An epithrene: or Voice of vveeping bewailing the want of vveeping. A meditation.

§. 52.

First, because as in humane Lawes, there be no Accessories in some offences, but all Principalls, as in Treasons or Attempts a∣gainst the life of the Prince, and wilfull Murthers; So it is to be judged of all sinnes whatsoever; For in true Construction of Divinity, every Sinne is a wil∣full Murther of the Soule; And it is attempted against the life of the King of Kings, because the Redemption thereof, cost the Sonne of God his life. And this Consideration, though it con∣cerneth all Men most neerely, yet especially the Masters of As∣semblies, whether Civill or Ecclesi∣asticall, because the Neglect thereof, is such a kinde of Idola∣try, as transformeth them into Idols themselues, making them

to haue Eyes that see not, Eares that heare not, Hands that han∣dle not the workes of Righte∣ousnesse: But aboue all it boreth out the Eyes, and maketh them as blinde as ever was Sampson or Zedekiah. And every inferiour Mans participation of other Mens Sinnes, is most vsually layd to the charge of the Supe∣riour: Insomuch, that as in the body Naturall, when we see one goe or doe amisse, though his feete or hands bee the next Actours of his Errour, wee say not, Are you lame? But, Haue you no eyes? or Can you not see? So what ever Swervings be in the Body either Politick or Ec∣clesiasticall, the blame lighteth not commonly vpon the Imme∣diate Delinquents, but vpon the Principall Opticke Peeces in Church and Common-wealth;

Whence Men say, Haue you no Magistrate? Haue you no Mini∣ster? Because these being as Guides and Guardians of the rest, should either prevent or re∣forme their Aberrations: And it is an old Saying, and a true one, Qui non corripit, corrumpit, Hee that reprooveth not, re∣formeth not.