A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures

First, It proves a Scandal of Sin to the weak. Then are we said to give a a Scandal of Sin, when we do any thing that tends naturally to bring others into the commission of Sin; but now the very appearance of Sin in us, may lead others to the practice of Sin; when a weak Christian sees us run into those things that are Occasions of Sin, he also thinks he may lawfully venture as far as we do; and he venturing, because possibly he is weaker than we are, he is ensnared and entrapped in those Sins to the Occasions of which we lead him by our Example.

Secondly, It proves also a Scandal of Sorrow to the strong Christians. They see such probable signs and presumptions of Sin by us, that they justly conclude, that certainly we are guilty of those Sins, and thereby their Hearts also are saddened and grieved. And that is the first Reason why we must forbear all appearance of evil, that is built upon strong presumptions that we have indeed committed the Evil.

Secondly, It proves also a Scandal of Sorrow to the strong Christians. They see such probable signs and presumptions of Sin by us, that they justly conclude, that certainly we are guilty of those Sins, and thereby their Hearts also are sadned and grieved. And that is the first Reason why we must forbear all appearance of evil, that is built upon strong presumptions that we have indeed committed the Evil.

Secondly, Another Reason is, because all such Occasions of Sin, and such Appearances of Sin have guilt in them also, as being against the same Commandment that that Sin violates and tends unto; for the same Commandment that forbids the Sin it self, forbids all occasions, and all appearances of that Sin. That Commandment that forbids Theft, forbids also whatever may induce, though but remotely, thereunto. And that Commandment that forbids Adultery, forbids also all remote occasions thereof. Hence it is that Solomon gives the young man that scrupulous Caution against a strange Woman, in