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…

If it be asked whether ignorance can excuse a man, and how far it excuseth. Ans. 1. There is no ignorance (properly so called) that excuseth wholly, pro toto, it being of it self sinful, and men being obliged to know what is sin, and what not; neither can ever men do that out of Faith, which they do in ignorance, and know not if it be in it self sinful or lawful: this is to be understood ⟨p. 46⟩in resp •ct of ignorantia Juris, non facti, of the ignorance of the Law, and not of the ignorance of the Fact, (as they call it;) for men may sometimes be ignorant of this, and yet be Innocent; as when one is cutting with an Axe, and it falleth off the Helve, &c. but in respect of the Law, there is no invincible ignorance that can excuse any for their not knowing God's mind, because they are obliged to know it.

2 Ignorance that is wilfully entertained with neglect of means that might help it, is so far from excusing, that it doth aggravate the faults occasioned thereby, because in that case there are two faults that concur. 1. Ignorance. 2. Another sin produced thereby.

3 Ignorance natural, or proceeding from paucity of means, or less occasion to learn, though it doth not fully, yet in part excuseth: Hence it is said, they that know not the Masters will, shall be beaten with few stripes; but ••razin, and B •thsaida, and other places, having plenty of means, shall not in the least be sheltered under that excuse, Mat. 11.22, 23, 24.