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…

Fifthly, Blasphemy may be considered as it is, 1. Doctrinal, or maintained by some men in their Tenets, such were those of the old Heretics, such are those of the Pelagians, Papists, and Arminians, as to the nature of Providence, and the work of Grace upon hearts, or 2. As it is in expressions indeliberately brought forth, or 3. In oaths, as when men swear by the Wounds, Blood, Soul, &c. of our blessed Lord, which as they are horrible to hear, so is it reproachful to his Majesty, that these should be so abused, or 4. In Deeds, Writing, Painting, Acting, Representing any thing Derogatory to him, which are also charged with Blasphemy, in abusing Gods Name to such ends, 5. It may be in a high Degree, when men act such a Blasphemy, or consequently when they punish it not, when we do not rent our Clothes (as it were) at the hearing and seeing such things in Testimony of our sorrow and Detestation (which was the sin of the Princes, Jer. 30, 24, 25. who though they were somewhat displeased, yet they had not zeal vigorous against that wicked Deed of the King): when we have not suitable hatred ⟨p. 160⟩against such and such Blasphemous Doctrines Heb. 2.6. much more if we Extenuate them, Defend them, or Pl •ad for them, or 6. It may be either, as we are guilty of it by our own Deeds, or when me make our selves guilty of the Blasphemy of others, as having sinfully occasioned it to them, tempted them to it, and laid such and such a stumbling before them, as is said of David, 2 Sam. 12.14. and of the Jews, Rom. 2.24. That they caused others to Blaspheme the Name of God because of them; thus Christians, especially those who have a profession beyond ordinary, and particularly Wives and Servants, by their miscarriages become guilty of the Blasphemy of others, against Godliness, and such and such Duties of Religion; bec •use they give occasion to it, though that make it not a whit the less fault to them that Blaspheme; see that cast up to his People,