A37049:422
A37049:422
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1675
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.
To come particularly to Baptism; we may consider, 1. The sins of those who seek it for their Children. 2. The sins of these who Administer it. 3. The sins of on-lookers, especially those who are called to be Witnesses. 4. The sins of those who are baptized.
To come particularly to Baptism; we may consider, 1. The sins of those who seek it for their Children. 2. The sins of these who Administer it. 3. The sins of on-lookers, especially those who are called to be VVitnesses. 4. The sins of those who are baptized.
The Parents or presenters of Children to Baptism fail before, in the time, and after the Administration of this Ordinance; First, before, 1. By not serious minding that which is to be done, 2. Not considering the Child's condition as needing Christ in that Ordinance. Nor 3. The end of that Ordinance. 4. Miskenning Christ, and not going first to him, for conferring the things and blessings signified. 5. Not praying for the Child, for the Minister, and for a Blessing on the Ordinance. 6. Not blessing God, that there is a Covenant of Grace that taketh in our Children; nor offering them to be engaged and received in it. 7. Not minding the most simple and edifying way of going about it, but walking by other Rules. 8. Needless delaying of it for carnal ends. 9. Being more desirous of the Sign, than of the Thing signified.
The Parents or presenters of Children to Baptism fail before, in the time, and after the Administration of this Ordinance; First, before, 1. By not serious minding that which is to be done, 2. Not considering the Child's condition as needing Christ in that Ordinance. Nor 3. The end of that Ordinance. 4. Miskenning Christ, and not going first to him, for conferring the things and blessings signified. 5. Not praying for the Child, for the Minister, and for a Blessing on the Ordinance. 6. Not blessing God, that there is a Covenant of Grace that taketh in our Children; nor offering them to be ingaged and received in it. 7. Not minding the most simple and edifying way of going about it, but walking by other Rules. 8. Needless delaying of it for carnal ends. 9. Being more desirous of the Sign, than of the Thing signifyed.
2dly. When we come to it, we sin. First, Not seeking to have our own Covenant with God (by which we have this privilege of bringing our Children to Baptism,) renewed and made sure. 2. Not considering by what right we claim it to our Children. 3. Not repenting of our own Breaches of Covenant, nor wondering that God keepeth with us, who have often broken to him. 4. Not coming with the exercise of fear and reverence. 5 Waiting on it oft-times without attention or minding our Duty in what is spoken. 6. Promising for the fashion when we engage for the Children's Education, and without either Judgement or Resolute purpose to perform. 7. Being ignorant of what is said or done. 8. Not concurring in Prayer for the Bl •ssing. 9. Not undertaking in Christ • strength to perform the Duties called for.
2dly. When we come to it, we sin. First, Not seeking to have our own Covenant with God (by which we have this priviledge of bringing our Children to Baptism,) renewed and made sure. 2. Not considering by what right we claim it to our Children. 3. Not repenting of our own Breaches of Covenant, nor wondering that God keepeth with us, who have often broken to him. 4. Not coming with the exercise of fear and reverence. 5 VVaiting on it oft-times without attention or minding our Duty in what is spoken. 6. Promising for the fashion when we ingage for the Childrens Education, and without either Judgement or Resolute purpose to perform. 7. Being ignorant of what is said or done. 8. Not concurring in Prayer for the Bl •ssing. 9. Not undertaking in Christ • strength to perform the Duties called for.
