Sin, the Plague of Plagues

So that hereby we become guilty of other mens sins, and we are like sooner or later to resent and regret this very grievously; yea (though we our selves may be saved at last) 'twill certainly pain us to think that any went to Hell, in whose sins we had an head or hand, and it may be an heart. Beside, 'tis very usual, that we partake of their plagues, whose sins we partake of, which no less then a voice from Heaven gives us warning, Rev. 18.4. and because for these things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience, be not ye therefore partakers with them, Eph. 5.5, 6, 7. 'tis sad to be found on the Devils ground, as the Devil said, he found the woman (whom he possest) when at a Play. But yet more particularly, we may be guilty of other mens sin, 1. As Occasions (if not causes) of it, before. 2. As Partakers with them, when. 3. As Accessories, after it is committed.

1. §1¹In being Occasioners of it before, when it may more then probably be said, such sins had not been committed, but upon, and for such occasions given; and that, 1. By neglecting what might and ought to be done for its prevention, Qui non prohibet cum potest (& debet) facit scelus, He, that when he can and ought, hinders not a ⟨p. 335⟩sin, doth contribute to its production; as when men neglect to instruct or teach them who are under their charge, whether Ministers, Parents, or Masters of Families, see Ezek. 3.17-20. 'Twas the Apostles rejoicing, that in this case he was pure from the blood of all men, Acts 20.26, 27. Many a child and servant that hath come to prison and execution, have made this sad complaint, my Parents, my Master never gave me warning, never showed me the danger of sin, nor instructed me in the way of the Lord, the way of Righteousness and Holiness! beware of this. And when sin begins to bud and blossom, nip it by reproofs and discipline, or else you may be charged with sin, as old Eli was,