The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

Use 2.

Ʋse 2.

1. It may be known by the loves and tender respects the sinner bears unto this sin: strong love for the most part, hath but one single object; affections are like the Sun beams in a burning glass, the more united they are in one point, the more fervent: A wicked man hath a particular affection for his particular lust. As Abraham cried, Oh that Ishmael may live in thy sight! So, a wicked man, oh that this sin may be spared! This is his Benjamin: the soul is ready to say, here is one sin must be plucked out, and here is another sin must be cut off, and must this beloved Lust dye also? all these things are against me. The sinner seems to repent of sin, and to condemn sin, and himself for sin: but when the time of Execution comes, the man is very tender-hearted; here's a reprieve for this sin, and there is a pardon for another sin; oh it goes against him to cut the throat of his darling lust! ('Tis a woeful case when a man will undertake to pardon his own sin: this is crudelitas parcens, sparing cruelty); and if it fall out, that his beloved sin dye a natural death, that is, if the Adulterer for instance, cannot actually engage in bodily uncleanness, as formerly upon the account of old age, he follows it to the grave, as we do our dear friends, and heartily mourns that he and his dear lust must part.