A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

Blasphemy] immediate against God is, vel non tribuendo sua vel tribuendo non •ua, vel abutendo in malitiam, quae referenda sunt in gloriam. Either by denying God •is own, or by ascribing to him that is not his own, or by abusing that maliciously, which is to be referred to his glory. 1. Such as deny his wisdom, Justice, mercy, providence; as if he had neither care nor power to redeem his people, Esa. 52.5. The rulers make the people to howl, as if God had forgotten them; and thus is my Name blasphemed. 2. Such as make him the author of evil, lode him with affections, charge him with injustice. Ezek. 18.25. ye say, the way of the Lord is not equal: as •f the Lord had dealt unjustly with them. 3. Such as execrate and curse the Lord, and (this is the proper acception of blasphemy, Rev. 16.11. They blasphemed the God of •eaven,) because of their pains. Thus too many make that sacred blood which saves the world, and washeth all our souls white; the subject of a furious oath: and fortify the credit of a trifle with those wounds, that cost the Son of God his life. What is this but lacerare Christum, to rend in pieces the Lord Jesus; and to object him to new sufferings, so far as their malice can extend? For they sin no lesse, Qui blasphemant Christum regnantem in coelis, quàm qui crucifixerunt ambulantem in ter•is: that revile CHRIST reigning in heaven, than they that crucified him living on earth. Oh that we should be more insensible of this injury, than the very senseless creatures. Matth. 27.51. The veil of the Temple was rent, the earth did ••ake, and the rocks clove asunder. When the Jews heard blasphemy, it was their custom to rend their garments. So Act. 14.15. When the Apostles heard the superstitious Lystrians intention, they rent their clothes. Lo now when the Son of God was blasphemed upon the Cross, because mens hearts were so hard, the very Temple it self rent her veil, her garment, the earth rent her bosom, yea her very ibbes, the stony rocks. So execrable is the sin of blasphemy: some have observed that the greatest sins against God are words: obliquities in speech offend ore than those in action. Their blows cannot reach God, but their blasphemies hall fly upon him. Therefore the sin that is never to be forgiven, is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. He that doth a sin, breaks Gods Law: