In the Enumeration of sins, next to Originall, we are to acknowledge our Actual transgressions, which flow from the other, as acts do from their habits.
These in the generall are distinguishable into sins National, and Personal; of Omission, and Commission; in thought, word and deed; the particulars of which do referre to some kinde of breach against the Law. First Table. Second Table. Gospel. and may properly be enumerated under those heads to which they appertain. Every commandment having in it both a Positive Negative part, and comprehending the obedience of the whole man.
But now because it may be sometimes convenient to make a distinct recitall of National sinnes, therefore we ought to be observant, and prudent, in the choise of fitting matter to this purpose.
There are three things that will raise a sin to a publike guilt, and make it become National.
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- Common practice.
- (Heb. 2.12)2. Publick establishment or connivance.
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- General insensiblenesse.
These are variously applicable (according to the condition of several times) both to offences against the first and second Table.1 As Idolatry, Superstition, Heresie, Prophanenesse, Incouragement to wilde and desperate errors, Ingratitude and unfruitfulnesse under publike and common mercies; security and inadvertency under all those various dispensations that befall us, inconsideratenesse of the day of our visitation, and the things that concern our peace, loathing of our spiritual Manna, breach of our publike and solemn Engagements.
Blood-guiltinesse, Cruelty, Injustice, Oppression,2 Perfidiousnesse, Bitternesse; A spirit of Disobedience, Confusion, Giddinesse, in respect of Civil order, &c.
Hitherto appertain the iniquities of our fathers, and of all publike orders and degrees of men; (Dan. 9.17) Our Kings, our Princes, our Priests; which ought upon some special occasions to be acknowledged and bewailed. (Neh. 9.34) But these are not reducible unto any particular Catalogue, because they do continually vary according to several times.
In the enumeration of Personal sins, a man ought chiefly to insist upon those particulars, whereof he is more especially guilty; But withall he should know (and upon severall occasions) be able to reckon up the species and kindes of all sins.3
These may best be discovered by looking upon the divine law, according to its latitude and fulnes,4 examining what is therein Injoyned Forbidden concerning either the duties of Piety towards God in the first Table, or the duties of Charity, towards our Neighbour in the second Table.
The first Commandment does forbid the not having Jehovah alone for our God, and consequently the not knowing, not believing, not adhering, not submitting to him; The not behaving ourselves towards him in all respects, as our God.
So that we sinne against this by ignorance, when we do not labour after such a measure of knowledge in divine truths, (Ignorance) as is proportionable to the callings wherein we are, (Heb. 5.12) the time and means, which we have had. When we do not desire the knowledge of Gods wayes;5 Being content to sit in darknes and in the region and shadow of death.
Not endeavouring to acquaint our selves with his Power, Majesty, Justice, Mercy, Wisdome, Unchangeablenesse, and those other Attributes of the Divine nature. Not searching the Scriptures, proving the things that are more excellent. (Phil. 1.10)
When our knowledge is only literal and uneffectual, (Luke 12.47) not working answerable obedience in our lives; when we are not careful to observe and consider, and treasure up in our hearts those holy truths, which at any time have been discovered to us; But suffer them to slip from us, by inadvertency or forgetfulnesse; (Heb. 2.1) Not ruminating upon them, or recalling them to minde, according to our several occasions.
(Infidelity)By Infidelity, when we do not assent unto his law, as being holy, just and good; Not labouring to strengthen our faith in his holy Attributes and Word. Not so firmly believing his threats and judgements as to be humbled therby; Or his Promises, as to be invited by them unto newness of life.