Hagio-mimesis The imitation of the saints

3. It may reprove such, as (it may be) will imitate the Saints, but not in their Sanctity, but in their sins: Lot in his Incest, Noah in his Drunkenness, and David in his Adultery, and Peter in his denying his Master, &c. And when they have done, can quote such instances for their Authority! Oh the wonderful perverseness that is in our Apostate natures, that men should imitate the Saints only in their deformities! Imitate Saints only, in that wherein they are not Saints! Is there any such thing in nature!

3. It may reprove such, as (it may be) will imitate the Saints, but not in their Sanctity, but in their sins: Lot in his Incest, Noah in his Drunkennesse, and David in his Adultery, and Peter in his denying his Master, &c. And when they have done, can quote such instances for their Authority! Oh the wonderful perversness that is in our Apostate natures, that men should imitate the Saints only in their deformities! Imitate Saints only, in that wherein they are not Saints! Is there any such thing in nature!

Are there any amongst men that desire to be like others in their natural defects and deformities, be they persons never so great? Do you observe any that take delight to imitate men under distraction, or mad men? Did it ever ease any that lay sick of the Gout, Stone, Strangury, Dropsy, Fever, &c. to tell them that many Noble, Rich, learned Persons have been tormented with the like pains?

Are there any amongst men that desire to be like others in their natural defects and deformities, be they persons never so great? Do you observe any that take delight to imitate men under distraction, or mad men? Did it ever ease any that lay sick of the Gout, Stone, Strangurie, Dropsie, Fever, &c. to tell them that many Noble, Rich, learned Persons have been tormented with the like pains?