A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

The Scripture insisteth much in condemning the sin of intemperance, which we conceive doth mainly consist in gluttony and drunkenness; and seeing these sins must belong to some one Command (although virtually and indirectly they break all) we take them especially to be condemned here in this Command, where temperance is commanded; and therefore we shall find them in Scripture mentioned with a special respect to the sin of uncleanness, expressly forbidden here: Fullness of bread and gluttony is observed to have been Sodoms sin, and the rise and source of their filthiness, Ezek. 16.49. Drunkenness is marked, especially as leading to this, Prov. 23.31, 33. Therefore we choose to speak a word to these two evils here, which are in themselves so abominable, and yet, alas! so frequent amongst those who are called Christians.

The Scripture insisteth much in condemning the sin of intemperance, vvhich vve conceive doth mainly consist in gluttony and drunkenness; and seeing these sins must belong to some one Command (although virtually and indirectly they break all) vve take them especially to be condemned here in this Command, vvhere temperance is commanded; and therefore vve shall find them in Scripture mentioned vvith a special respect to the sin of uncleanness, expresly forbidden here: Fulness of bread and gluttony is observed to have been Sodoms sin, and the rise and source of their filthiness, Ezek. 16.49. Drunkenness is marked, especially as leading to this, Prov. 23.31, 33. Therefore vve choose to speak a word to these tvvo evils here, vvhich are in themselves so abominable, and yet, alas! so frequent amongst those vvho are called Christians.

It is true, there is both in eating and drinking, respect to be had, 1. To nature, which in some requireth more, in some less: 2. To mens stations, where, as to the kind or quality (as we said of clothes) there is more allowed to one then another: 3. To some occasions, wherein more freedom and hilarity is permitted then at other times, when more abstinency and a restraint upon these, even in themselves lawful pleasures, is extraordinarily called for, so that we cannot bound all persons, and at all times, with the same peremptory rules.