3dly. After the Administration of Baptism, we fail. First, In forgetting all our engagements. 2. In growing careless to maintain any suitable frame, and falling carnally in our Mirth on such occasions. 3. Not being much in Prayer for the Children, ⟨p. 95⟩nor insisting or continuing in Prayer for the Blessing. 4. Not being Faithful according to our engagements, in Educating them. 1. In knowledge, that they may be so trained up as to know what God is. 2. In the fear of God, pressing it upon them by frequent Exhortations. 3. In giving them good Example. 4. In giving t •em seasonable Correction (but rather sparing them though to their hurt) when there is cause of Correction. 5. Being also unfaithful in not seriously minding them of their engagements by Baptism. And 6. Much more by giving them evil Example. 7. Conniving at their faults. 8. Advising them to what is sinful, or sending them where they may meet with snares, or suffering them to go there. 9. Providing for them the things of this Life, without respect to that Life which is to come. 10. Not enabling our selves that we may discharge our Duty to them. 11. Not insisting to press those things upon them, that concern their Souls always; thinking it is enough that sometimes they be spoken to. 12. Never purposely stirred up and driven by that Tie to see for their good. Nor 13. Repenting our many short comings. Nor 14. Lamenting for what we see sinful in them, when they follow not Faithful advice. These are things that would carefully be looked unto, both by Fathers and Mothers, and all such as engage for the Christian Education of the Children, whom they present to that Ordinance
3dly. After the Administration of Baptism, we fail. First, In forgetting all our engagements. 2. In growing careless to maintain any suitable frame, and falling carnally in our Mirth on such occasions. 3. Not being much in Prayer for the Children, ⟨p. 95⟩
Next in him that Administereth Baptism, there are oft-times diverse failings. As 1. When it is customarily dispensed without respect to it's end. 2. When in Prayer the Child's Salvation is not really and seriously aimed at, but for the fashion. 3. When it becometh a burden to dispense it. 4. When it is not thought much of, that Christ admitteth such into his House, or himself to be a partaker of such mercies, but be a Dispenser of them to others. 5. When he followeth it not privately with his Prayers for a Blessing; besides what failings may be in unsuitable words, and Humane Ceremonies, &c. And seeking himself in the words that are spoken, rather than the Edification of the Hearers.
Next in him that Administreth Baptism, there are oft-times diverse failings. As 1. When it is customarily dispensed without respect to it's end. 2. When in Prayer the Childs Salvation is not really and seriously aimed at, but for the fashion. 3. When it becometh a burden to dispense it. 4. When it is not thought much of, that Christ admitteth such into his House, or himself to be a partaker of such mercies, but be a Dispenser of them to others. 5. When he followeth it not privately with his Prayers for a Blessing; besides what failings may be in unsuitable words, and Humane Ceremonies, &c. And seeking himself in the words that are spoken, rather than the Edification of the Hearers.
When we are Witnesses and On-lookers, we fail. 1. In wearying and fretting, because we are detained a while. 2. Not ⟨p. 96⟩setting our selves to be edified by that we see done and hear spoken. 3. Not sympathising with the Child or its Parents in Prayer. 4. Not being thankful to God for such a Benefit and Ordinance to such a Child's behalf. 5. Lightness of Carriage, and in looking, speaking, or thinking in the time, as if we were not present at such an Ordinance of Christs. 6. Not so seriously taken up in sympathising with other Folks Children, because they are not our own. 7. Removing and withdrawing and not staying to countenance it. 8. Not minding the Child when we are gone. 9. Not helping them▪ as we may to be answerable to that tie they come under in Baptism. 10. Not admonishing them when we see Parents and Children walk unanswerable, nor testifying against them, nor mourning for the Dishonour God getteth by Baptised Person's unsuitable Carriage.
When we are Witnesses and On-lookers, we fail. 1. In wearying and fretting, because we are detained a while. 2. Not ⟨p. 96⟩setting our selves to be edified by that we see •done and hear spoken. 3. Not sympathising with the Child or its Parents in Prayer. 4. Not being thankful to God for such a Benefit and Ordinance to such a Childs behalf. 5. Lightness of Carriage, and in looking, speaking, or thinking in the time, as if we were not present at such an Ordinance of Christs. 6. Not so seriously taken up in sympathising with other Folks Children, because they are not our own. 7. Removing and withdrawing and not staying to countenance it. 8. Not minding the Child when we are gone. 9. Not helping them▪ as we may to be answerable to that tye they come under in Baptism. 10. Not admonishing them when we see Parents and Children walk unanswerable, nor testifying against them, nor mourning for the Dishonour God getteth by Baptised Person's unsuitable Carriage.
