There are many Rules broken by this sin; For
1. You break that particular command of believing in Christ: believing in Christ is not only according ⟨p. 266⟩to many general rules, but there is a special command for it: we may not only argue this duty by consequence from some general Precepts: but here is an express commandment for it; it is in terminis required: as we are beseeched to believe and invited, so we are required, John 6.29. this is the work of God, that we believe on him whom he hath sent, 1 Joh. 3.23. this is his Commandment, that we should believe on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ: so that by neglecting to come to Christ, you break a plain express Precept; you carry contrary to the very letter of the Word of God: if it were not so expressly set down, there might be more pretence for cavilling: you might have more to plead that there was some mistake in mens arguing this to be a duty: but now you do oppose a plain direct precept: what colour can men have to question whither it be their duty, when it is set down in the Scripture in so many letters and syllables: some awakened sinners that have reformed their former ways of sin, and taken up a course of Religion, are apt to please themselves that they don't live in any known sin, whereas they live all the while in the neglect of coming unto Christ: but how can you sooth up your selves with this, when you neglect a plain and express Commandment?
2. You deny to Jesus Christ the honour of his Mediatorly Office; and of that great Sacrifice that he has offered up unto God: God had made Christ Mediator; he has committed the work of reconciliation unto Christ, and Jesus Christ has undertaken it: he was every way furnished for it, and has discharged it: and upon that account he is worthy to be depended upon: Faith in him is an honour due to him, Rev. 5.12. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, &c. but by ⟨p. 267⟩your rejecting of him, you withhold that honour that belongs to him, you deny him the honour of having made satisfaction for sin: you should honour every one according to their desert, but you cast contempt upon his sacrifice as if it were not sufficient for you: you disparage him when you are afraid to venture upon him: you cast great reflections as if there were no such virtue in his death and righteousness as is pretended: there is a great deal of despising of Christ: you belie him;
There are many Rules broken by this sin; For
1. You break that particular command of believing in Christ: believing in Christ is not only according ⟨p. 266⟩to many general rules, but there is a special command for it: we may not only argue this duty by consequence from some general Precepts: but here is an express commandment for it; it is in terminis required: as we are beseeched to believe and invited, so we are required, John 6.29. this is the work of God, that we believe on him whom he hath sent, 1 Joh. 3.23. this is his Commandment, that we should believe on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ: so that by neglecting to come to Christ, you break a plain express Precept; you carry contrary to the very letter of the Word of God: if it were not so expresly set down, there might be more pretence for cavilling: you might have more to plead that there was some mistake in mens arguing this to be a duty: but now you do oppose a plain direct precept: what colour can men have to question whither it be their duty, when it is set down in the Scripture in so many letters and syllables: some awakened sinners that have reformed their former wayes of sin, and taken up a course of Religion, are apt to please themselves that they don't live in any known sin, whereas they live all the while in the neglect of coming unto Christ: but how can you sooth up your selves with this, when you neglect a plain and express Commandment?
2. You deny to Jesus Christ the honour of his Mediatorly Office; and of that great Sacrifice that he has offered up unto God: God had made Christ Mediator; he has committed the work of reconciliation unto Christ, and Jesus Christ has undertaken it: he was every way furnished for it, and has discharged it: and upon that account he is worthy to be depended upon: Faith in him is an honour due to him, Rev. 5.12. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, &c. but by ⟨p. 267⟩your rejecting of him, you withhold that honour that belongs to him, you deny him the honour of having made satisfaction for sin: you should honour every one according to their desert, but you cast contempt upon his sacrifice as if it were not sufficient for you: you disparage him when you are afraid to venture upon him: you cast great reflections as if there were no such virtue in his death and righteousness as is pretended: there is a great deal of despising of Christ: you belie him;
