A64834:384
Sin, the plague of plagues, or, Sinful sin the worst of evils a treatise of sins trial and arraignment, wherein sin is accused for being, proved to be, and condemned for being exceeding sinful : and that 1. as against God, his nature, attributes, works, will, law, image, people, glory and existence, 2. as against man, his good and welfare of body and soul, in this life, and that to come : with the use and improvement to be made of this doctrine, that men may not be damned, but saved, &c. : being the substance of many sermons preached many years ago in Southwark / by Ralph Venning ...Sin, the plague of plagues, or, Sinful sin the worst of evils a treatise of sins tryal and arraignment, wherein sin is accused for being, proved to be, and condemned for being exceeding sinful : and that 1. as against God, his nature, attributes, works, will, law, image, people, glory and existence, 2. as against man, his good and welfare of body and soul, in this life, and that to come : with the use and improvement to be made of this doctrine, that men may not be damned, but saved, &c. : being the substance of many sermons preached many years ago in Southwark / by Ralph Venning ...
London: printed for John Hancock, 1669
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
6 And lastly, The law leaves a man without hope; when it hath once past sentence on man, there's no reversing it by the law: Hope is one of the last succours, and when this fails, the heart breaks, and sinners (as they are without hope, so they) are broken-hearted; Christ came to save sinners, and to heal the broken-hearted, men without hope, Is. 61.1. men that were in a desperate and despairing state: The law condemns without mercy, Hebr. 10.28. it leaves no place for hope from it, if you present it with Petitions never so many, and seek a pardon with tears, the law is inexorable, he is cursed, and shall be cursed, saith the law. Now if there be any reprieve, or hope of pardon, that's from the grace of heavens Prerogative, which is above the Law, and can revoke and disannul its sentence, yea bestow a blessing, where the law denounced a curse; but the law it self admits of no altering, 'tis like that of the Medes and Persians, peremptory, and unalterable: quod scripsi, scripsi, what I have written, I have written, saith the Law. In all these respects, sin by the Commandment, and the law, doth become and appear to be exceeding sinful. But
If it should be said by any, that though the law be severe to sinners, yet the Gospel is propitious and merciful to them; and therefore sin seems not (now at least) to be so vile a thing as heretofore: ⟨p. 177⟩To this I shall answer, and make it evident;
6 That the Gospel also bears witness, yea, 6and is the greatest and clearest testimony that's born against sin: Though sinners find favour from the Gospel, yet sin finds none: The Gospel is not, in the least, indulgent to the least sin: The whole voice of the Gospel is, these things are written, that ye sin not: The Gospel is the Declaration of the life and death, the design and doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was and is all against sin: The design of Christ was indeed to save sinners, 1 Tim. 1.15. but to destroy sin, Rom. 8.3. 1 Joh. 3.5. with 8. he came to save his people from their sins; he came not to save from the petty and contemptible evils of reproaches and afflictions, &c. but from the great and formidable evil of sin; from the guilt for time past, and the power for time to come; he came to redeem us from all iniquity, Tit. 2.14. And this is the blessing with which he blesseth us, to turn us every one away from every one of our iniquities, Acts 3.26. so that whoever names and calls upon the Name of the Lord (i.e. makes profession of being a Christian) is thereby obliged to depart from iniquity, 2 Tim. 2.19. How •he life and death of our holy and blessed Saviour did witness against sin, I declared before: I shall now treat of the doctrine of •he Gospel, which doth so fully comport ⟨p. 178⟩with, and is adequately fitted to his aim and design, viz. the taking away of sin.
