The Evil of Evils

Hence we see for our Instruction, that that maxim many have, hath nothing to do in point of sin; to wit, of two evils you must choose the least: True, in regard of the evil of Affliction, comparing one Affliction with another, so we may choose the least; but this cannot have truth in matter of Sin, that of two Sins we may choose the least; because though one Sin be less than another, yet the least Sin can never come under the notion of good comparatively. As all other evils be good comparatively, though never so great evils, yet comparatively they may be good. Yet Sin can have no goodness any way comparatively. Therefore of two evils we must not choose the least, in this sense.

HEnce we see for our Instruction, that that maxime many have, hath nothing to do in point of sin; to wit, of two evils you must chuse the least: True, in regard of the evil of Affliction, comparing one Affliction with another, so we may chuse the least; but this cannot have truth in matter of Sin, that of two Sins we may chuse the least; because though one Sin be less than another, yet the least Sin can never come under the notion of good comparitively. As all other evils be good comparatively, though never so great evils, yet comparatively they may be good. Yet Sin can have no goodness any way comparatively. Therefore of two evils we must not chuse the least, in this sence.

1 Because Sin in it self is sinful: And

2 Because, Choosing the least can never be a ⟨p. 24⟩means to prevent the greater, but rather to make way for the greater. And Brethren observe it, (for it may be useful in the course of our lives) God never brings any man or woman to such straits, that of necessity they must choose one Sin, choose this or the other Sin. When two Sins shall stand in competition, we may conceit such straits to our selves, yet there is no such real straits. Though God doth bring men into such straits that of necessity they must choose one affliction, either this or that affliction: So David was brought into such a strait, that he must choose Famine, Sword, or Pestilence; yea, God doth never bring men into such straits, that of necessity they must choose this or that Sin; thou deceivest thine own heart if thou thinkest thou art brought into such a strait. Therefore this is a vain thing, and savours of an exceeding carnal heart, when men are doing that which is evil, for them to say, I were as good do this as worse: As for instance now, Suppose some keep at home upon the Lords day and mend their Clothes, if any rebuke them, they will say, Better do this than worse; better do this than go to the Ale-house: this is true, but this savours of a carnal heart, to think that you must choose one Sin rather than another; thou must not choose any of them, both of these are evil, though one may be less evil than the other. Or if some spend their time in Play, when they are rebuked, they put it off with this shift, Better do this than worse: and so they go abroad and spend their time in seeing Plays; and say, Better do this