A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures

Now then, though these presumptuous Sins being in their nature and aggravations so heinous, yet are the best Christians exceeding prone to commit them. When the Sea is tempestuous, did we only stand safe upon the shore, it were enough to behold the woeful Shipwrecks ⟨p. 207⟩of others, with that horror and commiseration that such a spectacle deserves; but when we are tossed in the same tempest, and see some split against Rocks, and others swallowed up of quick sands, unto which naturally the stream strongly carries us also; truly then, our pity and detestation of their dangers, our horror and consternation of their ruin, is not sufficient without great care and diligence for our own security and preservation: Therefore, O Christians! look to your selves, the glorified Saints in Heaven see the dangers they have escaped with praise, and the dangers others fall into with pity; but thou, O Christian! art not yet got to shore, still thou sailest upon the same Sea wherein most do perish, even the raging Sea of Corruption, which is yet made more raging by the storms of temptation; and if thou seest many that are bound Heaven-ward, make Shipwreck of Faith and a good Conscience; it is not enough for thee to slight their dangers, or to censure and pity their miscarriages; but fear thou also least the same corruptions and temptations overwhelm and drown thee in the same Perdition; this is the Apostle's ⟨p. 208⟩caution, 1 Cor. 10.12. Let him that thinks he stands take heed least he fall; and in Rom. 11.20. Thou standest by Faith, be not high-minded, but fear. And indeed, because of that violent inclination that is in all unto Sin, there is no state in this Life so perfect, as to make this Exhortation useless and unseasonable. David himself Prays for restraining Grace: Keep back thy Servant from presumptuous Sins.

Now then, though these presumptuous Sins being in their nature and aggravations so hainous, yet are the best Christians exceeding prone to commit them. When the Sea is tempestuous, did we only stand safe upon the shoar, it were enough to behold the woful Shipwracks ⟨p. 207⟩