The sum of Gospel Doctrine (preached by Christ himself, and confirmed to us by them that heard him) was and is, repentance and faith, Mark 1.15. and under these the Apostle compriseth the whole counsel of God, Acts 20.21. with 27. both these doctrines speak aloud against sin, as exceeding sinful: Repent, saith the Apostle, for the remission of sins; what an evil is that which man must repent of! and none but the God of all grace, rich in mercy, can remit and forgive? And which forgiveness argues him to be a God of great love, rich in mercy, &c. or else sin could not be forgiven, it being easier to heal diseases, &c. then to forgive sins, as our Saviour tells us, Mat, 9.5, 6. 'Tis the manifestation of his power; according to what Moses said in prayer, let the power of my Lord be great to pardon, &c. Numb. 14.17.-20. Repentance takes in many things, its made up of sorrow and shame, confession and reformation, all and every of which speak sins sinfulness: Repent, that your sins may be blotted out, Acts 3.19. If sin be not blotted out, man is undone, his name will be blotted out of the Book of Life: as Repentance, so Faith speaks against sin: Faith speaks men to be void of righteousness and life, for they both are by faith; and, as if men repent not, they will not be forgiven, so, if they believe ⟨p. 179⟩not, they will be damned; for not only they that know not God, but they that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, will have vengeance taken on them, and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, 2 Thes. 1.8, 9. And how can they escape (i. e. there's no possibility of escaping) this great damnation, that neglect the great salvation,
Let us take the Doctrine of the Gospel apart, and 'tis (as in the whole, so in every part of it) against sin; not one Gospel doctrine, but the application of it is (and is to be made) against sin, Tit. 2.11. The grace of God bringing salvation (or the saving grace of God) hath appeared to all men (and so is against the sin of all men, and against all sin) teaching us to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts (not one excepted) and to live soberly (as to our selves) righteously (as to others) and godlily (to God) in this present world, i e. all the days of our life; as 'tis Luke 1.74, 75. The Gospel is a witness against the old man, with all his corrupt affections, passions, lusts and deeds, and is all for new light and knowledge, new love and affection, new life and conversation; and its design is, that man be no longer an old, but a new creature, Eph. 4.17.-25. 2 Cor. 5.17. 'Tis against all sin, and for all righteousness and holiness; 'tis against hypocrisy, and for truth; against formality, and for spirit and power.
Let us take the Doctrine of the Gospel apart, and 'tis (as in the whole, so in every part of it) against sin; not one Gospel doctrine, but the application of it is (and is to be made) against sin, Tit. 2.11. The grace of God bringing salvation (or the saving grace of God) hath appear'd to all men (and so is against the sin of all men, and against all sin) teaching us to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts (not one excepted) and to live soberly (as to our selves) righteously (as to others) and godlily (to God) in this present world, i e. all the daies of our life; as 'tis Luke 1.74, 75. The Gospel is a witness against the old man, with all his corrupt affections, passions, lusts and deeds, and is all for new light and knowledge, new love and affection, new life and conversation; and its design is, that man be no longer an old, but a new creature, Eph. 4.17.-25.
More particularly 1 The Doctrinal part Of the Gospel is against sin. 2 The Mandatory part Of the Gospel is against sin. 3 The Promising part Of the Gospel is against sin. 4 The Menacing part Of the Gospel is against sin. 5 The Exemplary part Of the Gospel is against sin. 6 The •••rimental part Of the Gospel is against sin.
1 The Doctrinal part; yea that which flesh and blood is apt to interpret as an encouragement to sin, and takes occasion from it to abuse it: As
1 The Doctrinal part; yea that which flesh and blood is apt to interpret as an incouragement to sin, and takes occasion from it to abuse it: As
1 The Doctrine of Gods free and abounding grace, Rom. 5.20, 21. S. Paul had taught, that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, and grace did reign to eternal life: Hereupon, Ch. 6.1. some were apt to take occasion to sin, as if they were encouraged by grace: but oh with what detestation and abhorrency doth the Apostle speak against it; Shall we sin, either because grace doth, or that grace may abound, God forbid! and when men would do evil that good might come of it, he speaks like a Son of Thunder, and tells them, their damnation is just, Rom. 3.8. and S. Jude writes an Epistle purposely against them, that turn the grace of God into wantonness, (perverting the end of grace) calling them ungodly men, and men ordained to this condemnation, Jude 4.
1 The Doctrine of Gods free and abounding grace, Rom. 5.20, 21. S. Paul had taught, that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, and grace did reign to eternal life: Hereupon, Ch. 6.1. some were apt to take occasion to sin, as if they were encouraged by grace: but oh with what detestation and abhorrency doth the Apostle speak against it; Shall we sin, either because grace doth, or that grace may abound, God forbid! and when men would do evil that good might come of it, he speaks like a Son of Thunder, and tells them, their damnation is just, Rom. 3.8. and S. Jude writes an Epistle purposely against them, that turn the grace of God into wanconness, (perverting the end of grace) calling them ungodly men, and men ordain'd to this condemnation, Jude 4.
2 The Doctrine of Redemption by the blood and death of Jesus Christ: Christ Jesus died for our sins, and some wicked wretches are apt to conclude, that they may live in sin, because ⟨p. 181⟩Christ hath died for sin; but he died for sin, that we might die to sin, Rom. 6. and gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify us to himself. Ti• 2.14. the death of Christ calls for dying to sin, and living to him that died for us, 2 Cor. 5.
2 The Doctrime of Redemption by the blood and death of Jesus Christ: Christ Jesus died for our sins, and some wicked wretches are apt to conclude, that they may live in sin, because ⟨p. 181⟩Christ hath died for sin; but he died for sin, that we might die to sin, Rom. 6. and gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purifie us to himself. Ti• 2.14. the death of Christ calls for dying to sin, and living to him that died for us, 2 Cor. 5.