Fourthly, All of us that are Baptised, fail wonderfully, less or more. 1st. That we never (as we ought) reckon our selves obliged by that tie we come under in Baptism. 2. That we neither are, nor seriously study to be, as we ought▪ answerable to it. 3. That we are not thankful for it to God, who admitted us to that Ordinance. 4. That we do not esteem it above all bare carnal Birth-Rights how great soever. 5. That we do not seek to have it cleared, in the extent of it, as to the Privileges and Benefits thereby conferred on us and our Children. 6. That we do not pursue after the Blessing therein Covenanted to us. 7. That we do not endeavour the performance of the condition of believing and trusting in Christ which is the condition of the Covenant of which Baptism is the Seal. 8. That we do not lay weight on our Baptism for strengthening our Faith both in Spiritual and Temporal Difficulties, as if it were no Seal of the Covenant. 9. That we are often ignorant how to make use of it. 10. That we do not account our selves wholly Gods, as being given away to Him in Baptism, but live to our selves. 11. That we do not sight against our Lusts, Satan, and the World, according to our Baptismal Vow▪ 12. That we do not adorn our Christian Profession with an Holy Life. 13. That we walk and war against Christ, instead of fighting ⟨p. 97⟩under his Banner. 14. That we do not aggravate our sins, as being committed against this Tie. 15. That we are not patient under Sufferings, nor penitent and humble under all sad Dispensations; notwithstanding that we are by our Baptism bound to take up the Cross. 16. That we do not meditate on our engagements, nor repent for our Neglects. 17. That we do not aim and endeavour to come up to the main ends of this Ordinance. Which are. 1. The evidencing out Regeneration and ingrafting into Christ. 2. The giving up our selves to the Father, Son, and Spirit. 3. Sticking by Christ on the most costly and dearest terms. 4. Taking Directions from him and walking in him. 5 Seeking the things above, and not the things that are on Earth▪ 6. Mortification to Creatures, and to be Crucified with Christ. 7. The improving of this Tie, not only for obliging us to these, but for strengthening us in Him to attain them, and to comfort our selves in all Difficulties from this ground. These things are much a-missing; Alas, they are much a-missing:
For we lamentably neglect to draw all our Strength and Furniture under all tentations, and for all Duties from Christ by virtue of this Baptismal Obligation and Tie: We resort but seldom to this Magazine and Store - House; this precious Privilege is (Alas!) but very little manured and improved by us.
For we lamentably neglect to draw all our Strength and Furniture under all tentations, and for all Duties from Christ by vertue of this Baptismal Obligation and Tye: We resort but seldome to this Magazine and Store - House; this precious Priviledge is (Alas!) but very little manured and improved by us.
We come next to speak of the sins we are usually guilty of in reference to the Lords Supper, and they be of several sorts. 1. Some are Doctrinal when the Institution is corrupted, as in Popery: These we will not now meddle with. 2. Others are practical, and they are either in Ministers and Elders, who admit and debar, or in such as are admitted or debarred.
And First, we are to consider, that men may sin against this Ordinance, by not Communicating. As 1. When they contemn and wilfully neglect it. 2. When they are not frequent in it, but carelessly slight it, when conveniently it may be had. 3. By not foreseeing and ordering our Affairs, so as we may not be hindered, when an occasion of that Ordinance offereth it self near to us. 4. By incapacitating our selves to be admitted through ignorance or scandal, and by negligence ⟨p. 98⟩to remove these. 5. By fretting at our being debarred, or at these who has a hand in it. 6. Not repenting of the causes which procureth our being declared. 7. Not seeking to be humbled under such a weighty censure, and to get the right use of it for the time to come. 8. Suspecting that it proceedeth from carnal ends. 9. Reporting amiss of those who do it 10. Not praying for them that partake in this Ordinance, where-ever we hear of it in any place. 11. Looking rather to the unfitness of some that are admitted, and the neglect of duty in Office-bearers in debarring, than our own. 12. Not sympathizing with them, and yet on that ground absenting our selves, to wit, for the faults of others.
And First, we are to consider, that men may sin against this Ordinance, by not Communicating. As 1. When they contemn and wilfully neglect it. 2. When they are not frequent in it, but carelessly slight it, when conveniently it may be had. 3. By not foreseeing and ordering our Affairs, so as we may not be hindred, when an occasion of that Ordinance offereth it self near to us. 4. By incapacitating our selves to be admitted through ignorance or scandal, and by negligence ⟨p. 98⟩to remove these. 5. By sretting at our being debarred, or at these who has a hand in it. 6. Not repenting of the causes which procureth our being declared. 7. Not seeking to be humbled under such a weighty censure, and to get the right use of it for the time to come. 8. Suspecting that it proceedeth from carnal ends. 9. Reporting amiss of those who do it 10. Not praying for them that partake in this Ordinance, where-ever we hear of it in any place. 11. Looking rather to the unfitness of some that are admitted, and the neglect of duty in Office-bearers in debarring, than our own. 12. Not sympathizing with them, and yet on that ground absenting our selves, to wit, for the faults of others.
