The Life and Death of Mr. Badman

when Gods Will is, that he should descend into a low one: yea, he desperately saith in his heart and actions, I will be mine own chooser, and that in mine own way, whatever happens or follows thereupon.

Atten. You have said well, in my mind. But suppose now, that Mr. Badman was here, could he not object as to what you have said, saying, ⟨p. 184⟩Go and teach your Brethren, that are Professors, this lesson, for they, as I am, are guilty of Breaking; yea I am apt to think, of that which you call my Knavish way of breaking;¹ to wit, of breaking before they have need to break. But if not so, yet they are guilty of neglect in their Calling, of living higher, both in Fare and Apparel, than their Trade or Income will maintain. Besides, that they do break, all the world very well knows, and that they have the art to plead for a composition, is very well known to men; and that it is usual with them, to bide their Linen, their Plate, their Jewels, and ('tis to be thought, sometimes Money and Goods besides,) is as common as four eggs a penny. And thus they beguile men, debauch their consciences, sin against their Profession, and make, 'tis to be feared, their lusts in all this, and the fulfilling of them, their end, I say, if Mr. Badman was here to object thus unto you, what would be your reply?

Atten. You have said well, in my mind. But suppose now, that Mr. Badman was here, could he not object as to what you have said, saying, ⟨p. 184⟩Go and teach your Brethren, that are Professors, this lesson, for they, as I am, are guilty of Breaking; yea I am apt to think, of that which you call my Knavish way of breaking;¹ to wit, of breaking before they have need to break. But if not so, yet they are guilty of neglect in their Calling, of living higher, both in Fare and Apparrel, than their Trade or Income will maintain. Besides, that they do break, all the world very well knowes, and that they have the art to plead for a composition, is very well known to men; and that it is usual with them, to bide their Linnen, their Plate, their Jewels, and ('tis to be thought, sometimes Money and Goods besides,) is as common as four eggs a penny. And thus they beguile men, debauch their consciencies, sin against their Profession, and make, 'tis to be feared, their lusts in all this, and the fulfilling of them, their end, I say, if Mr. Badman was here to object thus unto you, what would be your reply?