A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

3. Example increaseth Sin, though it doth not cause it. At first Sin is natural, it is not caused by Imitation, but yet Imitation doth much increase Sin; Isa. 6.5. I dwell in the midst of a People of unclean Lips: that's a Snare certainly. So we are born worldly, and the greatest part of those Men with whom we do converse, they are all for present Satisfaction; There are many that say, Who will show to us any good? Psal. 4.6. The Multitude are for worldly Wealth and Profit. A mortified Man is rare; one that renounces Interest and Contentments, is a Wonder in the World; 1 Pet. 4.4. They think it strange that you run not with them to the same Excess of Riot. Therefore this is a great Snare to the Soul; we are in Danger to miscarry by Example as well as by Lust: for Men will say, Why should not we do as others do? there are but a few that are otherwise given, and the World thinks them to be mopish, precise, and singular: The greatest part seek worldly Good. ⟨p. 49⟩We easily contract Contagion and Taint one from another, and learn to be carnal and worldly. There are few heavenly and mortified Christians, and Men think these do thus and thus, and hope to be saved; we that have the same Nature, learn the same Manners; surely there is some what in the World, or else these wise Men would not follow it so earnestly.

3. Example increaseth Sin, though it doth not cause it. At first Sin is natural, it is not caused by Imitation, but yet Imitation doth much encrease Sin; Isa. 6.5. I dwell in the midst of a People of unclean Lips: that's a Snare certainly. So we are born worldly, and the greatest part of those Men with whom we do converse, they are all for present Satisfaction; There are many that say, Who will shew to us any good? Psal. 4.6. The Multitude are for worldly Wealth and Profit. A mortified Man is rare; one that renounces Interest and Contentments, is a Wonder in the World;