Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

Instr. 2. Hence see, that there is great danger in those things which men are apt to look upon as little sins yea as no sins at all.

As for sleeping at Sermons, some look upon it as no sin; others account it a […] a sin not worth taking notice of or the troubling themselves about. But my Text showeth that danger and death is in it. We have solemn Instances in the Scripture, concerning those that have lost their lives, because they have been guilty of such miscarriages, as carnal reason will say are but little sins. When there was a man that gathered a few sticks upon the Sabbath day, he was put to death for it; and yet men would be apt to think his sin was not (though indeed it was) very great. Men account i• a small matter to add something of their own to the worship of God: but when Nadab and Ahibu did so, there went out fire from the Lord, and consumed them to death. When Uzzah a good man; ⟨p. 211⟩did with a pious intention, touch the Ark, (which he being no Priest should not have done) God smote him for his Error, that he dyed by the Ark of God. Behold! the severity of God, and let us tremble at it. Common sins, which almost every one is guilty of, are accounted small iniquities; but there is exceeding danger in following a multitude to do evil. Sins of Omission are esteemed small, but mens Souls may be thrown into the fire and burned for ever, not only for bearing evil fruit, but because they do not bring forth good fruit, Mat. 3. 10. At the last day the Son of God will pronounce a Sentence of eternal death upon thousands of Millions, because they have omitted these and those duties which he required and expected from them. Sinful words are looked upon as small evils by many. How common is it for persons to say, What shall we be made offenders for a word? abusing that Scripture which reproveth those that make others offenders for speaking good and faithful words. But doth not the Scripture say, by thy words thou shalt be condemned,