The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a…

Answ. Sin is worse than Shame. A Man may stand under Shame, but you cannot stand under the guilt of Sin. A wounded Conscience who can bear? Holy Augustine hath determined long ago, that Sin is not remitted, till the Thing be restored, wherein you sinned. If your Conscience were tender, or your Eyes truly open, you would more tremble for Guilt than Shame. It was never better with Ephraim, than when he was ashamed, yea even confounded (the highest degree of Shame) for the Sins of his Youth, Jer. 31. 19. and never worse with Ephraim, than when he was given up to Sin, Hos. 4. 17. How long do you think it will be, ere you must be charged before God, Angels, and all your Neighbours with your unworthy Dealings? and then what unspeakable Shame will cover your Face, when it will be found, that after all these Warnings, you lived and died in those Sins? Alas! it will be but a while, and all your Hearts and Actions shall be laid out to the view of all; and were it not better that you prevented this your self? But, I pray, what Shame is it to do that which is good, and to undo that which is evil? It is a Shame indeed to sin, but that is past; but now you are about a Work of Righteousness, Equity and Honesty, there is no Shame in this; nay all Men, at least all wise Men, will think better of you, than ever before: They will now conclude certainly, yonder is a singular good Man, that of his own accord will part with his Estate, and venture his Credit, rather than burden his Conscience, or remain under the guilt of Sin. All Men will commend this, and much Praise will redound to God. Pray what Disgrace is it to Zacheus, ⟨p. 134⟩that he was willing to restore which he had gotten by wrong? God and Man record it to his Honour.

Answ. Sin is worse than Shame. A Man may stand under Shame, but you cannot stand under the guilt of Sin. A wounded Conscience who can bear? Holy Augustine hath determin'd long ago, that Sin is not remitted, till the Thing be restored, wherein you sinned. If your Conscience were tender, or your Eyes truly open, you would more tremble for Guilt than Shame. It was never better with Ephraim, than when he was ashamed, yea even confounded (the highest degree of Shame) for the Sins of his Youth,