A Body of Divinity, Vol. 4 (of 4): Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger CatechismRidgley, Thomas
Religion
A Body of Divinity, Vol. 4 (of 4): Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger Catechism
_See Quest. LXXVIII. Vol. III. 170._
Footnote 11:
_See Quest. LXXXII._
Footnote 12:
_See Vol. II. 44._
Footnote 13:
Κτίσις these mean the animal part of man.
Quest. CL.
QUEST. CL. _Are all transgressions of the law of God equally heinous
in themselves, and in the sight of God?_
ANSW. All transgressions of the law of God are not equally heinous.
But some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations,
are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
Though all sins be objectively infinite, and equally opposite to the
holiness of God; yet there are some circumstances attending them, which
are of that pernicious tendency, that they render one sin more heinous
than another; so that it is not to be thought of, without the greatest
horror and resentment; as well as expose the sinner to a sorer
condemnation, if it be not forgiven. These are such as strike at the
very essentials of religion, and tend, as much as in us lies, to sap the
foundation thereof; as when men deny the being and perfections of God,
and practically disown their obligation, to yield obedience to him. And
some sins against the second table, which more immediately respect our
neighbour, are more heinous than others, in proportion to the degree of
injury done him thereby. Thus the taking away the life of another, is
more injurious, and consequently more aggravated than barely the hating
of him; which is, nevertheless, a very great crime. Moreover, the same
sin, whether against the Commandments of the first or second table, may
be said to be more or less heinous, in proportion to the degree of
obstinacy, deliberation, malice, or enmity against God, with which it is
committed; but these things will more evidently appear under the
following answer; which we proceed to consider,
Quest. CLI.
QUEST. CLI. _What are those aggravations which make some sins more
heinous than others?_
ANSW. Sins receive their aggravations,
I. From the persons offending, if they be of riper age, greater
experience, or grace, eminent for profession, gifts, place, office;
guides to others, and whose example is likely to be followed by
others.
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