3 The doctrine of privileges is against sin: God hath dignified his people, and given them titles of honour (such a• […] when them of Caesars and Emperors are but […]) behold it (as a matter of wonder) […] of love the Father hath […], that we should be called […] God! 1 Joh. 3.1. And you, saith S. Peter of believers, 1 Pet. 2 9. are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, and (which is more glorious) an holy Nation: Oh therefore abstain from fleshly lusts, therefore show forth the virtues (and by them the praises) of him who hath called you out of your marvellous darkness, into his marvellous light.
3 The doctrine of priviledges is against sin: God hath dignified his people, and given them titles of honor (such a• 〈…〉 when them of Caesars and Emperours are but 〈…〉) behold it (as a matter of wonder) 〈…〉 of love the Father hath 〈…〉, that we should be called 〈…〉 God! 1 Joh. 3.1. And you, saith S. Peter of believers, 1 Pet. 2 9. are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, and (which is more glorious) an holy Nation: Oh therefore abstain from fleshly lusts, therefore shew forth the virtues (and by them the praises) of him who hath called you out of your marvellous darkness, into his marvellous light.
4 The Doctrine of judgment to come is against sin; wicked men scoff at this, 2 Pet. 3. and think if they may be let alone till tha• day, they shall do well enough; but remember, for all things thou must come to judgment, and therefore learn to fear God, and keep his Commandments, as the wi•e man teacheth, Eccl. 12.13, 14. and the Apostle speaking of the day of judgment, says, knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men, 2 Cor. 5.11. viz. not to sin, but to live in righteousness and holiness. Seeing this must ⟨p. 182⟩be, what, oh what manner of persons should we be in all holy conversations, and godlinesses! (for the Greek is plural) yea, and to take heed not to fall into the errors of the wicked, but to grow in grace, as S. Peter concludes, 2 Pet. 3.1•.17.18. all the Doctrine of the Bible, from the beginning of Genesis to the end of the Revelations, is a continual preaching and witnessing against sin.
4 The Doctrine of judgment to come is against sin; wicked men scoff at this, 2 Pet. 3. and think if they may be let alone till tha• day, they shall do well enough; but remember, for all things thou must come to judgment, and therefore learn to fear God, and keep his Commandments, as the wi•e man teacheth, Eccl. 12.13, 14. and the Apostle speaking of the day of judgment, says, knowin• the terror of the Lord we perswade men, 2 Cor. 5.11. viz. not to sin, but to live in righteousness and holiness. Seeing this must
2 The Mandatory, the commanding and exhorting part of the Gospel witnesseth against sin: What are men commanded and exhorted to, but to serve God in righteousness, and true holiness, all the days of their life? to depart from iniquity, as from the way to hell, and walk holily in Christ Jesus as the way of heaven: Yea, God condescends so far, as to entreat men to be reconciled, that they may be happy, 2 Cor 5.20. and what doth this speak, but that sin is both displeasing to God, and destructive to man, that it is sinful sin.
2 The Mandatory, the commanding and exhorting part of the Gospel witnesseth against sin: What are men commanded and exhorted to, but to serve God in righteousness, and true holiness, all the daies of their life? to depart from iniquity, as from the way to hell, and walk holily in Christ Jesus as the way of heaven: Yea, God condescends so far, as to entreat men to be reconciled, that they may be happy, 2 Cor 5.20. and what doth this speak, but that sin is both displeasing to God, and destructive to man, that it is sinful sin.
3 The promising part and promises of the Gospel are all against sin: God hath given to us exceeding great (Gr. the greatest) and precious promises, that by these we might escape the pollutions of the world through lust, and be made partakers of a Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1.4. and that having these promises, we should cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, to perfect holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1. Promises of good are against the evil of sin.
4 The Menacing and threatening part of the ⟨p. 183⟩Gospel is against sin; God threatens before men sin, that they may not sin, to prevent sin; and he threatens after men have sinned, that they may repent of sin: 'tis not only the Law, but the Gospel also that threatens sinners, and with no less then damnation, Mark 16.16. and when any have sinned, God threatens the execution of threatenings if they do not repent, as Rev. 2.5.16.22. Ch. 3.3.19. This also witnesseth against sin.
4 The Menacing and threatning part of the ⟨p. 183⟩Gospel is against sin; God threatens before men sin, that they may not sin, to prevent sin; and he threatens after men have sinned, that they may repent of sin: 'tis not only the Law, but the Gospel also that threatens sinners, and with no less then damnation, Mark 16.16. and when any have sinned, God threatens the execution of threatnings if they do not repent, as Rev. 2.5.16.22. Ch. 3.3.19. This also witnesseth against sin.
