Divers practical cases of conscience satisfactorily resolved ... to which are added some counsels…

Direct. 4. Eye those duties most that are of most importance, Matth. 23. 23. The hypocrite is very punctual in lesser matters, but neglects the weightiest things of the Law, Judgment, and Mercy, and Faith: He is for a religion that will cost him little: and therefore words being good cheap, he will be as forward in talk as any; mighty zealous in the circumstantials of Religion, and marvellous censorious of others that come not up to this mind, as men of wide principles and large consciences: But in the mean time, he is very negligent is secret duties, a great stranger to self-denial, and walking humbly with God. He strains wonderfully ⟨p. 50⟩at a Ceremony; but it may be he can swallow the gains of unrighteousness, or the baits of intemperance fast enough: It may be he will decry Superstition, and never wants a stone to fling at a profane Church-man: But in the mean time walks loosely in his Family, makes little conscience of his dealings; or will take up his Cups as freely as another so he be not drunk: Or if he will not take a penny of his neighbours estate, he is most unmerciful to his good name, and will take up any report that is going. Brethren you must make conscience of the least sin, and of the least duty. But it is a fearful sign when men are zealous against lesser sins, and yet connive at greater (as these are,) Matth. 23. 24.

Direct. 4. Eye those duties most that are of most importance, Matth. 23. 23. The hypocrite is very punctual in lesser matters, but neglects the weightiest things of the Law, Judgment, and Mercy, and Faith: He is for a religion that will cost him little: and therefore words being good cheap, he will be as forward in talk as any; mighty zealous in the circumstantials of Religion, and marvellous censorious of others that come not up to this mind, as men of wide principles and large consciences: But in the mean time, he is very negligent is secret duties, a great stranger to self-denyal, and walking humbly with God. He strains wonderfully ⟨p. 50⟩at a Ceremony; but it may be he can swallow the gains of unrighteousness, or the baits of intemperance fast enough: It may be he will decry Superstition, and never wants a stone to fling at a prophane Church-man: But in the mean time walks loosly in his Family, makes little conscience of his dealings; or will take up his Cups as freely as another so he be not drunk: Or if he will not take a penny of his neighbours estate, he is most unmerciful to his good name, and will take up any report that is going. Brethren you must make conscience of the least sin, and of the least duty. But it is a fearful sign when men are zealous against lesser sins, and yet connive at greater (as these are,)