if, there had been no ſuch thing, This was the Sin of thoſe Jews, againſt whom for their ſo doing, God de…o…ceth ſuch a fearful threatning. Jor. …. 17. &c.
4. REPENTANCES. They not only thus engage themſelves to do, but they Practice upon it … They turn from their evil ways, and take up & Reformation, very ſemblable, and make a fair fo… as if they were in good earneſt; but they ſoon grow weary of their Repentance, and repent of it & now they break over all bounds, and grow worke thou over: This alſo is charged upon them, Jer …4. And we have all this …aemplifyed in them, Judg 10.15, 16. And yet we find, …hap. 13.1.
VI. SIN is aggravated, by the Conſideration of the Means of Prevension, which they Sin againſt. All are not alike advantaged on this account, and therefore do not Sin at ſo high a Rate as theſe do. And …re there are diverſe things that come under Obſervation; Eſpecially,
1. WHEN it is againſt the light afforded Men by the Word of God. All do not enjoy this, and ſo they labour of man voidable Ignorance in many things: We therefore have that Remark, Acts 17.30. And the times of this Ignorance God winked …; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. And we have that obſervable Speech of our Saviour, Joh. 15.22. If I had not come, and ſpoken unto them, they had not had ſin: but now they have no cloke for their ſin. And if Men are Ignorant under Goſpel Light, it will not Excuſe them; it being their own Default, who ſhut their Eyes againſt the Light that ſhone before them: This therefore our Saviour aſſures is a main Article againſt ſuch as theſe, Joh. 3.19. And this the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and man loved darkneſs rather than light, becauſe their deeds were evil.
2. WHEN it is againſt the Light & Conviction of Conſcience. There are the Remains of Natural Light in Men's Conſciences, and they may be enlightned by the Word of God: And there may be the Activity of Conſcience telling them this is a Sin, and ought not to be done; and if for all thi…, Men will adventure to do it, it ſhews great degree of Wickedneſs: Hence that, Rom. 2.14.15. For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, theſe having not the low, are a law unto themſelves: Which ſhew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conſcience alſo bearing witneſs, and their thoughts the mean which, accuſing, or elſe excuſing one another. And this is ſuppoſſed to be included in that Job 24.13. They are of thoſe that rebel againſt the light, they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof. viz. Either the Light of Conſcience, or the Light of Revilation: And this is a Rule of very great Contumacy, becauſe Conſcience i… put into Man to Check him.
3. WHEN it is againſt the Promiſes and Threatning, of the Word of God, which are laid before them. When God's Meſſenger give them Warning, tell them that if they do ſuch things they will certainly ſtir up His Anger, and pull His Wrath on their Heads: We therefore have that Aggravation intimated, Jer. 44.4 Howbeit, I ſent unto you all my ſervants the prophets, riſing early and ſending them, ſaying, Oh do not this abominable thing that I bare, And Exemplified in thoſe, Ver. 16. As for the word that thou haſt ſpoke unto us in the name of the Lord, we will not hearken unto thee. They alſo offer gracious Invitations to forſake their Sin, and turn to God with all thei Hearts; but they will not be perſwaded, but purſue their way of Unholineſs, Jonah 2.8.
4. WHEN they have the Holy Examples of Pious Men ſet before them, and the will not imitate them; but follow the Lewd Examples of Wicked Men. Tho' they ſee their Rulers, their Miniſters, their Parents, and good Neighbours ſet them a Pattern of good Converſation, they hear them all: This therefore is noted as a daring Wickedneſs, Iſa. 26.10. In the …ond of uprigheneſs will be deal unjuſtly. And is laid to the Charge of that ungodly Prince, Jer 22.25. &c. Shalt thou reign, becauſe thou cloſeſt thy ſelf in cedar? did not thy father c…t and drink, and do judgment and juſtice, and then it was well with him? He judged the cauſe of … poor and nordy, then is was …hell with him: was not this to know we, ſaith the Lord. But thine eyes and thine heart are not, but for thy covetouſneſs, &c.
VII. SIN is aggravated by the Manner of Men's Committing of them. Men may Commit the ſame Sins, and yet diſcover a great difference in the Mode of them; and this alſo the word of God takes notice of, and Animadverts upon: and here alſo ſeveral things may be taken notice of,
1. SINS committed on Deliberation, are worſe then ſuch as are done on a ſudden Temptations. For, tho' Circumſpection is a Duty, and Ro… neſs is it ſelf a Sin, yet there is more of Malignity diſcovered by premeditated Sinning, th… by doing it on a ſu…prize. Hence, Mat. 2.1. And good Men too often do that their haſt, which …ad they not been ſuddenly ſurprize…, but took time to reflect, they would have rejected with de…erſtation.
2. SINS committed with Greedineſs, are worſe than if they were done with Reluctancy or Regret. This latter argues Infirmity, and that the Temptation is too hard for them, but that there is a better Principle ſtirring in the Man: whereas the former intimates that …is wickedneſs is impetuous, and that he hath ſold himſelf to do wickedly. This therefore is another Obſervation made in the word of God concerning ſome perſons. Eph. 4.19. Who being p…ſt feeling, have given themſelves over unto laſciviouſneſs, to work all uncleanneſs with greedineſs. It argues a brawny Conſcience, that is overgrown with a Callus, or one that is Seared, 1. Tim. 4.2.
3. SINS committed with Delight & Pleaſure are worſe than ſuch as are done in Fear. Men are ſometimes frighted into a Sin by threats, and apprehended danger, if they do it not; but they do not approve of the thing that they do; this ought not to be; But when he is highly gratifyed, and takes content in his Villany, this is a ſign that his heart is in it. This therefore is taken notice of, Prov. 2.14. Who rejoyce to do evil, and delight in the frowardneſs of the wicked.
