A Body of Practical Divinity

Rule 5. Where greater Sins are forbidden, there lesser Sins are also forbidden. Though no Sin in its own Nature is little, yet comparatively one may be less than another. Where Idolatry is forbidden, there is forbidden Superstition, or bringing any Innovation into God's Worship which he hath not appointed. As the Sons of Aaron were forbid to worship an Idol, so to Sacrifice to God with strange Fire, Lev. 10.1. Mixture in Sacred things, is like a dash in the Wine, which though it gives it a colour, yet doth but debase and adulterate it. 'Tis highly provoking to God to bring any Superstitious Ceremony into his Worship which he hath not prescribed; it is to tax God's Wisdom, as if he were not Wise enough to appoint the manner how he will be served.

Rule 6. The Law of God is Copulative, Lex est Copulativa: The First and Second Table are knit together; Piety to God, and Equity to our Neighbour. These Two Tables which God hath joined together, must not be put asunder. Try a Moral Man by the Duties of the First Table, Piety to God, and there you will find him Negligent. Try an Hypocrite by Duties of the Second Table, Equity to his Neighbour, and there you find him Tardy. He who is strict in the Second Table, but neglects the First, or he who is zealous in the First Table, but neglects the Second, his Heart is not right with God. The Pharisees were the Highest Pretenders to the First Table, Zeal and Holiness; but Christ detects their Hypocrisy, Mat. 23.23. Ye have omitted Judgment, Mercy and Faith. They were bad in the Second Table; they omitted Judgment, that was, being Just in their Dealings, Mercy in Relieving the Poor, and Faith, that is Faithfulness in their Promises and Contracts with Men. God wrote both the Tables, and our Obedience must set Seal to both.

Rule 6. The Law of God is Copulative, Lex est Copulativa: The First and Second Table are knit together; Piety to God, and Equity to our Neighbour. These Two Tables which God hath joined together, must not be put asunder. Try a Moral Man by the Duties of the First Table, Piety to God, and there you will find him Negligent. Try an Hypocrite by Duties of the Second Table, Equity to his Neighbour, and there you find him Tardy. He who is strict in the Second Table, but neglects the First, or he who is zealous in the First Table, but neglects the Second, his Heart is not right with God. The Pharisees were the Highest Pretenders to the First Table, Zeal and Holiness; but Christ detects their Hypocrisie,