And here, by the way, we beseech you take these few words of Exhortation. 1. Look on debarring of ignorant and scandalous persons from the Lord's Table as Christ's Ordinance. 2. Consider wherefore your selves are debarred, and as you may be assured it is from no particular prejudice or disrespect, so ye would repent & be humbled for that which procureth it. 3 Be making up what is wanting for the time to-come: your failing in any of these is a fault, and let none think themselves the less bound to the study of holiness, because they are kept from partaking of it: But the sin of some is; they shift it, because they will not stir themselves up to a suitable frame for it, and yet they are not suitably affected with the want of it.
And here, by the way, we beseech you take these few words of Exhortation. 1. Look on debarring of ignorant and scandalous persons from the Lord's Table as Christ's Ordinance. 2. Consider wherefore your selves are debarred, and as you may be assured it is from no particular prejudice or disrespect, so ye would repent & be humbled for that which procureth it. 3 Be making up what is wanting for the time to-come: your failing in any of these is a fault, and let none think themselves the less bound to the study of holiness, because they are kept from partaking of it: But the sin of some is; they shift it, because they will not stir themselves up to a sutable frame for it, and yet they are not sutably affected with the want of it.
Next, there are faults in them that are admitted to Communicate, and these both in Hypocrites and true Believers respectively; and that 1. Before. 2. In the time, and 3. After receiving the Lords Supper.
Next, there are faults in them that are admitted to Communicate, and these both in Hypocrits and true Believers respectively; and that 1. Before. 2. In the time, and 3. After receiving the Lords Supper.
And first: Before receiving there are many failings: As 1. Ignorance of the end and nature of this Ordinance. 2. Not studying to know it: Nor 3. To have the heart rightly affected with it. 4. Not endeavouring to keep up a high esteem, and holy reverence of the wonderful Love of God in giving of his Son, and the Son's condescending Love in coming to dye for Sinners. 5. Not seeking to have the Covenant clearly closed with by Faith, before it be sealed by the Sacrament. 6. Not endeavouring to have all by gone quarrels removed, and our Peace established. 7. Not searching our way, that we may be well acquainted with our condition, so as we may have the ⟨p. 99⟩distinct knowledge of it, when we come. 8. Not carefully endeavouring a suitable frame of heart by Prayer, Meditation, and Reading. 9. Not praying for a blessing, either for him that administereth, or for those who are to join with us, to prevent their sin. 10. Not minding their instruction who are under our charge. 11. Not presently renewing (if before closed with and consented to) our Covenant before our partaking. 12. Not sequestring our hearts from other things for that end. 13. Not fearing to miss the thing offered, and to contract guilt instead of getting any good. 14. Not searching after the sins of former Communions and other sins, and repenting of them. 15. What we aim at in these, not aiming at them in Christs strength. 16. Not aiming and endeavouring constantly to walk with God, and keep communion with him in all duties, that we may have the more access to communion with him in this Ordinance. 17. Not laying aside of rooted prejudices and secret malice. Nor 18. Admonishing such whom we know to lye under any offence of that kind, that they may repent and reform. 19. Unstayedness in our aiming at communion with God in it, or coming to it more selsily than out of due regard to the glory of God.
