Aggravation of sin and sinning against knowledge. Mercy. Delivered in several sermons upon divers…Aggravation of sinne and sinning against knowledge. Mercie. Delivered in severall sermons upon divers…

And first, because all knowledge begins at the effects which are obvious to sense, and interpreters of the nature of things, therefore we will begin this Demonstration of the evil of sin, from the mischievous effects it hath filled the world withal, it having done nothing but wrought mischief since it came into the world, and all the mischief that hath been done, it alone hath done, but especially towards the poor soul of man, the miserable subject of it.

And first, because all knowledge begins at the effects which are obvious to sense, and interpreters of the nature of things, therefore wee will begin this Demonstration of the evill of sin, from the mischievous effects it hath filled the world withall, it having done nothing but wrought mischiefe since it came into the world, and all the mischiefe that hath beene done, it alone hath done, but especially towards the poore soule of man, the miserable subject of it.

Which first it hath debased the soul of man, the noblest creature under heaven, and highest allied, made to be a companion fit for God himself, but sin hath stripped it of its first native excellency, as it did Reuben, Gen. 49. 41. debased the soul more worth than all the world, as Christ himself saith, that only went to the ⟨p. 3⟩price of it: yet sin hath made it a drudge and slave to every creature it was made to rule: therefore the Prodigal as a type is said to serve swine, and feed on husks, so as every vanity masters it. Therefore we find in Scripture, that men are said to be servants to wine, Tit. 2. 3. servants to riches, and divers lusts, &c.

Which first it hath debased the soule of man, the noblest creature under heaven, and highest allyed, made to be a companion fit for God himselfe, but sinne hath stript it of its first native excellency, as it did Reuben, Gen. 49. 41. debased the soule more worth than all the world, as Christ himselfe saith, that onely went to the ⟨p. 3⟩