A37046:243
The law unsealed
The law unsealed: or, A practical exposition of the Ten Commandments With a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience. By the learned, laborious, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. James Durham, late minister of the Gospel at Glasgow.
Glasgow: printed by Robert Sanders, 1676
AN EXPOSITION OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, Delivered in several LECTURES. › Commandment 1
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.
3. There is a lazy ignorance, whereby some do not wilfully reject the means of knowledge, yet are so negligent, that they do not actually stir themselves for attaining of knowledge: Now though there be a difference among these, yet the least of them is sinful, and will not wholly excuse, it being a fruit of original sin (at the best) entertained by our own neglect of such means as might have more removed it: And thus a dull wit, or weak memory, can no more simply excuse, then other gross disconformities ⟨p. 29⟩to the Law in our natures (appearing in some more then others) which follow upon original sin.
3. There is a lazy ignorance, whereby some do not wilfully reject the means of knowledge, yet are so negligent, that they do not actually stir themselves for attaining of knowledge: Now though there be a difference among these, yet the least of them is sinfull, and will not wholly excuse, it being a fruit of original sin (at the best) entertained by our own neglect of such means as might have more removed it: And thus a dull wit, or weak memory, can no more simply excuse, then other gross discomformities ⟨p. 29⟩to the Law in our natures (appearing in some more then others) which follow upon original sin.
In sum, men may be three ways guilty of the breach of this Law, in respect of ignorance.
In sum, men may be three wayes guilty of the breach of this Law, in respect of ignorance.
1. As to the object matter whereof they are ignorant, which may be less or more, according as less or more of that is known, which we should know concerning God, and which he hath revealed; and this is especially to be understood of the substantial things more necessary to be known, there being a great difference betwixt these, and other things, which do not so immediately concern God; such as Chronologic Questions, some Prophecies, Cases, &c. which yet are recorded in Scripture.