A62053:266
The sinners last sentence to eternal punishment, for sins of omission
The sinners last sentence to eternal punishment, for sins of omission wherein is discovered, the nature, causes, and cure of those sins / by Geo. Swinnock.
London: printed for Geo. Swinnock, 1675
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 21: The agreement and difference between sins of Omission and sins of Commission.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The first and great sin of Mankind proceeded from an omission. Adam's heart was turned from God by Unbelief, (I humbly conceive) before ever his Hand touched, or Tongue tasted the forbidden fruit. But now sins of Omission ⟨p. 140⟩do not proceed originally from sins of Commission; James 1.14, 15. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
13. They differ in this, that sins of Commission are founded in some act or habit: Sins of Omission only in the Soul, without acts or habits. 1. There is somewhat positive about sins of Commission, but nothing about sins of Omission, and that is the reason. 2. As Drunkenness is an immoderate use of Beer or Wine: Here is an act of the Creature, and much positive about this sin, though nothing positive in the sin it self. So in theft another sin of Commission, there is somewhat positive about the taking away our Neighbours goods, and keeping them as our own; but in sins of Omission there is nothing positive; as in not praying, not hearing, not believing, not giving to the Poor; there is nothing positive, no acts, but a neglect of acts required. Sins of Omission are wholly privative, and have nothing of positivity in them.
- 1Barlow exercit.
4. They differ in this, that sins of Commission are more scandalous in the eyes of men than sins of Omission. I do not say sins of Omission are always less heinous than sins of Commission, (I shall prove by and by they may be more heinous) but that they are less scandalous. Sins of Commission, as Drunkenness, Uncleanness, Theft, Swearing, Murder; these make a great noise in the World, are taken notice of by all, and with the Snail, leave a slime and filth behind them wheresoever they are; But sins of Omission, as not praying in our Closets, not examining our own Hearts, not relieving the Poor and Needy, not bringing up our Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord, &c. These are more still and quiet, observed by few or none.