Two sermons preached by Master Henry SmithTvvo sermons preached by Master Henry Smith

All the seed falleth not into good ground, and therefore, though I have showed you it is ungodly, as being not according to the word, some think it but a small matter to say for the dead, Lord have mercy upon them at least they think it as a venial sin if it be a sin. But let us take heed how we make trifles of sins, for there is no dallying with God, who is jealous as a consuming ¹fire, when his people make such small account of his words. Other demand, whether it be not better to say. God be with them, than the devil be with them; both which are naught and to be eschewed. And herein they ask this question like a thief, who having robbed a man by the hie way, and being taken with it, and demanded why he did such a villainy, saith; Is it not better to rob him than to kill him? as though he must needs do one of them: then what a shameless answer is this? for it is manifest, that of two evils none is to be chosen.

All the seede falleth not into good ground, and therefore, though I haue shewed you it is vngodly, as beeing not according to the word, some thinke it but a small matter to say for the dead, Lord haue mercy vpon them at least they thinke it as a veniall sinne if it be a sinne. But let vs take heed how we make trifles of sinnes, for there is no dallying with God, who is iealous as a consuming ¹fire, when his people make such small account of his words. Other demaund, whether it be not better to say. God be with them, than the diuell be with them; both which are naught and to be eschewed. And herein they aske this question like a theefe, who hauing robbed a man by the hie waie, and being taken with it, and demaunded why he did such a villany, saith; Is it not better to rob him than to kill him? as though hee must needs doe one of them: then what a shamelesse answere is this? for it is manifest, that of two euils none is to be chosen.

1. 1Heb. 12. 29.