And first: Before receiving there are many failings: As 1. Ignorance of the end and nature of this Ordinance. 2. Not studying to know it: Nor 3. To have the heart rightly affected with it. 4. Not endeavouring to keep up a high esteem, and holy reverence of the wonderful Love of God in giving of his Son, and the Son's condesending Love in coming to dye for Sinners. 5. Not seeking to have the Covenant clearly closed with by Faith, before it be sealed by the Sacrament. 6. Not endeavouring to have all by gone quarrels removed, and our Peace established. 7. Not searching our way, that we may be well acquainted with our condition, so as we may have the ⟨p. 99⟩
2dly. In our going about this Ordinance, there are many faults that usually concur: As 1. Our giving too little respect, or too much to it, as is said before of the Sacraments in general. 2. Our not exercising Faith in the present time, according to the Covenant and Christs Institution. 3. Want of Love to constrain us, and want of that Hunger and Thirst that should be after Christ. 4. Want of that discerning of the Lord's Body, which should be, so as, 1. To put a difference betwixt Bread and Wine in the Sacrament, and common Bread and Wine in respect of the end. 2 To put a difference betwixt this Ordinance, and Christ himself, who is signified and exhibited by it. 3. To lay in some respect a further weight on this than on the Word only, though it be some way of that same nature. 4. To put a difference betwixt this Sacrament and other Sacraments; and so discerning it, it is to conceive of it rightly. 1. In respect of its use and end according to its Institution, 2. In respect of our manner of use-making of it, not only by our senses or bodily Organs, but by Faith and the faculties of the ⟨p. 100⟩soul, looking upon, and receiving Christs Body in that Ordinance, and feeding on it there as in the Word, and more clearly and sensibly: for the Sacraments do not give us any new thing which the Word did not o •fer and give before, but they give the same thing more clearly and sensibly. 3. In respect of the blessing; not only waiting for a common blessing for sustaining the Body by that Bread and Wine, but for a spiritual blessing to be conferred by the spirit to the behoof of the soul, 4. Its so to discern it as to improve it for obtaining real communion betwixt Christ and us, by a spiritual feeding-upon, as his own Body; so that when there is any short-coming in these, in so far the Lord's Body is not discerned. 5. We sin in going about this Ordinance, by want of Reverence, when we come without Holy thoughts, and a Divine frame, and without Love ravishing the heart, which is most suitable at such a time; much more do we sin when we come with carnal, loose, or idle thoughts, or any unreverent gesture, or with light-like apparel, or carriage in coming or sitting. 6. By want of Love to others, and sympathy with such as are Strangers to Communion with Christ. 7. By not distinct closing with Christ, or renewing our Covenant with him, or engaging of our selves to him. 8.
2dly. In our going about this Ordinance, there are many faults that usually concurr: As 1. Our giving too little respect, or too much to it, as is said before of the Sacraments in general. 2. Our not exercising Faith in the present time, according to the Covenant and Christs Institution. 3. Want of Love to constrain us, and want of that Hunger and Thirst that should be after Christ. 4. Want of that discerning of the Lord's Body, which should be, so as, 1. To put a difference betwixt Bread and Wine in the Sacrament, and common Bread and Wine in respect of the end. 2 To put a difference betwixt this Ordinance, and Christ himself, who is signified and exhibited by it. 3. To lay in some respect a further weight on this than on the Word only, though it be some way of that same nature. 4. To put a difference betwixt this Sacrament and other Sacraments; and so discerning it, it is to conceive of it rightly. 1. In respect of its use and end according to its Institution, 2. In respect of our manner of use-making of it, not only by our senses or bodily Organs, but by Faith and the faculties of the
By stupidly, or senselessly taking the Elements without any affection, and by being heartless in the work, and comfortless because we want sense. 9. By not cheering our selves by Faith▪ that we may obtain and win to sense, and by pressing too little at sense or comfort. 10. By not improving this Ordinance in reference to the general ends of a Sacrament, or the particular ends we should aim at in this Sacrament: As 1. Fellowship with Christ himself. 2. Communion in his Death and Sufferings. 3. The sense of these, and the comfort of them. 4. The lively commemoration of Christs Death and Sufferings, and of the Love he had to us in all these; for the stirring up of our Love again to him. 5. The strengthening of our selves in the way of Holiness, by strength drawn from him by Faith. 6. Minding his glory, and the setting forth thereof, with respect unto, and hope of his Coming again. 7. Particular engaging of our affections one to another. 8. Engaging our hearts by serious resolutions to make for suffering: Lastly, We sin here, by not reflecting on our hearts in the mean time, that we may know what ⟨p. 101⟩they are doing, nor putting up ejaculatory prayers to God in the time; receiving the Sacrament with our hand, and yet not receiving him in that mean by Faith into the heart, nor feeding on him, and satisfying our selves with him really present in that mean: for he is to our Faith really present there as well as in his Word.
