The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

There be many ruffling Gallants in our times, that look upon holiness as a crime, and count it their bravery to go towards Hell with open mouth, with a full swing, that swim down the Rivers of Riot and Luxury into the dead Sea.¹ That are so far from ⟨p. 216⟩reproving others for sin, that they commend and encourage them rather, that have much ado to bear with servants that perform excellent service,² if they will not drink healths, and be debauched as well as themselves, more like Nero than Christians. If their children serve Satan never so much, they matter it not; so they do not ruin their Patrimony. No wonder that their children be profligate and vile, that have such sad examples. The Spirit of God takes notice, that Ahaziah was a wicked man,³ and gives this for the reason. His Mother was his counsellor to do wickedly. Such as will be angry rather, if their Relations do not walk in the ways of sin,⁴ like the Wasps in the Naturalist, that dip their stings in the poison of Vipers. Their angry tongues are tinctured in the venom of sin. Oh how much good might a Theophilus do! when greatness and holiness run in a blood, how would the generations to come rise up and bless them? how much honour might they bring to God? how would Religion flourish? how would our fields bring forth peace, and our streets run down with rivers of Righteousness?

There be many ruffling Gallants in our times, that look upon holiness as a crime, and count it their bravery to go towards Hell with open mouth, with a full swinge, that swim down the Rivers of Riot and Luxury into the dead Sea.¹ That are so far from ⟨p. 216⟩reproving others for sin, that they commend and incourage them rather, that have much ado to bear with servants that perform excellent service,