+I. To use it as an occasion of fleshly and carnal liberty.+--When
men make more things indifferent than God ever made. Thus, all abuses
of meat, drink, apparel, rioting, gaming, dicing, and carding are
excused by the names of things indifferent.
+II. Our liberty is abused by an immoderate use of the gifts of
God.+--1. Many gentlemen and others offend when they turn recreation
into an occupation. 2. When men exceed in eating and drinking.
3. They offend who, being mean persons and living by trades, yet for
diet and apparel are as great gentlemen and gentlewomen.
+III. Liberty is abused when the blessings of God are made
instruments and flags and banners to display our riot, vanity,
ostentation, and pride.+--It is the fashion of men to take unto
themselves a toleration of sinning. Some presume on the patience of
God, others on the election of grace, and others on the mercy of God.
A certain dweller in Cambridge made away with himself. In his bosom
was found a writing to this effect: that God did show mercy on great
and desperate sinners, and therefore he hoped for mercy though he
hanged himself. Of this mind are many ignorant persons, who persevere
in their sins, yet persuade themselves of mercy.--_Perkins._
_The Right Use of Christian Liberty._
+I. We ourselves must be renewed and sanctified.+--The person must
first please God before the action can please Him.
+II. Besides the lawful use of the creatures we must have a spiritual
and holy use of them.+--1. The creatures of God must be sanctified by
the Word and prayer. 2. We must be circumspect lest we sin in the use
of the creatures. In these days there is no feasting or rejoicing
unless all memory of God be buried, for that is said to breed
melancholy. 3. We must use the gifts of God with thanksgiving. 4. We
must suffer ourselves to be limited and moderate in the use of our
liberty. 5. Our liberty must be used for right ends--the glory of
God, the preservation of nature, and the good of our neighbour.
+III. We must give no occasion of sinning by means of Christian
liberty.+--_Ibid._