The nature and principles of love, as the end of the commandment declared in…

I answer, No, by no means. We give no such advice in the matter: but let all men do all the good they ⟨p. 36⟩can. And I would exhort the worst of men to do good: To hear the Word preached, to pray, to give alms. Daniel gave that counsel to Nebuchadnezzar a Heathen King, Dan. 4. 27. The Apostle Peter gave that counsel to Simon Magus, whom he saw to be in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity. And that the good that he had done, his receiving Baptism, and outward profession of faith, it was so far from coming from a good principle, that he was in the very gall of bitterness; yet saith he, pray, if it may be, thy sins may be forgiven thee. Though men are evil, yet let them do good as far as they can: and I would say these three things about it.

I answer, No, by no means. We give no such advice in the matter: but let all men do all the good they ⟨p. 36⟩can. And I would exhort the worst of men to do good: To hear the Word preacht, to pray, to give alms. Daniel gave that counsel to Nebuchadnezzar a Heathen King, Dan. 4. 27. The Apostle Peter gave that counsel to Simon Magus, whom he saw to be in the gaul of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity. And that the good that he had done, his receiving Baptism, and outward profession of faith, it was so far from coming from a good principle, that he was in the very gall of bitterness; yet saith he, pray, if it may be, thy sins may be forgiven thee. Though men are evil, yet let them do good as far as they can: and I would say these three things about it.

First, They are under an obligation to do good. For mans inability to perform a duty rightly, doth not take off the obligation which is upon him to perform it. And though a bad man sins in his manner of doing it, yet his refusing to do it, would be more sinful.