§. 10. Of Ignorance.
THe persons on whom compassion is especially to be had, are here specified to be of two sorts,
- 1. Such as are ignorant.
- 2. Such as are out of the way.* 1.1
Of the distinct kindes of ignorance, and of the dangers thereof, and duties thence arising, See Ch. 3. v. 10. § 111, 112.
In that the ignorant are here brought in as an instance of such sinners as were to* 1.2 have Sacrifices offered up for their sins, the Apostle giveth us to understand, that Ignorance is a sin. It is expresly said, That if any soul sin through ignorance, he shall bring a sin-offering, Num. 15. 27, 28.
- 1. Ignorance is a transgression of the Law of God, for it is contrary to that knowledge which the Law requireth: But every transgression is since, 1 Iohn 3. 4.
- 2. Ignorance is a defect of that Image of God after which God at first created man, for knowledge was a part of that Image, Col. 3. 10.
- 3. Ignorance is an especial branch of that natural corruption which seised upon the principal part of man, namely his understanding.
- 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is the cause of many other sins, Gal. 4. 8. 1 Tim. 1. 13. Therefore it must needs be a sin it self.
- 5. Judgements are denounced against ignorance, as against a sinne, Hos▪ 4. 6. 2 Thess. 1. 8.
- 6. Ignorance is a punishment of other sinnes, Isa. 6. 10. Ioh. 12. 40.
Though Ignorance be a sinne, yet ignorant persons are here brought in as a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 object of compassion. Christ renders this ground of his praying for the Jews that had a hand in crucifying him, Luk. 23. 34. And Peter alledgeth it as a ground of his tendring mercy unto them, Act. 3. 17.
Ignorance is a spiritual blindenesse, so as they see not the dangerous course wherein they walk, and in that respect are the more to be pitied.