A Body of Practical Divinity

4. Sin unrepented of brings final damnation. The canker that breeds in the Rose is the cause of its perishing; and corruptions that breed in Mens Souls, are the cause of their damning. Sin without Repentance brings the second death, Rev. 20.14. that is, mors sine morte, Bern. a death always dying. Sins pleasure will turn to sorrow at last; like the Book the Prophet did eat, Ezek. 3.3. sweet in the mouth, but bitter in the belly. Sin brings the wrath of God, and what Buckets or Engines can quench that Fire? Mark 9.44. Where the worm never dies, and the fire is not quenched.

Use 1. See how deadly an evil sin is; how strange is it that any one should love it, Psal. 4.3. How long will ye love vanity? Hos. 3.1. Who look to other Gods, and love Flagons and Wine. Sin is a Dish Men cannot forbear, though it make them sick; who would pour Rose-water into a Kennel? what pity is it so sweet an affection as Love should be poured upon so filthy a thing as sin. Sin brings a sting in the Conscience, a curse in the Estate, yet Men love it. A sinner is the greatest Self-denier for his sin, he will deny himself a part in Heaven.

Use 2. Do any thing rather then sin. O hate sin! there is more evil in the least sin, then in the greatest bodily Evils that can befall us. The Ermine rather chooseth to die, then defileth her beautiful skin. There is more evil in a drop of sin, then in a Sea of Affliction: Affliction is but like a rent in a Coat, Sin a prick at the Heart. In Affliction there is aliquid boni, some good. In this Lion there is some Honey to be found;