By stupidly, or senselesly taking the Elements without any affection, and by being heartless in the work, and comfortless because we want sense. 9. By not chearing our selves by Faith▪ that we may obtain and win to sense, and by pressing too little at sense or comfort. 10. By not improving this Ordinance in reference to the general ends of a Sacrament, or the particular ends we should ayme at in this Sacrament: As 1. Fellowship with Christ himself. 2. Communion in his Death and Sufferings. 3. The sense of these, and the comfort of them. 4. The lively commemoration of Christs Death and Sufferings, and of the Love he had to us in all these; for the stirring up of our Love again to him. 5. The strengthening of our selves in the way of Holiness, by strength drawn from him by Faith. 6. Minding his glory, and the setting forth thereof, with respect unto, and hope of his Coming again. 7. Particular ingaging of our affections one to another. 8. Ingaging our hearts by serious resolutions to make for suffering: Lastly, We sin here, by not reflecting on our hearts in the mean time, that we may know what
3. After Communicating there is a readiness to slip and fall into these faults: 1. Irreverent and Carnal removing from the Table. 2. Forgetting what we were doing, and falling immediately to loose words or thoughts. 3. Not reflecting on our by past carriage, to see what we were doing, and what frame we were in, and what we obtained. 4. Not repenting for what was wrong in every piece of our way and carriage. 5. Not following on to obtain what we yet miss, and not still waiting for the blessing, even after we are come away. 6. Not being thankful if we have obtained any thing 7. Fretting and fainting if we have not gotten what we would have. 8. Or being indifferent and careless whether we get or want. 9. Carnally loose after Communions, as if we had no more to do. 10. Vain, or puffed up, if we think we have attained anything. 11. Little or no keeping of Promise made to God, but continuing as before 12. Digressing on the commendation or censure of what was heard, or seen, rather than making use of it for our profit. 13. Making that Ordinance an occasion of contention, for some faults we conceive to have been about it, whereas it should be ground of Union and Love. 14. Not entertaining tenderness, and a frame that may keep us ready to communicate again. 15. Not meditating on what we have been doing. 16. Nor longing again for the like occasion. 17. Not helping others that did not come, or had not the occasion of coming, to it. 18. Conceitedness because we were admitted. 19. Despising others who might not be admitted. 20. Mocking, or secretly snuffing at any who goeth, or has gone about it with more tenderness than we, or who endeavoureth to keep their Promises better than we: This sin of Emulation and spiritual envy, at any who out-runs us in tenderness and proficiency (touched in these two last) is, as very natural to us so, most dangerous; it participates of Cursed Cain; this sin is the worst of all Malignity, and is always accompanied with a wideful and ⟨p. 102⟩devilish satisfaction with, and complacency in, the shortcomings of others, that so we may be the more noticed. 21. Secret disdain at tender Christians beside us, as Hypocritical. 22. Turning aside to live like others who have been debarred, as if there ought to be no difference put betwixt those who have this Badge, and those who want it, or setting up as if all were done, when we have Communicated. 23.
3. After Communicating there is a readiness to slip and fall into these faults: 1. Irreverent and Carnal removing from the Table. 2. Forgetting what we were doing, and falling immediatly to loose words or thoughts. 3. Not reflecting on our by past carriage, to see what we were doing, and what frame we were in, and what we obtained. 4. Not repenting for what was wrong in every piece of our way and carriage. 5. Not following on to obtain what we yet miss, and not still waiting for the blessing, even after we are come away. 6. Not being thankful if we have obtained any thing 7. Fretting and fainting if we have not gotten what we would have. 8. Or being indifferent and careless whether we get or want. 9. Carnallyloose after Communions, as if we had no more to do. 10. Vain, or puffed up, if we think we have attained anything. 11. Little or no keeping of Promise made to God, but continuing as before 12. Digressing on the commendation or censure of what was heard, or seen, rather than making use of it for our profit. 13. Making that Ordinance an occasion of contention, for some faults we conceive to have been about it, whereas it should be ground of Union and Love. 14. Not entertaining tenderness, and a frame that may keep us ready to communicate again. 15. Not meditating on what we have been doing. 16. Nor longing again for the like occasion. 17. Not helping others that did not come, or had not the occasion of coming, to it. 18. Conceitedness because we were admitted. 19. Despising others who might not be admitted. 20. Mocking, or secretly snuffing at any who goeth, or has gone about it with more tenderness than we, or who endeavoureth to keep their Promises better than we: This sin of Emulation and spiritual envy, at any who out-runs us in tenderness and proficiency (touched in these two last) is, as very natural to us so, most dangerous; it participates of Cursed Cain; this sin is the worst of all Malignity, and is always accompanyed with a wideful and