The reasons of the Christian religion the first part, of godliness, proving by natural…

II. And it is a Tempting World that would make all bad as it is it self:¹ Wherever the sanctifying Truth of God doth come to illuminate and reform men, the World is presently up in arms against it; and fighteth against that which would save mens Souls, as if it were a Plague or Enemy that would destroy them. Princes think it is against their interest, and the people find that it is against their lusts: And so the sin of Tyranny keepeth the Gospel out of the greatest part of the World; and popular fury resisteth it where it cometh. The Empires of the Turks, and Tartarian, and China, are sad instances of the success of Tyranny against the means of mens salvation: And the Empire of Japan hath given the World an instance of such unparalleled cruelty to that end, as maketh the persecutions of Nero and Diocletian, and even the Popish Inquisition, and almost the Massacres of Piedmont, France and Ireland, ²to seem very merciful acts of Charity. What rage, what inhumane fury hath been showed, through all the World, to keep out Knowledge, and keep the Nations in their darkness and misery, and forbid relief? But for Error and Deceit, Idolatry and Superstition, how industriously are they propagated? Empire and Arts, Power and Learning, are employed to deceive and undo the World. And though Empire be Gods Ordinance, and Arts his gifts, they are turned against him in the far greatest part of the Earth, and Satan is served by them, as if they had been ordained by him. Almost every Country hath ⟨p. 248⟩their proper opinions,³ and a Religion fitted to resist Religion: He that is an Idolater, or a Mahometan, or Infidel, would make more: And they that are against all serious Religion, are as eager to make others of their mind, as if it were a work of charity or commodity: And he that is endeavouring to undo Souls, is as vehement in it, as he that is endeavouring to save them. He that hath any passion or corrupt affection is as inclinable to convey it to another, as fire is to kindle fire, or one that hath the Plague to infect his Neighbour. Covetousness, ambition, voluptuousness, lust, and wrath and revenge, are all contagious. Rioters think it strange if we run not with them into all excess.