Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

Fifthly, They must religiously avoid that which is the greatest Obstruction of all. The profligate, and flagitious lives of some that call themselves Christians. If men were prompted, and employed by the Devil himself, they could not take a more effectual course, to make the Gospel to be abhorred, than by living as some Christians do. How can it be expected, That the poor, ignorant Heathen, should have any reverence for the great, and Sacred Name of God, when they hear those, who pretend, that they have a deep veneration for him, to Reproach, and Blaspheme it? They will conclude, That men do but prevaricate, when they tell them, That Christ gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works, Tit. ii. 14. and yet live so, as if Christ died, only to procure for them a Licence to continue in sin, or to purchase impunity for them that do so. Will they believe those that tell them, Christ was made manifest, to destroy the works of the Devil, and that ⟨image 135⟩they act under him as the Captain of their Salvation, while they employ all their time, parts, and power to establish, and defend Satan's Kingdom! Can ye persuade men, That ye believe there is an Hell, and eternal Flames prepared for the ungodly, and impenitent, and that the wicked shall be cast into it, when they observe those that say, They believe this, to run posting, sporting, and laughing unto it? They will never apprehend, That the Heaven, which they are told the Gospel promiseth to the Faithful, and Holy, is any other than a Poetical Elysium, or a Mahometan Paradise, while they perceive that such as call themselves Christians, do prefer the world, and sensual pleasures before it. Can any man convince them, That the Saints are such excellent Creatures, when they see those who call themselves so, to live like Brutes, or Devils? It is a vain attempt to persuade others, To believe, and obey the Gospel, until they who profess it have learnt better, what it teacheth them, Tit. ii. 11, 12. To deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts, and to live Soberly, Righteously, and Godly, in this present world.

Fifthly, They must religiously avoid that which is the greatest Obstruction of all. The profligate, and flagitious lives of some that call themselves Christians. If men were prompted, and employed by the Devil himself, they could not take a more effectual course, to make the Gospel to be abhorred, than by living as some Christians do. How can it be expected, That the poor, ignorant Heathen, should have any reverence for the great, and Sacred Name of God, when they hear those, who pretend, that they have a deep veneration for him, to Reproach, and Blaspheme it? They will conclude, That men do but prevaricate, when they tell them, That Christ gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and purifie to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works,