A64834:601
Sin, the Plague of Plagues
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.
SIN, THE PLAGUE of PLAGUES; OR Sinful Sin the worst of Evils. › 3. Caution against Deed-sins.
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. Sins of omission (if in the view of others) are evil examples, as sins of commission are; a man may do a great deal of hurt by not doing good: we are commanded to let our good works shine before others, Mat. 5.16. and to be examples of faith and charity unto others, to be presidents of good works, Titus 3.8. for so the word signifies in that place. The world is led by the eye as much, if not more then by the ear, and are as much prevailed with by examples as they are by precepts; and are (on the other hand) very inclinable to think, that they may do what others (especially their betters) do; if rich men give but little, others (that are not so rich, and yet able to give) think they may be excused, if they give nothing to the poor. If the parents neglect prayer, the children scarce think it their duty to pray: As 'tis an excellent thing to be an exemplary Christian, it shows that Religion is practicable, and tolls men on: 'tis a dull Jade that will not follow and strive to keep pace, when another mettled horse leads the way: So 'tis sad to be an exemplary sinner; for such an one hath more sins to answer for then his own, even them of other men, that were committed by his example. 'Tis a common plea, such learned and knowing men do so and so, and why may not I? Oh follow not a multitude (how mighty & wise soever) to do evil; let us therefore provoke one another to love and good works by our example; let us not only show, but lead the way.
6. Sins of omission (if in the view of others) are evil examples, as sins of commission are; a man may do a great deal of hurt by not doing good: we are commanded to let our good works shine before others, Mat. 5.16. and to be examples of faith and charity unto others, to be presidents of good works, Titus 3.8. for so the word signifies in that place. The world is led by the eye as much, if not more then by the ear, and are as much prevailed with by examples as they are by precepts; and are (on the other hand) very inclinable to think, that they may do what others (especially their betters) do; if rich men give but little, others (that are not so rich, and yet able to give) think they may be excused, if they give nothing to the poor. If the parents neglect prayer, the children scarce think it their duty to pray: As 'tis an excellent thing to be an examplary Christian, it shews that Religion is practicable, and tolls men on: 'tis a dull Jade that will not follow and strive to keep pace, when another mettled horse leads the way: So 'tis sad to be an examplary sinner; for such an one hath more sins to answer for then his own, even them of other men, that were committed by his example. 'Tis a common plea, such learned and knowing men do so and so, and why may not I? Oh follow not a multitude (how mighty & wise soever) to do evil; let us therefore provoke one another to love and good works by our example; let us not only shew, but lead the way.