A20760:104
Four treatises tending to dissuade all Christians from four no less heinous then common…Foure treatises tending to disswade all Christians from foure no lesse hainous then common…
Four treatises tending to dissuade all Christians from four no less heinous then common sins; namely, the abuses of swearing, drunkenness, whoredom, and bribery. Wherein the greatness and odiousness of these vices is discovered; and the means and remedies, which may either preserve, or wean men from them, are propounded. Whereunto is annexed a treatise of anger. By John Downame Bachelor in Divinity, and preacher of Gods word.Foure treatises tending to disswade all Christians from foure no lesse hainous then common sinnes; namely, the abuses of swearing, drunkennesse, whoredome, and briberie. Wherein the greatnes and odiousnesse of these vices is discouered; and the meanes and remedies, which may either preserue, or weane men from them, are propounded. Whereunto is annexed a treatise of anger. By Iohn Dovvname Batcheler in Diuinitie, and preacher of Gods word.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for William Welby, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Others shroud their sin under the example of the multitude,1 alleging that it is the common custom of all, some few only excepted, who are but too scrupulous about every trifle. But let such know, that after this manner they may excuse and countenance any manner of wickedness, seeing no custom is more common then to live in sin. Let them remember that God hath forbidden us to follow the example of a multitude in that which is evil;2 or to fashion our selves according to the world, whereof we are but pilgrims, if at least we be inhabitants of the heavenly Jerusalem; that Christ hath chosen us out of the world, not that we should still embrace the impious practises of wicked worldlings, but that becoming his Disciples, we should follow his word and holy example, as our only guides. Let them consider, ⟨p. 40⟩that common use of committing sin doth not excuse, but much aggravate it in Gods sight, and that it doth more inflame his wrath, and increase the punishment, when as men combine themselves to work wickedness. Finally, let them call to mind, that it is the narrow path and strait gate leading to eternal life,3 which is least frequented, so that the Christian may go in it without crowding, though it be not large and spacious, in respect of the small number which travail this way: and contrariwise, that there is no way more commonly haunted then the broad way, which leadeth to destruction; and consequently, that we can have small comfort in having a numerous multitude to accompany us into hell.
Others shroude their sinne vnder the example of the multitude,1 alleaging that it is the common custome of all, some few onely excepted, who are but too scrupulous about euerie trifle. But let such know, that after this manner they may excuse and countenance any manner of wickednesse, seeing no custome is more common then to liue in sinne. Let them remember that God hath forbidden vs to follow the example of a multitude in that which is euill;2