Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

2. A second fault is, when words are not sound, for matter that concern practice, as for defence of usury, unjust nonresidency from Livings, &c. we must take heed that in these we fail not of wholesome words. And that for that place, Mat. 5. 19. He that breaks the least Commandment and teaches men so, shall be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a fearful note that is affixed to the name of Jeroboam, this is he that made Israel to sin. I confess it is good to know liberties, as well as restraintments, and I would have none to put a sore upon mens consciences, except on good ground; if matters be doubtful, then let them alone, only that which is sure must be spoken in the pulpit, yet of the two it is safer not to do them when dubious; he that teaches any thing not to be lawful, had best be sure least he make Israel to sin, and least his words be like the words of Humeneus, that fretted like a canker, an evil that soon over•• reads the body; Men in ⟨p. 280⟩this case are like tinder, and one or two words may set them on fire, it is sure that to live at ones living, and not take upon usury, is safest. And if men will do it, let not the Minister have a hand in them; for it is a fearful thing to have other mens sins set on our score, though our own be but small.

2. A second fault is, when words are not sound, for matter that concern practice, as for defence of usury, unjust nonresidency from Livings, &c. we must take heed that in these we fail not of wholesome words. And that for that place, Mat. 5. 19. He that breaks the least Commandment and teaches men so, shall be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a fearful note that is affixed to the name of Ieroboam, this is he that made Israel to sinne. I confess it is good to know liberties, as well as restraintments, and I would have none to put a sore upon mens consciences, except on good ground; if matters be doubtful, then let them alone, onely that which is sure must be spoken in the pulpit, yet of the two it is safer not to do them when dubious; he that teaches any thing not to be lawful, had best be sure least he make Israel to sin, and least his words be like the words of Humeneus, that fretted like a cankar, an evil that soon over reads the body; Men in