The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…

Yet observe that though the forementioned lesser sins are called Infirmities, in regard of the matter of them; yet they may be so committed in regard of the end and manner of them, as may make them crimes or gross sins: As for example, If one should use idle words wilfully, resolvedly, without restraint, reluctancy or tenderness of conscience, this were gross sinning: or the nearer it ⟨p. 264⟩comes to this, and the more wilfulness or neglect or evil ends there is in the smallest forbidden action, the worse it is, and the grosser. And observe (of which more anon) that the true bounds or difference between gross sins, and those lesser faults, which we call Infirmities, cannot be given; (I think, by any man; I am sure not by me) either as to the Act it self, to say, just what Acts are gross sins and what not; or else, as to the manner of committing them; as to say, Just how much of the Will must go to make a gross sin; or Just how far a man may proceed in the degree of evil intents; or how far in the frequency of sinning, before it must be called a gross sin.

Yet observe that though the forementioned lesser sinnes are called Infirmities, in regard of the matter of them; yet they may be so committed in regard of the end and manner of them, as may make them crimes or gross sinnes: As for example, If one should use idle words wilfully, resolvedly, without restraint, reluctancy or tenderness of conscience, this were gross sinning: or the neerer it ⟨p. 264⟩comes to this, and the more wilfulness or neglect or evil ends there is in the smallest forbidden action, the worse it is, and the grosser. And observe (of which more anon) that the true bounds or difference between gross sinnes, and those lesser faults, which we call Infirmities, cannot be given; (I think, by any man; I am sure not by me) either as to the Act it self, to say, just what Acts are gross sins and what not; or else, as to the manner of committing them; as to say, Just how much of the Will must go to make a gross sinne; or Just how farre a man may proceed in the degree of evil intents; or how farre in the frequency of sinning, before it must be called a gross sinne.