Of charity in reference to other mens sins

But if the thing be, in its first instance, unquestionably sinful, of how horrid consequences are the enormities of such as have been taken to be men of sanctity, beyond the common rate? What a stumbling block to multitudes! How much better might it have been for many that are of the Christian profession, if such had never been Christians! And most probably for themselves also! No doubt it had been more for the honour of the Christian name. How many may be tempted to infidelity and atheism by one such instance! And whereas those scandalized persons do often afterwards, incur this fearful guilt of rejoicing in the iniquity of such, even that also, they have to answer for, with all the rest.

But if the thing be, in its first instance, unquestionably sinful, of how horrid consequences are the enormities of such as have been taken to be men of sanctity, beyond the common rate? What a stumbling block to multitudes! How much better might it have been for many that are of the Christian profession, if such had never been Christians! And most probably for themselves also! No doubt it had been more for the honour of the Christian name. How many may be tempted to infidelity and atheism by one such instance! And whereas those scandaliz'd persons do often afterwards, incur this fearful guilt of rejoycing in the iniquity of such, even that also, they have to answer for, with all the rest.

2. Charity requires, not only that we do not procure, but that we labour, as ⟨p. 33⟩much as is possible, to prevent the sin of others. What in this kind, we are not to rejoice at, we should hinder. And indeed what we do not hinder, if it be in our power, we cause.

2. Charity requires, not only that we do not procure, but that we labour, as ⟨p. 33⟩much as is possible, to prevent the sin of others. What in this kind, we are not to rejoyce at, we should hinder. And indeed what we do not hinder, if it be in our power, we cause.