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, Why this sin is so threatened and punished even beyond other sins?

If it be asked, Why this sin is so threatned and punished even beyond other sins?

Answ. Because it is accompanied with the most heinous aggravations, and so draweth on the greatest guilt: As 1. It is a sin immediately against God himself, and is not, as sins of the second Table, nay not as other particular sins of the first Table, whereby men divert from God to Idolatry, giving to Idols what is His due, or turn their back on him, or slight his commanded worship, as in the first, second, and fourth Commands; but this doth immediately and directly, and by commission terminate on God himself most daringly and presumptuously, as it were baff •ng and affronting him who has made himself known ⟨p. 181⟩by his Name. 2. It is the fault, sign, or symptom, yea, and cause of the most gross Atheism in the heart, and enmity against God; for it is his Enemy's property to take his Name in vain, Psal. 139.20. It cannot be in the height, but where Atheism is, and the awe of God is not; and where there is much of it, there is proportionably much Atheism; it speaketh forth plainly, that there is no right knowledge or faith of his Greatness, Holiness, Power, Justice, &c. which would make men fear him, and stand in awe of him; hence ordinarily those who are gross in this, are otherways gross in many other things; for it fitteth and disposeth for Atheism, and it inureth and habituateth a man to contemn and despise God, whereas, on the contrary, if a man make Conscience of any thing, it will be of this. 3. It is that which dishonoureth God most amongst others, and giveth them occasion to Blaspheme, as David's sin did, and as those false Prophets and Seducers with their followers are said to do, 2 Pet. 2. v. 1, 2. and where this prevaileth, all Religion is accounted, among such, but as a fancy and nothing, and therefore he will punish it severely. 4. It is often and most ordinarily the guilt of such as acknowledge God in profession, but in works deny him, and do not worship him as God: It is against light and convictions, yea, and professions of an interest in God; therefore, there is an emphasis here, The Name of the Lord thy God. 5. It is not so of Infirmity, as other sins which pleasure, or profit may push men on to; there is ordinarily here none of these, but either simple Atheism; or profane custom that maketh it so much the worse, that it is customary.