The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…

2. My next counsel is, that they take heed of those special sins that were in such as at length grew faulty in this unpardonable sin; that when they feel any of them in themselves, they make haste to get out, lest they prove forerunners of the sin against the Holy Ghost, such as were in the Pharisees and others; these or the like, the forsaking of that means by which that enlightening was wrought, as the Pharisees did the ministry of John Baptist. Secondly, the constant affectation of the praise of men, more ••an the praise of God. Thirdly, habitual alienation of […] heart from God and goodness. Fourthly, wilful evil practises without temptations. Fifthly, constant envy at the gifts and praises of the godly. Sixthly, wilful misinterpretation of all that godly men do, even their best works; especially if they be gone so far as to ⟨p. 550⟩feel themselves to be tempted to fall into a course of open opposing and persecuting of good men and good causes, if it be possible let them break off, and by speedy repentance prevent the horrible mischiefs they may fall into, lest from these oppositions, and the custom in them, they fall into malice, and despiting of the work of grace.

2. My next counsell is, that they take heed of those speciall sins that were in such as at length grew faultie in this vnpardonable sin; that when they feele any of them in themselues, they make haste to get out, lest they proue forerunners of the sin against the Holy Ghost, such as were in the Pharisees and others; these or the like, the forsaking of that meanes by which that inlightning was wrought, as the Pharisees did the ministerie of Iohn Baptist. Secondly, the constant affectation of the praise of men, more ••an the praise of God. Thirdly, habituall alienation of 〈…〉 heart from God and goodnesse. Fourthly, wilfull euill practises without temptations. Fifthly, constant enuie at the gifts and praises of the godly. Sixthly, wilfull misinterpretation of all that godly men doe, euen their best works; especially if they be gone so far as to ⟨p. 550⟩feele themselues to bee tempted to fall into a course of open opposing and persecuting of good men and good causes, if it bee possible let them breake off, and by speedy repentance preuent the horrible mischiefes they may fall into, lest from these oppositions, and the custome in them, they fall into malice, and despighting of the worke of grace.