5 The Exemplary part doth (the examples recorded in the Gospel do) witness against sin, as the examples of the Old Testament, so them of the New are registered as witnesses against sin: The examples of good men and good things are set up as way marks to show us what to do; the examples of the wicked as Sea-marks to show us what to avoid; the good examples are, that we may not sin by omission of good, Heb. 12.1. the bad, that we may not sin by commission of evil, 1 Cor. 10.6.-11. Abraham's faith, Moses's meekness, Jobs patience, &c. they are examples for us to follow, that we should tread in their steps. Ananias and Sapphira's lying, Judas his covetousness and Apostasy, &c. are written for our example, that we might hear and fear, and not do so wickedly.
5 The Exemplary part doth (the examples recorded in the Gospel do) witness against sin, as the examples of the Old Testament, so them of the New are registred as witnesses against sin: The examples of good men and good things are set up as way marks to shew us what to do; the examples of the wicked as Sea-marks to shew us what to avoid; the good examples are, that we may not sin by omission of good, Heb. 12.1. the bad, that we may not sin by commission of evil, 1 Cor. 10.6.-11. Abrahams faith, Moses's meekness, Jobs patience, &c. they are examples for us to follow, that we should tread in their steps. Ananias and Saphira's lying, Judas his covetousness and Apostasie, &c. are written for our example, that we might hear and fear, and not do so wickedly.
6 The Experiences that any have had of Gods goodness, and their own deceitful and evil hearts, and what they have suffered by sin, do all bear witness against sin: Hath God been so and so good, and are ye so foolish to ⟨p. 184⟩requite the Lord evil for his goodness, which should have lead unto repentance? Deut. 32.6. God was angry with Solomon because he departed from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 1 Kings 11.9. we should draw inferences as Ezra did, Ch. 9.13, 14. After all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, seeing thou hast punished us less then our iniquity deserves, and hast given us such a deliverance as this; what then? what ••e is there to be made of it? shall we again break thy Commandments? Oh no! wouldst thou not be angry with us, till thou hadst consumed us? Oh yes! we could expect no other: Hast thou had so many experiences of a deceitful heart? what? and yet so foolish as to trust it, Prov. 28.26. 'Tis sad and dangerous sinning after experiences, Heb. 6.4, 5, 6. Its impossible (very difficult, at least morally impossible) for those that have been enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, &c. to renew them again to repentance, if they fall away: thou hast had many an aching heart for sinning already, oh sin no more, least a worse thing come unto thee. Having such a Cloud of experimental witnesses, let us lay aside the sin that so easily besets us: If you •in against these witnesses, these witnesses will witness against you, and aggravate your condemnation. Let us therefore say to our sins, (as Ephraim to his Idols) with a great indignation, get ye hence, what have we any more to do with you!
6 The Experiences that any have had of Gods goodness, and their own deceitful and evil hearts, and what they have suffer'd by sin, do all bear witness against sin: Hath God been so and so good, and are ye so foolish to ⟨p. 184⟩
The sum of Gospel Doctrine (preacht by Christ himself, and confirmed to us by them that heard him) was and is, repentance and faith, Mark 1.15. and under these the Apostle compriseth the whole counsel of God, Acts 20.21. with 27. both these doctrines speak aloud against sin, as exceeding sinful: Repent, saith the Apostle, for the remission of sins; what an evil is that which man must repent of! and none but the God of all grace, rich in mercy, can remit and forgive? And which forgiveness argues him to be a God of great love, rich in mercy, &c. or else sin could not be forgiven, it being easier to heal diseases, &c. then to forgive sins, as our Saviour tells us, Mat, 9.5, 6. 'Tis the manifestation of his power; according to what Moses said in prayer, let the power of my Lord be great to pardon, &c. Numb. 14.17.-20. Repentance takes in many things, its made up of sorrow and shame, confession and reformation, all and every of which speak sins sinfulness: Repent, that your sins may be blotted out, Acts 3.19. If sin be not blotted out, man is undone, his name will be blotted out of the Book of Life: as Repentance, so Faith speaks against sin: Faith speaks men to be void of righteousness and life, for they both are by faith; and, as if men repent not, they will not be forgiven, so, if they believe ⟨p. 179⟩not, they will be damned; for not only they that know not God, but they that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, will have vengeance taken on them, and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, 2 Thes. 1.8, 9. And how can they escape (i. e. there's no possibility of escaping) this great damnation, that neglect the great salvation, Hebr. 2.3.