4. SHAMELESSNESS or Impudence in Sinning, is an aggravating Circumſtance of it. When Men are aſhamed and bluſh upon the Commiſſion of Sin, it argues that they are under ſome check upon their Minds; but when they have no ſhame left in them, but do it with a braſen Face, and andaceous Countenance, as if there were no blame at all in what they have done, it beſpeaks them hardned in Iniquity. We have therefore ſuch a remark made, Jer. 6.15. Were they aſhamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all aſhamed neither …ld they bl…ſh. And we have that Obſervation made of the Harlot, Prov. 30.20. She cateth, and wipeth her mouth, and ſa…th, I have done no wickedneſs.
5. THE ſame Sin Committed Openly, is worſe than if it were Committed …e…y. Indeed for Men to dare to Sin in Se…s in hope that it ſhall not be known, argues horrid Atheiſm; of which they are Charged, Ezek. 8.12. Then ſaid be unto me, Son of man, b…ſt thou ſeen what the ancients of the h…ſe of Iſrael do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they ſay, The Lord ſeeth us not, the Lord hath forſaken …o… earth. But it ſaith that Men are grown, … hope of Recovery, when once they ſhow that they are not afraid to let the World ſee them, but do their Abomination; in the ſight of the …un: And in nothing more do Men diſcover their Impudence, than when they ſeek no Corners to perpetrate their Wickedneſs in: Beſides. Open Wickedneſs carries in it great Scandal, and becomes a ſhame to others, and renders Men Examples to others. This therefore is brought in as an Aggravation againſt them, Iſa. 3.9. They declare their ſin as Sodom, they hide it not.
6. IT adds to the grievouſneſs of Sin, when Men remain Impenitent under it. Sometimes upon the Commiſſion of a Sin which carries At…ciouſneſs in it, Men's Hearts ſmite them, and they are ſorry for it, and wiſh they had not done it; and thereupon they Repent, and turn from it, and do not add to it; but when inſtead of this, they are inconvincible, unperſuadable, are not diſturbed in their Minds, but remain ſecure; yea, if Reproved for it, they ſcorn to receive it, yea are enraged at their Reprovers, this is a black Mark ſet upon it. This therefore is in the Word of God, obſerved as a great Aggravation, that Men not only Sin, but after it they Repent not, but go on in their way: Hence that of our Saviour, Mat. 11.20. Then began be to upbraid the ci…ies wherein moſt of his mighty works were done, becauſe they repented no…. And God Himſelf takes Notice of ſuch, Jer. 8.6. I hearkened and heard, but they ſpake not …righ…: … man repented him of his wickedneſs, ſaying, What have I done? Every one turned to … courſe, as the horſe ruſheth into the battle.
7. FOR Men to Boaſt of their Wickedneſs, is an horrid aggravation. And this alſo is another Note of Impudence, and a Sign that Men are carried away in the virulent Stream of their Luſts: When Men love to be telling of their lewd Pranks, as if they were their Commendation, and they were things for which they deſerve Praiſe and Applauſe; as if they had done ſomething Excellent, and worthy of a Monument. Of ſuch the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Phil. 3.19. Whoſe glory is their …e. And this is that which the Pſalmiſt upbraids Doeg for, Pſal. 52.1. Why boaſteſt thou thy ſell in miſchief, O mighty men? And how much more then when Men love to Romance on their Exploits, and Charge themſelves with things they never did, as if it were their Glory to have done them. Theſe are the Prodigies of Vileneſs, and Perſons juſtly Odious both to God and Man.
THESE are ſome of the Aggravations, and whatſoever elſe might be named, will fall under one or other of theſse Heads.
USE. BE we then adviſed, to make uſe of theſe Conſiderations, to render our ſelves Vile in our own Eyes, in our reflections upon the Sins that we are at any time convinced of. God expects it of us, and He will certainly Charge theſe upon us another Day, if we ſtand Guilty before His Tribunal: This is the beſt Courſe to help us to a kindly and ſoaking Repentance; to make Sin loathſome to us, and cauſe us to ſee and acknowledge it to be Evil and Bitter. This will ſerve to ſhew us our Infinite need of a CHRIST to Redeem us, and ſo make Him exceeding Precious, and cauſe us to uſe our utmoſt Diligence to ſecure an Intereſt in His Salvation: And the Worſe we find our Sins to be, the more will it ſerve to make us wonder at the rich Grace of God, that ſhould provide and offer Salvation to ſuch wretched Creatures as we are. We naturally entertain dimunitive thoughts of Sin, and that makes us ſecure in it, and regardleſs of ſeeking after a Deliverance from it; whereas a right ſight of Sin, in it's true Colours, would make our preſent State too hot for us. This alſo is the way to be made to juſtify God in all His Judgments which we undergo; and make us ſo far from Murmuring at His Severity, as to put us upon wondering at His Lenity; and Confeſſing that He hath viſited us leſs than our Iniquities deſerve. And let us remember, that there are but few Places in the World, where there are ſo many aggravating Charges to be laid upon the Sins of Men, as in this Lo…d, where there hath been ſo much Light, and ſo many Obligations laid upon Men to Repent, and turn from their Sins. If therefore we do not ſuitably Improve it to Repentance, our Condemnation will be the greater; and for our Admonition, let us well conſider what is ſaid, Prov. 29 1. He that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, ſhall ſuddenly be deſtroyed, and that without remedy.
[NOVEMEER 12. 1706]